News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

The 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation Report

Sun, 07/01/2012 - 03:14

SEMA News—July 2012

RESEARCH
By Mike Imlay

A Fresh New Look at Automotive Specialty-Equipment Consumers

	The 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation Report is an in-depth summary of a recent, comprehensive look into the definition of a “typical” automotive specialty-equipment consumer and their purchasing habits. (Photo Courtesy of Truckers Toy Store in Morehead City, North Carolina. See p. 20 for details about this SEMA member business.)

Who are “typical” automotive specialty-equipment consumers? What is their relationship with their vehicles? How does that relationship influence their purchasing habits? And how can automotive specialty-equipment businesses reach them with their marketing? These are some of the perennial questions that drive the industry. SEMA is now offering the 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation Report, an in-depth summary of a recent, comprehensive look into these and other questions affecting every company in the specialty-equipment marketplace.

Commissioned by SEMA and performed by The Modellers research group, the consumer segmentation project had two main objectives: First, it sought to develop a “segmentation strategy” to help SEMA members more effectively identify, attract and retain consumers through improved products and marketing communications; second, it focused on profiling consumer segments to create a common framework for the industry to describe—and sell to—specialty-equipment buyers. According to Gavin Knapp, SEMA’s senior marketing research manager, the finished report represents a fresh approach to SEMA’s market research.

“A lot of what our department has done—especially in the past—has been more what you’d consider industry research,” he said. “This study is different in a couple of ways, one being that we’ve usually focused on what we sometimes term ‘enthusiasts’—our core or hardcore customer. In this case, we decided to go out and get a broader view of our consumer base.

“We still have the enthusiasts and hardcore guys in there, but we have other guys who are maybe getting accessories here and there and not necessarily replacing, say, camshafts and such. We asked them questions not just about what parts they buy, but also how they really think and feel about the industry, their autos and accessorization.”

As part of this effort, SEMA and The Modellers launched a qualitative research project featuring a series of interviews with SEMA-member companies and a series of focus group sessions with specialty-equipment parts consumers. Also included was a quantitative online survey, conducted February 24 through March 12, 2012, encompassing a total of 3,000 interviews.

Respondents were U.S. residents, age 18 and older, who spend more than $100 per year on automotive accessories or modifications apart from routine maintenance. The sample included a wide spectrum of vehicle owners representing every conceivable consumer category, from compact cars to pickups, SUVs, CUVs and even hybrid/electric models. In fact, in another departure from previous market studies, the 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation Report focused less on what vehicle a given demographic owned and more on shared interests, purchasing habits and lifestyle cues within each grouping.

“In this case, it’s really about the motivations that drive consumers,” said Knapp. “Typically, we might think in terms of a guy owning a Tacoma, a guy owning a Civic and a guy owning a Mustang. We might think of them as three very different consumers. But if they all go out and buy wheels, tires, exhausts and suspension accessories, their motivations for those things may be very similar.”

Consumer Segments

Ultimately, the study was able to identify three market segments representing “traditional” specialty-equipment enthusiast or performance customers. The report dubs them Builders, Drivers and the In-Crowd. In addition, the project identified three “new” segments, dubbed the Handyman, the Commuter and the Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) group.

Unlike traditional enthusiasts, the latter three segments are not highly motivated by performance gains. And while those in the Handyman group will spend time working on their vehicles themselves, Commuters and DIFMs typically turn to others to do the work.

“Identifying these six groups allows SEMA members and others who read the report to better focus their own marketing—even product development—based on who they think their target consumer is,” Knapp said.

The segments are as follows:

Builders

Those in the Builders group are all about the enjoyment and satisfaction they gain from working on their vehicles.

“They enjoy the creative stimulation that comes from spending hours on a project,” the report said. “Builders also spend their spare time reading up on new ways to modify their vehicles.”

One of three traditional performance enthusiast groups (alongside Drivers and the In-Crowd), Builders represent 24% of those sampled for the project. They are a highly engaged demographic and spend a lot of their time on auto-related activities. For example, 62% of Builders indicated that they have installed parts and accessories on their vehicles themselves. Only 13% said that they had others install parts or accessories for them.

When it comes to magazines, TV shows, movies or the Internet, media interests of Builders regularly revolve around topics such as classic cars, auto repair and accessories, sports cars, sports and news.

Drivers

The respondents in the Drivers category are motivated by the enjoyment they get from using their vehicles in whatever form that takes. Comprising 7% of the project sample and representing the second segment of traditional automotive performance consumers, drivers are all about power and going fast in their cars.

“They like to spend time working on their car so it is fun to drive,” the report said. “They focus a lot of time modifying the engine, chassis and intake system of the car, all with the goal of going faster than everyone else.”

Like Builders, Drivers spend a lot of spare time on automotive-related activities. Their media interests are also similar and include topics related to auto repair and accessories, classic cars, news, sports and hot rods.

As for installing parts or accessories, their habits also closely mirror Builders: Fully 62% have done the work themselves. In fact, Drivers report working an average of 9.69 hours per week on their cars—more hours per week than any other segment. The Driver segment also contains a large portion of classic-car owners and, therefore, trends toward more used-car purchases: a full 63% report purchasing their vehicles used as opposed to 37% new.

The In-Crowd

Those in the In-Crowd enjoy the recognition they get from having a unique and high-profile vehicle. Representing 13% of the survey’s sample, the In-Crowd focuses mainly on keeping up with appearance trends.

“They want the car to look good but don’t necessarily want to do the work themselves,” said the report. “Modifications are focused around exterior add-ons, lighting and upgrades to the exhaust system.”

Members of this demographic say that they regularly follow sports, news, sports cars, classic cars and entertainment topics in the media. They will work on their own vehicles but are more likely than Builders or Drivers to turn to others to install parts or accessories for them. However, they do report spending an average of 8.14 hours per week working on their vehicles—third only to Drivers and Builders. In addition, 54% of the In-Crowd said that they bought their vehicles new, which is the highest new-vehicle percentage reported in the survey.

The Handyman

This segment comprises 13% of the survey sample. Described by the report as wanting to touch and feel the parts they’re putting on their cars, Handyman respondents need their parts to be safe and reliable, since they are in it for the long haul.

“Their main concern is extending the life of the car, and they are willing to do anything to get a few additional miles out of their car,” the report said.

Members of this segment are more likely to spend their media time pursuing news, cooking and food, sports, history or entertainment topics. Although less automotive-oriented in this regard than other groups, the Handyman (as the term implies) is nevertheless very hands-on when it comes to installing parts and accessories. More than 50% of those surveyed had done installations themselves, as opposed to 24% of this segment who reported having had someone else do the work for them.

Commuters

Those in this group are mainly concerned with getting and keeping their cars on the road. Encompassing 26% of sample respondents, Commuters are hyper-concerned with price and will shop around to find the best deal. Not surprisingly, this includes a propensity to shop on the Internet.

Media interests for this group include entertainment, news, cooking and food, sports, computers and electronics. Commuters reported a high percentage of used-car ownership (54%). When installing parts and accessories, 43% of this group said that they did so themselves, while 35% said that they had others do it. According to the report, Commuters look for a sense of security and satisfaction from work done on their cars.

DIFMs

This group makes up 18% of the project sampling. According to the report: “This group wants a nice, safe car but doesn’t have the experience or interest in doing the work themselves. Their family needs to be able to count on the vehicle day in and day out for reliability and safety. Even better if the car looks nice too.”

True to their moniker, 57% of DIFM respondents said that they had others install parts and accessories for them. A mere 23% indicated that they had done so themselves.

Similar to Commuters, DIFMs are most likely to be influenced by local installation and maintenance shops. Their media habits center around news, entertainment, cooking and food, sports, travel and vacation topics—the automotive media plays far less of a role in influencing their purchasing decisions. When DIFMs buy automotive products, quality, durability and safety are paramount.

Purchasing Habits

Not surprisingly, the 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation Report finds close correlations between each group’s level of engagement with their vehicles and spending habits. More importantly, it delves into who and what influences them to shop for and ultimately purchase parts. It also tracks the accessories each group is likely to buy as well as each one’s preferred venues for shopping.

“We see that the Internet is becoming big across all of the groups, but the primary place people shop in aggregate is still the chain stores,” Knapp said. “However, we do see shopping across the spectrum and definitely see differences across the segments as to where they shop and where they do their research.”

Builders, Drivers and the In-Crowd share high levels of engagement and spending on their vehicles. Their number-one source of automotive information is magazines. They also frequently get information and project ideas at car shows. The Builders and Drivers surveyed further indicated a strong preference for shopping in chain stores, while the In-Crowd was more likely to first shop Internet or online retailers. Engine, chassis and other performance parts are popular with Builders and Drivers, while exhaust and intake products top the list of accessories popular with the In-Crowd, who also gravitated toward lighting, custom gauges and pedal accessories.

The Handyman and Commuter segments both exhibit medium levels of engagement and spending in modifying their vehicles. When making purchasing decisions, their principle information sources include their own ideas and research, friends, family and the Internet. When doing their shopping, they tend to visit chain stores and discount retailers, although Commuters additionally rely on chain store websites. Examples of products typically purchased by the Handyman include fuel additives, engine cleaners, performance motor oil, GPS systems and pickup truck caps. Commuters said that they were more likely to spend on truck bed covers, stereo head units and backup cameras.

Compared to the other groups, the DIFM segment exhibits relatively low engagement and spending habits. The DIFM tends toward more basic specialty-equipment offerings such as GPS systems, trailer hitches, polishes, waxes and floormats. Like the Handyman and the Commuter, however, the DIFM prefers to shop chain stores and discount retailers but will also shop for specialty-equipment items at car or truck dealerships to a far higher degree than others. Principle information sources are friends, family and the Internet.

Marketing and Messaging

Chief among the 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation project’s objectives was the development of a “robust segmentation scheme” that could help identify good target consumers, determine their unmet needs and ultimately help companies tailor messaging to them. While identifying and describing the distinct mentalities among each demographic group, the report also contains useful suggestions for messaging that’s likely to appeal to them. From Builders to DIFMs, the following are some takeaways:

Based on the data, Builders respond to marketing messages that emphasize quality parts that deliver maximum performance for fast and exciting cars. Builders enjoy working on their vehicles and take pride in the finished product.
By contrast, messaging that focuses on specialty-equipment items that deliver the most power and best driving experience resonates with Drivers. They want a unique, personal, fun-to-drive vehicle made possible through timesaving, easy-to-install parts.
Marketing that targets their desires for quality, fitment, maximum performance and great looks will impress the In-Crowd. They want to be seen, heard and respected as they keep up with the latest trends.
Quality parts from a reputable company appeal to the Handyman, while the DIFM is more influenced by
messages of quality, durability and safety. Marketing in which the thrust is reliability, value pricing and a sense of security and satisfaction is the best way to reach the Commuter.

In-Depth Consumer Profiles

More than previous SEMA marketing research, the 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation Report also delves into the outside interests of each consumer demographic.

“We wanted to get at least some idea of the other activities they are doing, what other media topics interest them,” Knapp explained. “Incorporating those things gives us a deeper understanding of these consumers. In the fall, we’ll follow this up with some deeper dives into each group to really round out their profiles.”

He added that this information may have vast implications for a company’s product development, advertising, sponsorship and cross-promotional endeavors. In fact, much of the report is devoted to in-depth profiles of each group.

The profiles break down each segment’s most popular modifications or parts purchased and explore the features and benefits those consumers expect as a consequence. There is also much attention paid to the emotions that motivate each group when undertaking vehicle projects, installing accessories or otherwise making improvements.

For example, key emotions influencing Builders include satisfaction, confidence and pride. They value modifications that make their vehicles fun to drive, unique and able to push the limits while grabbing attention. Performance power and speed rank at the top of things that matter to them when modifying their vehicles.

“Now that we’ve developed our segments, we feel they are continuous and living,” Knapp said. “This isn’t a one-time report. From now on, every time we go out and do a study or survey, we will be able to further profile and understand these consumer segments.”

Obtaining Your Report

Clearly, the 2012 SEMA Market Segmentation Report offers a wealth of consumer information from an entirely new perspective, and every specialty-equipment business will benefit in some way from its findings. The report is free to SEMA members and is available for a $599 fee to non-members.

For your copy of this groundbreaking report, go to www.SEMA.org/research.

n From highly engaged Builders to less hands-on DIFMs, the report’s segment profiles explain in depth how much and what type of work each group likes to perform on its vehicles.

New Car-Care and Restyling Products

Sun, 07/01/2012 - 02:29

SEMA News—July 2012

NEW PRODUCTS

Change Is the Watchword

The New Products Showcase offers benefits to every attendee at the 2011 SEMA Show. From modifying a vehicle’s original-equipment appearance with products such as new grilles or complete body kits to buffing oxidized paint on a classic muscle machine, car-care and restyling products can dramatically change a car’s look or add features unavailable from the OEM. Hundreds of items aimed at doing just that were introduced in the New Products Showcase during the 2011 SEMA Show, and we’ve gathered them here to give you a quick look at the innovations and trends that are bringing sparkle to the marketplace.

We’ve also gathered comments from executives of some of the leading car-care companies as well as some new faces in the segment. Their remarks regarding how the industry has fared during the recession, expanding technologies, such as headlight restoration, the growth of environmental concerns and changes in car-care chemistry offer a thumbnail sketch of significant forces that may shape the market into the foreseeable future.

So whether you’re a restyler looking for novel seating options and dash mounts for the latest electronics or a detailer on the hunt for ways to perform your job quicker, easier and with gleaming results, check out this product guide to see if there might be something here that could boost your bottom line.

View more than 150 Car Care, Restyling Products and expert testimonials debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show.

310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care 3D HD Uno 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 420OZ16 A three-in-one polish that cuts, polishes and finishes all new and old finishes. Silicone-free. Great open time. Use on paint, clear plastic, clearcoat and glass. Removes water spots. Cut, polish and finish in just one step, even 1200 grit+. Just change the pad.

3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Nitro Seal 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 920K HD NitroSeal—Revolutionary two-part copolymer paint sealant system that’s designed to be used by everyone who owns a vehicle. Delivering unprecedented slickness and shine, the company says. Patent pending.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Waterless Car Wash 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com 3D says that it is the innovator of waterless carwash. Use this biodegradable wash anytime, anywhere and reduce carbon footprint. Certified not to scratch.

3M Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler Kit 77-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1313 3M says use what the pros use. Superior adhesion properties allow a bond to form to double-coated galvanized steel present in newer vehicles. Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler is also said to use state-of-the-art resin technology that makes mixing, applying and sanding a breeze.		3M Headlight Restoration Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 39084 The 3M Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to restore headlight lenses that are losing clear visibility. This increases the visibility capacity of fogged, yellowed, cloudy or hazy dull looking headlights by improving their performance.

3M Accuspray System HVLP Sealer Gun, Model HG14 651-733-9157 www.3mcarcare.com PN: 16612 3M Accuspray System HVLP sealer gun, model HG14, is said to be specially designed for the application of sealer. The replaceable 1.4mm atomizing head greatly reduces overspray, improves atomization and increases transfer efficiency, reducing shop cleanup time, solvent use and improving productivity.		3M Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1314 3M says that the Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit contains everything needed for repairing small dents, chips and holes, including a Bondo body filler single-use 6-ounce can of filler, spreader and 3M sandpaper in 80, 180 and 320 grits to take the job from start to finish.

PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for ’11 Kia Optima Flush Mount 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS283A Blow-molded ABS spoiler for 2011 Kia Optima flush mount.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

The headlight category has created the most noticeable trend. Polycarbonate headlight lenses have been degrading, turning yellow and cracking. Our chemistry and our tools allow consumers to improve the appearance of those lenses without having to spend huge amounts of money on replacements. On the other hand, paint substrates still require the same amount of maintenance to look good. Most of the changes that have occurred in the painting industry have been driven by government regulation for volatile organic compound (VOC) reductions and/or process controls for cost. Government regulations are always a challenge for us. Even so, the segment is going to recover and grow. When the economy suffers, people who own a car will keep it longer and maintain it better rather than purchase a new vehicle, and people who do purchase a new vehicle will want to take care of it. That provides a little bit of insulation in our business. The greatest opportunities always lie with the next generation. Car-care companies have to educate the next generation of enthusiasts so that they take pride in the ownership of their vehicles. It is our responsibility to educate them about the importance of car care. —Craig Burnett Chemist Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners		While the market for easy-to-use and environmentally friendly products is growing rapidly, the desire for old technologies such as paste waxes and multi-step sealants is diminishing. Most consumers view their cars as major investments and want to maintain and protect them without excessive effort, so the trend has been toward no-rinse washes and spray-on waxes and sealants. This allows consumers to wash and wax their cars within 30 minutes, which is less time than a traditional hose wash without compromising quality. The newest technologies in the car-care industry are the advent of nano-sealants, which offer about one year of protection, and ceramic coatings, which last five years or more. While nano-sealants have strong non-bonding interaction with paint, ceramic coatings actually react with urethane and other clear-coats and form a clear layer with much better protective properties than factory clears. Environmental factors such as water restrictions and volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements will continue to impact the car-care industry and create major hurdles for companies that do not keep pace with meeting these challenges, but the automotive market has been one of the earliest segments of the economy to show strong recovery. The demand for car-care products is rapidly growing with the increase in car sales. —David Ghodoussi CEO Optimum Polymer Technologies Inc.

Branded Products Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Set 800-294-9007 www.brandedproducts.com Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with this vintage Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Gift Set. From the 100% terry cotton towel to the metal bucket and coasters, this 18-piece gift set is packed with everything you need to make relaxing with friends as refreshing as a weekend drive down the back roads.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Aquanil X 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com AQUANIL CroftgateUSA's waterless car wash is advanced blend of detergents and multiple macro polymers to be used on all non porous surfaces. Like most CroftgateUSA products this can be used in extreme direct sunlight/heat.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Case 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull detaling kit case consists of seven cleaning and detailing products. All products are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. White carton case with UPC, hand holes and a rip-out window for retail display.		Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Laser-Etched License Plates 520-770-1786 www.autogold.com PN: PL.COV6.EB Laser etched logos/designs on brushed stainless steel plates or black powder-coated plates. Plates include vehicle specific hardware and matching screw caps to conceal unsightly hardware. Lifetime Warranty against flaws in materials and workmanship. Made in the USA!

SaviCorp. DynoValve 714-312-5352 www.dynovalve.com PN: 1CYL-1250 The DynoValve, a computer-controlled variable orifice, replaces the stock PCV valve and continuously modulates the introduction of crankcase gases to the engine. The results are said to be immediate: increased fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions and improved performance. ARB E.O.# D-677.		Crazyfish Graphics Spare Shield Spare Tire Protection Devices 773-254-3500 www.crazyfishgfx.com Spare shield has a full line of spare tire protection devices that cover most trucks, SUV's and vans that have a hidden spare. Never again become victim to spare tire theft.

Cool Cap Heat Blocking Car Covers Car Cover 609-213-9849 www.itscoolinhere.com PN: CC-SUVMV-2 Now with four universal sizes by car class, there is a Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover to fit almost every car on the road.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Croftgate USA 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com High-performance, eco-responsible car-care products without a drop of water. EPA designed for the environment.

DGE Inc. CAN-to-Bluetooth Gateway 248-239-1300 www.dgeinc.com It allows the user to transmit and receive CAN data on up to two simultaneous vehicle networks (one high speed CAN and one single wire CAN) using the standard Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP).		Dawn Enterprises Inc. RFX-2 Rocker Flare Molding 800-548-4867 www.dawn-ent.com PN: RFX-2 RFX-2 Rocker Flare Moldings are an added accent on the lowest part of the car. Painted to match the factory color of the vehicle. No-drill, self-adhering application.

Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com Universal Pad Washer works with all buffers, polishers and air tools to clean pads efficiently and effectively.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Injected PP Flares for ’09–Up Ram 1500/2500/3500 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: FF009-PP Injected PP flares for ’09–up Ram 1500/2500/3500.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Bucket 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull Detailing Kit Bucket consists of 7 cleaning & detailing products, plus a sponge & microfiber trowel.		Putco Inc. Chrome Trim—’09-Current Ford F-150 Fuel Door Cover 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 401923 Putco’s chrome trim fuel door cover for the ’09–current Ford F-150 provides a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior.

Dynafy Chrysler 300/300C Phantom Grille 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: SG-MG501G1 Phantom grille design for Chrysler 300/300C 05-10		Dynafy BMW E90 M3 LED Side Vent 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: FZ-BE90M3L BMW E90 M3 design LED side vent. Custom M3 look for BMW base models. Also upgraded M3 bumpers/side skirts/rear bumpers are available for whole vehicle upgrade.

Putco Inc. LED Dayliner—Ford F-150 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 270140 Putco’s LED Dayliner for the F-150 features high-power LEDs that are embedded into a CNC chromed-aluminum trim piece for an attractive accent day or night.		Fathom It Distributing Air Booster Seat 239-826-3456 www.fathomitdistributing.com The world’s only inflatable high-backed booster seat. The easy-to-use inflatable GoBooster combines the safety of a standard booster seat with convenient, travel-friendly features.

Putco Inc. G-4 LED Bulbs 800-247-3974 www.putco.com Simple to Install, replaces stock bulbs. Long Life exceeding 50,000 hours. Super-low voltage consumption. 18X brighter than factory lighting. Lifetime Warranty.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

Gold-award winning (National Parenting Center “Product for Parents Category”), it is said to be the world’s first inflatable seat belt positioner car booster seat for children. Fully complies with EU and U.S. safety standards; lightweight; blows up in 30 seconds; ideal for travelers; never rent a car seat again. Time is money, and products that get things done faster are in high demand from automotive professionals. Similar to other industries, automotive professionals are now being asked to do more with less. Our new WD-40 Specialist line of products—the first-ever product line extension for our well-known WD-40 brand—gives automotive professionals the performance they need to get their specific jobs done quickly and efficiently. Social media and gaming present new opportunities for manufacturers, aftermarket companies and consumer product companies like us to reach the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and professionals. More are turning to their computers and mobile phones or even their dealers to find solutions, and companies should be prepared for that. Regulatory compliance continues to be a major factor in the chemicals category. Companies continually have to modify their products to maintain compliance, and more products are being launched that are marketed as “green.” I anticipate environmental regulations continuing to get stricter and eventually being implemented across all states. It is surprising, but some companies continue to produce products that cannot be sold in certain states. WD-40 Co. is committed to only producing products that meet all federal and state regulations. —Tim Lesmeister Vice President of Marketing WD-40 Co.		When the economy recovers, people will be in a better position to buy a new car, while others may prefer to wait and keep what they have for a while to help rebuild their nest egg. Either way, protecting your asset is very important not only for feeling good about the look of your car but also for its resale value The upcoming hurdles for the car-care segment will be centered around environmental issues. With most people moving toward environmental responsibility, the car-care industry needs to work diligently on products that are not only environmentally friendly but still also exceed the performance of prior products. The longevity of the copolymers that are being created far supersedes any former technology on the market. Also, the cleaning agents that remove dirt and allow the chemical bond are much more advanced, adding to product longevity. Glide, our copolymer-infused clay bar, is currently the market’s leading technology in one-step, high-end paint cleaning and protection. However, Aero will launch Shield this June, our catalyzed two-part paint protection. The greatest opportunity that we have as manufacturers and dealers is to provide education, both from a media standpoint (social and other) and providing educational material at the shelf. —Jonathan Saltman President and CEO International Aero Products

Leather Therapy Products Restorer/Conditioner 540-364-0156 www.leathertherapy.com PN: MR-16 Leather Therapy says that it provides the finest in leather maintenance to the discriminating consumer or the solution to the leather restoration of a cherished classic vehicle.		Jiffy Steamer Co. LLC SteamBlade 731-885-6690 www.jiffyteamblade.com PN: J-4000 W The manufacturer says that SteamBlade is an innovative, new product designed to simplify the removal of window film. With the swipe of the SteamBlade, the warm, moist steam quickly and safely unbinds the film’s glue from the window, simplifying this once tedious task.

KBD Urethane ’05–’09 Mustang Eleanor Body Kit 714-529-1981 www.kbdbodykits.com KBD Urethane manufactures today’s hottest car, truck and SUV body kits, bumpers, roll pans and wiper cowls. All parts are made of virtually indestructible Poly-Urethane, which is far more durable than conventional fiberglass.		Optimum Car Care Paint Correction System 901-363-4955 www.optimumcarcare.com PN: OG2011-10 Optimum Correction System includes what is said to be the first and only spray compound and polish to remove paint defects and Opti-Coat to replace the clear-coat paint that is removed in the process.

Lethal Threat Designs Vinyl Decals 914-207-0343 www.lethalthreat.com PN: LT Extremely detailed decals, die-cut on 4m vinyl to the shape of the design. Skulls, pin-ups and patriotic designs. Gives a car a customized look without the cost of having it painted.		LizardSkin Spray-On Insulation Ceramic Insulation 800-549-0042 www.lizardskin.com LizardSkin ceramic insulation is applied seamlessly and rapidly. The spray-on formula is said to offer superior thermal insulation, providing a cooler ride by reducing heat transfer by 30°F.

Neonetics Inc. Mopar Red Vintage Neon Clock 410-374-8057 www.neonetics.com PN: 8MPRED Neonetics presents its brand-new for 2011 Mopar hand-blown neon clock. Suggested retail $79.95.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for 2011 Chevy Cruze Sport (Two Posts) 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS307A-L6 Blow-molded ABS spoiler for the ’11 Chevy Cruze Sport (two posts).

WD-40 Co. Specialist Rust Release Penetrant 619-275-1400 www.wd40company.com PN: 30000 Introducing what WD-40 calls the only tool needed to loosen stuck parts: WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant with Blu Torch technology. Blu Torch technology is said to provide fast-acting penetration to break bonds that hold stuck parts together.		MAcarbon Mercedes CustomSteering Wheel and Shift Paddle Extensions 650-489-4415 www.macarbon.com PN: MAMB.211.600 MAcarbon’s custom carbon-fiber steering wheel and shift paddle extension enhances the visual appeal and driving enjoyment of the user’s Mercedes.

PowerSheen Plastic Renu System www.powersheen.com A new, durable, water-based clear dry coat that protects and restores exterior plastics such as bumpers and mirrors for one to two years. Dries in minutes.		310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310Tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.

Pecca Leather Inc. Bongiovi DPS Module 734-216-5743 www.peccaleather.com PN: Pecca/Bon01 Pecca Leather is excited to introduce the new Bongiovi Acoustics digital power station (DPS) module for Toyota and Scion models. Pecca says that the DPS module is the future for automotive audio enhancement and is the world’s first 100% digital audio processing system certified for automotive usage.		Retro USA Inc. Camaro Quarter Molding 952-435-8398 www.retrousa.net PN: CA1QM-A Retro USA ’10–’11 Camaro quarter moldings (’69 replica shark gills) available in chrome and black, all chrome and paintable; $99 to $149.

Grit Guard Universal Detail Cart 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com PN: UDC The Universal Detail Cart is designed to hold the Universal Pad Washer with detailing tools and accessories, creating an organized mobile cleaning station.		InventHelp-Intromark Inc. Handle-It 800-851-6030 www.inventhelpstore.com PN: SLT-125 Handle-It makes carrying boxes, luggage and other items easier. Features sturdy construction with two points of direction and retention for more control and stability.

The greatest obvious growth is the demand for headlight restoration kits and increased demand for tire care products, but consumers needed to be educated about the fact that a solution existed. Many didn’t know that they could make their headlight lenses clear again with minimal time and effort instead of spending hundreds of dollars on repairs, and tires tended to be an afterthought. Now, more and more consumers are realizing what enthusiasts have known for a long time: On a freshly waxed car with dirty wheels and tires, people notice the dirty parts first. Quality control is “off the charts” from the perspective of continual improvement of paint quality and longevity, thereby increasing the importance of protecting the clear coat from damage. However, most consumers don’t even know what clear coat is, so how can they know how to protect it? Technology is driving the need to educate consumers far better than before. There needs to be more clarity and simplicity in the planogram offerings. We intend to lead the way in pioneering this change. It’s our job to explain to our customers what our products do in a clear, concise, user-friendly manner. That’s a key initiative and driver for us. —Lou Basenese President Paradise Road Car Care (an SCG Brands Company)		We’re seeing initial signs of improvement as retail sales are growing and consumers are once again looking to make their cars sparkle and shine. With that, consumers want a good assortment of products and knowledgeable sales staff to help guide them with their product selection. Advances in abrasives and synthetic polymers have opened the door to phenomenally performing products like our Ultimate Compound, which cuts incredibly fast yet leaves a crystal-clear finish. On the synthetic polymer side, our Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere enables the consumer to safely wash and wax a car with zero water—just mist on and wipe off for a no-scratch finish that is simply amazing. Those that have a strong product selection and knowledgeable sales staff will reap the biggest rewards. Consumers will increase their purchases if they know what to buy, why to buy it and how to properly use it. While this seems obvious, it’s often overlooked and is a tremendous competitive advantage to capturing and keeping the consumer coming back to your retail location. Meguiar’s users are also extremely brand loyal and will drive to another retailer if the one they’re at doesn’t carry a specific product that they are seeking. —Mike Pennington Director of Training and Consumer Relations Meguiar’s Inc.

New Car-Care and Restyling Products

Sun, 07/01/2012 - 02:29

SEMA News—July 2012

NEW PRODUCTS

Change Is the Watchword

The New Products Showcase offers benefits to every attendee at the 2011 SEMA Show. From modifying a vehicle’s original-equipment appearance with products such as new grilles or complete body kits to buffing oxidized paint on a classic muscle machine, car-care and restyling products can dramatically change a car’s look or add features unavailable from the OEM. Hundreds of items aimed at doing just that were introduced in the New Products Showcase during the 2011 SEMA Show, and we’ve gathered them here to give you a quick look at the innovations and trends that are bringing sparkle to the marketplace.

We’ve also gathered comments from executives of some of the leading car-care companies as well as some new faces in the segment. Their remarks regarding how the industry has fared during the recession, expanding technologies, such as headlight restoration, the growth of environmental concerns and changes in car-care chemistry offer a thumbnail sketch of significant forces that may shape the market into the foreseeable future.

So whether you’re a restyler looking for novel seating options and dash mounts for the latest electronics or a detailer on the hunt for ways to perform your job quicker, easier and with gleaming results, check out this product guide to see if there might be something here that could boost your bottom line.

View more than 150 Car Care, Restyling Products and expert testimonials debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show.

310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care 3D HD Uno 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 420OZ16 A three-in-one polish that cuts, polishes and finishes all new and old finishes. Silicone-free. Great open time. Use on paint, clear plastic, clearcoat and glass. Removes water spots. Cut, polish and finish in just one step, even 1200 grit+. Just change the pad.

3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Nitro Seal 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 920K HD NitroSeal—Revolutionary two-part copolymer paint sealant system that’s designed to be used by everyone who owns a vehicle. Delivering unprecedented slickness and shine, the company says. Patent pending.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Waterless Car Wash 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com 3D says that it is the innovator of waterless carwash. Use this biodegradable wash anytime, anywhere and reduce carbon footprint. Certified not to scratch.

3M Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler Kit 77-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1313 3M says use what the pros use. Superior adhesion properties allow a bond to form to double-coated galvanized steel present in newer vehicles. Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler is also said to use state-of-the-art resin technology that makes mixing, applying and sanding a breeze.		3M Headlight Restoration Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 39084 The 3M Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to restore headlight lenses that are losing clear visibility. This increases the visibility capacity of fogged, yellowed, cloudy or hazy dull looking headlights by improving their performance.

3M Accuspray System HVLP Sealer Gun, Model HG14 651-733-9157 www.3mcarcare.com PN: 16612 3M Accuspray System HVLP sealer gun, model HG14, is said to be specially designed for the application of sealer. The replaceable 1.4mm atomizing head greatly reduces overspray, improves atomization and increases transfer efficiency, reducing shop cleanup time, solvent use and improving productivity.		3M Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1314 3M says that the Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit contains everything needed for repairing small dents, chips and holes, including a Bondo body filler single-use 6-ounce can of filler, spreader and 3M sandpaper in 80, 180 and 320 grits to take the job from start to finish.

PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for ’11 Kia Optima Flush Mount 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS283A Blow-molded ABS spoiler for 2011 Kia Optima flush mount.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

The headlight category has created the most noticeable trend. Polycarbonate headlight lenses have been degrading, turning yellow and cracking. Our chemistry and our tools allow consumers to improve the appearance of those lenses without having to spend huge amounts of money on replacements. On the other hand, paint substrates still require the same amount of maintenance to look good. Most of the changes that have occurred in the painting industry have been driven by government regulation for volatile organic compound (VOC) reductions and/or process controls for cost. Government regulations are always a challenge for us. Even so, the segment is going to recover and grow. When the economy suffers, people who own a car will keep it longer and maintain it better rather than purchase a new vehicle, and people who do purchase a new vehicle will want to take care of it. That provides a little bit of insulation in our business. The greatest opportunities always lie with the next generation. Car-care companies have to educate the next generation of enthusiasts so that they take pride in the ownership of their vehicles. It is our responsibility to educate them about the importance of car care. —Craig Burnett Chemist Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners		While the market for easy-to-use and environmentally friendly products is growing rapidly, the desire for old technologies such as paste waxes and multi-step sealants is diminishing. Most consumers view their cars as major investments and want to maintain and protect them without excessive effort, so the trend has been toward no-rinse washes and spray-on waxes and sealants. This allows consumers to wash and wax their cars within 30 minutes, which is less time than a traditional hose wash without compromising quality. The newest technologies in the car-care industry are the advent of nano-sealants, which offer about one year of protection, and ceramic coatings, which last five years or more. While nano-sealants have strong non-bonding interaction with paint, ceramic coatings actually react with urethane and other clear-coats and form a clear layer with much better protective properties than factory clears. Environmental factors such as water restrictions and volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements will continue to impact the car-care industry and create major hurdles for companies that do not keep pace with meeting these challenges, but the automotive market has been one of the earliest segments of the economy to show strong recovery. The demand for car-care products is rapidly growing with the increase in car sales. —David Ghodoussi CEO Optimum Polymer Technologies Inc.

Branded Products Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Set 800-294-9007 www.brandedproducts.com Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with this vintage Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Gift Set. From the 100% terry cotton towel to the metal bucket and coasters, this 18-piece gift set is packed with everything you need to make relaxing with friends as refreshing as a weekend drive down the back roads.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Aquanil X 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com AQUANIL CroftgateUSA's waterless car wash is advanced blend of detergents and multiple macro polymers to be used on all non porous surfaces. Like most CroftgateUSA products this can be used in extreme direct sunlight/heat.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Case 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull detaling kit case consists of seven cleaning and detailing products. All products are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. White carton case with UPC, hand holes and a rip-out window for retail display.		Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Laser-Etched License Plates 520-770-1786 www.autogold.com PN: PL.COV6.EB Laser etched logos/designs on brushed stainless steel plates or black powder-coated plates. Plates include vehicle specific hardware and matching screw caps to conceal unsightly hardware. Lifetime Warranty against flaws in materials and workmanship. Made in the USA!

SaviCorp. DynoValve 714-312-5352 www.dynovalve.com PN: 1CYL-1250 The DynoValve, a computer-controlled variable orifice, replaces the stock PCV valve and continuously modulates the introduction of crankcase gases to the engine. The results are said to be immediate: increased fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions and improved performance. ARB E.O.# D-677.		Crazyfish Graphics Spare Shield Spare Tire Protection Devices 773-254-3500 www.crazyfishgfx.com Spare shield has a full line of spare tire protection devices that cover most trucks, SUV's and vans that have a hidden spare. Never again become victim to spare tire theft.

Cool Cap Heat Blocking Car Covers Car Cover 609-213-9849 www.itscoolinhere.com PN: CC-SUVMV-2 Now with four universal sizes by car class, there is a Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover to fit almost every car on the road.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Croftgate USA 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com High-performance, eco-responsible car-care products without a drop of water. EPA designed for the environment.

DGE Inc. CAN-to-Bluetooth Gateway 248-239-1300 www.dgeinc.com It allows the user to transmit and receive CAN data on up to two simultaneous vehicle networks (one high speed CAN and one single wire CAN) using the standard Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP).		Dawn Enterprises Inc. RFX-2 Rocker Flare Molding 800-548-4867 www.dawn-ent.com PN: RFX-2 RFX-2 Rocker Flare Moldings are an added accent on the lowest part of the car. Painted to match the factory color of the vehicle. No-drill, self-adhering application.

Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com Universal Pad Washer works with all buffers, polishers and air tools to clean pads efficiently and effectively.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Injected PP Flares for ’09–Up Ram 1500/2500/3500 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: FF009-PP Injected PP flares for ’09–up Ram 1500/2500/3500.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Bucket 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull Detailing Kit Bucket consists of 7 cleaning & detailing products, plus a sponge & microfiber trowel.		Putco Inc. Chrome Trim—’09-Current Ford F-150 Fuel Door Cover 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 401923 Putco’s chrome trim fuel door cover for the ’09–current Ford F-150 provides a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior.

Dynafy Chrysler 300/300C Phantom Grille 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: SG-MG501G1 Phantom grille design for Chrysler 300/300C 05-10		Dynafy BMW E90 M3 LED Side Vent 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: FZ-BE90M3L BMW E90 M3 design LED side vent. Custom M3 look for BMW base models. Also upgraded M3 bumpers/side skirts/rear bumpers are available for whole vehicle upgrade.

Putco Inc. LED Dayliner—Ford F-150 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 270140 Putco’s LED Dayliner for the F-150 features high-power LEDs that are embedded into a CNC chromed-aluminum trim piece for an attractive accent day or night.		Fathom It Distributing Air Booster Seat 239-826-3456 www.fathomitdistributing.com The world’s only inflatable high-backed booster seat. The easy-to-use inflatable GoBooster combines the safety of a standard booster seat with convenient, travel-friendly features.

Putco Inc. G-4 LED Bulbs 800-247-3974 www.putco.com Simple to Install, replaces stock bulbs. Long Life exceeding 50,000 hours. Super-low voltage consumption. 18X brighter than factory lighting. Lifetime Warranty.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

Gold-award winning (National Parenting Center “Product for Parents Category”), it is said to be the world’s first inflatable seat belt positioner car booster seat for children. Fully complies with EU and U.S. safety standards; lightweight; blows up in 30 seconds; ideal for travelers; never rent a car seat again. Time is money, and products that get things done faster are in high demand from automotive professionals. Similar to other industries, automotive professionals are now being asked to do more with less. Our new WD-40 Specialist line of products—the first-ever product line extension for our well-known WD-40 brand—gives automotive professionals the performance they need to get their specific jobs done quickly and efficiently. Social media and gaming present new opportunities for manufacturers, aftermarket companies and consumer product companies like us to reach the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and professionals. More are turning to their computers and mobile phones or even their dealers to find solutions, and companies should be prepared for that. Regulatory compliance continues to be a major factor in the chemicals category. Companies continually have to modify their products to maintain compliance, and more products are being launched that are marketed as “green.” I anticipate environmental regulations continuing to get stricter and eventually being implemented across all states. It is surprising, but some companies continue to produce products that cannot be sold in certain states. WD-40 Co. is committed to only producing products that meet all federal and state regulations. —Tim Lesmeister Vice President of Marketing WD-40 Co.		When the economy recovers, people will be in a better position to buy a new car, while others may prefer to wait and keep what they have for a while to help rebuild their nest egg. Either way, protecting your asset is very important not only for feeling good about the look of your car but also for its resale value The upcoming hurdles for the car-care segment will be centered around environmental issues. With most people moving toward environmental responsibility, the car-care industry needs to work diligently on products that are not only environmentally friendly but still also exceed the performance of prior products. The longevity of the copolymers that are being created far supersedes any former technology on the market. Also, the cleaning agents that remove dirt and allow the chemical bond are much more advanced, adding to product longevity. Glide, our copolymer-infused clay bar, is currently the market’s leading technology in one-step, high-end paint cleaning and protection. However, Aero will launch Shield this June, our catalyzed two-part paint protection. The greatest opportunity that we have as manufacturers and dealers is to provide education, both from a media standpoint (social and other) and providing educational material at the shelf. —Jonathan Saltman President and CEO International Aero Products

Leather Therapy Products Restorer/Conditioner 540-364-0156 www.leathertherapy.com PN: MR-16 Leather Therapy says that it provides the finest in leather maintenance to the discriminating consumer or the solution to the leather restoration of a cherished classic vehicle.		Jiffy Steamer Co. LLC SteamBlade 731-885-6690 www.jiffyteamblade.com PN: J-4000 W The manufacturer says that SteamBlade is an innovative, new product designed to simplify the removal of window film. With the swipe of the SteamBlade, the warm, moist steam quickly and safely unbinds the film’s glue from the window, simplifying this once tedious task.

KBD Urethane ’05–’09 Mustang Eleanor Body Kit 714-529-1981 www.kbdbodykits.com KBD Urethane manufactures today’s hottest car, truck and SUV body kits, bumpers, roll pans and wiper cowls. All parts are made of virtually indestructible Poly-Urethane, which is far more durable than conventional fiberglass.		Optimum Car Care Paint Correction System 901-363-4955 www.optimumcarcare.com PN: OG2011-10 Optimum Correction System includes what is said to be the first and only spray compound and polish to remove paint defects and Opti-Coat to replace the clear-coat paint that is removed in the process.

Lethal Threat Designs Vinyl Decals 914-207-0343 www.lethalthreat.com PN: LT Extremely detailed decals, die-cut on 4m vinyl to the shape of the design. Skulls, pin-ups and patriotic designs. Gives a car a customized look without the cost of having it painted.		LizardSkin Spray-On Insulation Ceramic Insulation 800-549-0042 www.lizardskin.com LizardSkin ceramic insulation is applied seamlessly and rapidly. The spray-on formula is said to offer superior thermal insulation, providing a cooler ride by reducing heat transfer by 30°F.

Neonetics Inc. Mopar Red Vintage Neon Clock 410-374-8057 www.neonetics.com PN: 8MPRED Neonetics presents its brand-new for 2011 Mopar hand-blown neon clock. Suggested retail $79.95.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for 2011 Chevy Cruze Sport (Two Posts) 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS307A-L6 Blow-molded ABS spoiler for the ’11 Chevy Cruze Sport (two posts).

WD-40 Co. Specialist Rust Release Penetrant 619-275-1400 www.wd40company.com PN: 30000 Introducing what WD-40 calls the only tool needed to loosen stuck parts: WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant with Blu Torch technology. Blu Torch technology is said to provide fast-acting penetration to break bonds that hold stuck parts together.		MAcarbon Mercedes CustomSteering Wheel and Shift Paddle Extensions 650-489-4415 www.macarbon.com PN: MAMB.211.600 MAcarbon’s custom carbon-fiber steering wheel and shift paddle extension enhances the visual appeal and driving enjoyment of the user’s Mercedes.

PowerSheen Plastic Renu System www.powersheen.com A new, durable, water-based clear dry coat that protects and restores exterior plastics such as bumpers and mirrors for one to two years. Dries in minutes.		310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310Tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.

Pecca Leather Inc. Bongiovi DPS Module 734-216-5743 www.peccaleather.com PN: Pecca/Bon01 Pecca Leather is excited to introduce the new Bongiovi Acoustics digital power station (DPS) module for Toyota and Scion models. Pecca says that the DPS module is the future for automotive audio enhancement and is the world’s first 100% digital audio processing system certified for automotive usage.		Retro USA Inc. Camaro Quarter Molding 952-435-8398 www.retrousa.net PN: CA1QM-A Retro USA ’10–’11 Camaro quarter moldings (’69 replica shark gills) available in chrome and black, all chrome and paintable; $99 to $149.

Grit Guard Universal Detail Cart 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com PN: UDC The Universal Detail Cart is designed to hold the Universal Pad Washer with detailing tools and accessories, creating an organized mobile cleaning station.		InventHelp-Intromark Inc. Handle-It 800-851-6030 www.inventhelpstore.com PN: SLT-125 Handle-It makes carrying boxes, luggage and other items easier. Features sturdy construction with two points of direction and retention for more control and stability.

The greatest obvious growth is the demand for headlight restoration kits and increased demand for tire care products, but consumers needed to be educated about the fact that a solution existed. Many didn’t know that they could make their headlight lenses clear again with minimal time and effort instead of spending hundreds of dollars on repairs, and tires tended to be an afterthought. Now, more and more consumers are realizing what enthusiasts have known for a long time: On a freshly waxed car with dirty wheels and tires, people notice the dirty parts first. Quality control is “off the charts” from the perspective of continual improvement of paint quality and longevity, thereby increasing the importance of protecting the clear coat from damage. However, most consumers don’t even know what clear coat is, so how can they know how to protect it? Technology is driving the need to educate consumers far better than before. There needs to be more clarity and simplicity in the planogram offerings. We intend to lead the way in pioneering this change. It’s our job to explain to our customers what our products do in a clear, concise, user-friendly manner. That’s a key initiative and driver for us. —Lou Basenese President Paradise Road Car Care (an SCG Brands Company)		We’re seeing initial signs of improvement as retail sales are growing and consumers are once again looking to make their cars sparkle and shine. With that, consumers want a good assortment of products and knowledgeable sales staff to help guide them with their product selection. Advances in abrasives and synthetic polymers have opened the door to phenomenally performing products like our Ultimate Compound, which cuts incredibly fast yet leaves a crystal-clear finish. On the synthetic polymer side, our Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere enables the consumer to safely wash and wax a car with zero water—just mist on and wipe off for a no-scratch finish that is simply amazing. Those that have a strong product selection and knowledgeable sales staff will reap the biggest rewards. Consumers will increase their purchases if they know what to buy, why to buy it and how to properly use it. While this seems obvious, it’s often overlooked and is a tremendous competitive advantage to capturing and keeping the consumer coming back to your retail location. Meguiar’s users are also extremely brand loyal and will drive to another retailer if the one they’re at doesn’t carry a specific product that they are seeking. —Mike Pennington Director of Training and Consumer Relations Meguiar’s Inc.

New Car-Care and Restyling Products

Sun, 07/01/2012 - 02:29

SEMA News—July 2012

NEW PRODUCTS

Change Is the Watchword

The New Products Showcase offers benefits to every attendee at the 2011 SEMA Show. From modifying a vehicle’s original-equipment appearance with products such as new grilles or complete body kits to buffing oxidized paint on a classic muscle machine, car-care and restyling products can dramatically change a car’s look or add features unavailable from the OEM. Hundreds of items aimed at doing just that were introduced in the New Products Showcase during the 2011 SEMA Show, and we’ve gathered them here to give you a quick look at the innovations and trends that are bringing sparkle to the marketplace.

We’ve also gathered comments from executives of some of the leading car-care companies as well as some new faces in the segment. Their remarks regarding how the industry has fared during the recession, expanding technologies, such as headlight restoration, the growth of environmental concerns and changes in car-care chemistry offer a thumbnail sketch of significant forces that may shape the market into the foreseeable future.

So whether you’re a restyler looking for novel seating options and dash mounts for the latest electronics or a detailer on the hunt for ways to perform your job quicker, easier and with gleaming results, check out this product guide to see if there might be something here that could boost your bottom line.

View more than 150 Car Care, Restyling Products and expert testimonials debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show.

310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care 3D HD Uno 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 420OZ16 A three-in-one polish that cuts, polishes and finishes all new and old finishes. Silicone-free. Great open time. Use on paint, clear plastic, clearcoat and glass. Removes water spots. Cut, polish and finish in just one step, even 1200 grit+. Just change the pad.

3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Nitro Seal 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 920K HD NitroSeal—Revolutionary two-part copolymer paint sealant system that’s designed to be used by everyone who owns a vehicle. Delivering unprecedented slickness and shine, the company says. Patent pending.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Waterless Car Wash 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com 3D says that it is the innovator of waterless carwash. Use this biodegradable wash anytime, anywhere and reduce carbon footprint. Certified not to scratch.

3M Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler Kit 77-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1313 3M says use what the pros use. Superior adhesion properties allow a bond to form to double-coated galvanized steel present in newer vehicles. Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler is also said to use state-of-the-art resin technology that makes mixing, applying and sanding a breeze.		3M Headlight Restoration Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 39084 The 3M Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to restore headlight lenses that are losing clear visibility. This increases the visibility capacity of fogged, yellowed, cloudy or hazy dull looking headlights by improving their performance.

3M Accuspray System HVLP Sealer Gun, Model HG14 651-733-9157 www.3mcarcare.com PN: 16612 3M Accuspray System HVLP sealer gun, model HG14, is said to be specially designed for the application of sealer. The replaceable 1.4mm atomizing head greatly reduces overspray, improves atomization and increases transfer efficiency, reducing shop cleanup time, solvent use and improving productivity.		3M Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1314 3M says that the Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit contains everything needed for repairing small dents, chips and holes, including a Bondo body filler single-use 6-ounce can of filler, spreader and 3M sandpaper in 80, 180 and 320 grits to take the job from start to finish.

PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for ’11 Kia Optima Flush Mount 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS283A Blow-molded ABS spoiler for 2011 Kia Optima flush mount.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

The headlight category has created the most noticeable trend. Polycarbonate headlight lenses have been degrading, turning yellow and cracking. Our chemistry and our tools allow consumers to improve the appearance of those lenses without having to spend huge amounts of money on replacements. On the other hand, paint substrates still require the same amount of maintenance to look good. Most of the changes that have occurred in the painting industry have been driven by government regulation for volatile organic compound (VOC) reductions and/or process controls for cost. Government regulations are always a challenge for us. Even so, the segment is going to recover and grow. When the economy suffers, people who own a car will keep it longer and maintain it better rather than purchase a new vehicle, and people who do purchase a new vehicle will want to take care of it. That provides a little bit of insulation in our business. The greatest opportunities always lie with the next generation. Car-care companies have to educate the next generation of enthusiasts so that they take pride in the ownership of their vehicles. It is our responsibility to educate them about the importance of car care. —Craig Burnett Chemist Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners		While the market for easy-to-use and environmentally friendly products is growing rapidly, the desire for old technologies such as paste waxes and multi-step sealants is diminishing. Most consumers view their cars as major investments and want to maintain and protect them without excessive effort, so the trend has been toward no-rinse washes and spray-on waxes and sealants. This allows consumers to wash and wax their cars within 30 minutes, which is less time than a traditional hose wash without compromising quality. The newest technologies in the car-care industry are the advent of nano-sealants, which offer about one year of protection, and ceramic coatings, which last five years or more. While nano-sealants have strong non-bonding interaction with paint, ceramic coatings actually react with urethane and other clear-coats and form a clear layer with much better protective properties than factory clears. Environmental factors such as water restrictions and volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements will continue to impact the car-care industry and create major hurdles for companies that do not keep pace with meeting these challenges, but the automotive market has been one of the earliest segments of the economy to show strong recovery. The demand for car-care products is rapidly growing with the increase in car sales. —David Ghodoussi CEO Optimum Polymer Technologies Inc.

Branded Products Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Set 800-294-9007 www.brandedproducts.com Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with this vintage Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Gift Set. From the 100% terry cotton towel to the metal bucket and coasters, this 18-piece gift set is packed with everything you need to make relaxing with friends as refreshing as a weekend drive down the back roads.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Aquanil X 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com AQUANIL CroftgateUSA's waterless car wash is advanced blend of detergents and multiple macro polymers to be used on all non porous surfaces. Like most CroftgateUSA products this can be used in extreme direct sunlight/heat.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Case 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull detaling kit case consists of seven cleaning and detailing products. All products are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. White carton case with UPC, hand holes and a rip-out window for retail display.		Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Laser-Etched License Plates 520-770-1786 www.autogold.com PN: PL.COV6.EB Laser etched logos/designs on brushed stainless steel plates or black powder-coated plates. Plates include vehicle specific hardware and matching screw caps to conceal unsightly hardware. Lifetime Warranty against flaws in materials and workmanship. Made in the USA!

SaviCorp. DynoValve 714-312-5352 www.dynovalve.com PN: 1CYL-1250 The DynoValve, a computer-controlled variable orifice, replaces the stock PCV valve and continuously modulates the introduction of crankcase gases to the engine. The results are said to be immediate: increased fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions and improved performance. ARB E.O.# D-677.		Crazyfish Graphics Spare Shield Spare Tire Protection Devices 773-254-3500 www.crazyfishgfx.com Spare shield has a full line of spare tire protection devices that cover most trucks, SUV's and vans that have a hidden spare. Never again become victim to spare tire theft.

Cool Cap Heat Blocking Car Covers Car Cover 609-213-9849 www.itscoolinhere.com PN: CC-SUVMV-2 Now with four universal sizes by car class, there is a Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover to fit almost every car on the road.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Croftgate USA 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com High-performance, eco-responsible car-care products without a drop of water. EPA designed for the environment.

DGE Inc. CAN-to-Bluetooth Gateway 248-239-1300 www.dgeinc.com It allows the user to transmit and receive CAN data on up to two simultaneous vehicle networks (one high speed CAN and one single wire CAN) using the standard Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP).		Dawn Enterprises Inc. RFX-2 Rocker Flare Molding 800-548-4867 www.dawn-ent.com PN: RFX-2 RFX-2 Rocker Flare Moldings are an added accent on the lowest part of the car. Painted to match the factory color of the vehicle. No-drill, self-adhering application.

Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com Universal Pad Washer works with all buffers, polishers and air tools to clean pads efficiently and effectively.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Injected PP Flares for ’09–Up Ram 1500/2500/3500 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: FF009-PP Injected PP flares for ’09–up Ram 1500/2500/3500.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Bucket 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull Detailing Kit Bucket consists of 7 cleaning & detailing products, plus a sponge & microfiber trowel.		Putco Inc. Chrome Trim—’09-Current Ford F-150 Fuel Door Cover 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 401923 Putco’s chrome trim fuel door cover for the ’09–current Ford F-150 provides a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior.

Dynafy Chrysler 300/300C Phantom Grille 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: SG-MG501G1 Phantom grille design for Chrysler 300/300C 05-10		Dynafy BMW E90 M3 LED Side Vent 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: FZ-BE90M3L BMW E90 M3 design LED side vent. Custom M3 look for BMW base models. Also upgraded M3 bumpers/side skirts/rear bumpers are available for whole vehicle upgrade.

Putco Inc. LED Dayliner—Ford F-150 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 270140 Putco’s LED Dayliner for the F-150 features high-power LEDs that are embedded into a CNC chromed-aluminum trim piece for an attractive accent day or night.		Fathom It Distributing Air Booster Seat 239-826-3456 www.fathomitdistributing.com The world’s only inflatable high-backed booster seat. The easy-to-use inflatable GoBooster combines the safety of a standard booster seat with convenient, travel-friendly features.

Putco Inc. G-4 LED Bulbs 800-247-3974 www.putco.com Simple to Install, replaces stock bulbs. Long Life exceeding 50,000 hours. Super-low voltage consumption. 18X brighter than factory lighting. Lifetime Warranty.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

Gold-award winning (National Parenting Center “Product for Parents Category”), it is said to be the world’s first inflatable seat belt positioner car booster seat for children. Fully complies with EU and U.S. safety standards; lightweight; blows up in 30 seconds; ideal for travelers; never rent a car seat again. Time is money, and products that get things done faster are in high demand from automotive professionals. Similar to other industries, automotive professionals are now being asked to do more with less. Our new WD-40 Specialist line of products—the first-ever product line extension for our well-known WD-40 brand—gives automotive professionals the performance they need to get their specific jobs done quickly and efficiently. Social media and gaming present new opportunities for manufacturers, aftermarket companies and consumer product companies like us to reach the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and professionals. More are turning to their computers and mobile phones or even their dealers to find solutions, and companies should be prepared for that. Regulatory compliance continues to be a major factor in the chemicals category. Companies continually have to modify their products to maintain compliance, and more products are being launched that are marketed as “green.” I anticipate environmental regulations continuing to get stricter and eventually being implemented across all states. It is surprising, but some companies continue to produce products that cannot be sold in certain states. WD-40 Co. is committed to only producing products that meet all federal and state regulations. —Tim Lesmeister Vice President of Marketing WD-40 Co.		When the economy recovers, people will be in a better position to buy a new car, while others may prefer to wait and keep what they have for a while to help rebuild their nest egg. Either way, protecting your asset is very important not only for feeling good about the look of your car but also for its resale value The upcoming hurdles for the car-care segment will be centered around environmental issues. With most people moving toward environmental responsibility, the car-care industry needs to work diligently on products that are not only environmentally friendly but still also exceed the performance of prior products. The longevity of the copolymers that are being created far supersedes any former technology on the market. Also, the cleaning agents that remove dirt and allow the chemical bond are much more advanced, adding to product longevity. Glide, our copolymer-infused clay bar, is currently the market’s leading technology in one-step, high-end paint cleaning and protection. However, Aero will launch Shield this June, our catalyzed two-part paint protection. The greatest opportunity that we have as manufacturers and dealers is to provide education, both from a media standpoint (social and other) and providing educational material at the shelf. —Jonathan Saltman President and CEO International Aero Products

Leather Therapy Products Restorer/Conditioner 540-364-0156 www.leathertherapy.com PN: MR-16 Leather Therapy says that it provides the finest in leather maintenance to the discriminating consumer or the solution to the leather restoration of a cherished classic vehicle.		Jiffy Steamer Co. LLC SteamBlade 731-885-6690 www.jiffyteamblade.com PN: J-4000 W The manufacturer says that SteamBlade is an innovative, new product designed to simplify the removal of window film. With the swipe of the SteamBlade, the warm, moist steam quickly and safely unbinds the film’s glue from the window, simplifying this once tedious task.

KBD Urethane ’05–’09 Mustang Eleanor Body Kit 714-529-1981 www.kbdbodykits.com KBD Urethane manufactures today’s hottest car, truck and SUV body kits, bumpers, roll pans and wiper cowls. All parts are made of virtually indestructible Poly-Urethane, which is far more durable than conventional fiberglass.		Optimum Car Care Paint Correction System 901-363-4955 www.optimumcarcare.com PN: OG2011-10 Optimum Correction System includes what is said to be the first and only spray compound and polish to remove paint defects and Opti-Coat to replace the clear-coat paint that is removed in the process.

Lethal Threat Designs Vinyl Decals 914-207-0343 www.lethalthreat.com PN: LT Extremely detailed decals, die-cut on 4m vinyl to the shape of the design. Skulls, pin-ups and patriotic designs. Gives a car a customized look without the cost of having it painted.		LizardSkin Spray-On Insulation Ceramic Insulation 800-549-0042 www.lizardskin.com LizardSkin ceramic insulation is applied seamlessly and rapidly. The spray-on formula is said to offer superior thermal insulation, providing a cooler ride by reducing heat transfer by 30°F.

Neonetics Inc. Mopar Red Vintage Neon Clock 410-374-8057 www.neonetics.com PN: 8MPRED Neonetics presents its brand-new for 2011 Mopar hand-blown neon clock. Suggested retail $79.95.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for 2011 Chevy Cruze Sport (Two Posts) 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS307A-L6 Blow-molded ABS spoiler for the ’11 Chevy Cruze Sport (two posts).

WD-40 Co. Specialist Rust Release Penetrant 619-275-1400 www.wd40company.com PN: 30000 Introducing what WD-40 calls the only tool needed to loosen stuck parts: WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant with Blu Torch technology. Blu Torch technology is said to provide fast-acting penetration to break bonds that hold stuck parts together.		MAcarbon Mercedes CustomSteering Wheel and Shift Paddle Extensions 650-489-4415 www.macarbon.com PN: MAMB.211.600 MAcarbon’s custom carbon-fiber steering wheel and shift paddle extension enhances the visual appeal and driving enjoyment of the user’s Mercedes.

PowerSheen Plastic Renu System www.powersheen.com A new, durable, water-based clear dry coat that protects and restores exterior plastics such as bumpers and mirrors for one to two years. Dries in minutes.		310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310Tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.

Pecca Leather Inc. Bongiovi DPS Module 734-216-5743 www.peccaleather.com PN: Pecca/Bon01 Pecca Leather is excited to introduce the new Bongiovi Acoustics digital power station (DPS) module for Toyota and Scion models. Pecca says that the DPS module is the future for automotive audio enhancement and is the world’s first 100% digital audio processing system certified for automotive usage.		Retro USA Inc. Camaro Quarter Molding 952-435-8398 www.retrousa.net PN: CA1QM-A Retro USA ’10–’11 Camaro quarter moldings (’69 replica shark gills) available in chrome and black, all chrome and paintable; $99 to $149.

Grit Guard Universal Detail Cart 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com PN: UDC The Universal Detail Cart is designed to hold the Universal Pad Washer with detailing tools and accessories, creating an organized mobile cleaning station.		InventHelp-Intromark Inc. Handle-It 800-851-6030 www.inventhelpstore.com PN: SLT-125 Handle-It makes carrying boxes, luggage and other items easier. Features sturdy construction with two points of direction and retention for more control and stability.

The greatest obvious growth is the demand for headlight restoration kits and increased demand for tire care products, but consumers needed to be educated about the fact that a solution existed. Many didn’t know that they could make their headlight lenses clear again with minimal time and effort instead of spending hundreds of dollars on repairs, and tires tended to be an afterthought. Now, more and more consumers are realizing what enthusiasts have known for a long time: On a freshly waxed car with dirty wheels and tires, people notice the dirty parts first. Quality control is “off the charts” from the perspective of continual improvement of paint quality and longevity, thereby increasing the importance of protecting the clear coat from damage. However, most consumers don’t even know what clear coat is, so how can they know how to protect it? Technology is driving the need to educate consumers far better than before. There needs to be more clarity and simplicity in the planogram offerings. We intend to lead the way in pioneering this change. It’s our job to explain to our customers what our products do in a clear, concise, user-friendly manner. That’s a key initiative and driver for us. —Lou Basenese President Paradise Road Car Care (an SCG Brands Company)		We’re seeing initial signs of improvement as retail sales are growing and consumers are once again looking to make their cars sparkle and shine. With that, consumers want a good assortment of products and knowledgeable sales staff to help guide them with their product selection. Advances in abrasives and synthetic polymers have opened the door to phenomenally performing products like our Ultimate Compound, which cuts incredibly fast yet leaves a crystal-clear finish. On the synthetic polymer side, our Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere enables the consumer to safely wash and wax a car with zero water—just mist on and wipe off for a no-scratch finish that is simply amazing. Those that have a strong product selection and knowledgeable sales staff will reap the biggest rewards. Consumers will increase their purchases if they know what to buy, why to buy it and how to properly use it. While this seems obvious, it’s often overlooked and is a tremendous competitive advantage to capturing and keeping the consumer coming back to your retail location. Meguiar’s users are also extremely brand loyal and will drive to another retailer if the one they’re at doesn’t carry a specific product that they are seeking. —Mike Pennington Director of Training and Consumer Relations Meguiar’s Inc.

New Car-Care and Restyling Products

Sun, 07/01/2012 - 02:29

SEMA News—July 2012

NEW PRODUCTS

Change Is the Watchword

The New Products Showcase offers benefits to every attendee at the 2011 SEMA Show. From modifying a vehicle’s original-equipment appearance with products such as new grilles or complete body kits to buffing oxidized paint on a classic muscle machine, car-care and restyling products can dramatically change a car’s look or add features unavailable from the OEM. Hundreds of items aimed at doing just that were introduced in the New Products Showcase during the 2011 SEMA Show, and we’ve gathered them here to give you a quick look at the innovations and trends that are bringing sparkle to the marketplace.

We’ve also gathered comments from executives of some of the leading car-care companies as well as some new faces in the segment. Their remarks regarding how the industry has fared during the recession, expanding technologies, such as headlight restoration, the growth of environmental concerns and changes in car-care chemistry offer a thumbnail sketch of significant forces that may shape the market into the foreseeable future.

So whether you’re a restyler looking for novel seating options and dash mounts for the latest electronics or a detailer on the hunt for ways to perform your job quicker, easier and with gleaming results, check out this product guide to see if there might be something here that could boost your bottom line.

View more than 150 Car Care, Restyling Products and expert testimonials debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show.

310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care 3D HD Uno 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 420OZ16 A three-in-one polish that cuts, polishes and finishes all new and old finishes. Silicone-free. Great open time. Use on paint, clear plastic, clearcoat and glass. Removes water spots. Cut, polish and finish in just one step, even 1200 grit+. Just change the pad.

3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Nitro Seal 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com PN: 920K HD NitroSeal—Revolutionary two-part copolymer paint sealant system that’s designed to be used by everyone who owns a vehicle. Delivering unprecedented slickness and shine, the company says. Patent pending.		3D-HD Uno High-Definition Car Care Waterless Car Wash 661-250-2020 www.3dproducts.com 3D says that it is the innovator of waterless carwash. Use this biodegradable wash anytime, anywhere and reduce carbon footprint. Certified not to scratch.

3M Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler Kit 77-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1313 3M says use what the pros use. Superior adhesion properties allow a bond to form to double-coated galvanized steel present in newer vehicles. Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler is also said to use state-of-the-art resin technology that makes mixing, applying and sanding a breeze.		3M Headlight Restoration Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 39084 The 3M Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to restore headlight lenses that are losing clear visibility. This increases the visibility capacity of fogged, yellowed, cloudy or hazy dull looking headlights by improving their performance.

3M Accuspray System HVLP Sealer Gun, Model HG14 651-733-9157 www.3mcarcare.com PN: 16612 3M Accuspray System HVLP sealer gun, model HG14, is said to be specially designed for the application of sealer. The replaceable 1.4mm atomizing head greatly reduces overspray, improves atomization and increases transfer efficiency, reducing shop cleanup time, solvent use and improving productivity.		3M Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit 877-MMM-CARS www.3mcarcare.com PN: 1314 3M says that the Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit contains everything needed for repairing small dents, chips and holes, including a Bondo body filler single-use 6-ounce can of filler, spreader and 3M sandpaper in 80, 180 and 320 grits to take the job from start to finish.

PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for ’11 Kia Optima Flush Mount 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS283A Blow-molded ABS spoiler for 2011 Kia Optima flush mount.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

The headlight category has created the most noticeable trend. Polycarbonate headlight lenses have been degrading, turning yellow and cracking. Our chemistry and our tools allow consumers to improve the appearance of those lenses without having to spend huge amounts of money on replacements. On the other hand, paint substrates still require the same amount of maintenance to look good. Most of the changes that have occurred in the painting industry have been driven by government regulation for volatile organic compound (VOC) reductions and/or process controls for cost. Government regulations are always a challenge for us. Even so, the segment is going to recover and grow. When the economy suffers, people who own a car will keep it longer and maintain it better rather than purchase a new vehicle, and people who do purchase a new vehicle will want to take care of it. That provides a little bit of insulation in our business. The greatest opportunities always lie with the next generation. Car-care companies have to educate the next generation of enthusiasts so that they take pride in the ownership of their vehicles. It is our responsibility to educate them about the importance of car care. —Craig Burnett Chemist Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners		While the market for easy-to-use and environmentally friendly products is growing rapidly, the desire for old technologies such as paste waxes and multi-step sealants is diminishing. Most consumers view their cars as major investments and want to maintain and protect them without excessive effort, so the trend has been toward no-rinse washes and spray-on waxes and sealants. This allows consumers to wash and wax their cars within 30 minutes, which is less time than a traditional hose wash without compromising quality. The newest technologies in the car-care industry are the advent of nano-sealants, which offer about one year of protection, and ceramic coatings, which last five years or more. While nano-sealants have strong non-bonding interaction with paint, ceramic coatings actually react with urethane and other clear-coats and form a clear layer with much better protective properties than factory clears. Environmental factors such as water restrictions and volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements will continue to impact the car-care industry and create major hurdles for companies that do not keep pace with meeting these challenges, but the automotive market has been one of the earliest segments of the economy to show strong recovery. The demand for car-care products is rapidly growing with the increase in car sales. —David Ghodoussi CEO Optimum Polymer Technologies Inc.

Branded Products Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Set 800-294-9007 www.brandedproducts.com Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with this vintage Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Gift Set. From the 100% terry cotton towel to the metal bucket and coasters, this 18-piece gift set is packed with everything you need to make relaxing with friends as refreshing as a weekend drive down the back roads.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Aquanil X 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com AQUANIL CroftgateUSA's waterless car wash is advanced blend of detergents and multiple macro polymers to be used on all non porous surfaces. Like most CroftgateUSA products this can be used in extreme direct sunlight/heat.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Case 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull detaling kit case consists of seven cleaning and detailing products. All products are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. White carton case with UPC, hand holes and a rip-out window for retail display.		Au-tomotive Gold Inc. Laser-Etched License Plates 520-770-1786 www.autogold.com PN: PL.COV6.EB Laser etched logos/designs on brushed stainless steel plates or black powder-coated plates. Plates include vehicle specific hardware and matching screw caps to conceal unsightly hardware. Lifetime Warranty against flaws in materials and workmanship. Made in the USA!

SaviCorp. DynoValve 714-312-5352 www.dynovalve.com PN: 1CYL-1250 The DynoValve, a computer-controlled variable orifice, replaces the stock PCV valve and continuously modulates the introduction of crankcase gases to the engine. The results are said to be immediate: increased fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions and improved performance. ARB E.O.# D-677.		Crazyfish Graphics Spare Shield Spare Tire Protection Devices 773-254-3500 www.crazyfishgfx.com Spare shield has a full line of spare tire protection devices that cover most trucks, SUV's and vans that have a hidden spare. Never again become victim to spare tire theft.

Cool Cap Heat Blocking Car Covers Car Cover 609-213-9849 www.itscoolinhere.com PN: CC-SUVMV-2 Now with four universal sizes by car class, there is a Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover to fit almost every car on the road.		Croftgate USA/Allied Products Croftgate USA 800-327-8487 www.croftgateusa.com High-performance, eco-responsible car-care products without a drop of water. EPA designed for the environment.

DGE Inc. CAN-to-Bluetooth Gateway 248-239-1300 www.dgeinc.com It allows the user to transmit and receive CAN data on up to two simultaneous vehicle networks (one high speed CAN and one single wire CAN) using the standard Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP).		Dawn Enterprises Inc. RFX-2 Rocker Flare Molding 800-548-4867 www.dawn-ent.com PN: RFX-2 RFX-2 Rocker Flare Moldings are an added accent on the lowest part of the car. Painted to match the factory color of the vehicle. No-drill, self-adhering application.

Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com Universal Pad Washer works with all buffers, polishers and air tools to clean pads efficiently and effectively.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Injected PP Flares for ’09–Up Ram 1500/2500/3500 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: FF009-PP Injected PP flares for ’09–up Ram 1500/2500/3500.

Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products Detaling Kit Bucket 787-653-4900 www.bluebullpr.com Blue Bull Detailing Kit Bucket consists of 7 cleaning & detailing products, plus a sponge & microfiber trowel.		Putco Inc. Chrome Trim—’09-Current Ford F-150 Fuel Door Cover 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 401923 Putco’s chrome trim fuel door cover for the ’09–current Ford F-150 provides a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior.

Dynafy Chrysler 300/300C Phantom Grille 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: SG-MG501G1 Phantom grille design for Chrysler 300/300C 05-10		Dynafy BMW E90 M3 LED Side Vent 866-515-8820 www.dynafy.com PN: FZ-BE90M3L BMW E90 M3 design LED side vent. Custom M3 look for BMW base models. Also upgraded M3 bumpers/side skirts/rear bumpers are available for whole vehicle upgrade.

Putco Inc. LED Dayliner—Ford F-150 800-247-3974 www.putco.com PN: 270140 Putco’s LED Dayliner for the F-150 features high-power LEDs that are embedded into a CNC chromed-aluminum trim piece for an attractive accent day or night.		Fathom It Distributing Air Booster Seat 239-826-3456 www.fathomitdistributing.com The world’s only inflatable high-backed booster seat. The easy-to-use inflatable GoBooster combines the safety of a standard booster seat with convenient, travel-friendly features.

Putco Inc. G-4 LED Bulbs 800-247-3974 www.putco.com Simple to Install, replaces stock bulbs. Long Life exceeding 50,000 hours. Super-low voltage consumption. 18X brighter than factory lighting. Lifetime Warranty.		BoneHead Products Kleen King Hot Pipes Cleaner 612-730-8544 www.boneheadproducts.com PN: kkhp01 Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts.

Gold-award winning (National Parenting Center “Product for Parents Category”), it is said to be the world’s first inflatable seat belt positioner car booster seat for children. Fully complies with EU and U.S. safety standards; lightweight; blows up in 30 seconds; ideal for travelers; never rent a car seat again. Time is money, and products that get things done faster are in high demand from automotive professionals. Similar to other industries, automotive professionals are now being asked to do more with less. Our new WD-40 Specialist line of products—the first-ever product line extension for our well-known WD-40 brand—gives automotive professionals the performance they need to get their specific jobs done quickly and efficiently. Social media and gaming present new opportunities for manufacturers, aftermarket companies and consumer product companies like us to reach the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and professionals. More are turning to their computers and mobile phones or even their dealers to find solutions, and companies should be prepared for that. Regulatory compliance continues to be a major factor in the chemicals category. Companies continually have to modify their products to maintain compliance, and more products are being launched that are marketed as “green.” I anticipate environmental regulations continuing to get stricter and eventually being implemented across all states. It is surprising, but some companies continue to produce products that cannot be sold in certain states. WD-40 Co. is committed to only producing products that meet all federal and state regulations. —Tim Lesmeister Vice President of Marketing WD-40 Co.		When the economy recovers, people will be in a better position to buy a new car, while others may prefer to wait and keep what they have for a while to help rebuild their nest egg. Either way, protecting your asset is very important not only for feeling good about the look of your car but also for its resale value The upcoming hurdles for the car-care segment will be centered around environmental issues. With most people moving toward environmental responsibility, the car-care industry needs to work diligently on products that are not only environmentally friendly but still also exceed the performance of prior products. The longevity of the copolymers that are being created far supersedes any former technology on the market. Also, the cleaning agents that remove dirt and allow the chemical bond are much more advanced, adding to product longevity. Glide, our copolymer-infused clay bar, is currently the market’s leading technology in one-step, high-end paint cleaning and protection. However, Aero will launch Shield this June, our catalyzed two-part paint protection. The greatest opportunity that we have as manufacturers and dealers is to provide education, both from a media standpoint (social and other) and providing educational material at the shelf. —Jonathan Saltman President and CEO International Aero Products

Leather Therapy Products Restorer/Conditioner 540-364-0156 www.leathertherapy.com PN: MR-16 Leather Therapy says that it provides the finest in leather maintenance to the discriminating consumer or the solution to the leather restoration of a cherished classic vehicle.		Jiffy Steamer Co. LLC SteamBlade 731-885-6690 www.jiffyteamblade.com PN: J-4000 W The manufacturer says that SteamBlade is an innovative, new product designed to simplify the removal of window film. With the swipe of the SteamBlade, the warm, moist steam quickly and safely unbinds the film’s glue from the window, simplifying this once tedious task.

KBD Urethane ’05–’09 Mustang Eleanor Body Kit 714-529-1981 www.kbdbodykits.com KBD Urethane manufactures today’s hottest car, truck and SUV body kits, bumpers, roll pans and wiper cowls. All parts are made of virtually indestructible Poly-Urethane, which is far more durable than conventional fiberglass.		Optimum Car Care Paint Correction System 901-363-4955 www.optimumcarcare.com PN: OG2011-10 Optimum Correction System includes what is said to be the first and only spray compound and polish to remove paint defects and Opti-Coat to replace the clear-coat paint that is removed in the process.

Lethal Threat Designs Vinyl Decals 914-207-0343 www.lethalthreat.com PN: LT Extremely detailed decals, die-cut on 4m vinyl to the shape of the design. Skulls, pin-ups and patriotic designs. Gives a car a customized look without the cost of having it painted.		LizardSkin Spray-On Insulation Ceramic Insulation 800-549-0042 www.lizardskin.com LizardSkin ceramic insulation is applied seamlessly and rapidly. The spray-on formula is said to offer superior thermal insulation, providing a cooler ride by reducing heat transfer by 30°F.

Neonetics Inc. Mopar Red Vintage Neon Clock 410-374-8057 www.neonetics.com PN: 8MPRED Neonetics presents its brand-new for 2011 Mopar hand-blown neon clock. Suggested retail $79.95.		PU Tech Spoiler LP Blow-Molded ABS Spoiler for 2011 Chevy Cruze Sport (Two Posts) 817-832-9444 www.putechspoiler.com PN: ABS307A-L6 Blow-molded ABS spoiler for the ’11 Chevy Cruze Sport (two posts).

WD-40 Co. Specialist Rust Release Penetrant 619-275-1400 www.wd40company.com PN: 30000 Introducing what WD-40 calls the only tool needed to loosen stuck parts: WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant with Blu Torch technology. Blu Torch technology is said to provide fast-acting penetration to break bonds that hold stuck parts together.		MAcarbon Mercedes CustomSteering Wheel and Shift Paddle Extensions 650-489-4415 www.macarbon.com PN: MAMB.211.600 MAcarbon’s custom carbon-fiber steering wheel and shift paddle extension enhances the visual appeal and driving enjoyment of the user’s Mercedes.

PowerSheen Plastic Renu System www.powersheen.com A new, durable, water-based clear dry coat that protects and restores exterior plastics such as bumpers and mirrors for one to two years. Dries in minutes.		310 Tuner Hood Hinges 310-985-3355 www.310Tuner.com PN: HNDS29909 Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA.

Pecca Leather Inc. Bongiovi DPS Module 734-216-5743 www.peccaleather.com PN: Pecca/Bon01 Pecca Leather is excited to introduce the new Bongiovi Acoustics digital power station (DPS) module for Toyota and Scion models. Pecca says that the DPS module is the future for automotive audio enhancement and is the world’s first 100% digital audio processing system certified for automotive usage.		Retro USA Inc. Camaro Quarter Molding 952-435-8398 www.retrousa.net PN: CA1QM-A Retro USA ’10–’11 Camaro quarter moldings (’69 replica shark gills) available in chrome and black, all chrome and paintable; $99 to $149.

Grit Guard Universal Detail Cart 937-592-9003 www.gritguard.com PN: UDC The Universal Detail Cart is designed to hold the Universal Pad Washer with detailing tools and accessories, creating an organized mobile cleaning station.		InventHelp-Intromark Inc. Handle-It 800-851-6030 www.inventhelpstore.com PN: SLT-125 Handle-It makes carrying boxes, luggage and other items easier. Features sturdy construction with two points of direction and retention for more control and stability.

The greatest obvious growth is the demand for headlight restoration kits and increased demand for tire care products, but consumers needed to be educated about the fact that a solution existed. Many didn’t know that they could make their headlight lenses clear again with minimal time and effort instead of spending hundreds of dollars on repairs, and tires tended to be an afterthought. Now, more and more consumers are realizing what enthusiasts have known for a long time: On a freshly waxed car with dirty wheels and tires, people notice the dirty parts first. Quality control is “off the charts” from the perspective of continual improvement of paint quality and longevity, thereby increasing the importance of protecting the clear coat from damage. However, most consumers don’t even know what clear coat is, so how can they know how to protect it? Technology is driving the need to educate consumers far better than before. There needs to be more clarity and simplicity in the planogram offerings. We intend to lead the way in pioneering this change. It’s our job to explain to our customers what our products do in a clear, concise, user-friendly manner. That’s a key initiative and driver for us. —Lou Basenese President Paradise Road Car Care (an SCG Brands Company)		We’re seeing initial signs of improvement as retail sales are growing and consumers are once again looking to make their cars sparkle and shine. With that, consumers want a good assortment of products and knowledgeable sales staff to help guide them with their product selection. Advances in abrasives and synthetic polymers have opened the door to phenomenally performing products like our Ultimate Compound, which cuts incredibly fast yet leaves a crystal-clear finish. On the synthetic polymer side, our Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere enables the consumer to safely wash and wax a car with zero water—just mist on and wipe off for a no-scratch finish that is simply amazing. Those that have a strong product selection and knowledgeable sales staff will reap the biggest rewards. Consumers will increase their purchases if they know what to buy, why to buy it and how to properly use it. While this seems obvious, it’s often overlooked and is a tremendous competitive advantage to capturing and keeping the consumer coming back to your retail location. Meguiar’s users are also extremely brand loyal and will drive to another retailer if the one they’re at doesn’t carry a specific product that they are seeking. —Mike Pennington Director of Training and Consumer Relations Meguiar’s Inc.

Racing News: Team Falken Driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. Returns to Top of Podium

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 16:48

	Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway.

Team Falken Driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. Returns to Top of Podium and Teammate Yoshihara Takes Second at New Jersey's Formula Drift 'Gauntlet'
In his Monster Energy/Falken Tire ’13 Ford Mustang Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway. Gittin Jr.—"JR" to those who know him—beat Falken teammate Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara, defending Formula D champion, to earn the victory.   JR qualified second among 42 entrants, while Yoshihara, running the Discount Tire Nissan 240SX/S13, placed fourth. Additional Falken teammates Darren McNamara, in his S15 Silvia, and Justin Pawlak, running another ’13 Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified 10th and 14th, respectively. JR, Dai and Pawlak all advanced through the Top 16 Round, where both JR and Dai moved on through the Top 4 to face each other for the Final Round. It was JR’s first win of the season.

Mike Skeen took Pirelli World Challenge poles at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last Sunday. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Skeen Keeps Rolling in WC GT Qualifying
Remaining perfect on the weekend, Mike Skeen, of Charlotte, North Carolina, captured the Pirelli World Challenge GT pole position for last Sunday’s Motul CTMP Grand Prix Presented by Optima Batteries at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Mark Wilkins of Aurora, Ontario, captured his first series pole position in GTS.

Driving the No. 02 Hawk Performance Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Skeen turned a fastest lap of 1:19.068 (111.959 mph) around the 10-turn 2.459-mile circuit renamed from Mosport International Raceway this year. The lap was about a half of a second slower than Skeen’s record-setting pole time for last Saturday afternoon’s race.

Starting second, after finishing second to Skeen on Saturday, will be point leader Johnny O’Connell of Flowery Branch, Georgia. His lap of 1:19.577 (111.243 mph) in the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R netted him 12 points and second place on the grid. He now holds a 197-point lead over teammate Andy Pilgrim entering today’s race.

Alex Figge of Denver will line up third in his No. 9 K-PAX Racing Volvo S60 after turning a lap of 1:19.656 (111.132 mph). Figge will be the lone Volvo in the field after Randy Pobst was withdrawn following a fire in his car last Saturday that required more time for repairs.

Pilgrim will start fourth in the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R after logging a 1:19.786 (110.951 mph). Lawson Aschenbach will line his No. 1 TruSpeed/Privacy Star/EnTrust Porsche 911 GT3 fifth, after running a best lap of 1:19.911 (110.778 mph).

	The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

Brian Deegan Dominates Rounds 7 and 8 in Both Pro Lite and Pro 2 in Utah
Metal Mulisha founder and 2011 Lucas Off Road Racing Series Driver of the Year “The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

In Saturday’s Round 7 Pro Lite Unlimited—Deegan’s first race of the weekend—he started fourth after the inversion from qualifying and moved up in position very early. A rollover brought out a full-course caution, and the running order up front stayed the same on the restart. On lap six, Deegan was able to get by and up to second after a bicycle by RJ Anderson gave Deegan the opening. Deegan then made an inside pass for the lead at turn four. At the Competition Yellow and two more full-course cautions, Deegan held on to his lead. With just a few laps to go, and after several drivers had been strewn across the track, a green-white-checkers finish was called for. Deegan kept his No. 1 spot safe on the restart and final lap to pick up the win in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford.

Saturday’s Pro 2 Unlimited—the final race of the day—found Deegan in second after the first lap. In the second lap, a full-course caution was called for after another driver came to a complete stop between turns one and two. When the racing resumed, the running order in the top five stayed the same for several laps until lap six, when Deegan pulled a sliding pass for the lead in turn three. Now out front, Deegan began to distance himself from the pack, and at the Competition Yellow, he and his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford picked up a bonus championship point for leading at that point. This order stayed the same on the restart lap, and Deegan continued to stretch out his lead over each remaining lap, coming out on top to pick up his 25th career Lucas Oil Off Road win.

In Sunday’s Pro Lite Unlimited, Deegan started out in third place before pulling up to second on lap two. After a restart from full-course caution, Deegan moved his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford into the lead and didn’t look back, taking his second Pro Lite Unlimited first-place finish of the weekend.

In the final race of the weekend, the Pro 2 Unlimited, at Miller Motorsports Park, Deegan started out fifth in the pack in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford until there was a spin-out on the course moving him to fourth, which held true for many laps. After getting into second, Deegan was on the move to get the lead to make it a clean sweep of the weekend when he was slowed by a few cooling issues. Deegan played it safe and got across the line in second place.

Brown, Dover and Johnson Win on Dirt
Three Roush Yates dirt drivers found Victory Lane this weekend with their Roush Yates Ford and Chevy engines. Chris Brown captured his second win of the 2012 season with his Roush Yates 410 Chevy engine at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Missouri, last Saturday night. Brown earned the pole position and survived heavy lapped traffic to lead all 50 laps and capture the USTMS National Championship Series victory by the length of his bumper (0.095-second margin of victory).

Jack Dover won another ASCS Midwest sprint series race last Friday night with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Dover started eighth in the main feature at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Nebraska, and quickly moved up to second behind Don Droud Jr. With one lap to go, Dover passed Droud and captured his fourth win of the season.

Jason Johnson, driver for Stenhouse Jr. Racing, earned his fifth Lucas Oil ASCS victory of the season last weekend at Salina Highbanks in Salina, Oklahoma, with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Johnson drew the pole starting position and battled fellow contender Johnny Herrera most of the race before Herrera's engine expired with one lap to go. Johnson's victory brought him to second in the Lucas Oil ASCS Championship Standings.

Roush Yates' FR9 engines captured poles in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series last weekend. Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 9 for Richard Petty Motorsports, earned the pole at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, while Chris Buescher qualified fastest at Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana.

	Michael Cooper en route to pole positions at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Cooper, Rapone Repeat Touring Car Poles in Canada
Michael Cooper of Syosset, New York, and Andre Rapone of Thornhill, Ontario, repeated their pole-winning efforts from last Saturday in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car and Touring Car B classes, respectively, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Driving the No. 03 MAZDASPEED Motorsports MAZDASPEED3, Cooper was again the only car to eclipse the 1:33 mark, running a 1:32.559 (95.640 mph) to secure his third pole of the season. Cooper went on to finish second and first in the twin sprint races last Saturday to take the Championship point lead.

Ryan Winchester (No. 72 Ligon Industries/HPD Honda Civic Si) and Todd Lamb (No. 71 National Karting News/HPD Honda Civic Si), clocked in the next two fastest times at 1:33.206 (94.976 mph) and 1:33.219 (94.963 mph), respectively.

Tristan Herbert was the first Volkswagen in qualifying, turning a 1:33.568 (94.609 mph) in the No. 33 HPA/RennGruppe/Brimtek/SG Racing Jetta GLI to complete the top five.

In Touring Car B, Rapone kept his perfect weekend going after taking the pole and both twin sprint race wins in his No. 73 Durabond Racing Honda Fit. Rapone waited until the remainder of the field had a couple of laps in the books before taking to the track.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway
Ford owners from all over the Rocky Mountain and Plains states made the journey to Bandimere Speedway for the June 22–23 Phil Long Ford Fun Ford Weekend presented by Roush Yates, JE Pistons and Joe Gibbs Driven.

The staging lanes were filled with Ford power, the car show field packed with all manner of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and manufactures and vendors lined the midway.

The third and final event of a back-to-back-to-back run of 2012 Fun Ford Weekend events takes place at Bristol's Thunder Valley Dragway, June 29–30.   Action begins Friday with a test and tune session open to all manufacturers. The day also includes Ford vs. The World—an event that pits the Fords against all-comers.

Racing News: Team Falken Driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. Returns to Top of Podium

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 16:48

	Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway.

Team Falken Driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. Returns to Top of Podium and Teammate Yoshihara Takes Second at New Jersey's Formula Drift 'Gauntlet'
In his Monster Energy/Falken Tire ’13 Ford Mustang Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway. Gittin Jr.—"JR" to those who know him—beat Falken teammate Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara, defending Formula D champion, to earn the victory.   JR qualified second among 42 entrants, while Yoshihara, running the Discount Tire Nissan 240SX/S13, placed fourth. Additional Falken teammates Darren McNamara, in his S15 Silvia, and Justin Pawlak, running another ’13 Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified 10th and 14th, respectively. JR, Dai and Pawlak all advanced through the Top 16 Round, where both JR and Dai moved on through the Top 4 to face each other for the Final Round. It was JR’s first win of the season.

Mike Skeen took Pirelli World Challenge poles at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last Sunday. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Skeen Keeps Rolling in WC GT Qualifying
Remaining perfect on the weekend, Mike Skeen, of Charlotte, North Carolina, captured the Pirelli World Challenge GT pole position for last Sunday’s Motul CTMP Grand Prix Presented by Optima Batteries at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Mark Wilkins of Aurora, Ontario, captured his first series pole position in GTS.

Driving the No. 02 Hawk Performance Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Skeen turned a fastest lap of 1:19.068 (111.959 mph) around the 10-turn 2.459-mile circuit renamed from Mosport International Raceway this year. The lap was about a half of a second slower than Skeen’s record-setting pole time for last Saturday afternoon’s race.

Starting second, after finishing second to Skeen on Saturday, will be point leader Johnny O’Connell of Flowery Branch, Georgia. His lap of 1:19.577 (111.243 mph) in the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R netted him 12 points and second place on the grid. He now holds a 197-point lead over teammate Andy Pilgrim entering today’s race.

Alex Figge of Denver will line up third in his No. 9 K-PAX Racing Volvo S60 after turning a lap of 1:19.656 (111.132 mph). Figge will be the lone Volvo in the field after Randy Pobst was withdrawn following a fire in his car last Saturday that required more time for repairs.

Pilgrim will start fourth in the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R after logging a 1:19.786 (110.951 mph). Lawson Aschenbach will line his No. 1 TruSpeed/Privacy Star/EnTrust Porsche 911 GT3 fifth, after running a best lap of 1:19.911 (110.778 mph).

	The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

Brian Deegan Dominates Rounds 7 and 8 in Both Pro Lite and Pro 2 in Utah
Metal Mulisha founder and 2011 Lucas Off Road Racing Series Driver of the Year “The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

In Saturday’s Round 7 Pro Lite Unlimited—Deegan’s first race of the weekend—he started fourth after the inversion from qualifying and moved up in position very early. A rollover brought out a full-course caution, and the running order up front stayed the same on the restart. On lap six, Deegan was able to get by and up to second after a bicycle by RJ Anderson gave Deegan the opening. Deegan then made an inside pass for the lead at turn four. At the Competition Yellow and two more full-course cautions, Deegan held on to his lead. With just a few laps to go, and after several drivers had been strewn across the track, a green-white-checkers finish was called for. Deegan kept his No. 1 spot safe on the restart and final lap to pick up the win in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford.

Saturday’s Pro 2 Unlimited—the final race of the day—found Deegan in second after the first lap. In the second lap, a full-course caution was called for after another driver came to a complete stop between turns one and two. When the racing resumed, the running order in the top five stayed the same for several laps until lap six, when Deegan pulled a sliding pass for the lead in turn three. Now out front, Deegan began to distance himself from the pack, and at the Competition Yellow, he and his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford picked up a bonus championship point for leading at that point. This order stayed the same on the restart lap, and Deegan continued to stretch out his lead over each remaining lap, coming out on top to pick up his 25th career Lucas Oil Off Road win.

In Sunday’s Pro Lite Unlimited, Deegan started out in third place before pulling up to second on lap two. After a restart from full-course caution, Deegan moved his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford into the lead and didn’t look back, taking his second Pro Lite Unlimited first-place finish of the weekend.

In the final race of the weekend, the Pro 2 Unlimited, at Miller Motorsports Park, Deegan started out fifth in the pack in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford until there was a spin-out on the course moving him to fourth, which held true for many laps. After getting into second, Deegan was on the move to get the lead to make it a clean sweep of the weekend when he was slowed by a few cooling issues. Deegan played it safe and got across the line in second place.

Brown, Dover and Johnson Win on Dirt
Three Roush Yates dirt drivers found Victory Lane this weekend with their Roush Yates Ford and Chevy engines. Chris Brown captured his second win of the 2012 season with his Roush Yates 410 Chevy engine at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Missouri, last Saturday night. Brown earned the pole position and survived heavy lapped traffic to lead all 50 laps and capture the USTMS National Championship Series victory by the length of his bumper (0.095-second margin of victory).

Jack Dover won another ASCS Midwest sprint series race last Friday night with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Dover started eighth in the main feature at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Nebraska, and quickly moved up to second behind Don Droud Jr. With one lap to go, Dover passed Droud and captured his fourth win of the season.

Jason Johnson, driver for Stenhouse Jr. Racing, earned his fifth Lucas Oil ASCS victory of the season last weekend at Salina Highbanks in Salina, Oklahoma, with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Johnson drew the pole starting position and battled fellow contender Johnny Herrera most of the race before Herrera's engine expired with one lap to go. Johnson's victory brought him to second in the Lucas Oil ASCS Championship Standings.

Roush Yates' FR9 engines captured poles in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series last weekend. Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 9 for Richard Petty Motorsports, earned the pole at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, while Chris Buescher qualified fastest at Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana.

	Michael Cooper en route to pole positions at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Cooper, Rapone Repeat Touring Car Poles in Canada
Michael Cooper of Syosset, New York, and Andre Rapone of Thornhill, Ontario, repeated their pole-winning efforts from last Saturday in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car and Touring Car B classes, respectively, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Driving the No. 03 MAZDASPEED Motorsports MAZDASPEED3, Cooper was again the only car to eclipse the 1:33 mark, running a 1:32.559 (95.640 mph) to secure his third pole of the season. Cooper went on to finish second and first in the twin sprint races last Saturday to take the Championship point lead.

Ryan Winchester (No. 72 Ligon Industries/HPD Honda Civic Si) and Todd Lamb (No. 71 National Karting News/HPD Honda Civic Si), clocked in the next two fastest times at 1:33.206 (94.976 mph) and 1:33.219 (94.963 mph), respectively.

Tristan Herbert was the first Volkswagen in qualifying, turning a 1:33.568 (94.609 mph) in the No. 33 HPA/RennGruppe/Brimtek/SG Racing Jetta GLI to complete the top five.

In Touring Car B, Rapone kept his perfect weekend going after taking the pole and both twin sprint race wins in his No. 73 Durabond Racing Honda Fit. Rapone waited until the remainder of the field had a couple of laps in the books before taking to the track.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway
Ford owners from all over the Rocky Mountain and Plains states made the journey to Bandimere Speedway for the June 22–23 Phil Long Ford Fun Ford Weekend presented by Roush Yates, JE Pistons and Joe Gibbs Driven.

The staging lanes were filled with Ford power, the car show field packed with all manner of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and manufactures and vendors lined the midway.

The third and final event of a back-to-back-to-back run of 2012 Fun Ford Weekend events takes place at Bristol's Thunder Valley Dragway, June 29–30.   Action begins Friday with a test and tune session open to all manufacturers. The day also includes Ford vs. The World—an event that pits the Fords against all-comers.

Latest 2012 SEMA Show Mailer Hits 100,000+ Qualified Buyer Mailboxes

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 15:44

	Brochures were mailed to more than 100,000 qualified SEMA Show buyer attendee prospects last week.

With less than five months to go, plans for the 2012 SEMA Show are well underway and all indications are that we’re on track for another memorable event. More than 60,000 buyers are expected to attend the event, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The following is a quick update on SEMA’s attendee marketing efforts to draw qualified traffic to exhibitors booths.

A comprehensive marketing campaign began this past April that utilizes many innovative elements designed to educate industry professionals about the benefits of attending the SEMA Show. Here are a few examples:

The self-mailers in the adjacent photo were sent to more than 100,000 qualified buyer attendee prospects last week. Like the brochure mailed to exhibitors in March, they provide a unique personal URL (PURL) bearing the prospect's name. The PURL will link to one of five landing pages, customized by product category interest and based on the prospect's name, giving the potential buyer an immediate opportunity to make plans to attend. There were five versions of the mailer, one each for powersports dealers/buyers, collision repair shop owners/buyers, tire dealers/buyers, mobile electronics installers/buyers and buyers who were interested in more than one product category.

Online advertising: Display ads on more than 30 trade websites, a Google AdWords campaign and an aggressive re-targeting campaign combining to make more than 1 million impressions.

Print advertising in more than 120 leading industry publications with a combined circulation of more than 500,000.

Bi-weekly e-mails to more than 150,000 qualified prospects.

SEMA took gold twice last week at EXPO Magazine’s E.X.C.I.T.E Awards for “Best Marketing Collateral,” shared with SEMA’s attendee marketing partner, the Marketing Design Group, and for “Best Innovative Sponsorship Idea” for the SEMA Cruise.

According to Dan Hobgood, SEMA’s senior director of marketing, “Awards are great and recognition is nice, but more important is making sure we get the best exhibitors and highest-quantity decision-making buyers to the 2012 SEMA Show to do business.”

Attendees: If you haven’t signed up to see more than 2,000 of the latest innovative products from new and veteran SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAshow.com/register.

Exhibitors: If you’re a specialty-equipment manufacturer, good space is still available. To buy a booth, visit www.SEMAshow.com/buy-a-booth.

Latest 2012 SEMA Show Mailer Hits 100,000+ Qualified Buyer Mailboxes

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 15:44

	Brochures were mailed to more than 100,000 qualified SEMA Show buyer attendee prospects last week.

With less than five months to go, plans for the 2012 SEMA Show are well underway and all indications are that we’re on track for another memorable event. More than 60,000 buyers are expected to attend the event, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The following is a quick update on SEMA’s attendee marketing efforts to draw qualified traffic to exhibitors booths.

A comprehensive marketing campaign began this past April that utilizes many innovative elements designed to educate industry professionals about the benefits of attending the SEMA Show. Here are a few examples:

The self-mailers in the adjacent photo were sent to more than 100,000 qualified buyer attendee prospects last week. Like the brochure mailed to exhibitors in March, they provide a unique personal URL (PURL) bearing the prospect's name. The PURL will link to one of five landing pages, customized by product category interest and based on the prospect's name, giving the potential buyer an immediate opportunity to make plans to attend. There were five versions of the mailer, one each for powersports dealers/buyers, collision repair shop owners/buyers, tire dealers/buyers, mobile electronics installers/buyers and buyers who were interested in more than one product category.

Online advertising: Display ads on more than 30 trade websites, a Google AdWords campaign and an aggressive re-targeting campaign combining to make more than 1 million impressions.

Print advertising in more than 120 leading industry publications with a combined circulation of more than 500,000.

Bi-weekly e-mails to more than 150,000 qualified prospects.

SEMA took gold twice last week at EXPO Magazine’s E.X.C.I.T.E Awards for “Best Marketing Collateral,” shared with SEMA’s attendee marketing partner, the Marketing Design Group, and for “Best Innovative Sponsorship Idea” for the SEMA Cruise.

According to Dan Hobgood, SEMA’s senior director of marketing, “Awards are great and recognition is nice, but more important is making sure we get the best exhibitors and highest-quantity decision-making buyers to the 2012 SEMA Show to do business.”

Attendees: If you haven’t signed up to see more than 2,000 of the latest innovative products from new and veteran SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAshow.com/register.

Exhibitors: If you’re a specialty-equipment manufacturer, good space is still available. To buy a booth, visit www.SEMAshow.com/buy-a-booth.

Spy Shots—Lexus LFA, Final Edition

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 15:36

From our photographers at the ’Ring:

At its launch in late 2009, Lexus confirmed that its over-the-top supercar—the two-seat, V10-powered LFA—would be limited to just 500 units in total and that the cars would be painstakingly assembled at the rate of just 20 per month. At that rate, production of the LFA is slated to end in December of this year.

While Lexus has never mentioned that it was planning any more versions of the LFA beyond the regular model and track-focused Nürburgring edition, it being one of the automaker’s greatest achievements means it deserves a proper send out. That farewell may just come in the form of an extreme "Final Edition" model.

A mysterious Lexus prototype sporting manufacturer plates has been spotted racing around the Nürburgring. On initial glance, it looks just like the previous Nürburgring Edition, but a closer inspection reveals some new elements that suggest this is an even wilder version.

Apart from the bright new color, the prototype has an additional air intake on its hood, subtle bootlid spoilers and quad exhaust tips instead of the regular three-pipe, triangular design. In fact, the exhausts have even been moved up to just below the taillamps to make way for an aggressive diffuser integrated into the rear bumper.

There’s also the letters “AD-A” plastered on the prototype’s flanks and both its hood and roof has been left unpainted, exposing the car’s pretty carbon-fiber weave.

Given the modifications to the exhaust system, we suspect there is a revised engine under the hood, one that’s almost certain to be pumping out significantly more than the 552 hp, 4.8L V10 found in the regular LFA. The LFA's six-speed sequential transmission is likely to have been reprogrammed for faster shifts, and more weight-saving measures are probably employed as well. Throw in a revised suspension setup and we could be looking at a LFA capable of lapping the Nürburgring-Nordschleife even quicker than the 7:14.64 set by the Nürburgring edition.

Late last year reports emerged claiming Lexus was planning a new special edition of the LFA that would feature an unpainted roof. The car was dubbed the "Tokyo Edition" due to its expected reveal at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but there was no such model. Could this be the car? A possible "Final Edition" perhaps?

It’s also been reported that Toyota’s motorsports partner—Toyota Motorsports GmbH (TMG) based in Cologne, Germany—will be called on to develop a range of new performance models for both the Toyota and Lexus brands. However, a spokesman for TMG has confirmed that this wild LFA prototype is not one of his company’s projects. We should have more details closer to the car’s expected launch early next year, so stay tuned for an update.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Company