Auto 3.0: Fast, Cool, Smart and Connected
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 13:31
 
From the 2014 SEMA Show Technical Briefing Seminars, NVIDA’s Danny Shapiro discusses the future of digital technology in vehicles.
  
SEMA News—April 2015

VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
By Steve Campbell

Auto 3.0: Fast, Cool, Smart and Connected

SEMA’s Vice President of Vehicle Technology on the State of Advanced Vehicle Technology
Today’s cars, trucks and the auto industry and performance aftermarket as a whole are being reinvented, restructured and re-envisioned. Cars are quickly moving from standalone mechanical products to smart electronic products and connected smart products in what might be called Auto 3.0, the Third Automotive Revolution. Not since the beginning of the industry have we seen such disruption in how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced and owned. Vehicles drive themselves, avoid accidents and connect to their owners’ digital lifestyles. They produce lower emissions, go faster and are safer, smarter and cooler than ever.

The disruptive technologies leading the auto industry and aftermarket product revolution are also creating many new and exciting business opportunities and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that did not exist in the industry just six years ago—roughly one or two high school or college generations. New talent pipelines, career paths and skill sets, such as gaming, apps and software development for design, manufacturing, production and marketing, are required to fuel Auto 3.0 and connect the next generation of drivers and workers to digital tech in their cars. Innovation is the number-one driver for creating a competitive advantage and staying relevant with advancing vehicle technology.

“SEMA’s roots are in making cars faster and cooler,” said SEMA’s Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak. “Today’s performance aftermarket offers established SEMA companies and next-generation SEMA companies a wide spectrum of new and exciting opportunities to dream, build and drive their preferred future in making cars faster, cooler, smarter and more connected. Automakers give a car heart. SEMA companies will continue to give a car soul.”

Nvidia’s Drive CX digital cockpit automotive computer powers graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in high-performance video games.
Nvidia’s Drive CX digital cockpit automotive computer powers graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in high-performance video games.

In what has become an annual tradition, Waraniak recently gave us his take on the changing face of the automotive world and the specialty-equipment market.

SEMA News: What are the hottest new technology advances of the past year? What tech trends should specialty-equipment manufacturers have on their business and product-development radars?

John Waraniak: SEMA companies need to be tracking how their products and the vehicle systems they are integrated with are becoming smarter and more connected. The number of cars connected to the Internet worldwide will grow to more than 52 million by 2020, compared with 36 million today. Vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39% of car buyers—more than twice the 14% who care most about horsepower and handling, according to a survey last year from Accenture.

While some drivers prefer 4G to a V8, horsepower and performance under the hood are being matched by the computing power and street cred of the center stack. Drivers are demanding that their cars keep them constantly connected.

The hottest trends that offer members new opportunities for growth and new challenges are connected and self-driving vehicle technologies, as well as powertrain developments to achieve greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while still delivering performance. Seventy-nine percent of automotive CEOs surveyed in PricewaterhouseCooper’s annual automotive report believe that advanced vehicle technology will transform their businesses over the next five years.

The aftermarket industry’s structure is driven by five competitive forces: the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the intensity of rivalries between existing companies, the threat of new entrants and the threat of new technologies, products or services. The industry’s structure changes when new vehicles, business technologies and customer needs shift these five competitive forces.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is a great example of how members are using the latest business technology to increase sales. The SDC is operating a centralized product data service for manufacturers. It organizes, houses and then distributes online product catalog information to WDs and retailers to drive sales growth.

SN: What is the most recent progress with autonomous, connected and self-driving cars? We’ve seen a few examples at recent auto shows. Are they getting closer to widespread reality?

JW: Autonomous vehicle systems, automated, connected and self-driving cars are already here, and the rivalry between the Motor City and Silicon Valley to deploy these technologies, systems and products is good for OEMs and the SEMA community. Automated driving affects every aspect of the vehicle and will increase safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, personalization and mobility.

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.
John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.

Google has been working on self-driving cars for years and is finding friends in the OEM and aftermarket industries. Roush Enterprises—a longtime SEMA-member company—is building Google’s driverless cars in Livonia, Michigan, adding to the company’s portfolio of performance parts, military vehicles and NASCAR stock cars. Ford, Nissan, Audi, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and many other automakers, suppliers and aftermarket companies are developing and deploying connected and autonomous vehicles, systems and technologies as well.

Ford is well aligned with Auto 3.0 and views itself as both a mobility company and an auto company. Ford recently opened its new Research and Innovation Center in Palo Alto, California, to accelerate its development of technologies and experiments in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles and customer experiences with digital technologies in its cars.

Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. president and CEO, said that “the new research center shows Ford’s commitment to be part of the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem—anticipating customers’ wants and needs, especially on connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles. We’re thinking of ourselves as a mobility company and not only a car and truck company.”

In addition, the Mercedes F015 that was revealed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit is one of the most advanced OEM applications of autonomous and fully connected technology—but it’s not just about new vehicles. There are more than 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads today. Retrofitting existing vehicles with basic vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems and sensors as well as updating and upgrading vehicle electronics and software means big business opportunities for the aftermarket.

Automakers often focus on new-vehicle sales with the latest technology but disregard the needs of the consumer several years after purchase. According to a recent Gartner survey, 58% of consumers believe that car manufacturers should allow tech companies to develop in-vehicle technologies for consumers. Auto 3.0 OEMs recognize that their companies are behind the curve and need to develop better ways of addressing mobile connectivity and consumer needs for maintaining the latest technology in their vehicles for new as well as aftermarket sales, or they risk a diminished brand experience.

Nvidia’s Tegra X1 processor is designed to evaluate potential road obstacles for driverless cars by using deep neural networks that allow it to learn how to identify objects such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.
Nvidia’s Tegra X1 processor is designed to evaluate potential road obstacles for driverless cars by using deep neural networks that allow it to learn how to identify objects such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.

 

The three finalists anxiously awaited the winner announcement on stage at the SEMA Ignited filming. They were (from left) Mike Ring and his Ringbrothers ’66 Chevelle, Kyle Tucker and his Detroit Speed ’69 Camaro, and Jeff Kinsey and his Hot Rods by JSK ’32 Ford.
Voxx’s LDS100 aftermarket windshield system includes a built-in GPS and digital video recorder. It recognizes traffic lane markings as well as vehicles in front of the driver’s vehicle and sounds an audible warning when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane or when the driver is too close to the vehicle in front of him.

    

SN: Can you give us some examples of what is currently under development from specialty-equipment companies?

JW: Self-driving technologies and products are being adapted to the aftermarket by Auto 3.0 entrepreneurs such as Kyle Vogt at Cruise Automation. Kyle and I were on a panel together at the Connected Car Expo during the Los Angeles Auto Show. He clearly represents the next-generation of SEMA members that customize cars with a keyboard, digital technologies, software applications and vehicle electronics.

“Seventy-nine percent of automotive CEOs believe that advanced vehicle technology will transform their businesses over the next five years.”

As futuristic as self-driving cars may seem to some SEMA members, 28-year-old Kyle has been working on such projects since he was a teen. He was a co-founder of Twitch, which was acquired last year by Amazon for $1.1 billion. His new company, Cruise Automation, is the first company in America to sell self-driving car technology with its RP1 tilt sensor, which sells for $10,000.

The RP1 sensor pod contains a radar and a number of cameras on the roof to watch the road. A computer that occupies less than two square feet in the trunk crunches the data and controls actuators under the pedals and on the steering wheel to move them as needed. New aftermarket companies such as Cruise that integrate their products with autonomous, connected, smart-vehicle systems will be well positioned when the market for autonomous cars reaches an expected $42 billion in 10 years, and nearly 25% of all cars are expected to drive autonomously by 2030.

Another example is Nvidia, based in Silicon Valley. It is best known for the graphics cards it builds for high-performance video gaming systems, but it’s also accelerating its move into cars with two purpose-built automotive computers, the Drive PX and the Drive CX.

The Drive PX auto computer is intended for autonomous driving. The Drive CX, is for graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in modern video games.

Nvidia sees autonomous driving as a huge growth area and believes that there will be more computing horsepower inside a car than anything you own today. The Audi TT’s monitor is powered by two Nvidia Tegra K1 mobile processors and uses a computing system called MIB, a German acronym that means “modular infotainment toolkit.” It allows a new graphics chip to be added to an infotainment system after one or two years rather than waiting for the completion of a full six-year product cycle.

“VOXX and Pioneer are excellent examples of traditional aftermarket companies and brands embracing Auto 3.0 technologies and business opportunities.”

  
  
Aftermarket companies VOXX and Pioneer are also in the autonomous and connected-vehicle market with smart products for lane-departure warning, collision-avoidance and smartphone-vehicle integration. The VOXX lane-departure warning system, which has a price tag of $699, includes a digital video recorder with a crash sensor, so if you are in an accident, it locks the recording so that you can’t record over it.

Last year, Pioneer was the first SEMA company to hit the road with Apple CarPlay. This year, it plans to do the same with Android Auto. Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics USA, recently told me that his company is integrating Android Auto into its second-generation NEX receivers to provide compatible Android smartphone owners with the ability to utilize the power and connectivity of their devices for in-vehicle navigation, communications, music and more.

VOXX and Pioneer are excellent examples of traditional aftermarket companies and brands embracing Auto 3.0 technologies and business opportunities. Suppliers such as Visteon are also making the transformation to Auto 3.0. More than half of Visteon’s engineers are software engineers.

This transformation is creating new aftermarket opportunities for vehicle personalization with reconfigurable instrument clusters and cockpits. Visteon will equip vehicles with blank screens where clusters and infotainment packages are downloaded from the cloud. Customers may want to personalize the instrument panel or upgrade after a few years. And when the vehicle comes off lease, the automaker, dealer or aftermarket company could download a new cluster with the latest software and get a higher residual. You could download your favorite musclecar instrument cluster that looks just like the original but is a virtual 3D display.

SN: How can existing SEMA-member companies, young enthusiasts and next-generation companies that may want to join SEMA learn more about the association’s vehicle technology initiatives and advanced vehicle electronics?

Pioneer’s AVIC-8100NEX in-dash multimedia receivers bring Android Auto to the aftermarket, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones and extend the Android platform in a way that’s purpose-built so that drivers can stay focused on the road.
Pioneer’s AVIC-8100NEX in-dash multimedia receivers bring Android Auto to the aftermarket, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones and extend the Android platform in a way that’s purpose-built so that drivers can stay focused on the road.

JW: SEMA members have expressed concern about the aging of the specialty-equipment segment and the number of young, next-generation enthusiasts entering the marketplace and our workforce. SEMA has developed a number of initiatives to address those concerns, including a potential program to focus on vehicle electronics in the aftermarket. SEMA is exploring the development of a new Vehicle Electronic Program (VEP) to help traditional mobile-electronics member companies understand and leverage the latest automotive and consumer electronics technologies and emerging business opportunities with digital lifestyles and connected vehicles, as well as attract new players and next-generation members to the association.

The idea of the VEP was announced at our annual Technology Briefing Seminar program at the 2014 SEMA Show to help gather information directly from members that should be included in the program. Members can view an excellent series of videos with John Ellis and Greg Krueger at SEMA’s YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/user/SEMAChannel). The VEP would be modeled after the successful SEMA Vehicle Dynamics Program, in which baseline vehicle information and data are shared among participating members.

SN: What are the latest developments in terms of active safety technology?

JW: The auto industry’s approach to safety is shifting from crash survival to crash avoidance. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is in the process of writing vehicle communications rules and pending regulation FMVSS 150 that would require all automakers to incorporate connected-car technology into their vehicles, but automakers are not waiting for the rule to become a regulation.

V2V and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies will be onboard GM vehicles as early as 2017, and more than 30 of GM’s ’15 models are already equipped with 4G LTE wireless connectivity. Chevrolet has crash-avoidance technologies on many of its ’15 cars and trucks, including rear-vision cameras, a rear cross-traffic alert that uses two radars to let drivers know if a car is approaching from the side when backing, a side blind-zone alert, a forward collision alert that can sense a crash situation before you do, an adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning that can alert drivers who drift out of detected lane lines unintentionally or without a turn signal.

“SEMA-member companies participating in the Vehicle Dynamics Program have conducted more than 50 aftermarket-modified vehicle tests to demonstrate FMVSS 126 compliance.”

V2V utilizes sensor information from neighboring vehicles, enabling sensor fusion and adding visible and invisible information about the surrounding vehicles. The primary focus is on accident avoidance and safety. While V2V could potentially eliminate a large number of accidents, those benefits will come at a cost per vehicle to the consumer of roughly $350. For V2V to work, a large number of vehicles—both new and used—need to be equipped with the systems, and that represents new opportunities for the aftermarket industry.

The Connected Vehicle Research Program, initiated by the DOT and led by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), involves a pilot program with nearly 3,000 vehicles from eight OEMs and is the largest test bed in the world for V2V technology. U-M’s Transportation Research Institute and the federal and state transportation departments have plans to equip 9,000 cars with wireless communication technology. SEMA members working through the VEP would be able to test their latest products and systems with vehicles on UMTRI’s 32-acre test facility, known as “M City.”

CU-ICAR offers SEMA members data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber.
CU-ICAR offers SEMA members data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber.

SN: What are the latest developments in SEMA’s relationship with Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR)? What are the latest developments in vehicle dynamics and vehicle emissions compliance?

JW: SEMA’s collaborative relationship with CU-ICAR and Art Center College of Design is now in its fifth year. The full-scale vehicle testing and hardware-in-the-loop simulation technology and product-development methodologies available to members are the same as those used by all OEMs and major suppliers around the world. They allow SEMA members to develop, test and simulate vehicle dynamics, new chassis-system components, suspensions, engines, powertrains, drivelines, vehicle emissions and electronic control systems.

The innovative and collaborative approach developed by SEMA has minimized costs while establishing unique capabilities for members that want to know the impact of their products on vehicle dynamics and vehicle emissions. SEMA’s Vehicle Dynamics Program helps members analyze and determine the impact of their products on active safety systems and vehicle dynamics performance. Members have conducted more than 50 aftermarket-modified vehicle tests to demonstrate FMVSS 126 compliance.

Powertrain technology advancements will continue at an unprecedented level for the next decade as OEMs strive to meet aggressive 2025 fuel-economy targets. New regulations are driving OEMs to deliver innovative powertrain technologies that will create new challenges and opportunities for performance aftermarket companies. These advanced powertrain technologies will significantly increase vehicle complexity, making it harder, more costly and more time consuming for SEMA companies that manufacture and market performance parts that must comply with the latest regulated emissions requirements. Our SEMA-Clemson Vehicle Emissions Projects, along with SEMA’s Emissions Lab and Executive Order program for vehicle compliance, can help members predict the impact of aftermarket powertrain modifications on vehicle emissions.

The CU-ICAR facility in Greenville, South Carolina, offers data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber. Member companies that engineer and manufacture high-performance products for powertrains have to face the reality of the “do no harm” umbrella imposed by federal and state regulations. Failure to comply could lead to huge fines.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued fines approaching $1 million for noncompliance. SEMA is working with CARB to develop a process with a specific set of representative vehicles. The Ford F-150, the Mustang, the Camaro and the Chevy Silverado have tentatively been agreed upon. Once the list of vehicles is complete, SEMA will buy the vehicles and make them available to CU-ICAR for baseline testing, analysis and data acquisition.

It’s important to note that the immediate goal of the SEMA-Clemson Grant Projects and partnership is to help members and the industry ensure reliable and high-quality operation of aftermarket performance products. The transformational goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR collaboration is to establish and grow new business opportunities in the areas of customization and accessorization while simultaneously educating the next generation of automotive students and SEMA members on performance product development, vehicle technology, system engineering, integration and solutions critical to the performance aftermarket industry.

Lexus introduced its ’15 NX 200t and its F Sport line of performance vehicles at the SEMA Show as well as at NAIAS in Detroit.
Lexus introduced its ’15 NX 200t and its F Sport line of performance vehicles at the SEMA Show as well as at NAIAS in Detroit.

The true value of a brand and measure of its authenticity is in its culture. The SEMA-Clemson partnership is one example of SEMA’s commitment to helping connect the next generation of automotive engineers, designers and students interested in STEM with SEMA’s culture and career opportunities. More than 53 CU-ICAR Master of Science and Ph.D. students have graduated and experienced the SEMA culture by working with members on SEMA projects and Deep Orange vehicles over the past five years. They are now in key engineering and product-development positions throughout the industry and will continue to help SEMA and the aftermarket continue advancing, evolving and staying relevant.

SN: After another year of development, what are the most promising current powertrain developments and challenges?

JW: Ford just won the Rolex 24 at Daytona with an EcoBoost-powered Daytona prototype, proving again that green performance technologies continue to advance both at the track and on the street. The race for automakers to achieve 54.5 mpg by 2025 is on. Powertrain technology advancements have continued and will do so at an unprecedented level for the next decade as OEMs strive to meet those 2025 fuel-economy targets. By then, when cars and light trucks will fall under the same Tier 3 emissions regulations, an automaker intending to sell one “dirty” vehicle at the top of the bin scale must sell 13 vehicles at the bottom to achieve the fleet average.

Complying with these requirements will force automakers to sell a lot more small vehicles if they want to continue producing performance vehicles, large pickups and SUVs. New regulations driving OEMs to deliver innovative powertrain technologies will continue to create more challenges and opportunities for performance aftermarket companies. Advanced powertrain technologies also significantly increase vehicle complexity, making it harder, more costly and more time consuming for SEMA companies that manufacture and market performance parts that must comply with the latest regulated emissions requirements.

SN: Fuel prices have plummeted. What does that do to the development of alternative energy powertrains, hybrids and the future of the internal-combustion engine?

 

SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Mission

SEMA’s vehicle technology department helps members understand the latest vehicle technologies and connects them to cost-effective resources, programs, solutions and benefits relevant to their businesses and product-development plans. The goal is to help members customize with confidence by knowing how advanced vehicle technologies and new regulations impact their products and businesses. Three areas of priority for members are vehicle dynamics and emissions, vehicle electronics, and vehicle-technology alerts.

Vehicle Dynamics and Emissions: Ensure that members’ products and modifications can be successfully integrated with the latest and emerging vehicle dynamics and emissions technologies and comply with federal and state motor-vehicle regulations.

Vehicle Electronics: Integrate members’ products with the latest automotive and consumer electronics technologies and leverage emerging opportunities with digital lifestyles and connected vehicles.

Vehicle Technology Alerts: Provide members with the latest information about advanced vehicle technologies, new business opportunities and regulations impacting their products and businesses.

It may be a coincidence that gas prices are so low right now, but it sets the stage for performance. If gas prices were high, people might question why the industry is building and hyping so many performance vehicles. Performance was the theme at the 2015 NAIAS in Detroit, where Cadillac revealed its 640hp CTS-V, Lexus showed its NX 200t and even high-profile electrified vehicles and hybrids such as the new Acura NSX on display roared performance.

Consumers also want big vehicles. Light trucks accounted for 55% of U.S. auto sales in 2014, whereas hybrid and electric car sales fell 8.8%. Gas prices are expected to average $2.33 a gallon this year and $2.72 in 2016. Ford announced that it is introducing 12 new performance vehicles in the next five years—including the new the Shelby GT350R Mustang supercar and the high-performance ’17 F-150 Raptor off-road pickup—through its new global Ford performance unit headed by Dave Pericak, who will be a speaker on this year’s Technology Briefing Seminar Program at the SEMA Show. Automakers will continue to make halo performance vehicles to raise a brand’s profile and bring consumers into showrooms.

Aftermarket engine performance-parts manufacturers will soon be facing new challenges due to the increasing effect of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Brett Smith, program director at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a leading powertrain expert, stated at the SEMA Show that only 5% of 2013 production could meet the 2025 EPA CO2 emissions standards—and those are hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), so considerable work has to be done to improve gasoline engines.

Since the 2025 standards are more than a decade away, there’s time for OEMs to make continued improvements and innovations in gasoline internal-combustion engines for CAFE. However, it means that gasoline engine powertrains may suffer decreased performance in exchange for greater fuel economy, which could create opportunities for SEMA members.

The internal-combustion engine is likely to remain the dominant choice for automakers while PHEVs and EVs are struggling to get high-volume market acceptance. California regulations require that 15% of vehicles for sale in the state in 2025 be zero emissions—EVs and some PHEVs. If other states that normally follow California’s emissions and fuel economy lead do so with the zero mandate, that could affect more than 30% of the market.

SN: Is there anything we haven’t mentioned that we should add to the discussion?

JW: Digital technology, software-based customization and vehicle electronics in the car are major growth opportunities for SEMA companies. Product is king, but vehicle electronics and software rule. Smart, connected cars will enable greater personalization and customization through designs that will support ongoing technology and product upgrades. While some SEMA members may believe that self-driving cars signal the end of driving as we know it, I don’t believe that is true. I think connected-vehicle technologies will reemphasize the importance of automobiles, and cars will become more important because of these technologies. Vehicle performance and connectivity are leading the way in 2015 and offer street cred to both old-school and new-school enthusiasts.

MTV just released a report stating that Gen-Y Millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 want their cars, SUVs and pickups. They are 100 million strong and represent $1 trillion in buying power. Like other generations, they see car ownership as a way to establish independence and a way to shape their unique adult identity. The survey found that 75% would rather give up social media for a day than their cars, and 72% said that they would rather give up texting for a week than their cars. This new information reveals that Millennials are more interested in driving and buying cars than much research has led automakers and aftermarket companies to believe—but the industry needs to do a better job of reaching them.

The auto industry has been a source of pride for generations. It’s an engine of America’s manufacturing horsepower and a gateway to the middle class for millions. For next-generation enthusiasts and younger SEMA members who missed the excitement of living in the musclecar era, no worries. The Auto 3.0 era will be even more exciting, with cars that are not only fast and cool but smart and connected.

Auto 3.0: Fast, Cool, Smart and Connected
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 13:31
 
From the 2014 SEMA Show Technical Briefing Seminars, NVIDA’s Danny Shapiro discusses the future of digital technology in vehicles.
  
SEMA News—April 2015

VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
By Steve Campbell

Auto 3.0: Fast, Cool, Smart and Connected

SEMA’s Vice President of Vehicle Technology on the State of Advanced Vehicle Technology
Today’s cars, trucks and the auto industry and performance aftermarket as a whole are being reinvented, restructured and re-envisioned. Cars are quickly moving from standalone mechanical products to smart electronic products and connected smart products in what might be called Auto 3.0, the Third Automotive Revolution. Not since the beginning of the industry have we seen such disruption in how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced and owned. Vehicles drive themselves, avoid accidents and connect to their owners’ digital lifestyles. They produce lower emissions, go faster and are safer, smarter and cooler than ever.

The disruptive technologies leading the auto industry and aftermarket product revolution are also creating many new and exciting business opportunities and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that did not exist in the industry just six years ago—roughly one or two high school or college generations. New talent pipelines, career paths and skill sets, such as gaming, apps and software development for design, manufacturing, production and marketing, are required to fuel Auto 3.0 and connect the next generation of drivers and workers to digital tech in their cars. Innovation is the number-one driver for creating a competitive advantage and staying relevant with advancing vehicle technology.

“SEMA’s roots are in making cars faster and cooler,” said SEMA’s Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak. “Today’s performance aftermarket offers established SEMA companies and next-generation SEMA companies a wide spectrum of new and exciting opportunities to dream, build and drive their preferred future in making cars faster, cooler, smarter and more connected. Automakers give a car heart. SEMA companies will continue to give a car soul.”

Nvidia’s Drive CX digital cockpit automotive computer powers graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in high-performance video games.
Nvidia’s Drive CX digital cockpit automotive computer powers graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in high-performance video games.

In what has become an annual tradition, Waraniak recently gave us his take on the changing face of the automotive world and the specialty-equipment market.

SEMA News: What are the hottest new technology advances of the past year? What tech trends should specialty-equipment manufacturers have on their business and product-development radars?

John Waraniak: SEMA companies need to be tracking how their products and the vehicle systems they are integrated with are becoming smarter and more connected. The number of cars connected to the Internet worldwide will grow to more than 52 million by 2020, compared with 36 million today. Vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39% of car buyers—more than twice the 14% who care most about horsepower and handling, according to a survey last year from Accenture.

While some drivers prefer 4G to a V8, horsepower and performance under the hood are being matched by the computing power and street cred of the center stack. Drivers are demanding that their cars keep them constantly connected.

The hottest trends that offer members new opportunities for growth and new challenges are connected and self-driving vehicle technologies, as well as powertrain developments to achieve greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while still delivering performance. Seventy-nine percent of automotive CEOs surveyed in PricewaterhouseCooper’s annual automotive report believe that advanced vehicle technology will transform their businesses over the next five years.

The aftermarket industry’s structure is driven by five competitive forces: the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the intensity of rivalries between existing companies, the threat of new entrants and the threat of new technologies, products or services. The industry’s structure changes when new vehicles, business technologies and customer needs shift these five competitive forces.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is a great example of how members are using the latest business technology to increase sales. The SDC is operating a centralized product data service for manufacturers. It organizes, houses and then distributes online product catalog information to WDs and retailers to drive sales growth.

SN: What is the most recent progress with autonomous, connected and self-driving cars? We’ve seen a few examples at recent auto shows. Are they getting closer to widespread reality?

JW: Autonomous vehicle systems, automated, connected and self-driving cars are already here, and the rivalry between the Motor City and Silicon Valley to deploy these technologies, systems and products is good for OEMs and the SEMA community. Automated driving affects every aspect of the vehicle and will increase safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, personalization and mobility.

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.
John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.

Google has been working on self-driving cars for years and is finding friends in the OEM and aftermarket industries. Roush Enterprises—a longtime SEMA-member company—is building Google’s driverless cars in Livonia, Michigan, adding to the company’s portfolio of performance parts, military vehicles and NASCAR stock cars. Ford, Nissan, Audi, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and many other automakers, suppliers and aftermarket companies are developing and deploying connected and autonomous vehicles, systems and technologies as well.

Ford is well aligned with Auto 3.0 and views itself as both a mobility company and an auto company. Ford recently opened its new Research and Innovation Center in Palo Alto, California, to accelerate its development of technologies and experiments in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles and customer experiences with digital technologies in its cars.

Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. president and CEO, said that “the new research center shows Ford’s commitment to be part of the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem—anticipating customers’ wants and needs, especially on connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles. We’re thinking of ourselves as a mobility company and not only a car and truck company.”

In addition, the Mercedes F015 that was revealed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit is one of the most advanced OEM applications of autonomous and fully connected technology—but it’s not just about new vehicles. There are more than 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads today. Retrofitting existing vehicles with basic vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems and sensors as well as updating and upgrading vehicle electronics and software means big business opportunities for the aftermarket.

Automakers often focus on new-vehicle sales with the latest technology but disregard the needs of the consumer several years after purchase. According to a recent Gartner survey, 58% of consumers believe that car manufacturers should allow tech companies to develop in-vehicle technologies for consumers. Auto 3.0 OEMs recognize that their companies are behind the curve and need to develop better ways of addressing mobile connectivity and consumer needs for maintaining the latest technology in their vehicles for new as well as aftermarket sales, or they risk a diminished brand experience.

Nvidia’s Tegra X1 processor is designed to evaluate potential road obstacles for driverless cars by using deep neural networks that allow it to learn how to identify objects such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.
Nvidia’s Tegra X1 processor is designed to evaluate potential road obstacles for driverless cars by using deep neural networks that allow it to learn how to identify objects such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.

 

The three finalists anxiously awaited the winner announcement on stage at the SEMA Ignited filming. They were (from left) Mike Ring and his Ringbrothers ’66 Chevelle, Kyle Tucker and his Detroit Speed ’69 Camaro, and Jeff Kinsey and his Hot Rods by JSK ’32 Ford.
Voxx’s LDS100 aftermarket windshield system includes a built-in GPS and digital video recorder. It recognizes traffic lane markings as well as vehicles in front of the driver’s vehicle and sounds an audible warning when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane or when the driver is too close to the vehicle in front of him.

    

SN: Can you give us some examples of what is currently under development from specialty-equipment companies?

JW: Self-driving technologies and products are being adapted to the aftermarket by Auto 3.0 entrepreneurs such as Kyle Vogt at Cruise Automation. Kyle and I were on a panel together at the Connected Car Expo during the Los Angeles Auto Show. He clearly represents the next-generation of SEMA members that customize cars with a keyboard, digital technologies, software applications and vehicle electronics.

“Seventy-nine percent of automotive CEOs believe that advanced vehicle technology will transform their businesses over the next five years.”

As futuristic as self-driving cars may seem to some SEMA members, 28-year-old Kyle has been working on such projects since he was a teen. He was a co-founder of Twitch, which was acquired last year by Amazon for $1.1 billion. His new company, Cruise Automation, is the first company in America to sell self-driving car technology with its RP1 tilt sensor, which sells for $10,000.

The RP1 sensor pod contains a radar and a number of cameras on the roof to watch the road. A computer that occupies less than two square feet in the trunk crunches the data and controls actuators under the pedals and on the steering wheel to move them as needed. New aftermarket companies such as Cruise that integrate their products with autonomous, connected, smart-vehicle systems will be well positioned when the market for autonomous cars reaches an expected $42 billion in 10 years, and nearly 25% of all cars are expected to drive autonomously by 2030.

Another example is Nvidia, based in Silicon Valley. It is best known for the graphics cards it builds for high-performance video gaming systems, but it’s also accelerating its move into cars with two purpose-built automotive computers, the Drive PX and the Drive CX.

The Drive PX auto computer is intended for autonomous driving. The Drive CX, is for graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in modern video games.

Nvidia sees autonomous driving as a huge growth area and believes that there will be more computing horsepower inside a car than anything you own today. The Audi TT’s monitor is powered by two Nvidia Tegra K1 mobile processors and uses a computing system called MIB, a German acronym that means “modular infotainment toolkit.” It allows a new graphics chip to be added to an infotainment system after one or two years rather than waiting for the completion of a full six-year product cycle.

“VOXX and Pioneer are excellent examples of traditional aftermarket companies and brands embracing Auto 3.0 technologies and business opportunities.”

  
  
Aftermarket companies VOXX and Pioneer are also in the autonomous and connected-vehicle market with smart products for lane-departure warning, collision-avoidance and smartphone-vehicle integration. The VOXX lane-departure warning system, which has a price tag of $699, includes a digital video recorder with a crash sensor, so if you are in an accident, it locks the recording so that you can’t record over it.

Last year, Pioneer was the first SEMA company to hit the road with Apple CarPlay. This year, it plans to do the same with Android Auto. Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics USA, recently told me that his company is integrating Android Auto into its second-generation NEX receivers to provide compatible Android smartphone owners with the ability to utilize the power and connectivity of their devices for in-vehicle navigation, communications, music and more.

VOXX and Pioneer are excellent examples of traditional aftermarket companies and brands embracing Auto 3.0 technologies and business opportunities. Suppliers such as Visteon are also making the transformation to Auto 3.0. More than half of Visteon’s engineers are software engineers.

This transformation is creating new aftermarket opportunities for vehicle personalization with reconfigurable instrument clusters and cockpits. Visteon will equip vehicles with blank screens where clusters and infotainment packages are downloaded from the cloud. Customers may want to personalize the instrument panel or upgrade after a few years. And when the vehicle comes off lease, the automaker, dealer or aftermarket company could download a new cluster with the latest software and get a higher residual. You could download your favorite musclecar instrument cluster that looks just like the original but is a virtual 3D display.

SN: How can existing SEMA-member companies, young enthusiasts and next-generation companies that may want to join SEMA learn more about the association’s vehicle technology initiatives and advanced vehicle electronics?

Pioneer’s AVIC-8100NEX in-dash multimedia receivers bring Android Auto to the aftermarket, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones and extend the Android platform in a way that’s purpose-built so that drivers can stay focused on the road.
Pioneer’s AVIC-8100NEX in-dash multimedia receivers bring Android Auto to the aftermarket, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones and extend the Android platform in a way that’s purpose-built so that drivers can stay focused on the road.

JW: SEMA members have expressed concern about the aging of the specialty-equipment segment and the number of young, next-generation enthusiasts entering the marketplace and our workforce. SEMA has developed a number of initiatives to address those concerns, including a potential program to focus on vehicle electronics in the aftermarket. SEMA is exploring the development of a new Vehicle Electronic Program (VEP) to help traditional mobile-electronics member companies understand and leverage the latest automotive and consumer electronics technologies and emerging business opportunities with digital lifestyles and connected vehicles, as well as attract new players and next-generation members to the association.

The idea of the VEP was announced at our annual Technology Briefing Seminar program at the 2014 SEMA Show to help gather information directly from members that should be included in the program. Members can view an excellent series of videos with John Ellis and Greg Krueger at SEMA’s YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/user/SEMAChannel). The VEP would be modeled after the successful SEMA Vehicle Dynamics Program, in which baseline vehicle information and data are shared among participating members.

SN: What are the latest developments in terms of active safety technology?

JW: The auto industry’s approach to safety is shifting from crash survival to crash avoidance. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is in the process of writing vehicle communications rules and pending regulation FMVSS 150 that would require all automakers to incorporate connected-car technology into their vehicles, but automakers are not waiting for the rule to become a regulation.

V2V and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies will be onboard GM vehicles as early as 2017, and more than 30 of GM’s ’15 models are already equipped with 4G LTE wireless connectivity. Chevrolet has crash-avoidance technologies on many of its ’15 cars and trucks, including rear-vision cameras, a rear cross-traffic alert that uses two radars to let drivers know if a car is approaching from the side when backing, a side blind-zone alert, a forward collision alert that can sense a crash situation before you do, an adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning that can alert drivers who drift out of detected lane lines unintentionally or without a turn signal.

“SEMA-member companies participating in the Vehicle Dynamics Program have conducted more than 50 aftermarket-modified vehicle tests to demonstrate FMVSS 126 compliance.”

V2V utilizes sensor information from neighboring vehicles, enabling sensor fusion and adding visible and invisible information about the surrounding vehicles. The primary focus is on accident avoidance and safety. While V2V could potentially eliminate a large number of accidents, those benefits will come at a cost per vehicle to the consumer of roughly $350. For V2V to work, a large number of vehicles—both new and used—need to be equipped with the systems, and that represents new opportunities for the aftermarket industry.

The Connected Vehicle Research Program, initiated by the DOT and led by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), involves a pilot program with nearly 3,000 vehicles from eight OEMs and is the largest test bed in the world for V2V technology. U-M’s Transportation Research Institute and the federal and state transportation departments have plans to equip 9,000 cars with wireless communication technology. SEMA members working through the VEP would be able to test their latest products and systems with vehicles on UMTRI’s 32-acre test facility, known as “M City.”

CU-ICAR offers SEMA members data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber.
CU-ICAR offers SEMA members data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber.

SN: What are the latest developments in SEMA’s relationship with Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR)? What are the latest developments in vehicle dynamics and vehicle emissions compliance?

JW: SEMA’s collaborative relationship with CU-ICAR and Art Center College of Design is now in its fifth year. The full-scale vehicle testing and hardware-in-the-loop simulation technology and product-development methodologies available to members are the same as those used by all OEMs and major suppliers around the world. They allow SEMA members to develop, test and simulate vehicle dynamics, new chassis-system components, suspensions, engines, powertrains, drivelines, vehicle emissions and electronic control systems.

The innovative and collaborative approach developed by SEMA has minimized costs while establishing unique capabilities for members that want to know the impact of their products on vehicle dynamics and vehicle emissions. SEMA’s Vehicle Dynamics Program helps members analyze and determine the impact of their products on active safety systems and vehicle dynamics performance. Members have conducted more than 50 aftermarket-modified vehicle tests to demonstrate FMVSS 126 compliance.

Powertrain technology advancements will continue at an unprecedented level for the next decade as OEMs strive to meet aggressive 2025 fuel-economy targets. New regulations are driving OEMs to deliver innovative powertrain technologies that will create new challenges and opportunities for performance aftermarket companies. These advanced powertrain technologies will significantly increase vehicle complexity, making it harder, more costly and more time consuming for SEMA companies that manufacture and market performance parts that must comply with the latest regulated emissions requirements. Our SEMA-Clemson Vehicle Emissions Projects, along with SEMA’s Emissions Lab and Executive Order program for vehicle compliance, can help members predict the impact of aftermarket powertrain modifications on vehicle emissions.

The CU-ICAR facility in Greenville, South Carolina, offers data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber. Member companies that engineer and manufacture high-performance products for powertrains have to face the reality of the “do no harm” umbrella imposed by federal and state regulations. Failure to comply could lead to huge fines.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued fines approaching $1 million for noncompliance. SEMA is working with CARB to develop a process with a specific set of representative vehicles. The Ford F-150, the Mustang, the Camaro and the Chevy Silverado have tentatively been agreed upon. Once the list of vehicles is complete, SEMA will buy the vehicles and make them available to CU-ICAR for baseline testing, analysis and data acquisition.

It’s important to note that the immediate goal of the SEMA-Clemson Grant Projects and partnership is to help members and the industry ensure reliable and high-quality operation of aftermarket performance products. The transformational goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR collaboration is to establish and grow new business opportunities in the areas of customization and accessorization while simultaneously educating the next generation of automotive students and SEMA members on performance product development, vehicle technology, system engineering, integration and solutions critical to the performance aftermarket industry.

Lexus introduced its ’15 NX 200t and its F Sport line of performance vehicles at the SEMA Show as well as at NAIAS in Detroit.
Lexus introduced its ’15 NX 200t and its F Sport line of performance vehicles at the SEMA Show as well as at NAIAS in Detroit.

The true value of a brand and measure of its authenticity is in its culture. The SEMA-Clemson partnership is one example of SEMA’s commitment to helping connect the next generation of automotive engineers, designers and students interested in STEM with SEMA’s culture and career opportunities. More than 53 CU-ICAR Master of Science and Ph.D. students have graduated and experienced the SEMA culture by working with members on SEMA projects and Deep Orange vehicles over the past five years. They are now in key engineering and product-development positions throughout the industry and will continue to help SEMA and the aftermarket continue advancing, evolving and staying relevant.

SN: After another year of development, what are the most promising current powertrain developments and challenges?

JW: Ford just won the Rolex 24 at Daytona with an EcoBoost-powered Daytona prototype, proving again that green performance technologies continue to advance both at the track and on the street. The race for automakers to achieve 54.5 mpg by 2025 is on. Powertrain technology advancements have continued and will do so at an unprecedented level for the next decade as OEMs strive to meet those 2025 fuel-economy targets. By then, when cars and light trucks will fall under the same Tier 3 emissions regulations, an automaker intending to sell one “dirty” vehicle at the top of the bin scale must sell 13 vehicles at the bottom to achieve the fleet average.

Complying with these requirements will force automakers to sell a lot more small vehicles if they want to continue producing performance vehicles, large pickups and SUVs. New regulations driving OEMs to deliver innovative powertrain technologies will continue to create more challenges and opportunities for performance aftermarket companies. Advanced powertrain technologies also significantly increase vehicle complexity, making it harder, more costly and more time consuming for SEMA companies that manufacture and market performance parts that must comply with the latest regulated emissions requirements.

SN: Fuel prices have plummeted. What does that do to the development of alternative energy powertrains, hybrids and the future of the internal-combustion engine?

 

SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Mission

SEMA’s vehicle technology department helps members understand the latest vehicle technologies and connects them to cost-effective resources, programs, solutions and benefits relevant to their businesses and product-development plans. The goal is to help members customize with confidence by knowing how advanced vehicle technologies and new regulations impact their products and businesses. Three areas of priority for members are vehicle dynamics and emissions, vehicle electronics, and vehicle-technology alerts.

Vehicle Dynamics and Emissions: Ensure that members’ products and modifications can be successfully integrated with the latest and emerging vehicle dynamics and emissions technologies and comply with federal and state motor-vehicle regulations.

Vehicle Electronics: Integrate members’ products with the latest automotive and consumer electronics technologies and leverage emerging opportunities with digital lifestyles and connected vehicles.

Vehicle Technology Alerts: Provide members with the latest information about advanced vehicle technologies, new business opportunities and regulations impacting their products and businesses.

It may be a coincidence that gas prices are so low right now, but it sets the stage for performance. If gas prices were high, people might question why the industry is building and hyping so many performance vehicles. Performance was the theme at the 2015 NAIAS in Detroit, where Cadillac revealed its 640hp CTS-V, Lexus showed its NX 200t and even high-profile electrified vehicles and hybrids such as the new Acura NSX on display roared performance.

Consumers also want big vehicles. Light trucks accounted for 55% of U.S. auto sales in 2014, whereas hybrid and electric car sales fell 8.8%. Gas prices are expected to average $2.33 a gallon this year and $2.72 in 2016. Ford announced that it is introducing 12 new performance vehicles in the next five years—including the new the Shelby GT350R Mustang supercar and the high-performance ’17 F-150 Raptor off-road pickup—through its new global Ford performance unit headed by Dave Pericak, who will be a speaker on this year’s Technology Briefing Seminar Program at the SEMA Show. Automakers will continue to make halo performance vehicles to raise a brand’s profile and bring consumers into showrooms.

Aftermarket engine performance-parts manufacturers will soon be facing new challenges due to the increasing effect of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Brett Smith, program director at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a leading powertrain expert, stated at the SEMA Show that only 5% of 2013 production could meet the 2025 EPA CO2 emissions standards—and those are hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), so considerable work has to be done to improve gasoline engines.

Since the 2025 standards are more than a decade away, there’s time for OEMs to make continued improvements and innovations in gasoline internal-combustion engines for CAFE. However, it means that gasoline engine powertrains may suffer decreased performance in exchange for greater fuel economy, which could create opportunities for SEMA members.

The internal-combustion engine is likely to remain the dominant choice for automakers while PHEVs and EVs are struggling to get high-volume market acceptance. California regulations require that 15% of vehicles for sale in the state in 2025 be zero emissions—EVs and some PHEVs. If other states that normally follow California’s emissions and fuel economy lead do so with the zero mandate, that could affect more than 30% of the market.

SN: Is there anything we haven’t mentioned that we should add to the discussion?

JW: Digital technology, software-based customization and vehicle electronics in the car are major growth opportunities for SEMA companies. Product is king, but vehicle electronics and software rule. Smart, connected cars will enable greater personalization and customization through designs that will support ongoing technology and product upgrades. While some SEMA members may believe that self-driving cars signal the end of driving as we know it, I don’t believe that is true. I think connected-vehicle technologies will reemphasize the importance of automobiles, and cars will become more important because of these technologies. Vehicle performance and connectivity are leading the way in 2015 and offer street cred to both old-school and new-school enthusiasts.

MTV just released a report stating that Gen-Y Millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 want their cars, SUVs and pickups. They are 100 million strong and represent $1 trillion in buying power. Like other generations, they see car ownership as a way to establish independence and a way to shape their unique adult identity. The survey found that 75% would rather give up social media for a day than their cars, and 72% said that they would rather give up texting for a week than their cars. This new information reveals that Millennials are more interested in driving and buying cars than much research has led automakers and aftermarket companies to believe—but the industry needs to do a better job of reaching them.

The auto industry has been a source of pride for generations. It’s an engine of America’s manufacturing horsepower and a gateway to the middle class for millions. For next-generation enthusiasts and younger SEMA members who missed the excitement of living in the musclecar era, no worries. The Auto 3.0 era will be even more exciting, with cars that are not only fast and cool but smart and connected.

Auto 3.0: Fast, Cool, Smart and Connected
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 13:31
 
From the 2014 SEMA Show Technical Briefing Seminars, NVIDA’s Danny Shapiro discusses the future of digital technology in vehicles.
  
SEMA News—April 2015

VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
By Steve Campbell

Auto 3.0: Fast, Cool, Smart and Connected

SEMA’s Vice President of Vehicle Technology on the State of Advanced Vehicle Technology
Today’s cars, trucks and the auto industry and performance aftermarket as a whole are being reinvented, restructured and re-envisioned. Cars are quickly moving from standalone mechanical products to smart electronic products and connected smart products in what might be called Auto 3.0, the Third Automotive Revolution. Not since the beginning of the industry have we seen such disruption in how cars are designed, developed, customized, sold, serviced and owned. Vehicles drive themselves, avoid accidents and connect to their owners’ digital lifestyles. They produce lower emissions, go faster and are safer, smarter and cooler than ever.

The disruptive technologies leading the auto industry and aftermarket product revolution are also creating many new and exciting business opportunities and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that did not exist in the industry just six years ago—roughly one or two high school or college generations. New talent pipelines, career paths and skill sets, such as gaming, apps and software development for design, manufacturing, production and marketing, are required to fuel Auto 3.0 and connect the next generation of drivers and workers to digital tech in their cars. Innovation is the number-one driver for creating a competitive advantage and staying relevant with advancing vehicle technology.

“SEMA’s roots are in making cars faster and cooler,” said SEMA’s Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak. “Today’s performance aftermarket offers established SEMA companies and next-generation SEMA companies a wide spectrum of new and exciting opportunities to dream, build and drive their preferred future in making cars faster, cooler, smarter and more connected. Automakers give a car heart. SEMA companies will continue to give a car soul.”

Nvidia’s Drive CX digital cockpit automotive computer powers graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in high-performance video games.
Nvidia’s Drive CX digital cockpit automotive computer powers graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in high-performance video games.

In what has become an annual tradition, Waraniak recently gave us his take on the changing face of the automotive world and the specialty-equipment market.

SEMA News: What are the hottest new technology advances of the past year? What tech trends should specialty-equipment manufacturers have on their business and product-development radars?

John Waraniak: SEMA companies need to be tracking how their products and the vehicle systems they are integrated with are becoming smarter and more connected. The number of cars connected to the Internet worldwide will grow to more than 52 million by 2020, compared with 36 million today. Vehicle technology is the top selling point for 39% of car buyers—more than twice the 14% who care most about horsepower and handling, according to a survey last year from Accenture.

While some drivers prefer 4G to a V8, horsepower and performance under the hood are being matched by the computing power and street cred of the center stack. Drivers are demanding that their cars keep them constantly connected.

The hottest trends that offer members new opportunities for growth and new challenges are connected and self-driving vehicle technologies, as well as powertrain developments to achieve greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while still delivering performance. Seventy-nine percent of automotive CEOs surveyed in PricewaterhouseCooper’s annual automotive report believe that advanced vehicle technology will transform their businesses over the next five years.

The aftermarket industry’s structure is driven by five competitive forces: the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the intensity of rivalries between existing companies, the threat of new entrants and the threat of new technologies, products or services. The industry’s structure changes when new vehicles, business technologies and customer needs shift these five competitive forces.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is a great example of how members are using the latest business technology to increase sales. The SDC is operating a centralized product data service for manufacturers. It organizes, houses and then distributes online product catalog information to WDs and retailers to drive sales growth.

SN: What is the most recent progress with autonomous, connected and self-driving cars? We’ve seen a few examples at recent auto shows. Are they getting closer to widespread reality?

JW: Autonomous vehicle systems, automated, connected and self-driving cars are already here, and the rivalry between the Motor City and Silicon Valley to deploy these technologies, systems and products is good for OEMs and the SEMA community. Automated driving affects every aspect of the vehicle and will increase safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, personalization and mobility.

John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.
John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology.

Google has been working on self-driving cars for years and is finding friends in the OEM and aftermarket industries. Roush Enterprises—a longtime SEMA-member company—is building Google’s driverless cars in Livonia, Michigan, adding to the company’s portfolio of performance parts, military vehicles and NASCAR stock cars. Ford, Nissan, Audi, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and many other automakers, suppliers and aftermarket companies are developing and deploying connected and autonomous vehicles, systems and technologies as well.

Ford is well aligned with Auto 3.0 and views itself as both a mobility company and an auto company. Ford recently opened its new Research and Innovation Center in Palo Alto, California, to accelerate its development of technologies and experiments in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles and customer experiences with digital technologies in its cars.

Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. president and CEO, said that “the new research center shows Ford’s commitment to be part of the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem—anticipating customers’ wants and needs, especially on connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles. We’re thinking of ourselves as a mobility company and not only a car and truck company.”

In addition, the Mercedes F015 that was revealed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit is one of the most advanced OEM applications of autonomous and fully connected technology—but it’s not just about new vehicles. There are more than 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads today. Retrofitting existing vehicles with basic vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems and sensors as well as updating and upgrading vehicle electronics and software means big business opportunities for the aftermarket.

Automakers often focus on new-vehicle sales with the latest technology but disregard the needs of the consumer several years after purchase. According to a recent Gartner survey, 58% of consumers believe that car manufacturers should allow tech companies to develop in-vehicle technologies for consumers. Auto 3.0 OEMs recognize that their companies are behind the curve and need to develop better ways of addressing mobile connectivity and consumer needs for maintaining the latest technology in their vehicles for new as well as aftermarket sales, or they risk a diminished brand experience.

Nvidia’s Tegra X1 processor is designed to evaluate potential road obstacles for driverless cars by using deep neural networks that allow it to learn how to identify objects such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.
Nvidia’s Tegra X1 processor is designed to evaluate potential road obstacles for driverless cars by using deep neural networks that allow it to learn how to identify objects such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles.

 

The three finalists anxiously awaited the winner announcement on stage at the SEMA Ignited filming. They were (from left) Mike Ring and his Ringbrothers ’66 Chevelle, Kyle Tucker and his Detroit Speed ’69 Camaro, and Jeff Kinsey and his Hot Rods by JSK ’32 Ford.
Voxx’s LDS100 aftermarket windshield system includes a built-in GPS and digital video recorder. It recognizes traffic lane markings as well as vehicles in front of the driver’s vehicle and sounds an audible warning when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane or when the driver is too close to the vehicle in front of him.

    

SN: Can you give us some examples of what is currently under development from specialty-equipment companies?

JW: Self-driving technologies and products are being adapted to the aftermarket by Auto 3.0 entrepreneurs such as Kyle Vogt at Cruise Automation. Kyle and I were on a panel together at the Connected Car Expo during the Los Angeles Auto Show. He clearly represents the next-generation of SEMA members that customize cars with a keyboard, digital technologies, software applications and vehicle electronics.

“Seventy-nine percent of automotive CEOs believe that advanced vehicle technology will transform their businesses over the next five years.”

As futuristic as self-driving cars may seem to some SEMA members, 28-year-old Kyle has been working on such projects since he was a teen. He was a co-founder of Twitch, which was acquired last year by Amazon for $1.1 billion. His new company, Cruise Automation, is the first company in America to sell self-driving car technology with its RP1 tilt sensor, which sells for $10,000.

The RP1 sensor pod contains a radar and a number of cameras on the roof to watch the road. A computer that occupies less than two square feet in the trunk crunches the data and controls actuators under the pedals and on the steering wheel to move them as needed. New aftermarket companies such as Cruise that integrate their products with autonomous, connected, smart-vehicle systems will be well positioned when the market for autonomous cars reaches an expected $42 billion in 10 years, and nearly 25% of all cars are expected to drive autonomously by 2030.

Another example is Nvidia, based in Silicon Valley. It is best known for the graphics cards it builds for high-performance video gaming systems, but it’s also accelerating its move into cars with two purpose-built automotive computers, the Drive PX and the Drive CX.

The Drive PX auto computer is intended for autonomous driving. The Drive CX, is for graphics-heavy infotainment systems and instrument clusters, complete with the varied textures and lighting effects found in modern video games.

Nvidia sees autonomous driving as a huge growth area and believes that there will be more computing horsepower inside a car than anything you own today. The Audi TT’s monitor is powered by two Nvidia Tegra K1 mobile processors and uses a computing system called MIB, a German acronym that means “modular infotainment toolkit.” It allows a new graphics chip to be added to an infotainment system after one or two years rather than waiting for the completion of a full six-year product cycle.

“VOXX and Pioneer are excellent examples of traditional aftermarket companies and brands embracing Auto 3.0 technologies and business opportunities.”

  
  
Aftermarket companies VOXX and Pioneer are also in the autonomous and connected-vehicle market with smart products for lane-departure warning, collision-avoidance and smartphone-vehicle integration. The VOXX lane-departure warning system, which has a price tag of $699, includes a digital video recorder with a crash sensor, so if you are in an accident, it locks the recording so that you can’t record over it.

Last year, Pioneer was the first SEMA company to hit the road with Apple CarPlay. This year, it plans to do the same with Android Auto. Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics USA, recently told me that his company is integrating Android Auto into its second-generation NEX receivers to provide compatible Android smartphone owners with the ability to utilize the power and connectivity of their devices for in-vehicle navigation, communications, music and more.

VOXX and Pioneer are excellent examples of traditional aftermarket companies and brands embracing Auto 3.0 technologies and business opportunities. Suppliers such as Visteon are also making the transformation to Auto 3.0. More than half of Visteon’s engineers are software engineers.

This transformation is creating new aftermarket opportunities for vehicle personalization with reconfigurable instrument clusters and cockpits. Visteon will equip vehicles with blank screens where clusters and infotainment packages are downloaded from the cloud. Customers may want to personalize the instrument panel or upgrade after a few years. And when the vehicle comes off lease, the automaker, dealer or aftermarket company could download a new cluster with the latest software and get a higher residual. You could download your favorite musclecar instrument cluster that looks just like the original but is a virtual 3D display.

SN: How can existing SEMA-member companies, young enthusiasts and next-generation companies that may want to join SEMA learn more about the association’s vehicle technology initiatives and advanced vehicle electronics?

Pioneer’s AVIC-8100NEX in-dash multimedia receivers bring Android Auto to the aftermarket, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones and extend the Android platform in a way that’s purpose-built so that drivers can stay focused on the road.
Pioneer’s AVIC-8100NEX in-dash multimedia receivers bring Android Auto to the aftermarket, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones and extend the Android platform in a way that’s purpose-built so that drivers can stay focused on the road.

JW: SEMA members have expressed concern about the aging of the specialty-equipment segment and the number of young, next-generation enthusiasts entering the marketplace and our workforce. SEMA has developed a number of initiatives to address those concerns, including a potential program to focus on vehicle electronics in the aftermarket. SEMA is exploring the development of a new Vehicle Electronic Program (VEP) to help traditional mobile-electronics member companies understand and leverage the latest automotive and consumer electronics technologies and emerging business opportunities with digital lifestyles and connected vehicles, as well as attract new players and next-generation members to the association.

The idea of the VEP was announced at our annual Technology Briefing Seminar program at the 2014 SEMA Show to help gather information directly from members that should be included in the program. Members can view an excellent series of videos with John Ellis and Greg Krueger at SEMA’s YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/user/SEMAChannel). The VEP would be modeled after the successful SEMA Vehicle Dynamics Program, in which baseline vehicle information and data are shared among participating members.

SN: What are the latest developments in terms of active safety technology?

JW: The auto industry’s approach to safety is shifting from crash survival to crash avoidance. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is in the process of writing vehicle communications rules and pending regulation FMVSS 150 that would require all automakers to incorporate connected-car technology into their vehicles, but automakers are not waiting for the rule to become a regulation.

V2V and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies will be onboard GM vehicles as early as 2017, and more than 30 of GM’s ’15 models are already equipped with 4G LTE wireless connectivity. Chevrolet has crash-avoidance technologies on many of its ’15 cars and trucks, including rear-vision cameras, a rear cross-traffic alert that uses two radars to let drivers know if a car is approaching from the side when backing, a side blind-zone alert, a forward collision alert that can sense a crash situation before you do, an adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning that can alert drivers who drift out of detected lane lines unintentionally or without a turn signal.

“SEMA-member companies participating in the Vehicle Dynamics Program have conducted more than 50 aftermarket-modified vehicle tests to demonstrate FMVSS 126 compliance.”

V2V utilizes sensor information from neighboring vehicles, enabling sensor fusion and adding visible and invisible information about the surrounding vehicles. The primary focus is on accident avoidance and safety. While V2V could potentially eliminate a large number of accidents, those benefits will come at a cost per vehicle to the consumer of roughly $350. For V2V to work, a large number of vehicles—both new and used—need to be equipped with the systems, and that represents new opportunities for the aftermarket industry.

The Connected Vehicle Research Program, initiated by the DOT and led by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), involves a pilot program with nearly 3,000 vehicles from eight OEMs and is the largest test bed in the world for V2V technology. U-M’s Transportation Research Institute and the federal and state transportation departments have plans to equip 9,000 cars with wireless communication technology. SEMA members working through the VEP would be able to test their latest products and systems with vehicles on UMTRI’s 32-acre test facility, known as “M City.”

CU-ICAR offers SEMA members data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber.
CU-ICAR offers SEMA members data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber.

SN: What are the latest developments in SEMA’s relationship with Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR)? What are the latest developments in vehicle dynamics and vehicle emissions compliance?

JW: SEMA’s collaborative relationship with CU-ICAR and Art Center College of Design is now in its fifth year. The full-scale vehicle testing and hardware-in-the-loop simulation technology and product-development methodologies available to members are the same as those used by all OEMs and major suppliers around the world. They allow SEMA members to develop, test and simulate vehicle dynamics, new chassis-system components, suspensions, engines, powertrains, drivelines, vehicle emissions and electronic control systems.

The innovative and collaborative approach developed by SEMA has minimized costs while establishing unique capabilities for members that want to know the impact of their products on vehicle dynamics and vehicle emissions. SEMA’s Vehicle Dynamics Program helps members analyze and determine the impact of their products on active safety systems and vehicle dynamics performance. Members have conducted more than 50 aftermarket-modified vehicle tests to demonstrate FMVSS 126 compliance.

Powertrain technology advancements will continue at an unprecedented level for the next decade as OEMs strive to meet aggressive 2025 fuel-economy targets. New regulations are driving OEMs to deliver innovative powertrain technologies that will create new challenges and opportunities for performance aftermarket companies. These advanced powertrain technologies will significantly increase vehicle complexity, making it harder, more costly and more time consuming for SEMA companies that manufacture and market performance parts that must comply with the latest regulated emissions requirements. Our SEMA-Clemson Vehicle Emissions Projects, along with SEMA’s Emissions Lab and Executive Order program for vehicle compliance, can help members predict the impact of aftermarket powertrain modifications on vehicle emissions.

The CU-ICAR facility in Greenville, South Carolina, offers data analysis for problem solving, including analysis of pre-catalyst and post-cat emissions data and analysis of combustion and calibration for aftermarket performance parts makers seeking CARB certification. It’s like putting an engineer in the combustion chamber. Member companies that engineer and manufacture high-performance products for powertrains have to face the reality of the “do no harm” umbrella imposed by federal and state regulations. Failure to comply could lead to huge fines.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued fines approaching $1 million for noncompliance. SEMA is working with CARB to develop a process with a specific set of representative vehicles. The Ford F-150, the Mustang, the Camaro and the Chevy Silverado have tentatively been agreed upon. Once the list of vehicles is complete, SEMA will buy the vehicles and make them available to CU-ICAR for baseline testing, analysis and data acquisition.

It’s important to note that the immediate goal of the SEMA-Clemson Grant Projects and partnership is to help members and the industry ensure reliable and high-quality operation of aftermarket performance products. The transformational goal of the SEMA/CU-ICAR collaboration is to establish and grow new business opportunities in the areas of customization and accessorization while simultaneously educating the next generation of automotive students and SEMA members on performance product development, vehicle technology, system engineering, integration and solutions critical to the performance aftermarket industry.

Lexus introduced its ’15 NX 200t and its F Sport line of performance vehicles at the SEMA Show as well as at NAIAS in Detroit.
Lexus introduced its ’15 NX 200t and its F Sport line of performance vehicles at the SEMA Show as well as at NAIAS in Detroit.

The true value of a brand and measure of its authenticity is in its culture. The SEMA-Clemson partnership is one example of SEMA’s commitment to helping connect the next generation of automotive engineers, designers and students interested in STEM with SEMA’s culture and career opportunities. More than 53 CU-ICAR Master of Science and Ph.D. students have graduated and experienced the SEMA culture by working with members on SEMA projects and Deep Orange vehicles over the past five years. They are now in key engineering and product-development positions throughout the industry and will continue to help SEMA and the aftermarket continue advancing, evolving and staying relevant.

SN: After another year of development, what are the most promising current powertrain developments and challenges?

JW: Ford just won the Rolex 24 at Daytona with an EcoBoost-powered Daytona prototype, proving again that green performance technologies continue to advance both at the track and on the street. The race for automakers to achieve 54.5 mpg by 2025 is on. Powertrain technology advancements have continued and will do so at an unprecedented level for the next decade as OEMs strive to meet those 2025 fuel-economy targets. By then, when cars and light trucks will fall under the same Tier 3 emissions regulations, an automaker intending to sell one “dirty” vehicle at the top of the bin scale must sell 13 vehicles at the bottom to achieve the fleet average.

Complying with these requirements will force automakers to sell a lot more small vehicles if they want to continue producing performance vehicles, large pickups and SUVs. New regulations driving OEMs to deliver innovative powertrain technologies will continue to create more challenges and opportunities for performance aftermarket companies. Advanced powertrain technologies also significantly increase vehicle complexity, making it harder, more costly and more time consuming for SEMA companies that manufacture and market performance parts that must comply with the latest regulated emissions requirements.

SN: Fuel prices have plummeted. What does that do to the development of alternative energy powertrains, hybrids and the future of the internal-combustion engine?

 

SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Mission

SEMA’s vehicle technology department helps members understand the latest vehicle technologies and connects them to cost-effective resources, programs, solutions and benefits relevant to their businesses and product-development plans. The goal is to help members customize with confidence by knowing how advanced vehicle technologies and new regulations impact their products and businesses. Three areas of priority for members are vehicle dynamics and emissions, vehicle electronics, and vehicle-technology alerts.

Vehicle Dynamics and Emissions: Ensure that members’ products and modifications can be successfully integrated with the latest and emerging vehicle dynamics and emissions technologies and comply with federal and state motor-vehicle regulations.

Vehicle Electronics: Integrate members’ products with the latest automotive and consumer electronics technologies and leverage emerging opportunities with digital lifestyles and connected vehicles.

Vehicle Technology Alerts: Provide members with the latest information about advanced vehicle technologies, new business opportunities and regulations impacting their products and businesses.

It may be a coincidence that gas prices are so low right now, but it sets the stage for performance. If gas prices were high, people might question why the industry is building and hyping so many performance vehicles. Performance was the theme at the 2015 NAIAS in Detroit, where Cadillac revealed its 640hp CTS-V, Lexus showed its NX 200t and even high-profile electrified vehicles and hybrids such as the new Acura NSX on display roared performance.

Consumers also want big vehicles. Light trucks accounted for 55% of U.S. auto sales in 2014, whereas hybrid and electric car sales fell 8.8%. Gas prices are expected to average $2.33 a gallon this year and $2.72 in 2016. Ford announced that it is introducing 12 new performance vehicles in the next five years—including the new the Shelby GT350R Mustang supercar and the high-performance ’17 F-150 Raptor off-road pickup—through its new global Ford performance unit headed by Dave Pericak, who will be a speaker on this year’s Technology Briefing Seminar Program at the SEMA Show. Automakers will continue to make halo performance vehicles to raise a brand’s profile and bring consumers into showrooms.

Aftermarket engine performance-parts manufacturers will soon be facing new challenges due to the increasing effect of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Brett Smith, program director at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a leading powertrain expert, stated at the SEMA Show that only 5% of 2013 production could meet the 2025 EPA CO2 emissions standards—and those are hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), so considerable work has to be done to improve gasoline engines.

Since the 2025 standards are more than a decade away, there’s time for OEMs to make continued improvements and innovations in gasoline internal-combustion engines for CAFE. However, it means that gasoline engine powertrains may suffer decreased performance in exchange for greater fuel economy, which could create opportunities for SEMA members.

The internal-combustion engine is likely to remain the dominant choice for automakers while PHEVs and EVs are struggling to get high-volume market acceptance. California regulations require that 15% of vehicles for sale in the state in 2025 be zero emissions—EVs and some PHEVs. If other states that normally follow California’s emissions and fuel economy lead do so with the zero mandate, that could affect more than 30% of the market.

SN: Is there anything we haven’t mentioned that we should add to the discussion?

JW: Digital technology, software-based customization and vehicle electronics in the car are major growth opportunities for SEMA companies. Product is king, but vehicle electronics and software rule. Smart, connected cars will enable greater personalization and customization through designs that will support ongoing technology and product upgrades. While some SEMA members may believe that self-driving cars signal the end of driving as we know it, I don’t believe that is true. I think connected-vehicle technologies will reemphasize the importance of automobiles, and cars will become more important because of these technologies. Vehicle performance and connectivity are leading the way in 2015 and offer street cred to both old-school and new-school enthusiasts.

MTV just released a report stating that Gen-Y Millennials between the ages of 18 and 34 want their cars, SUVs and pickups. They are 100 million strong and represent $1 trillion in buying power. Like other generations, they see car ownership as a way to establish independence and a way to shape their unique adult identity. The survey found that 75% would rather give up social media for a day than their cars, and 72% said that they would rather give up texting for a week than their cars. This new information reveals that Millennials are more interested in driving and buying cars than much research has led automakers and aftermarket companies to believe—but the industry needs to do a better job of reaching them.

The auto industry has been a source of pride for generations. It’s an engine of America’s manufacturing horsepower and a gateway to the middle class for millions. For next-generation enthusiasts and younger SEMA members who missed the excitement of living in the musclecar era, no worries. The Auto 3.0 era will be even more exciting, with cars that are not only fast and cool but smart and connected.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 11:30
SEMA News—April 2015

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

New Gear From the SEMA Show

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2014 SEMA Show was dedicated to products engineered to tackle life’s harshest, and most exciting, terrain. For buyers who understand their customer’s passionate desire to shift into four-wheel drive, exhibitors unveiled hundreds of new SKUs with items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions.

The truck segment showed significant growth at the 2014 SEMA Show. The ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado was named the Show’s Hottest Truck in the annual SEMA Awards, which honor vehicles most often featured by exhibitors in their booths. Once again, the Jeep Wrangler also reigned supreme as the Show’s Hottest 4x4-SUV. In the New Products Showcase, the trophy for Best New Off-Road/4- Wheel Drive Product went to Bubba Rope for its new Gator-Jaw Soft Shackle. Runner-Ups included Factor 55 for the ProLink Bridle and Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge for the Exo Top soft top and cargo rack system.

The following pages feature new Truck, SUV & Off-Road applications that debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along with the products, we’ve interviewed several industry executives for their perspectives on current trends, along with advice for selling into the category.

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF

 

Design Engineering Inc.
Jeep JK Battery Box Heat
Shield Kit
800-264-9472
www.designengineering.com/
PN: 10456

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBattery box heat shield kit for ’12–’15 Jeep JKs. Protects the battery box and wire harness from the damaging effects
of high exhaust heat.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsVision X Lighting
LED Fog-Light Kit for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty
253-218-2900
www.visionxusa.com/
PN: 9891200

Aftermarket fog-light solution for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty trucks. Easily add up to four times the light output of the factory lights without having to drill any holes. The lights and brackets bolt directly in place of the factory lights for easy installation. Maintain factory appearance with flush mount.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Suspension Arm Series
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 13410

A set of Jeep JK suspension arms with adjustable front and rear uppers/fixed front and rear lowers. Add strength, on-car adjustability and articulation flexibility to stock-height or lifted suspensions. The arms feature SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist between the frame and axle during
off-road articulation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsUS Speedo
LED Dash Kits
810-440-0909
www.usspeedo.com/
PN: GMSWKIT

The ’03–’06 GM truck and SUV steering-wheel switches with LED lighting. Complete set of replacement buttons for steering-wheel controls. Buttons/controls include seek, volume, info, select, trip, fuel, source, program and hands free. Features: Fits most GM trucks and SUVs, easy to install, new LED lighting.

Diamond Eye Performance
Chevy/GM Crossover Pipe
800-635- 9950
www.diamondeyeperformance.com/
PN: 321099

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsA 2.5-in., aluminized, mandrel-bent crossover pipe for ’93–’00 Chevy 6.5L diesels, providing increased performance and flow. Two-piece design allows for lateral flexibility in
installation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Hex Tie-Rod Adjuster Sleeve
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 23605

This adjustable hex-shaped sleeve replaces the round tie-rod sleeve on Jeep JKs to assure ease of adjustment without slippage. Recommended when the existing sleeve is damaged or when replacing a tie-rod end for easy adjustment.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMichelin Edgeliner
Michelin EdgeLiner
800-237-9296
www.edgeliner.com

E dgeliner custom floor liners for newer trucks and SUVs. Laser measured for a custom fit. Designed with the deepest sculpted channels and guaranteed OEM compatible.

Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
’15 Ford F-150 Front Sway Bar
559-734-7451
www.hellwigproducts.com/
PN: 7704

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHellwig manufactures its front sway bar for the new ’15 Ford F-150 out of heat-treated chromoly steel in its California factory. The increased rate from the 1½-in.- diameter sway bar controls body roll and improves cornering both in everyday driving and in tow/haul conditions. It also helps in lifted applications with higher centers of gravity.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAnzoUSA
LED Five-Function Corner Step OE Replacement
888-360-3696
www.anzousa.com/
PN: 861145

LED corner step for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Five functions include red LED running, brake, right turn, left turn and white LED reverse. OE replacement. Easy installation. Added safety. High-intensity HIL-LED technology.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpyder Auto
’14–’15 GMC Sierra Light Bar Projection Headlights, Black
626-934-8884
www.spyderauto.com/
PN: 5080523

The ’14–’15 GMC Sierra light bar projection headlights, black.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Staging Limiter Launch Controller
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Electronic controls for presetting diesel
turbocharger boost or engine rpm for
consistent ¼- miles times on the drag strip. Dodge Cummins, Ford PowerStroke and Chevy Duramax.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Heavy-Duty Differential Covers
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Black powdercoated heavy-duty aluminum differential pans with cooling fins and service ports. For Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHypertech Inc.
Speedometer Calibrator, ’15 GM Truck, 2015 Ram Truck, ’15 Jeep JK
901-382-8888
www.hypertech.com/
PN: 732501

Quickly corrects speedometer/odometer when tire sizes or gear ratios are changed. Easy to update and upgrade online anytime. No cutting; factory-style connectors.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Throttle Sensitivity Booster
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com/
PN: Various

Electronic controls that improve throttle sensitivity on most diesel- and gas-powered Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSnow Performance Inc.
Diesel Boost Cooler 10-Gallon, Toolbox-Style Reservoir
719-333- 3811
www.snowperformance.net/
PN: 40311

New 10-gallon water-methanol injection toolbox-style reservoir designed to mount in the void space in the bed of a standard pickup. Features include reinforced thick-wall poly construction, large filler cap and anti-slosh sumped design. Easily hangs from a bed-rail mounting to keep the entire bed floor open for cargo.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMcGaughy’s Suspension
’15 Ford F-150 4x4 6.5-in. Lift Kit
559-226-8196
www.mcgaughys.com/
PN: 57100

A ’15 Ford F-150 4WD 6.5-in. McGaughy’s Suspension lift kit. There is no cutting or grinding on the differential with this kit.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

We at Truckers Toy Store had a good year in 2014 and are looking forward to a great year in 2015. We are seeing more customers coming in and educating themselves before they even buy their trucks. However, leveling kits are by far one of our hottest products. This purchase then leads to other add-ons such as rims, tires, fender flares and interior floor protection. We find that a lot of customers accessorize in stages.

Most SUV consumers are buying floor protection, vent visors, hood shields and window tint. Work-truck owners want toolboxes along with a spray-in bedliners, mud flaps and vent visors. Leisure street truckers trend toward functional tonneau covers and also usually purchase floor protection and some kind of bed protection. The off-road guys go for lifts, rims, tires and pocket flares.

With the Internet and so many companies out there, competition has become increasingly difficult. Some shops are producing their own, untested and uncertified products with no product insurance. This is a serious issue, and all of us need to be aware of the danger and liability that exists. That is why we educate our customers about our products. We care, and safety matters.

—Ginger Glover
CEO
Truckers Toy Store LLC

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

One of the fastest-growing product categories is tonneau covers, with the hard folding products leading the growth. Tonneau covers are rich in features and benefits.

Bed protection, cargo protection, security, improved aerodynamics, fuel mileage and improved vehicle aesthetics are all benefits that consumers report as reasons they purchased a tonneau cover.

Successful retailers who specialize in light-truck accessories have made sure that they are the “experts” in their field, are leaders in customer service and properly display the products they offer.

There are great no- to low-cost marketing methods available today. Dealers who have not already done so need to become, hire or contract social-media experts to properly execute marketing programs using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare.

Vehicle technology is advancing at light speed. Keeping up will be challenging.

—Jeff Fink
Vice President OEM Sales
& Special Markets
THI Corp.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
Upper Dash Panel and Swivel-Mount Phone Cradle for ’11–’15 Jeep JK Wrangler
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71047BK

Upper dash panel soft insert with soft compartments. Universal swivel-mount cell phone and GPS cradle. Cradle fits most smart phones and GPS ball mounts. Allows phone to be used as on-board camera or GPS. Eliminates suction cup windshield mounts. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsWinjet Inc.
’14 Toyota Tundra Projector Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights
626-369-2121
www.winjetinc.com/
PN: WJ10-0376

Winjet introduces ’14 Toyota Tundra headlights featuring projector low beam to light the way and LED daytime running lights to keep up with the latest and hottest trend.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
’07–’16 Jeep JK Wrangler Hood Cowl and Vent Kit
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71050BK

Fully functional sealed hood cowl mounts directly to stock hood. Directional chambers reduce underhood temperature by 12%. Fully paintable molded- plastic construction. Detailed instructions and video for easy installation. Retains underhood blanket and stock hood components. Comes complete with dual windshield squirter kit. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsFirestone Industrial Products
’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite Air-
Spring Kit
800-888 -0650
www.ride-rite.com/
PN: W21-760- 2582

Level the load and improve the ride with the ’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite kit. This no-drill kit uses existing holes in the frame for easy installation. The newest kit is designed to position the air spring between the frame and the axle for maximum stability, improving overall handling and supporting up to 5,000 lbs. (not to exceed vehicle’s GVWR).

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

The Pro Touring look—older body frame with new performance-product features—allows consumers to really customize their vehicles, breaking all the year/make/model standards.

The pickup market tends to be young, working males looking for performance products with a little bit of styling accessories. Full families usually own SUVs and are looking for accessories and gadgets to entertain the passengers and make things easy to transport.

In the off-road segment, younger people want to increase wheel and tire size, lift the truck and put an exhaust on it. These guys want to learn how to off-road and tend to visit local shops that specialize in it.

We are seeing more and more parts dealers hold meets and open houses to engage the community and bring people with like interests together. We are seeing a new type of social engagement, with hashtags designed for easy search to find market-segmented trends consumers want to follow.

We are worried about the ability to off-road due to legislative restrictions. This is limiting the ability to have safe and fun four-wheel rallies that are annual events in some areas. We are also concerned about new CARB laws and restrictions that most aftermarket companies are not ready for.

—Kathryn Reinhardt
Marketing Manager
MagnaFlow

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsLED light bars are hot across the board. In both street trucks and SUVs, the trend is toward low center of gravity lift and leveling kits. Being able to use your truck and SUV in a day-to-day world is the key.

Off-roaders want items that function as well as look cool, such as the Daystar Cam Cans that look great but also hold gear for long trips. Overlanding trips are in now. They let people get out in the world but in less extreme conditions.

Retailers should get back to basics and sell to the customer. Some dealers have become order takers instead of sales people. They know what products would be best for the customers, so giving them that input is the key to success. New products come out every month, and learning about these products will help the dealer and the customer.

People are changing. Most 16-year-olds do not even want driver’s licenses. The advent of everyone being connected is creating a much smaller world. But that does not mean that young people will never drive, and we all need to listen to our new customers to offer the products they want and that fit into
their world.

—Mark Turner
CEO
Daystar Products International Inc.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAuto Meter
F-150 Replacement A- Pillar Gauge Pod (’09–’14)
866-486-6356
www.autometer.com/
PN: 17324

These full replacement A-pillars for the Ford F-150 are said to be the easiest, most integrated way to add instrumentation to a truck.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAdvance Adapters Inc.
Jeep Internal Hydraulic Clutch Replacement Line Kit
800-350-2223
www.advanceadapters.com/
PN: 716130ir

This steel braided-line kit replaces the obsolete plastic clutch line kit on ’87–’93 Jeeps. Kit includes 42-in. steel braid line and necessary fittings for both internal slave cylinder and master cylinder. Kit replaces the discontinued Jeep PNs 04636860, 04636861 and 04728760.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKooks Headers & Exhaust
’14+ GM 1500 V8 Truck Complete Exhaust System
866-586-5665
www.kooksheaders.com/
PN: 286240, 286330 and 28604200

Long-tube headers and complete exhaust system with ultra-high-performance green catalytic converters.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAiraid Filter Co.
PowerAid Throttle-Body Spacer for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra With 5.3L Engine
800-498-6951
www.airaid.com/
PN: 200-543

The PowerAid throttle-body spacer for the ’14 Silverado/Sierra 1500 is an easy bolt-on upgrade that improves part-throttle response and fuel economy. All necessary gaskets and hardware are included, along with instructions written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Made in the U.S.A. and pending CARB approval.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsS&B Filters
Cold-Air Intake for ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 5.3L
909-232-8900
www.sbfilters.com/
PN: 75-5069

Cold-air intake kit for ’14–’15 Chevrolet and GMC V8 gas engines. Features S&B’s all-new silicone- constructed air filter, which won’t crack or deteriorate over time. Also includes an airbox fender seal and removable plug. These dramatic changes contribute to increased airflow, increased hp and torque and exceptional fit and finish.

Ground Force Suspension
’14–’15 GM 1500 2-in. Front, 1-in. Rear Leveling System
724-430-2068
www.groundforce.com/
PN: 3841

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsGround Force 2-in. front, 1-in. rear leveling system for the ’14–’15 GM 1500. Front system utilizes OE- grade urethane spacer with coated strut extenders. Rear is done with powdercoated blocks, U-bolts and all needed hardware. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsEnergy Suspension
’07–’11 Toyota Tundra 2WD/4WD Steering Rack Bushings
888-292-1250
www.energysuspension.com/
PN: 8.10107G

Stabilize the Tundra with Energy’s polyurethane steering rack bushings. OE rubber bushings in the factory rack wear and cause sloppy steering. Replace the bushings, not the whole rack. Includes zinc- plated hardware.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKW Automotive North America
Belltech Lowering Kit for
’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe
559-875-0222
www.belltech.com/
PN: 1000SP

Belltech Sport Trucks announces the release of a lowering kit for the ’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe. The Belltech lowering kit is designed to lower 1 or 2 in. in the front and 3 or 4 in. in the rear.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDoug Thorley Headers
Long-Tube Headers for ’14
Chevrolet/GMC 5.3L-6.2L Trucks and SUVs
800-347-8664
www.dougthorleyheaders.com/
PN: THY-352Y-L-C

Long tubes and the historic Tri-Y-design headers and Y-pipe for the new ’14 GM line of V8 trucks and SUVs. Offers 100% bolt-on performance. Comes standard with ceramic coating. Lifetime warranty.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMBRP Inc.
Foldout Tire Carrier
888-636-7223
www.mbrpautomotive.com
PN: 181141

Off Camber Fabrications foldout tire carrier for the 2007-2014 Jeep Wrangler.

 

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF
Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 11:30
SEMA News—April 2015

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

New Gear From the SEMA Show

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2014 SEMA Show was dedicated to products engineered to tackle life’s harshest, and most exciting, terrain. For buyers who understand their customer’s passionate desire to shift into four-wheel drive, exhibitors unveiled hundreds of new SKUs with items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions.

The truck segment showed significant growth at the 2014 SEMA Show. The ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado was named the Show’s Hottest Truck in the annual SEMA Awards, which honor vehicles most often featured by exhibitors in their booths. Once again, the Jeep Wrangler also reigned supreme as the Show’s Hottest 4x4-SUV. In the New Products Showcase, the trophy for Best New Off-Road/4- Wheel Drive Product went to Bubba Rope for its new Gator-Jaw Soft Shackle. Runner-Ups included Factor 55 for the ProLink Bridle and Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge for the Exo Top soft top and cargo rack system.

The following pages feature new Truck, SUV & Off-Road applications that debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along with the products, we’ve interviewed several industry executives for their perspectives on current trends, along with advice for selling into the category.

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF

 

Design Engineering Inc.
Jeep JK Battery Box Heat
Shield Kit
800-264-9472
www.designengineering.com/
PN: 10456

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBattery box heat shield kit for ’12–’15 Jeep JKs. Protects the battery box and wire harness from the damaging effects
of high exhaust heat.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsVision X Lighting
LED Fog-Light Kit for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty
253-218-2900
www.visionxusa.com/
PN: 9891200

Aftermarket fog-light solution for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty trucks. Easily add up to four times the light output of the factory lights without having to drill any holes. The lights and brackets bolt directly in place of the factory lights for easy installation. Maintain factory appearance with flush mount.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Suspension Arm Series
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 13410

A set of Jeep JK suspension arms with adjustable front and rear uppers/fixed front and rear lowers. Add strength, on-car adjustability and articulation flexibility to stock-height or lifted suspensions. The arms feature SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist between the frame and axle during
off-road articulation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsUS Speedo
LED Dash Kits
810-440-0909
www.usspeedo.com/
PN: GMSWKIT

The ’03–’06 GM truck and SUV steering-wheel switches with LED lighting. Complete set of replacement buttons for steering-wheel controls. Buttons/controls include seek, volume, info, select, trip, fuel, source, program and hands free. Features: Fits most GM trucks and SUVs, easy to install, new LED lighting.

Diamond Eye Performance
Chevy/GM Crossover Pipe
800-635- 9950
www.diamondeyeperformance.com/
PN: 321099

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsA 2.5-in., aluminized, mandrel-bent crossover pipe for ’93–’00 Chevy 6.5L diesels, providing increased performance and flow. Two-piece design allows for lateral flexibility in
installation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Hex Tie-Rod Adjuster Sleeve
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 23605

This adjustable hex-shaped sleeve replaces the round tie-rod sleeve on Jeep JKs to assure ease of adjustment without slippage. Recommended when the existing sleeve is damaged or when replacing a tie-rod end for easy adjustment.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMichelin Edgeliner
Michelin EdgeLiner
800-237-9296
www.edgeliner.com

E dgeliner custom floor liners for newer trucks and SUVs. Laser measured for a custom fit. Designed with the deepest sculpted channels and guaranteed OEM compatible.

Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
’15 Ford F-150 Front Sway Bar
559-734-7451
www.hellwigproducts.com/
PN: 7704

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHellwig manufactures its front sway bar for the new ’15 Ford F-150 out of heat-treated chromoly steel in its California factory. The increased rate from the 1½-in.- diameter sway bar controls body roll and improves cornering both in everyday driving and in tow/haul conditions. It also helps in lifted applications with higher centers of gravity.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAnzoUSA
LED Five-Function Corner Step OE Replacement
888-360-3696
www.anzousa.com/
PN: 861145

LED corner step for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Five functions include red LED running, brake, right turn, left turn and white LED reverse. OE replacement. Easy installation. Added safety. High-intensity HIL-LED technology.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpyder Auto
’14–’15 GMC Sierra Light Bar Projection Headlights, Black
626-934-8884
www.spyderauto.com/
PN: 5080523

The ’14–’15 GMC Sierra light bar projection headlights, black.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Staging Limiter Launch Controller
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Electronic controls for presetting diesel
turbocharger boost or engine rpm for
consistent ¼- miles times on the drag strip. Dodge Cummins, Ford PowerStroke and Chevy Duramax.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Heavy-Duty Differential Covers
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Black powdercoated heavy-duty aluminum differential pans with cooling fins and service ports. For Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHypertech Inc.
Speedometer Calibrator, ’15 GM Truck, 2015 Ram Truck, ’15 Jeep JK
901-382-8888
www.hypertech.com/
PN: 732501

Quickly corrects speedometer/odometer when tire sizes or gear ratios are changed. Easy to update and upgrade online anytime. No cutting; factory-style connectors.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Throttle Sensitivity Booster
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com/
PN: Various

Electronic controls that improve throttle sensitivity on most diesel- and gas-powered Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSnow Performance Inc.
Diesel Boost Cooler 10-Gallon, Toolbox-Style Reservoir
719-333- 3811
www.snowperformance.net/
PN: 40311

New 10-gallon water-methanol injection toolbox-style reservoir designed to mount in the void space in the bed of a standard pickup. Features include reinforced thick-wall poly construction, large filler cap and anti-slosh sumped design. Easily hangs from a bed-rail mounting to keep the entire bed floor open for cargo.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMcGaughy’s Suspension
’15 Ford F-150 4x4 6.5-in. Lift Kit
559-226-8196
www.mcgaughys.com/
PN: 57100

A ’15 Ford F-150 4WD 6.5-in. McGaughy’s Suspension lift kit. There is no cutting or grinding on the differential with this kit.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

We at Truckers Toy Store had a good year in 2014 and are looking forward to a great year in 2015. We are seeing more customers coming in and educating themselves before they even buy their trucks. However, leveling kits are by far one of our hottest products. This purchase then leads to other add-ons such as rims, tires, fender flares and interior floor protection. We find that a lot of customers accessorize in stages.

Most SUV consumers are buying floor protection, vent visors, hood shields and window tint. Work-truck owners want toolboxes along with a spray-in bedliners, mud flaps and vent visors. Leisure street truckers trend toward functional tonneau covers and also usually purchase floor protection and some kind of bed protection. The off-road guys go for lifts, rims, tires and pocket flares.

With the Internet and so many companies out there, competition has become increasingly difficult. Some shops are producing their own, untested and uncertified products with no product insurance. This is a serious issue, and all of us need to be aware of the danger and liability that exists. That is why we educate our customers about our products. We care, and safety matters.

—Ginger Glover
CEO
Truckers Toy Store LLC

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

One of the fastest-growing product categories is tonneau covers, with the hard folding products leading the growth. Tonneau covers are rich in features and benefits.

Bed protection, cargo protection, security, improved aerodynamics, fuel mileage and improved vehicle aesthetics are all benefits that consumers report as reasons they purchased a tonneau cover.

Successful retailers who specialize in light-truck accessories have made sure that they are the “experts” in their field, are leaders in customer service and properly display the products they offer.

There are great no- to low-cost marketing methods available today. Dealers who have not already done so need to become, hire or contract social-media experts to properly execute marketing programs using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare.

Vehicle technology is advancing at light speed. Keeping up will be challenging.

—Jeff Fink
Vice President OEM Sales
& Special Markets
THI Corp.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
Upper Dash Panel and Swivel-Mount Phone Cradle for ’11–’15 Jeep JK Wrangler
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71047BK

Upper dash panel soft insert with soft compartments. Universal swivel-mount cell phone and GPS cradle. Cradle fits most smart phones and GPS ball mounts. Allows phone to be used as on-board camera or GPS. Eliminates suction cup windshield mounts. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsWinjet Inc.
’14 Toyota Tundra Projector Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights
626-369-2121
www.winjetinc.com/
PN: WJ10-0376

Winjet introduces ’14 Toyota Tundra headlights featuring projector low beam to light the way and LED daytime running lights to keep up with the latest and hottest trend.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
’07–’16 Jeep JK Wrangler Hood Cowl and Vent Kit
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71050BK

Fully functional sealed hood cowl mounts directly to stock hood. Directional chambers reduce underhood temperature by 12%. Fully paintable molded- plastic construction. Detailed instructions and video for easy installation. Retains underhood blanket and stock hood components. Comes complete with dual windshield squirter kit. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsFirestone Industrial Products
’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite Air-
Spring Kit
800-888 -0650
www.ride-rite.com/
PN: W21-760- 2582

Level the load and improve the ride with the ’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite kit. This no-drill kit uses existing holes in the frame for easy installation. The newest kit is designed to position the air spring between the frame and the axle for maximum stability, improving overall handling and supporting up to 5,000 lbs. (not to exceed vehicle’s GVWR).

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

The Pro Touring look—older body frame with new performance-product features—allows consumers to really customize their vehicles, breaking all the year/make/model standards.

The pickup market tends to be young, working males looking for performance products with a little bit of styling accessories. Full families usually own SUVs and are looking for accessories and gadgets to entertain the passengers and make things easy to transport.

In the off-road segment, younger people want to increase wheel and tire size, lift the truck and put an exhaust on it. These guys want to learn how to off-road and tend to visit local shops that specialize in it.

We are seeing more and more parts dealers hold meets and open houses to engage the community and bring people with like interests together. We are seeing a new type of social engagement, with hashtags designed for easy search to find market-segmented trends consumers want to follow.

We are worried about the ability to off-road due to legislative restrictions. This is limiting the ability to have safe and fun four-wheel rallies that are annual events in some areas. We are also concerned about new CARB laws and restrictions that most aftermarket companies are not ready for.

—Kathryn Reinhardt
Marketing Manager
MagnaFlow

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsLED light bars are hot across the board. In both street trucks and SUVs, the trend is toward low center of gravity lift and leveling kits. Being able to use your truck and SUV in a day-to-day world is the key.

Off-roaders want items that function as well as look cool, such as the Daystar Cam Cans that look great but also hold gear for long trips. Overlanding trips are in now. They let people get out in the world but in less extreme conditions.

Retailers should get back to basics and sell to the customer. Some dealers have become order takers instead of sales people. They know what products would be best for the customers, so giving them that input is the key to success. New products come out every month, and learning about these products will help the dealer and the customer.

People are changing. Most 16-year-olds do not even want driver’s licenses. The advent of everyone being connected is creating a much smaller world. But that does not mean that young people will never drive, and we all need to listen to our new customers to offer the products they want and that fit into
their world.

—Mark Turner
CEO
Daystar Products International Inc.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAuto Meter
F-150 Replacement A- Pillar Gauge Pod (’09–’14)
866-486-6356
www.autometer.com/
PN: 17324

These full replacement A-pillars for the Ford F-150 are said to be the easiest, most integrated way to add instrumentation to a truck.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAdvance Adapters Inc.
Jeep Internal Hydraulic Clutch Replacement Line Kit
800-350-2223
www.advanceadapters.com/
PN: 716130ir

This steel braided-line kit replaces the obsolete plastic clutch line kit on ’87–’93 Jeeps. Kit includes 42-in. steel braid line and necessary fittings for both internal slave cylinder and master cylinder. Kit replaces the discontinued Jeep PNs 04636860, 04636861 and 04728760.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKooks Headers & Exhaust
’14+ GM 1500 V8 Truck Complete Exhaust System
866-586-5665
www.kooksheaders.com/
PN: 286240, 286330 and 28604200

Long-tube headers and complete exhaust system with ultra-high-performance green catalytic converters.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAiraid Filter Co.
PowerAid Throttle-Body Spacer for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra With 5.3L Engine
800-498-6951
www.airaid.com/
PN: 200-543

The PowerAid throttle-body spacer for the ’14 Silverado/Sierra 1500 is an easy bolt-on upgrade that improves part-throttle response and fuel economy. All necessary gaskets and hardware are included, along with instructions written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Made in the U.S.A. and pending CARB approval.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsS&B Filters
Cold-Air Intake for ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 5.3L
909-232-8900
www.sbfilters.com/
PN: 75-5069

Cold-air intake kit for ’14–’15 Chevrolet and GMC V8 gas engines. Features S&B’s all-new silicone- constructed air filter, which won’t crack or deteriorate over time. Also includes an airbox fender seal and removable plug. These dramatic changes contribute to increased airflow, increased hp and torque and exceptional fit and finish.

Ground Force Suspension
’14–’15 GM 1500 2-in. Front, 1-in. Rear Leveling System
724-430-2068
www.groundforce.com/
PN: 3841

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsGround Force 2-in. front, 1-in. rear leveling system for the ’14–’15 GM 1500. Front system utilizes OE- grade urethane spacer with coated strut extenders. Rear is done with powdercoated blocks, U-bolts and all needed hardware. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsEnergy Suspension
’07–’11 Toyota Tundra 2WD/4WD Steering Rack Bushings
888-292-1250
www.energysuspension.com/
PN: 8.10107G

Stabilize the Tundra with Energy’s polyurethane steering rack bushings. OE rubber bushings in the factory rack wear and cause sloppy steering. Replace the bushings, not the whole rack. Includes zinc- plated hardware.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKW Automotive North America
Belltech Lowering Kit for
’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe
559-875-0222
www.belltech.com/
PN: 1000SP

Belltech Sport Trucks announces the release of a lowering kit for the ’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe. The Belltech lowering kit is designed to lower 1 or 2 in. in the front and 3 or 4 in. in the rear.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDoug Thorley Headers
Long-Tube Headers for ’14
Chevrolet/GMC 5.3L-6.2L Trucks and SUVs
800-347-8664
www.dougthorleyheaders.com/
PN: THY-352Y-L-C

Long tubes and the historic Tri-Y-design headers and Y-pipe for the new ’14 GM line of V8 trucks and SUVs. Offers 100% bolt-on performance. Comes standard with ceramic coating. Lifetime warranty.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMBRP Inc.
Foldout Tire Carrier
888-636-7223
www.mbrpautomotive.com
PN: 181141

Off Camber Fabrications foldout tire carrier for the 2007-2014 Jeep Wrangler.

 

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF
Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 11:30
SEMA News—April 2015

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

New Gear From the SEMA Show

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2014 SEMA Show was dedicated to products engineered to tackle life’s harshest, and most exciting, terrain. For buyers who understand their customer’s passionate desire to shift into four-wheel drive, exhibitors unveiled hundreds of new SKUs with items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions.

The truck segment showed significant growth at the 2014 SEMA Show. The ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado was named the Show’s Hottest Truck in the annual SEMA Awards, which honor vehicles most often featured by exhibitors in their booths. Once again, the Jeep Wrangler also reigned supreme as the Show’s Hottest 4x4-SUV. In the New Products Showcase, the trophy for Best New Off-Road/4- Wheel Drive Product went to Bubba Rope for its new Gator-Jaw Soft Shackle. Runner-Ups included Factor 55 for the ProLink Bridle and Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge for the Exo Top soft top and cargo rack system.

The following pages feature new Truck, SUV & Off-Road applications that debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along with the products, we’ve interviewed several industry executives for their perspectives on current trends, along with advice for selling into the category.

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF

 

Design Engineering Inc.
Jeep JK Battery Box Heat
Shield Kit
800-264-9472
www.designengineering.com/
PN: 10456

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBattery box heat shield kit for ’12–’15 Jeep JKs. Protects the battery box and wire harness from the damaging effects
of high exhaust heat.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsVision X Lighting
LED Fog-Light Kit for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty
253-218-2900
www.visionxusa.com/
PN: 9891200

Aftermarket fog-light solution for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty trucks. Easily add up to four times the light output of the factory lights without having to drill any holes. The lights and brackets bolt directly in place of the factory lights for easy installation. Maintain factory appearance with flush mount.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Suspension Arm Series
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 13410

A set of Jeep JK suspension arms with adjustable front and rear uppers/fixed front and rear lowers. Add strength, on-car adjustability and articulation flexibility to stock-height or lifted suspensions. The arms feature SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist between the frame and axle during
off-road articulation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsUS Speedo
LED Dash Kits
810-440-0909
www.usspeedo.com/
PN: GMSWKIT

The ’03–’06 GM truck and SUV steering-wheel switches with LED lighting. Complete set of replacement buttons for steering-wheel controls. Buttons/controls include seek, volume, info, select, trip, fuel, source, program and hands free. Features: Fits most GM trucks and SUVs, easy to install, new LED lighting.

Diamond Eye Performance
Chevy/GM Crossover Pipe
800-635- 9950
www.diamondeyeperformance.com/
PN: 321099

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsA 2.5-in., aluminized, mandrel-bent crossover pipe for ’93–’00 Chevy 6.5L diesels, providing increased performance and flow. Two-piece design allows for lateral flexibility in
installation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Hex Tie-Rod Adjuster Sleeve
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 23605

This adjustable hex-shaped sleeve replaces the round tie-rod sleeve on Jeep JKs to assure ease of adjustment without slippage. Recommended when the existing sleeve is damaged or when replacing a tie-rod end for easy adjustment.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMichelin Edgeliner
Michelin EdgeLiner
800-237-9296
www.edgeliner.com

E dgeliner custom floor liners for newer trucks and SUVs. Laser measured for a custom fit. Designed with the deepest sculpted channels and guaranteed OEM compatible.

Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
’15 Ford F-150 Front Sway Bar
559-734-7451
www.hellwigproducts.com/
PN: 7704

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHellwig manufactures its front sway bar for the new ’15 Ford F-150 out of heat-treated chromoly steel in its California factory. The increased rate from the 1½-in.- diameter sway bar controls body roll and improves cornering both in everyday driving and in tow/haul conditions. It also helps in lifted applications with higher centers of gravity.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAnzoUSA
LED Five-Function Corner Step OE Replacement
888-360-3696
www.anzousa.com/
PN: 861145

LED corner step for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Five functions include red LED running, brake, right turn, left turn and white LED reverse. OE replacement. Easy installation. Added safety. High-intensity HIL-LED technology.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpyder Auto
’14–’15 GMC Sierra Light Bar Projection Headlights, Black
626-934-8884
www.spyderauto.com/
PN: 5080523

The ’14–’15 GMC Sierra light bar projection headlights, black.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Staging Limiter Launch Controller
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Electronic controls for presetting diesel
turbocharger boost or engine rpm for
consistent ¼- miles times on the drag strip. Dodge Cummins, Ford PowerStroke and Chevy Duramax.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Heavy-Duty Differential Covers
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Black powdercoated heavy-duty aluminum differential pans with cooling fins and service ports. For Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHypertech Inc.
Speedometer Calibrator, ’15 GM Truck, 2015 Ram Truck, ’15 Jeep JK
901-382-8888
www.hypertech.com/
PN: 732501

Quickly corrects speedometer/odometer when tire sizes or gear ratios are changed. Easy to update and upgrade online anytime. No cutting; factory-style connectors.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Throttle Sensitivity Booster
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com/
PN: Various

Electronic controls that improve throttle sensitivity on most diesel- and gas-powered Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSnow Performance Inc.
Diesel Boost Cooler 10-Gallon, Toolbox-Style Reservoir
719-333- 3811
www.snowperformance.net/
PN: 40311

New 10-gallon water-methanol injection toolbox-style reservoir designed to mount in the void space in the bed of a standard pickup. Features include reinforced thick-wall poly construction, large filler cap and anti-slosh sumped design. Easily hangs from a bed-rail mounting to keep the entire bed floor open for cargo.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMcGaughy’s Suspension
’15 Ford F-150 4x4 6.5-in. Lift Kit
559-226-8196
www.mcgaughys.com/
PN: 57100

A ’15 Ford F-150 4WD 6.5-in. McGaughy’s Suspension lift kit. There is no cutting or grinding on the differential with this kit.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

We at Truckers Toy Store had a good year in 2014 and are looking forward to a great year in 2015. We are seeing more customers coming in and educating themselves before they even buy their trucks. However, leveling kits are by far one of our hottest products. This purchase then leads to other add-ons such as rims, tires, fender flares and interior floor protection. We find that a lot of customers accessorize in stages.

Most SUV consumers are buying floor protection, vent visors, hood shields and window tint. Work-truck owners want toolboxes along with a spray-in bedliners, mud flaps and vent visors. Leisure street truckers trend toward functional tonneau covers and also usually purchase floor protection and some kind of bed protection. The off-road guys go for lifts, rims, tires and pocket flares.

With the Internet and so many companies out there, competition has become increasingly difficult. Some shops are producing their own, untested and uncertified products with no product insurance. This is a serious issue, and all of us need to be aware of the danger and liability that exists. That is why we educate our customers about our products. We care, and safety matters.

—Ginger Glover
CEO
Truckers Toy Store LLC

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

One of the fastest-growing product categories is tonneau covers, with the hard folding products leading the growth. Tonneau covers are rich in features and benefits.

Bed protection, cargo protection, security, improved aerodynamics, fuel mileage and improved vehicle aesthetics are all benefits that consumers report as reasons they purchased a tonneau cover.

Successful retailers who specialize in light-truck accessories have made sure that they are the “experts” in their field, are leaders in customer service and properly display the products they offer.

There are great no- to low-cost marketing methods available today. Dealers who have not already done so need to become, hire or contract social-media experts to properly execute marketing programs using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare.

Vehicle technology is advancing at light speed. Keeping up will be challenging.

—Jeff Fink
Vice President OEM Sales
& Special Markets
THI Corp.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
Upper Dash Panel and Swivel-Mount Phone Cradle for ’11–’15 Jeep JK Wrangler
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71047BK

Upper dash panel soft insert with soft compartments. Universal swivel-mount cell phone and GPS cradle. Cradle fits most smart phones and GPS ball mounts. Allows phone to be used as on-board camera or GPS. Eliminates suction cup windshield mounts. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsWinjet Inc.
’14 Toyota Tundra Projector Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights
626-369-2121
www.winjetinc.com/
PN: WJ10-0376

Winjet introduces ’14 Toyota Tundra headlights featuring projector low beam to light the way and LED daytime running lights to keep up with the latest and hottest trend.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
’07–’16 Jeep JK Wrangler Hood Cowl and Vent Kit
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71050BK

Fully functional sealed hood cowl mounts directly to stock hood. Directional chambers reduce underhood temperature by 12%. Fully paintable molded- plastic construction. Detailed instructions and video for easy installation. Retains underhood blanket and stock hood components. Comes complete with dual windshield squirter kit. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsFirestone Industrial Products
’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite Air-
Spring Kit
800-888 -0650
www.ride-rite.com/
PN: W21-760- 2582

Level the load and improve the ride with the ’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite kit. This no-drill kit uses existing holes in the frame for easy installation. The newest kit is designed to position the air spring between the frame and the axle for maximum stability, improving overall handling and supporting up to 5,000 lbs. (not to exceed vehicle’s GVWR).

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

The Pro Touring look—older body frame with new performance-product features—allows consumers to really customize their vehicles, breaking all the year/make/model standards.

The pickup market tends to be young, working males looking for performance products with a little bit of styling accessories. Full families usually own SUVs and are looking for accessories and gadgets to entertain the passengers and make things easy to transport.

In the off-road segment, younger people want to increase wheel and tire size, lift the truck and put an exhaust on it. These guys want to learn how to off-road and tend to visit local shops that specialize in it.

We are seeing more and more parts dealers hold meets and open houses to engage the community and bring people with like interests together. We are seeing a new type of social engagement, with hashtags designed for easy search to find market-segmented trends consumers want to follow.

We are worried about the ability to off-road due to legislative restrictions. This is limiting the ability to have safe and fun four-wheel rallies that are annual events in some areas. We are also concerned about new CARB laws and restrictions that most aftermarket companies are not ready for.

—Kathryn Reinhardt
Marketing Manager
MagnaFlow

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsLED light bars are hot across the board. In both street trucks and SUVs, the trend is toward low center of gravity lift and leveling kits. Being able to use your truck and SUV in a day-to-day world is the key.

Off-roaders want items that function as well as look cool, such as the Daystar Cam Cans that look great but also hold gear for long trips. Overlanding trips are in now. They let people get out in the world but in less extreme conditions.

Retailers should get back to basics and sell to the customer. Some dealers have become order takers instead of sales people. They know what products would be best for the customers, so giving them that input is the key to success. New products come out every month, and learning about these products will help the dealer and the customer.

People are changing. Most 16-year-olds do not even want driver’s licenses. The advent of everyone being connected is creating a much smaller world. But that does not mean that young people will never drive, and we all need to listen to our new customers to offer the products they want and that fit into
their world.

—Mark Turner
CEO
Daystar Products International Inc.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAuto Meter
F-150 Replacement A- Pillar Gauge Pod (’09–’14)
866-486-6356
www.autometer.com/
PN: 17324

These full replacement A-pillars for the Ford F-150 are said to be the easiest, most integrated way to add instrumentation to a truck.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAdvance Adapters Inc.
Jeep Internal Hydraulic Clutch Replacement Line Kit
800-350-2223
www.advanceadapters.com/
PN: 716130ir

This steel braided-line kit replaces the obsolete plastic clutch line kit on ’87–’93 Jeeps. Kit includes 42-in. steel braid line and necessary fittings for both internal slave cylinder and master cylinder. Kit replaces the discontinued Jeep PNs 04636860, 04636861 and 04728760.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKooks Headers & Exhaust
’14+ GM 1500 V8 Truck Complete Exhaust System
866-586-5665
www.kooksheaders.com/
PN: 286240, 286330 and 28604200

Long-tube headers and complete exhaust system with ultra-high-performance green catalytic converters.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAiraid Filter Co.
PowerAid Throttle-Body Spacer for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra With 5.3L Engine
800-498-6951
www.airaid.com/
PN: 200-543

The PowerAid throttle-body spacer for the ’14 Silverado/Sierra 1500 is an easy bolt-on upgrade that improves part-throttle response and fuel economy. All necessary gaskets and hardware are included, along with instructions written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Made in the U.S.A. and pending CARB approval.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsS&B Filters
Cold-Air Intake for ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 5.3L
909-232-8900
www.sbfilters.com/
PN: 75-5069

Cold-air intake kit for ’14–’15 Chevrolet and GMC V8 gas engines. Features S&B’s all-new silicone- constructed air filter, which won’t crack or deteriorate over time. Also includes an airbox fender seal and removable plug. These dramatic changes contribute to increased airflow, increased hp and torque and exceptional fit and finish.

Ground Force Suspension
’14–’15 GM 1500 2-in. Front, 1-in. Rear Leveling System
724-430-2068
www.groundforce.com/
PN: 3841

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsGround Force 2-in. front, 1-in. rear leveling system for the ’14–’15 GM 1500. Front system utilizes OE- grade urethane spacer with coated strut extenders. Rear is done with powdercoated blocks, U-bolts and all needed hardware. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsEnergy Suspension
’07–’11 Toyota Tundra 2WD/4WD Steering Rack Bushings
888-292-1250
www.energysuspension.com/
PN: 8.10107G

Stabilize the Tundra with Energy’s polyurethane steering rack bushings. OE rubber bushings in the factory rack wear and cause sloppy steering. Replace the bushings, not the whole rack. Includes zinc- plated hardware.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKW Automotive North America
Belltech Lowering Kit for
’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe
559-875-0222
www.belltech.com/
PN: 1000SP

Belltech Sport Trucks announces the release of a lowering kit for the ’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe. The Belltech lowering kit is designed to lower 1 or 2 in. in the front and 3 or 4 in. in the rear.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDoug Thorley Headers
Long-Tube Headers for ’14
Chevrolet/GMC 5.3L-6.2L Trucks and SUVs
800-347-8664
www.dougthorleyheaders.com/
PN: THY-352Y-L-C

Long tubes and the historic Tri-Y-design headers and Y-pipe for the new ’14 GM line of V8 trucks and SUVs. Offers 100% bolt-on performance. Comes standard with ceramic coating. Lifetime warranty.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMBRP Inc.
Foldout Tire Carrier
888-636-7223
www.mbrpautomotive.com
PN: 181141

Off Camber Fabrications foldout tire carrier for the 2007-2014 Jeep Wrangler.

 

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF
Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 11:30
SEMA News—April 2015

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

New Gear From the SEMA Show

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2014 SEMA Show was dedicated to products engineered to tackle life’s harshest, and most exciting, terrain. For buyers who understand their customer’s passionate desire to shift into four-wheel drive, exhibitors unveiled hundreds of new SKUs with items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions.

The truck segment showed significant growth at the 2014 SEMA Show. The ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado was named the Show’s Hottest Truck in the annual SEMA Awards, which honor vehicles most often featured by exhibitors in their booths. Once again, the Jeep Wrangler also reigned supreme as the Show’s Hottest 4x4-SUV. In the New Products Showcase, the trophy for Best New Off-Road/4- Wheel Drive Product went to Bubba Rope for its new Gator-Jaw Soft Shackle. Runner-Ups included Factor 55 for the ProLink Bridle and Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge for the Exo Top soft top and cargo rack system.

The following pages feature new Truck, SUV & Off-Road applications that debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along with the products, we’ve interviewed several industry executives for their perspectives on current trends, along with advice for selling into the category.

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF

 

Design Engineering Inc.
Jeep JK Battery Box Heat
Shield Kit
800-264-9472
www.designengineering.com/
PN: 10456

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBattery box heat shield kit for ’12–’15 Jeep JKs. Protects the battery box and wire harness from the damaging effects
of high exhaust heat.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsVision X Lighting
LED Fog-Light Kit for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty
253-218-2900
www.visionxusa.com/
PN: 9891200

Aftermarket fog-light solution for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty trucks. Easily add up to four times the light output of the factory lights without having to drill any holes. The lights and brackets bolt directly in place of the factory lights for easy installation. Maintain factory appearance with flush mount.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Suspension Arm Series
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 13410

A set of Jeep JK suspension arms with adjustable front and rear uppers/fixed front and rear lowers. Add strength, on-car adjustability and articulation flexibility to stock-height or lifted suspensions. The arms feature SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist between the frame and axle during
off-road articulation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsUS Speedo
LED Dash Kits
810-440-0909
www.usspeedo.com/
PN: GMSWKIT

The ’03–’06 GM truck and SUV steering-wheel switches with LED lighting. Complete set of replacement buttons for steering-wheel controls. Buttons/controls include seek, volume, info, select, trip, fuel, source, program and hands free. Features: Fits most GM trucks and SUVs, easy to install, new LED lighting.

Diamond Eye Performance
Chevy/GM Crossover Pipe
800-635- 9950
www.diamondeyeperformance.com/
PN: 321099

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsA 2.5-in., aluminized, mandrel-bent crossover pipe for ’93–’00 Chevy 6.5L diesels, providing increased performance and flow. Two-piece design allows for lateral flexibility in
installation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Hex Tie-Rod Adjuster Sleeve
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 23605

This adjustable hex-shaped sleeve replaces the round tie-rod sleeve on Jeep JKs to assure ease of adjustment without slippage. Recommended when the existing sleeve is damaged or when replacing a tie-rod end for easy adjustment.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMichelin Edgeliner
Michelin EdgeLiner
800-237-9296
www.edgeliner.com

E dgeliner custom floor liners for newer trucks and SUVs. Laser measured for a custom fit. Designed with the deepest sculpted channels and guaranteed OEM compatible.

Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
’15 Ford F-150 Front Sway Bar
559-734-7451
www.hellwigproducts.com/
PN: 7704

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHellwig manufactures its front sway bar for the new ’15 Ford F-150 out of heat-treated chromoly steel in its California factory. The increased rate from the 1½-in.- diameter sway bar controls body roll and improves cornering both in everyday driving and in tow/haul conditions. It also helps in lifted applications with higher centers of gravity.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAnzoUSA
LED Five-Function Corner Step OE Replacement
888-360-3696
www.anzousa.com/
PN: 861145

LED corner step for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Five functions include red LED running, brake, right turn, left turn and white LED reverse. OE replacement. Easy installation. Added safety. High-intensity HIL-LED technology.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpyder Auto
’14–’15 GMC Sierra Light Bar Projection Headlights, Black
626-934-8884
www.spyderauto.com/
PN: 5080523

The ’14–’15 GMC Sierra light bar projection headlights, black.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Staging Limiter Launch Controller
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Electronic controls for presetting diesel
turbocharger boost or engine rpm for
consistent ¼- miles times on the drag strip. Dodge Cummins, Ford PowerStroke and Chevy Duramax.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Heavy-Duty Differential Covers
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Black powdercoated heavy-duty aluminum differential pans with cooling fins and service ports. For Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHypertech Inc.
Speedometer Calibrator, ’15 GM Truck, 2015 Ram Truck, ’15 Jeep JK
901-382-8888
www.hypertech.com/
PN: 732501

Quickly corrects speedometer/odometer when tire sizes or gear ratios are changed. Easy to update and upgrade online anytime. No cutting; factory-style connectors.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Throttle Sensitivity Booster
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com/
PN: Various

Electronic controls that improve throttle sensitivity on most diesel- and gas-powered Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSnow Performance Inc.
Diesel Boost Cooler 10-Gallon, Toolbox-Style Reservoir
719-333- 3811
www.snowperformance.net/
PN: 40311

New 10-gallon water-methanol injection toolbox-style reservoir designed to mount in the void space in the bed of a standard pickup. Features include reinforced thick-wall poly construction, large filler cap and anti-slosh sumped design. Easily hangs from a bed-rail mounting to keep the entire bed floor open for cargo.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMcGaughy’s Suspension
’15 Ford F-150 4x4 6.5-in. Lift Kit
559-226-8196
www.mcgaughys.com/
PN: 57100

A ’15 Ford F-150 4WD 6.5-in. McGaughy’s Suspension lift kit. There is no cutting or grinding on the differential with this kit.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

We at Truckers Toy Store had a good year in 2014 and are looking forward to a great year in 2015. We are seeing more customers coming in and educating themselves before they even buy their trucks. However, leveling kits are by far one of our hottest products. This purchase then leads to other add-ons such as rims, tires, fender flares and interior floor protection. We find that a lot of customers accessorize in stages.

Most SUV consumers are buying floor protection, vent visors, hood shields and window tint. Work-truck owners want toolboxes along with a spray-in bedliners, mud flaps and vent visors. Leisure street truckers trend toward functional tonneau covers and also usually purchase floor protection and some kind of bed protection. The off-road guys go for lifts, rims, tires and pocket flares.

With the Internet and so many companies out there, competition has become increasingly difficult. Some shops are producing their own, untested and uncertified products with no product insurance. This is a serious issue, and all of us need to be aware of the danger and liability that exists. That is why we educate our customers about our products. We care, and safety matters.

—Ginger Glover
CEO
Truckers Toy Store LLC

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

One of the fastest-growing product categories is tonneau covers, with the hard folding products leading the growth. Tonneau covers are rich in features and benefits.

Bed protection, cargo protection, security, improved aerodynamics, fuel mileage and improved vehicle aesthetics are all benefits that consumers report as reasons they purchased a tonneau cover.

Successful retailers who specialize in light-truck accessories have made sure that they are the “experts” in their field, are leaders in customer service and properly display the products they offer.

There are great no- to low-cost marketing methods available today. Dealers who have not already done so need to become, hire or contract social-media experts to properly execute marketing programs using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare.

Vehicle technology is advancing at light speed. Keeping up will be challenging.

—Jeff Fink
Vice President OEM Sales
& Special Markets
THI Corp.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
Upper Dash Panel and Swivel-Mount Phone Cradle for ’11–’15 Jeep JK Wrangler
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71047BK

Upper dash panel soft insert with soft compartments. Universal swivel-mount cell phone and GPS cradle. Cradle fits most smart phones and GPS ball mounts. Allows phone to be used as on-board camera or GPS. Eliminates suction cup windshield mounts. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsWinjet Inc.
’14 Toyota Tundra Projector Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights
626-369-2121
www.winjetinc.com/
PN: WJ10-0376

Winjet introduces ’14 Toyota Tundra headlights featuring projector low beam to light the way and LED daytime running lights to keep up with the latest and hottest trend.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
’07–’16 Jeep JK Wrangler Hood Cowl and Vent Kit
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71050BK

Fully functional sealed hood cowl mounts directly to stock hood. Directional chambers reduce underhood temperature by 12%. Fully paintable molded- plastic construction. Detailed instructions and video for easy installation. Retains underhood blanket and stock hood components. Comes complete with dual windshield squirter kit. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsFirestone Industrial Products
’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite Air-
Spring Kit
800-888 -0650
www.ride-rite.com/
PN: W21-760- 2582

Level the load and improve the ride with the ’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite kit. This no-drill kit uses existing holes in the frame for easy installation. The newest kit is designed to position the air spring between the frame and the axle for maximum stability, improving overall handling and supporting up to 5,000 lbs. (not to exceed vehicle’s GVWR).

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

The Pro Touring look—older body frame with new performance-product features—allows consumers to really customize their vehicles, breaking all the year/make/model standards.

The pickup market tends to be young, working males looking for performance products with a little bit of styling accessories. Full families usually own SUVs and are looking for accessories and gadgets to entertain the passengers and make things easy to transport.

In the off-road segment, younger people want to increase wheel and tire size, lift the truck and put an exhaust on it. These guys want to learn how to off-road and tend to visit local shops that specialize in it.

We are seeing more and more parts dealers hold meets and open houses to engage the community and bring people with like interests together. We are seeing a new type of social engagement, with hashtags designed for easy search to find market-segmented trends consumers want to follow.

We are worried about the ability to off-road due to legislative restrictions. This is limiting the ability to have safe and fun four-wheel rallies that are annual events in some areas. We are also concerned about new CARB laws and restrictions that most aftermarket companies are not ready for.

—Kathryn Reinhardt
Marketing Manager
MagnaFlow

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsLED light bars are hot across the board. In both street trucks and SUVs, the trend is toward low center of gravity lift and leveling kits. Being able to use your truck and SUV in a day-to-day world is the key.

Off-roaders want items that function as well as look cool, such as the Daystar Cam Cans that look great but also hold gear for long trips. Overlanding trips are in now. They let people get out in the world but in less extreme conditions.

Retailers should get back to basics and sell to the customer. Some dealers have become order takers instead of sales people. They know what products would be best for the customers, so giving them that input is the key to success. New products come out every month, and learning about these products will help the dealer and the customer.

People are changing. Most 16-year-olds do not even want driver’s licenses. The advent of everyone being connected is creating a much smaller world. But that does not mean that young people will never drive, and we all need to listen to our new customers to offer the products they want and that fit into
their world.

—Mark Turner
CEO
Daystar Products International Inc.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAuto Meter
F-150 Replacement A- Pillar Gauge Pod (’09–’14)
866-486-6356
www.autometer.com/
PN: 17324

These full replacement A-pillars for the Ford F-150 are said to be the easiest, most integrated way to add instrumentation to a truck.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAdvance Adapters Inc.
Jeep Internal Hydraulic Clutch Replacement Line Kit
800-350-2223
www.advanceadapters.com/
PN: 716130ir

This steel braided-line kit replaces the obsolete plastic clutch line kit on ’87–’93 Jeeps. Kit includes 42-in. steel braid line and necessary fittings for both internal slave cylinder and master cylinder. Kit replaces the discontinued Jeep PNs 04636860, 04636861 and 04728760.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKooks Headers & Exhaust
’14+ GM 1500 V8 Truck Complete Exhaust System
866-586-5665
www.kooksheaders.com/
PN: 286240, 286330 and 28604200

Long-tube headers and complete exhaust system with ultra-high-performance green catalytic converters.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAiraid Filter Co.
PowerAid Throttle-Body Spacer for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra With 5.3L Engine
800-498-6951
www.airaid.com/
PN: 200-543

The PowerAid throttle-body spacer for the ’14 Silverado/Sierra 1500 is an easy bolt-on upgrade that improves part-throttle response and fuel economy. All necessary gaskets and hardware are included, along with instructions written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Made in the U.S.A. and pending CARB approval.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsS&B Filters
Cold-Air Intake for ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 5.3L
909-232-8900
www.sbfilters.com/
PN: 75-5069

Cold-air intake kit for ’14–’15 Chevrolet and GMC V8 gas engines. Features S&B’s all-new silicone- constructed air filter, which won’t crack or deteriorate over time. Also includes an airbox fender seal and removable plug. These dramatic changes contribute to increased airflow, increased hp and torque and exceptional fit and finish.

Ground Force Suspension
’14–’15 GM 1500 2-in. Front, 1-in. Rear Leveling System
724-430-2068
www.groundforce.com/
PN: 3841

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsGround Force 2-in. front, 1-in. rear leveling system for the ’14–’15 GM 1500. Front system utilizes OE- grade urethane spacer with coated strut extenders. Rear is done with powdercoated blocks, U-bolts and all needed hardware. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsEnergy Suspension
’07–’11 Toyota Tundra 2WD/4WD Steering Rack Bushings
888-292-1250
www.energysuspension.com/
PN: 8.10107G

Stabilize the Tundra with Energy’s polyurethane steering rack bushings. OE rubber bushings in the factory rack wear and cause sloppy steering. Replace the bushings, not the whole rack. Includes zinc- plated hardware.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKW Automotive North America
Belltech Lowering Kit for
’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe
559-875-0222
www.belltech.com/
PN: 1000SP

Belltech Sport Trucks announces the release of a lowering kit for the ’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe. The Belltech lowering kit is designed to lower 1 or 2 in. in the front and 3 or 4 in. in the rear.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDoug Thorley Headers
Long-Tube Headers for ’14
Chevrolet/GMC 5.3L-6.2L Trucks and SUVs
800-347-8664
www.dougthorleyheaders.com/
PN: THY-352Y-L-C

Long tubes and the historic Tri-Y-design headers and Y-pipe for the new ’14 GM line of V8 trucks and SUVs. Offers 100% bolt-on performance. Comes standard with ceramic coating. Lifetime warranty.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMBRP Inc.
Foldout Tire Carrier
888-636-7223
www.mbrpautomotive.com
PN: 181141

Off Camber Fabrications foldout tire carrier for the 2007-2014 Jeep Wrangler.

 

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF
Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 11:30
SEMA News—April 2015

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

New Gear From the SEMA Show

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2014 SEMA Show was dedicated to products engineered to tackle life’s harshest, and most exciting, terrain. For buyers who understand their customer’s passionate desire to shift into four-wheel drive, exhibitors unveiled hundreds of new SKUs with items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions.

The truck segment showed significant growth at the 2014 SEMA Show. The ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado was named the Show’s Hottest Truck in the annual SEMA Awards, which honor vehicles most often featured by exhibitors in their booths. Once again, the Jeep Wrangler also reigned supreme as the Show’s Hottest 4x4-SUV. In the New Products Showcase, the trophy for Best New Off-Road/4- Wheel Drive Product went to Bubba Rope for its new Gator-Jaw Soft Shackle. Runner-Ups included Factor 55 for the ProLink Bridle and Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge for the Exo Top soft top and cargo rack system.

The following pages feature new Truck, SUV & Off-Road applications that debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along with the products, we’ve interviewed several industry executives for their perspectives on current trends, along with advice for selling into the category.

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF

 

Design Engineering Inc.
Jeep JK Battery Box Heat
Shield Kit
800-264-9472
www.designengineering.com/
PN: 10456

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBattery box heat shield kit for ’12–’15 Jeep JKs. Protects the battery box and wire harness from the damaging effects
of high exhaust heat.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsVision X Lighting
LED Fog-Light Kit for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty
253-218-2900
www.visionxusa.com/
PN: 9891200

Aftermarket fog-light solution for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty trucks. Easily add up to four times the light output of the factory lights without having to drill any holes. The lights and brackets bolt directly in place of the factory lights for easy installation. Maintain factory appearance with flush mount.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Suspension Arm Series
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 13410

A set of Jeep JK suspension arms with adjustable front and rear uppers/fixed front and rear lowers. Add strength, on-car adjustability and articulation flexibility to stock-height or lifted suspensions. The arms feature SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist between the frame and axle during
off-road articulation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsUS Speedo
LED Dash Kits
810-440-0909
www.usspeedo.com/
PN: GMSWKIT

The ’03–’06 GM truck and SUV steering-wheel switches with LED lighting. Complete set of replacement buttons for steering-wheel controls. Buttons/controls include seek, volume, info, select, trip, fuel, source, program and hands free. Features: Fits most GM trucks and SUVs, easy to install, new LED lighting.

Diamond Eye Performance
Chevy/GM Crossover Pipe
800-635- 9950
www.diamondeyeperformance.com/
PN: 321099

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsA 2.5-in., aluminized, mandrel-bent crossover pipe for ’93–’00 Chevy 6.5L diesels, providing increased performance and flow. Two-piece design allows for lateral flexibility in
installation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Hex Tie-Rod Adjuster Sleeve
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 23605

This adjustable hex-shaped sleeve replaces the round tie-rod sleeve on Jeep JKs to assure ease of adjustment without slippage. Recommended when the existing sleeve is damaged or when replacing a tie-rod end for easy adjustment.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMichelin Edgeliner
Michelin EdgeLiner
800-237-9296
www.edgeliner.com

E dgeliner custom floor liners for newer trucks and SUVs. Laser measured for a custom fit. Designed with the deepest sculpted channels and guaranteed OEM compatible.

Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
’15 Ford F-150 Front Sway Bar
559-734-7451
www.hellwigproducts.com/
PN: 7704

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHellwig manufactures its front sway bar for the new ’15 Ford F-150 out of heat-treated chromoly steel in its California factory. The increased rate from the 1½-in.- diameter sway bar controls body roll and improves cornering both in everyday driving and in tow/haul conditions. It also helps in lifted applications with higher centers of gravity.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAnzoUSA
LED Five-Function Corner Step OE Replacement
888-360-3696
www.anzousa.com/
PN: 861145

LED corner step for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Five functions include red LED running, brake, right turn, left turn and white LED reverse. OE replacement. Easy installation. Added safety. High-intensity HIL-LED technology.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpyder Auto
’14–’15 GMC Sierra Light Bar Projection Headlights, Black
626-934-8884
www.spyderauto.com/
PN: 5080523

The ’14–’15 GMC Sierra light bar projection headlights, black.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Staging Limiter Launch Controller
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Electronic controls for presetting diesel
turbocharger boost or engine rpm for
consistent ¼- miles times on the drag strip. Dodge Cummins, Ford PowerStroke and Chevy Duramax.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Heavy-Duty Differential Covers
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Black powdercoated heavy-duty aluminum differential pans with cooling fins and service ports. For Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHypertech Inc.
Speedometer Calibrator, ’15 GM Truck, 2015 Ram Truck, ’15 Jeep JK
901-382-8888
www.hypertech.com/
PN: 732501

Quickly corrects speedometer/odometer when tire sizes or gear ratios are changed. Easy to update and upgrade online anytime. No cutting; factory-style connectors.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Throttle Sensitivity Booster
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com/
PN: Various

Electronic controls that improve throttle sensitivity on most diesel- and gas-powered Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSnow Performance Inc.
Diesel Boost Cooler 10-Gallon, Toolbox-Style Reservoir
719-333- 3811
www.snowperformance.net/
PN: 40311

New 10-gallon water-methanol injection toolbox-style reservoir designed to mount in the void space in the bed of a standard pickup. Features include reinforced thick-wall poly construction, large filler cap and anti-slosh sumped design. Easily hangs from a bed-rail mounting to keep the entire bed floor open for cargo.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMcGaughy’s Suspension
’15 Ford F-150 4x4 6.5-in. Lift Kit
559-226-8196
www.mcgaughys.com/
PN: 57100

A ’15 Ford F-150 4WD 6.5-in. McGaughy’s Suspension lift kit. There is no cutting or grinding on the differential with this kit.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

We at Truckers Toy Store had a good year in 2014 and are looking forward to a great year in 2015. We are seeing more customers coming in and educating themselves before they even buy their trucks. However, leveling kits are by far one of our hottest products. This purchase then leads to other add-ons such as rims, tires, fender flares and interior floor protection. We find that a lot of customers accessorize in stages.

Most SUV consumers are buying floor protection, vent visors, hood shields and window tint. Work-truck owners want toolboxes along with a spray-in bedliners, mud flaps and vent visors. Leisure street truckers trend toward functional tonneau covers and also usually purchase floor protection and some kind of bed protection. The off-road guys go for lifts, rims, tires and pocket flares.

With the Internet and so many companies out there, competition has become increasingly difficult. Some shops are producing their own, untested and uncertified products with no product insurance. This is a serious issue, and all of us need to be aware of the danger and liability that exists. That is why we educate our customers about our products. We care, and safety matters.

—Ginger Glover
CEO
Truckers Toy Store LLC

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

One of the fastest-growing product categories is tonneau covers, with the hard folding products leading the growth. Tonneau covers are rich in features and benefits.

Bed protection, cargo protection, security, improved aerodynamics, fuel mileage and improved vehicle aesthetics are all benefits that consumers report as reasons they purchased a tonneau cover.

Successful retailers who specialize in light-truck accessories have made sure that they are the “experts” in their field, are leaders in customer service and properly display the products they offer.

There are great no- to low-cost marketing methods available today. Dealers who have not already done so need to become, hire or contract social-media experts to properly execute marketing programs using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare.

Vehicle technology is advancing at light speed. Keeping up will be challenging.

—Jeff Fink
Vice President OEM Sales
& Special Markets
THI Corp.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
Upper Dash Panel and Swivel-Mount Phone Cradle for ’11–’15 Jeep JK Wrangler
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71047BK

Upper dash panel soft insert with soft compartments. Universal swivel-mount cell phone and GPS cradle. Cradle fits most smart phones and GPS ball mounts. Allows phone to be used as on-board camera or GPS. Eliminates suction cup windshield mounts. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsWinjet Inc.
’14 Toyota Tundra Projector Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights
626-369-2121
www.winjetinc.com/
PN: WJ10-0376

Winjet introduces ’14 Toyota Tundra headlights featuring projector low beam to light the way and LED daytime running lights to keep up with the latest and hottest trend.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
’07–’16 Jeep JK Wrangler Hood Cowl and Vent Kit
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71050BK

Fully functional sealed hood cowl mounts directly to stock hood. Directional chambers reduce underhood temperature by 12%. Fully paintable molded- plastic construction. Detailed instructions and video for easy installation. Retains underhood blanket and stock hood components. Comes complete with dual windshield squirter kit. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsFirestone Industrial Products
’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite Air-
Spring Kit
800-888 -0650
www.ride-rite.com/
PN: W21-760- 2582

Level the load and improve the ride with the ’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite kit. This no-drill kit uses existing holes in the frame for easy installation. The newest kit is designed to position the air spring between the frame and the axle for maximum stability, improving overall handling and supporting up to 5,000 lbs. (not to exceed vehicle’s GVWR).

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

The Pro Touring look—older body frame with new performance-product features—allows consumers to really customize their vehicles, breaking all the year/make/model standards.

The pickup market tends to be young, working males looking for performance products with a little bit of styling accessories. Full families usually own SUVs and are looking for accessories and gadgets to entertain the passengers and make things easy to transport.

In the off-road segment, younger people want to increase wheel and tire size, lift the truck and put an exhaust on it. These guys want to learn how to off-road and tend to visit local shops that specialize in it.

We are seeing more and more parts dealers hold meets and open houses to engage the community and bring people with like interests together. We are seeing a new type of social engagement, with hashtags designed for easy search to find market-segmented trends consumers want to follow.

We are worried about the ability to off-road due to legislative restrictions. This is limiting the ability to have safe and fun four-wheel rallies that are annual events in some areas. We are also concerned about new CARB laws and restrictions that most aftermarket companies are not ready for.

—Kathryn Reinhardt
Marketing Manager
MagnaFlow

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsLED light bars are hot across the board. In both street trucks and SUVs, the trend is toward low center of gravity lift and leveling kits. Being able to use your truck and SUV in a day-to-day world is the key.

Off-roaders want items that function as well as look cool, such as the Daystar Cam Cans that look great but also hold gear for long trips. Overlanding trips are in now. They let people get out in the world but in less extreme conditions.

Retailers should get back to basics and sell to the customer. Some dealers have become order takers instead of sales people. They know what products would be best for the customers, so giving them that input is the key to success. New products come out every month, and learning about these products will help the dealer and the customer.

People are changing. Most 16-year-olds do not even want driver’s licenses. The advent of everyone being connected is creating a much smaller world. But that does not mean that young people will never drive, and we all need to listen to our new customers to offer the products they want and that fit into
their world.

—Mark Turner
CEO
Daystar Products International Inc.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAuto Meter
F-150 Replacement A- Pillar Gauge Pod (’09–’14)
866-486-6356
www.autometer.com/
PN: 17324

These full replacement A-pillars for the Ford F-150 are said to be the easiest, most integrated way to add instrumentation to a truck.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAdvance Adapters Inc.
Jeep Internal Hydraulic Clutch Replacement Line Kit
800-350-2223
www.advanceadapters.com/
PN: 716130ir

This steel braided-line kit replaces the obsolete plastic clutch line kit on ’87–’93 Jeeps. Kit includes 42-in. steel braid line and necessary fittings for both internal slave cylinder and master cylinder. Kit replaces the discontinued Jeep PNs 04636860, 04636861 and 04728760.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKooks Headers & Exhaust
’14+ GM 1500 V8 Truck Complete Exhaust System
866-586-5665
www.kooksheaders.com/
PN: 286240, 286330 and 28604200

Long-tube headers and complete exhaust system with ultra-high-performance green catalytic converters.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAiraid Filter Co.
PowerAid Throttle-Body Spacer for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra With 5.3L Engine
800-498-6951
www.airaid.com/
PN: 200-543

The PowerAid throttle-body spacer for the ’14 Silverado/Sierra 1500 is an easy bolt-on upgrade that improves part-throttle response and fuel economy. All necessary gaskets and hardware are included, along with instructions written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Made in the U.S.A. and pending CARB approval.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsS&B Filters
Cold-Air Intake for ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 5.3L
909-232-8900
www.sbfilters.com/
PN: 75-5069

Cold-air intake kit for ’14–’15 Chevrolet and GMC V8 gas engines. Features S&B’s all-new silicone- constructed air filter, which won’t crack or deteriorate over time. Also includes an airbox fender seal and removable plug. These dramatic changes contribute to increased airflow, increased hp and torque and exceptional fit and finish.

Ground Force Suspension
’14–’15 GM 1500 2-in. Front, 1-in. Rear Leveling System
724-430-2068
www.groundforce.com/
PN: 3841

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsGround Force 2-in. front, 1-in. rear leveling system for the ’14–’15 GM 1500. Front system utilizes OE- grade urethane spacer with coated strut extenders. Rear is done with powdercoated blocks, U-bolts and all needed hardware. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsEnergy Suspension
’07–’11 Toyota Tundra 2WD/4WD Steering Rack Bushings
888-292-1250
www.energysuspension.com/
PN: 8.10107G

Stabilize the Tundra with Energy’s polyurethane steering rack bushings. OE rubber bushings in the factory rack wear and cause sloppy steering. Replace the bushings, not the whole rack. Includes zinc- plated hardware.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKW Automotive North America
Belltech Lowering Kit for
’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe
559-875-0222
www.belltech.com/
PN: 1000SP

Belltech Sport Trucks announces the release of a lowering kit for the ’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe. The Belltech lowering kit is designed to lower 1 or 2 in. in the front and 3 or 4 in. in the rear.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDoug Thorley Headers
Long-Tube Headers for ’14
Chevrolet/GMC 5.3L-6.2L Trucks and SUVs
800-347-8664
www.dougthorleyheaders.com/
PN: THY-352Y-L-C

Long tubes and the historic Tri-Y-design headers and Y-pipe for the new ’14 GM line of V8 trucks and SUVs. Offers 100% bolt-on performance. Comes standard with ceramic coating. Lifetime warranty.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMBRP Inc.
Foldout Tire Carrier
888-636-7223
www.mbrpautomotive.com
PN: 181141

Off Camber Fabrications foldout tire carrier for the 2007-2014 Jeep Wrangler.

 

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF
Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 11:30
SEMA News—April 2015

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

New Gear From the SEMA Show

The Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road section of the 2014 SEMA Show was dedicated to products engineered to tackle life’s harshest, and most exciting, terrain. For buyers who understand their customer’s passionate desire to shift into four-wheel drive, exhibitors unveiled hundreds of new SKUs with items ranging from tonneau covers and bedliners to toolboxes, trailer hitches and suspensions.

The truck segment showed significant growth at the 2014 SEMA Show. The ’14/’15 Chevrolet Silverado was named the Show’s Hottest Truck in the annual SEMA Awards, which honor vehicles most often featured by exhibitors in their booths. Once again, the Jeep Wrangler also reigned supreme as the Show’s Hottest 4x4-SUV. In the New Products Showcase, the trophy for Best New Off-Road/4- Wheel Drive Product went to Bubba Rope for its new Gator-Jaw Soft Shackle. Runner-Ups included Factor 55 for the ProLink Bridle and Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge for the Exo Top soft top and cargo rack system.

The following pages feature new Truck, SUV & Off-Road applications that debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along with the products, we’ve interviewed several industry executives for their perspectives on current trends, along with advice for selling into the category.

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF

 

Design Engineering Inc.
Jeep JK Battery Box Heat
Shield Kit
800-264-9472
www.designengineering.com/
PN: 10456

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBattery box heat shield kit for ’12–’15 Jeep JKs. Protects the battery box and wire harness from the damaging effects
of high exhaust heat.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsVision X Lighting
LED Fog-Light Kit for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty
253-218-2900
www.visionxusa.com/
PN: 9891200

Aftermarket fog-light solution for ’99–’14 Ford Super Duty trucks. Easily add up to four times the light output of the factory lights without having to drill any holes. The lights and brackets bolt directly in place of the factory lights for easy installation. Maintain factory appearance with flush mount.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Suspension Arm Series
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 13410

A set of Jeep JK suspension arms with adjustable front and rear uppers/fixed front and rear lowers. Add strength, on-car adjustability and articulation flexibility to stock-height or lifted suspensions. The arms feature SPC’s xAxis sealed flex joints to provide bind-free twist between the frame and axle during
off-road articulation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsUS Speedo
LED Dash Kits
810-440-0909
www.usspeedo.com/
PN: GMSWKIT

The ’03–’06 GM truck and SUV steering-wheel switches with LED lighting. Complete set of replacement buttons for steering-wheel controls. Buttons/controls include seek, volume, info, select, trip, fuel, source, program and hands free. Features: Fits most GM trucks and SUVs, easy to install, new LED lighting.

Diamond Eye Performance
Chevy/GM Crossover Pipe
800-635- 9950
www.diamondeyeperformance.com/
PN: 321099

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsA 2.5-in., aluminized, mandrel-bent crossover pipe for ’93–’00 Chevy 6.5L diesels, providing increased performance and flow. Two-piece design allows for lateral flexibility in
installation.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpecialty Products Co.
Jeep JK Hex Tie-Rod Adjuster Sleeve
800-525-6505
www.specprod.com/
PN: 23605

This adjustable hex-shaped sleeve replaces the round tie-rod sleeve on Jeep JKs to assure ease of adjustment without slippage. Recommended when the existing sleeve is damaged or when replacing a tie-rod end for easy adjustment.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMichelin Edgeliner
Michelin EdgeLiner
800-237-9296
www.edgeliner.com

E dgeliner custom floor liners for newer trucks and SUVs. Laser measured for a custom fit. Designed with the deepest sculpted channels and guaranteed OEM compatible.

Hellwig Products Co. Inc.
’15 Ford F-150 Front Sway Bar
559-734-7451
www.hellwigproducts.com/
PN: 7704

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHellwig manufactures its front sway bar for the new ’15 Ford F-150 out of heat-treated chromoly steel in its California factory. The increased rate from the 1½-in.- diameter sway bar controls body roll and improves cornering both in everyday driving and in tow/haul conditions. It also helps in lifted applications with higher centers of gravity.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAnzoUSA
LED Five-Function Corner Step OE Replacement
888-360-3696
www.anzousa.com/
PN: 861145

LED corner step for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Five functions include red LED running, brake, right turn, left turn and white LED reverse. OE replacement. Easy installation. Added safety. High-intensity HIL-LED technology.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSpyder Auto
’14–’15 GMC Sierra Light Bar Projection Headlights, Black
626-934-8884
www.spyderauto.com/
PN: 5080523

The ’14–’15 GMC Sierra light bar projection headlights, black.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Staging Limiter Launch Controller
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Electronic controls for presetting diesel
turbocharger boost or engine rpm for
consistent ¼- miles times on the drag strip. Dodge Cummins, Ford PowerStroke and Chevy Duramax.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Heavy-Duty Differential Covers
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com

Black powdercoated heavy-duty aluminum differential pans with cooling fins and service ports. For Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsHypertech Inc.
Speedometer Calibrator, ’15 GM Truck, 2015 Ram Truck, ’15 Jeep JK
901-382-8888
www.hypertech.com/
PN: 732501

Quickly corrects speedometer/odometer when tire sizes or gear ratios are changed. Easy to update and upgrade online anytime. No cutting; factory-style connectors.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsBD Diesel Performance
Throttle Sensitivity Booster
800-875-5030
www.dieselperformance.com/
PN: Various

Electronic controls that improve throttle sensitivity on most diesel- and gas-powered Dodge, Ford and Chevy pickups.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsSnow Performance Inc.
Diesel Boost Cooler 10-Gallon, Toolbox-Style Reservoir
719-333- 3811
www.snowperformance.net/
PN: 40311

New 10-gallon water-methanol injection toolbox-style reservoir designed to mount in the void space in the bed of a standard pickup. Features include reinforced thick-wall poly construction, large filler cap and anti-slosh sumped design. Easily hangs from a bed-rail mounting to keep the entire bed floor open for cargo.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMcGaughy’s Suspension
’15 Ford F-150 4x4 6.5-in. Lift Kit
559-226-8196
www.mcgaughys.com/
PN: 57100

A ’15 Ford F-150 4WD 6.5-in. McGaughy’s Suspension lift kit. There is no cutting or grinding on the differential with this kit.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

We at Truckers Toy Store had a good year in 2014 and are looking forward to a great year in 2015. We are seeing more customers coming in and educating themselves before they even buy their trucks. However, leveling kits are by far one of our hottest products. This purchase then leads to other add-ons such as rims, tires, fender flares and interior floor protection. We find that a lot of customers accessorize in stages.

Most SUV consumers are buying floor protection, vent visors, hood shields and window tint. Work-truck owners want toolboxes along with a spray-in bedliners, mud flaps and vent visors. Leisure street truckers trend toward functional tonneau covers and also usually purchase floor protection and some kind of bed protection. The off-road guys go for lifts, rims, tires and pocket flares.

With the Internet and so many companies out there, competition has become increasingly difficult. Some shops are producing their own, untested and uncertified products with no product insurance. This is a serious issue, and all of us need to be aware of the danger and liability that exists. That is why we educate our customers about our products. We care, and safety matters.

—Ginger Glover
CEO
Truckers Toy Store LLC

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

One of the fastest-growing product categories is tonneau covers, with the hard folding products leading the growth. Tonneau covers are rich in features and benefits.

Bed protection, cargo protection, security, improved aerodynamics, fuel mileage and improved vehicle aesthetics are all benefits that consumers report as reasons they purchased a tonneau cover.

Successful retailers who specialize in light-truck accessories have made sure that they are the “experts” in their field, are leaders in customer service and properly display the products they offer.

There are great no- to low-cost marketing methods available today. Dealers who have not already done so need to become, hire or contract social-media experts to properly execute marketing programs using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare.

Vehicle technology is advancing at light speed. Keeping up will be challenging.

—Jeff Fink
Vice President OEM Sales
& Special Markets
THI Corp.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
Upper Dash Panel and Swivel-Mount Phone Cradle for ’11–’15 Jeep JK Wrangler
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71047BK

Upper dash panel soft insert with soft compartments. Universal swivel-mount cell phone and GPS cradle. Cradle fits most smart phones and GPS ball mounts. Allows phone to be used as on-board camera or GPS. Eliminates suction cup windshield mounts. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsWinjet Inc.
’14 Toyota Tundra Projector Headlights With LED Daytime Running Lights
626-369-2121
www.winjetinc.com/
PN: WJ10-0376

Winjet introduces ’14 Toyota Tundra headlights featuring projector low beam to light the way and LED daytime running lights to keep up with the latest and hottest trend.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDaystar Products
’07–’16 Jeep JK Wrangler Hood Cowl and Vent Kit
800-595-7659
www.daystarproducts.com/
PN: KJ71050BK

Fully functional sealed hood cowl mounts directly to stock hood. Directional chambers reduce underhood temperature by 12%. Fully paintable molded- plastic construction. Detailed instructions and video for easy installation. Retains underhood blanket and stock hood components. Comes complete with dual windshield squirter kit. Made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsFirestone Industrial Products
’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite Air-
Spring Kit
800-888 -0650
www.ride-rite.com/
PN: W21-760- 2582

Level the load and improve the ride with the ’15 Ford F-150 Ride-Rite kit. This no-drill kit uses existing holes in the frame for easy installation. The newest kit is designed to position the air spring between the frame and the axle for maximum stability, improving overall handling and supporting up to 5,000 lbs. (not to exceed vehicle’s GVWR).

Truck, SUV & Off-Road Products

The Pro Touring look—older body frame with new performance-product features—allows consumers to really customize their vehicles, breaking all the year/make/model standards.

The pickup market tends to be young, working males looking for performance products with a little bit of styling accessories. Full families usually own SUVs and are looking for accessories and gadgets to entertain the passengers and make things easy to transport.

In the off-road segment, younger people want to increase wheel and tire size, lift the truck and put an exhaust on it. These guys want to learn how to off-road and tend to visit local shops that specialize in it.

We are seeing more and more parts dealers hold meets and open houses to engage the community and bring people with like interests together. We are seeing a new type of social engagement, with hashtags designed for easy search to find market-segmented trends consumers want to follow.

We are worried about the ability to off-road due to legislative restrictions. This is limiting the ability to have safe and fun four-wheel rallies that are annual events in some areas. We are also concerned about new CARB laws and restrictions that most aftermarket companies are not ready for.

—Kathryn Reinhardt
Marketing Manager
MagnaFlow

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsLED light bars are hot across the board. In both street trucks and SUVs, the trend is toward low center of gravity lift and leveling kits. Being able to use your truck and SUV in a day-to-day world is the key.

Off-roaders want items that function as well as look cool, such as the Daystar Cam Cans that look great but also hold gear for long trips. Overlanding trips are in now. They let people get out in the world but in less extreme conditions.

Retailers should get back to basics and sell to the customer. Some dealers have become order takers instead of sales people. They know what products would be best for the customers, so giving them that input is the key to success. New products come out every month, and learning about these products will help the dealer and the customer.

People are changing. Most 16-year-olds do not even want driver’s licenses. The advent of everyone being connected is creating a much smaller world. But that does not mean that young people will never drive, and we all need to listen to our new customers to offer the products they want and that fit into
their world.

—Mark Turner
CEO
Daystar Products International Inc.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAuto Meter
F-150 Replacement A- Pillar Gauge Pod (’09–’14)
866-486-6356
www.autometer.com/
PN: 17324

These full replacement A-pillars for the Ford F-150 are said to be the easiest, most integrated way to add instrumentation to a truck.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAdvance Adapters Inc.
Jeep Internal Hydraulic Clutch Replacement Line Kit
800-350-2223
www.advanceadapters.com/
PN: 716130ir

This steel braided-line kit replaces the obsolete plastic clutch line kit on ’87–’93 Jeeps. Kit includes 42-in. steel braid line and necessary fittings for both internal slave cylinder and master cylinder. Kit replaces the discontinued Jeep PNs 04636860, 04636861 and 04728760.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKooks Headers & Exhaust
’14+ GM 1500 V8 Truck Complete Exhaust System
866-586-5665
www.kooksheaders.com/
PN: 286240, 286330 and 28604200

Long-tube headers and complete exhaust system with ultra-high-performance green catalytic converters.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsAiraid Filter Co.
PowerAid Throttle-Body Spacer for ’14 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra With 5.3L Engine
800-498-6951
www.airaid.com/
PN: 200-543

The PowerAid throttle-body spacer for the ’14 Silverado/Sierra 1500 is an easy bolt-on upgrade that improves part-throttle response and fuel economy. All necessary gaskets and hardware are included, along with instructions written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. Made in the U.S.A. and pending CARB approval.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsS&B Filters
Cold-Air Intake for ’14–’15 Chevy Silverado 5.3L
909-232-8900
www.sbfilters.com/
PN: 75-5069

Cold-air intake kit for ’14–’15 Chevrolet and GMC V8 gas engines. Features S&B’s all-new silicone- constructed air filter, which won’t crack or deteriorate over time. Also includes an airbox fender seal and removable plug. These dramatic changes contribute to increased airflow, increased hp and torque and exceptional fit and finish.

Ground Force Suspension
’14–’15 GM 1500 2-in. Front, 1-in. Rear Leveling System
724-430-2068
www.groundforce.com/
PN: 3841

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsGround Force 2-in. front, 1-in. rear leveling system for the ’14–’15 GM 1500. Front system utilizes OE- grade urethane spacer with coated strut extenders. Rear is done with powdercoated blocks, U-bolts and all needed hardware. Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsEnergy Suspension
’07–’11 Toyota Tundra 2WD/4WD Steering Rack Bushings
888-292-1250
www.energysuspension.com/
PN: 8.10107G

Stabilize the Tundra with Energy’s polyurethane steering rack bushings. OE rubber bushings in the factory rack wear and cause sloppy steering. Replace the bushings, not the whole rack. Includes zinc- plated hardware.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsKW Automotive North America
Belltech Lowering Kit for
’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe
559-875-0222
www.belltech.com/
PN: 1000SP

Belltech Sport Trucks announces the release of a lowering kit for the ’15+ Chevrolet Tahoe. The Belltech lowering kit is designed to lower 1 or 2 in. in the front and 3 or 4 in. in the rear.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsDoug Thorley Headers
Long-Tube Headers for ’14
Chevrolet/GMC 5.3L-6.2L Trucks and SUVs
800-347-8664
www.dougthorleyheaders.com/
PN: THY-352Y-L-C

Long tubes and the historic Tri-Y-design headers and Y-pipe for the new ’14 GM line of V8 trucks and SUVs. Offers 100% bolt-on performance. Comes standard with ceramic coating. Lifetime warranty.

Truck, SUV & Off-Road ProductsMBRP Inc.
Foldout Tire Carrier
888-636-7223
www.mbrpautomotive.com
PN: 181141

Off Camber Fabrications foldout tire carrier for the 2007-2014 Jeep Wrangler.

 

VIEW ALL 500+ TRUCK, SUV & OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS ON PDF
Confused About Data Management? Here Are the SDC’s Top Five Reasons to Get Started Now!
Wed, 04/01/2015 - 11:29
SEMA News—April 2015

SEMA DATA CO-OP
By Jon Wyly

Confused About Data Management? Here Are the SDC’s Top Five Reasons to Get Started Now!

Jon Wyly, CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC), has assembled a handpicked team of industry veterans to grow and take the co-op in exciting new directions, including the launch of SEMA Search.I was talking to an old friend who runs a specialty performance distribution business, and he said, “You know, it just seems like nobody talks to each other on the phone any more.” Yep, e-mail has changed the way we communicate. The same sentiment can be heard in brick-and-mortar stores across the country in the form of, “You know, people don’t come into the store like they used to.” There’s no question that the Internet has changed the way we do business as well. So what’s the common thread that is replacing the long-standing virtues of face-to-face business, customer relationships and loyalty? If you ask me, it’s technology.

As we have talked about so many times before, today’s consumers are increasingly demanding and have a pretty short attention span. You can thank the Internet for that. E-commerce has created an expectation of instant results, which has caused consumers in many cases to forego old loyalties in exchange for convenience, speed and ready availability of information.

So what does this mean to you and your business? Well, it’s rapidly becoming a “jump on board now or get run over by the train” scenario. Information—and specifically product information—is driving the choices that consumers make every day. Brand owners and resellers that have the best product information are winning with today’s consumers. Remember, even if they buy locally, more than 75% of consumers use the Internet to research potential purchases.

E-commerce has created an expectation of instant results, which has caused consumers in many cases to forego old loyalties in exchange for convenience, speed and ready availability of information.

So here’s the punch line: If you are still waiting to see how this “data thing” is going to work out, you are on the verge of being left on the dock as the boat pulls away. Getting your data in order is not a quick fix. It takes expertise, dedicated resources and some high-quality help, like that provided by the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC).

Here are the SDC’s top five reasons why you should get started managing and distributing your product data now:

  1. Quality product data helps make you “visible” to the 75% of consumers who are researching their potential purchases on the Internet. Every time product information is added to a website, blog post, forum or most anywhere else on the web, the search engines start crawling, cataloging and presenting that info in search results.
  2. Quality product data is a requirement for doing business with many of your larger customers. Frankly, it’s almost impossible to get your foot in the door with the larger retailers and WDs unless you have their data needs handled.
  3. You can accelerate your new-product sales by making product data available in a timely manner, populating key websites, blogs and forums and getting enthusiast “chatter” started.
  4. Your own business systems require data to help you operate efficiently. Why not make sure it’s the best available?
  5. Many of your competitors are working hard on their product data right now—and gaining market advantage in the process.

Don’t let a wait-and-see attitude stall you for one more day. The future of your business depends on it! 

To learn more about how you can take control of your product data and manage it at the lowest possible cost, contact SEMA Data Co-op Director of Membership Jim Graven at jimg@SEMAdatacoop.org or 888-958-6698 x4.