SEMA News—July 2012
NEW PRODUCTS
New Car-Care and Restyling Products
Change Is the Watchword
From modifying a vehicle’s original-equipment appearance with products such as new grilles or complete body kits to buffing oxidized paint on a classic muscle machine, car-care and restyling products can dramatically change a car’s look or add features unavailable from the OEM. Hundreds of items aimed at doing just that were introduced in the New Products Showcase during the 2011 SEMA Show, and we’ve gathered them here to give you a quick look at the innovations and trends that are bringing sparkle to the marketplace.
We’ve also gathered comments from executives of some of the leading car-care companies as well as some new faces in the segment. Their remarks regarding how the industry has fared during the recession, expanding technologies, such as headlight restoration, the growth of environmental concerns and changes in car-care chemistry offer a thumbnail sketch of significant forces that may shape the market into the foreseeable future.
So whether you’re a restyler looking for novel seating options and dash mounts for the latest electronics or a detailer on the hunt for ways to perform your job quicker, easier and with gleaming results, check out this product guide to see if there might be something here that could boost your bottom line.
|
View more than 150 Car Care, Restyling Products and expert testimonials debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show. |
|
Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA. |
A three-in-one polish that cuts, polishes and finishes all new and old finishes. Silicone-free. Great open time. Use on paint, clear plastic, clearcoat and glass. Removes water spots. Cut, polish and finish in just one step, even 1200 grit+. Just change the pad. |
|
|
HD NitroSeal—Revolutionary two-part copolymer paint sealant system that’s designed to be used by everyone who owns a vehicle. Delivering unprecedented slickness and shine, the company says. Patent pending. |
3D says that it is the innovator of waterless carwash. Use this biodegradable wash anytime, anywhere and reduce carbon footprint. Certified not to scratch.
|
|
|
3M says use what the pros use. Superior adhesion properties allow a bond to form to double-coated galvanized steel present in newer vehicles. Bondo Professional Gold Body Filler is also said to use state-of-the-art resin technology that makes mixing, applying and sanding a breeze. |
The 3M Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to restore headlight lenses that are losing clear visibility. This increases the visibility capacity of fogged, yellowed, cloudy or hazy dull looking headlights by improving their performance.
|
|
|
3M Accuspray System HVLP sealer gun, model HG14, is said to be specially designed for the application of sealer. The replaceable 1.4mm atomizing head greatly reduces overspray, improves atomization and increases transfer efficiency, reducing shop cleanup time, solvent use and improving productivity. |
3M says that the Bondo Small-Dent Repair Kit contains everything needed for repairing small dents, chips and holes, including a Bondo body filler single-use 6-ounce can of filler, spreader and 3M sandpaper in 80, 180 and 320 grits to take the job from start to finish. |
|
|
Blow-molded ABS spoiler for 2011 Kia Optima flush mount. |
Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts. |
|
|
On the other hand, paint substrates still require the same amount of maintenance to look good. Most of the changes that have occurred in the painting industry have been driven by government regulation for volatile organic compound (VOC) reductions and/or process controls for cost. Government regulations are always a challenge for us. Even so, the segment is going to recover and grow. When the economy suffers, people who own a car will keep it longer and maintain it better rather than purchase a new vehicle, and people who do purchase a new vehicle will want to take care of it. That provides a little bit of insulation in our business. The greatest opportunities always lie with the next generation. Car-care companies have to educate the next generation of enthusiasts so that they take pride in the ownership of their vehicles. It is our responsibility to educate them about the importance of car care.
—Craig Burnett |
 While the market for easy-to-use and environmentally friendly products is growing rapidly, the desire for old technologies such as paste waxes and multi-step sealants is diminishing. Most consumers view their cars as major investments and want to maintain and protect them without excessive effort, so the trend has been toward no-rinse washes and spray-on waxes and sealants. This allows consumers to wash and wax their cars within 30 minutes, which is less time than a traditional hose wash without compromising quality.
The newest technologies in the car-care industry are the advent of nano-sealants, which offer about one year of protection, and ceramic coatings, which last five years or more. While nano-sealants have strong non-bonding interaction with paint, ceramic coatings actually react with urethane and other clear-coats and form a clear layer with much better protective properties than factory clears. Environmental factors such as water restrictions and volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements will continue to impact the car-care industry and create major hurdles for companies that do not keep pace with meeting these challenges, but the automotive market has been one of the earliest segments of the economy to show strong recovery. The demand for car-care products is rapidly growing with the increase in car sales.
—David Ghodoussi |
|
|
Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with this vintage Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Gift Set. From the 100% terry cotton towel to the metal bucket and coasters, this 18-piece gift set is packed with everything you need to make relaxing with friends as refreshing as a weekend drive down the back roads. |
AQUANIL CroftgateUSA's waterless car wash is advanced blend of detergents and multiple macro polymers to be used on all non porous surfaces. Like most CroftgateUSA products this can be used in extreme direct sunlight/heat. |
|
|
Blue Bull detaling kit case consists of seven cleaning and detailing products. All products are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. White carton case with UPC, hand holes and a rip-out window for retail display. |
Laser etched logos/designs on brushed stainless steel plates or black powder-coated plates. Plates include vehicle specific hardware and matching screw caps to conceal unsightly hardware. Lifetime Warranty against flaws in materials and workmanship. Made in the USA! |
|
|
The DynoValve, a computer-controlled variable orifice, replaces the stock PCV valve and continuously modulates the introduction of crankcase gases to the engine. The results are said to be immediate: increased fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions and improved performance. ARB E.O.# D-677. |
Spare shield has a full line of spare tire protection devices that cover most trucks, SUV's and vans that have a hidden spare. Never again become victim to spare tire theft. |
|
|
Now with four universal sizes by car class, there is a Cool Cap heat-blocking car cover to fit almost every car on the road. |
High-performance, eco-responsible car-care products without a drop of water. EPA designed for the environment. |
|
|
It allows the user to transmit and receive CAN data on up to two simultaneous vehicle networks (one high speed CAN and one single wire CAN) using the standard Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP). |
RFX-2 Rocker Flare Moldings are an added accent on the lowest part of the car. Painted to match the factory color of the vehicle. No-drill, self-adhering application. |
|
|
Universal Pad Washer works with all buffers, polishers and air tools to clean pads efficiently and effectively. |
Injected PP flares for ’09–up Ram 1500/2500/3500. |
|
|
Blue Bull Detailing Kit Bucket consists of 7 cleaning & detailing products, plus a sponge & microfiber trowel. |
Putco’s chrome trim fuel door cover for the ’09–current Ford F-150 provides a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior. |
|
|
Phantom grille design for Chrysler 300/300C 05-10 |
BMW E90 M3 design LED side vent. Custom M3 look for BMW base models. Also upgraded M3 bumpers/side skirts/rear bumpers are available for whole vehicle upgrade. |
|
|
Putco’s LED Dayliner for the F-150 features high-power LEDs that are embedded into a CNC chromed-aluminum trim piece for an attractive accent day or night. |
The world’s only inflatable high-backed booster seat. The easy-to-use inflatable GoBooster combines the safety of a standard booster seat with convenient, travel-friendly features. |
|
|
Simple to Install, replaces stock bulbs. Long Life exceeding 50,000 hours. Super-low voltage consumption. 18X brighter than factory lighting. Lifetime Warranty. |
Designed to easily and safely remove melted-on boot rubber, rain gear, shopping bags and other melted-on rubbish from exhaust pipes and engine parts. |
|
|
Time is money, and products that get things done faster are in high demand from automotive professionals. Similar to other industries, automotive professionals are now being asked to do more with less. Our new WD-40 Specialist line of products—the first-ever product line extension for our well-known WD-40 brand—gives automotive professionals the performance they need to get their specific jobs done quickly and efficiently. Social media and gaming present new opportunities for manufacturers, aftermarket companies and consumer product companies like us to reach the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and professionals. More are turning to their computers and mobile phones or even their dealers to find solutions, and companies should be prepared for that. Regulatory compliance continues to be a major factor in the chemicals category. Companies continually have to modify their products to maintain compliance, and more products are being launched that are marketed as “green.” I anticipate environmental regulations continuing to get stricter and eventually being implemented across all states. It is surprising, but some companies continue to produce products that cannot be sold in certain states. WD-40 Co. is committed to only producing products that meet all federal and state regulations.
—Tim Lesmeister |
Either way, protecting your asset is very important not only for feeling good about the look of your car but also for its resale value The upcoming hurdles for the car-care segment will be centered around environmental issues. With most people moving toward environmental responsibility, the car-care industry needs to work diligently on products that are not only environmentally friendly but still also exceed the performance of prior products. The longevity of the copolymers that are being created far supersedes any former technology on the market. Also, the cleaning agents that remove dirt and allow the chemical bond are much more advanced, adding to product longevity. Glide, our copolymer-infused clay bar, is currently the market’s leading technology in one-step, high-end paint cleaning and protection. However, Aero will launch Shield this June, our catalyzed two-part paint protection. The greatest opportunity that we have as manufacturers and dealers is to provide education, both from a media standpoint (social and other) and providing educational material at the shelf.
—Jonathan Saltman |
|
|
Leather Therapy says that it provides the finest in leather maintenance to the discriminating consumer or the solution to the leather restoration of a cherished classic vehicle. |
The manufacturer says that SteamBlade is an innovative, new product designed to simplify the removal of window film. With the swipe of the SteamBlade, the warm, moist steam quickly and safely unbinds the film’s glue from the window, simplifying this once tedious task. |
|
|
KBD Urethane manufactures today’s hottest car, truck and SUV body kits, bumpers, roll pans and wiper cowls. All parts are made of virtually indestructible Poly-Urethane, which is far more durable than conventional fiberglass. |
Optimum Correction System includes what is said to be the first and only spray compound and polish to remove paint defects and Opti-Coat to replace the clear-coat paint that is removed in the process. |
|
|
Extremely detailed decals, die-cut on 4m vinyl to the shape of the design. Skulls, pin-ups and patriotic designs. Gives a car a customized look without the cost of having it painted. |
 LizardSkin Spray-On Insulation Ceramic Insulation 800-549-0042 www.lizardskin.com LizardSkin ceramic insulation is applied seamlessly and rapidly. The spray-on formula is said to offer superior thermal insulation, providing a cooler ride by reducing heat transfer by 30°F. |
|
|
Neonetics presents its brand-new for 2011 Mopar hand-blown neon clock. Suggested retail $79.95. |
Blow-molded ABS spoiler for the ’11 Chevy Cruze Sport (two posts). |
|
|
Introducing what WD-40 calls the only tool needed to loosen stuck parts: WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant with Blu Torch technology. Blu Torch technology is said to provide fast-acting penetration to break bonds that hold stuck parts together. |
MAcarbon’s custom carbon-fiber steering wheel and shift paddle extension enhances the visual appeal and driving enjoyment of the user’s Mercedes. |
|
|
A new, durable, water-based clear dry coat that protects and restores exterior plastics such as bumpers and mirrors for one to two years. Dries in minutes. |
Weighs less than factory hinges. No warping existing hoods. Eliminates hood stick. Made From 6061 T6 aluminum. Bolt-on application. Two-year warranty. Made in the USA. |
|
|
Pecca Leather is excited to introduce the new Bongiovi Acoustics digital power station (DPS) module for Toyota and Scion models. Pecca says that the DPS module is the future for automotive audio enhancement and is the world’s first 100% digital audio processing system certified for automotive usage. |
Retro USA ’10–’11 Camaro quarter moldings (’69 replica shark gills) available in chrome and black, all chrome and paintable; $99 to $149. |
|
|
The Universal Detail Cart is designed to hold the Universal Pad Washer with detailing tools and accessories, creating an organized mobile cleaning station. |
Handle-It makes carrying boxes, luggage and other items easier. Features sturdy construction with two points of direction and retention for more control and stability. |
|
|
Quality control is “off the charts” from the perspective of continual improvement of paint quality and longevity, thereby increasing the importance of protecting the clear coat from damage. However, most consumers don’t even know what clear coat is, so how can they know how to protect it? Technology is driving the need to educate consumers far better than before. There needs to be more clarity and simplicity in the planogram offerings. We intend to lead the way in pioneering this change. It’s our job to explain to our customers what our products do in a clear, concise, user-friendly manner. That’s a key initiative and driver for us.
—Lou Basenese |
Advances in abrasives and synthetic polymers have opened the door to phenomenally performing products like our Ultimate Compound, which cuts incredibly fast yet leaves a crystal-clear finish. On the synthetic polymer side, our Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere enables the consumer to safely wash and wax a car with zero water—just mist on and wipe off for a no-scratch finish that is simply amazing. Those that have a strong product selection and knowledgeable sales staff will reap the biggest rewards. Consumers will increase their purchases if they know what to buy, why to buy it and how to properly use it. While this seems obvious, it’s often overlooked and is a tremendous competitive advantage to capturing and keeping the consumer coming back to your retail location. Meguiar’s users are also extremely brand loyal and will drive to another retailer if the one they’re at doesn’t carry a specific product that they are seeking.
—Mike Pennington |
|
310 Tuner
3D-HD 
3D-HD 
3D-HD Uno 
3M 
3M Headlight Restoration Kit 
3M 
3M 
PU Tech Spoiler LP 
BoneHead Products 
The headlight category has created the most noticeable trend. Polycarbonate headlight lenses have been degrading, turning yellow and cracking. Our chemistry and our tools allow consumers to improve the appearance of those lenses without having to spend huge amounts of money on replacements.
Branded Products 
Croftgate USA/Allied Products 
Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products 
Au-tomotive Gold Inc. 
SaviCorp. 
Crazyfish Graphics 
Cool Cap Heat Blocking Car Covers 
Croftgate USA/Allied Products 
DGE Inc. 
Dawn Enterprises Inc. 
Grit Guard 
PU Tech Spoiler LP 
Blue Bull Cleaners, Degreasers and Detailing Products 
Putco Inc. 
Dynafy 
Dynafy 
Putco Inc. 
Fathom It Distributing 
Putco Inc. 
Gold-award winning (National Parenting Center “Product for Parents Category”), it is said to be the world’s first inflatable seat belt positioner car booster seat for children. Fully complies with EU and U.S. safety standards; lightweight; blows up in 30 seconds; ideal for travelers; never rent a car seat again.
When the economy recovers, people will be in a better position to buy a new car, while others may prefer to wait and keep what they have for a while to help rebuild their nest egg.
Leather Therapy Products 
Jiffy Steamer Co. LLC 
KBD Urethane 
Optimum Car Care 
Lethal Threat Designs 
Neonetics Inc. 
PU Tech Spoiler LP 
WD-40 Co. 
MAcarbon 
PowerSheen 
310 Tuner 
Pecca Leather Inc. 
Retro USA Inc. 
Grit Guard 
InventHelp-Intromark Inc. 
The greatest obvious growth is the demand for headlight restoration kits and increased demand for tire care products, but consumers needed to be educated about the fact that a solution existed. Many didn’t know that they could make their headlight lenses clear again with minimal time and effort instead of spending hundreds of dollars on repairs, and tires tended to be an afterthought. Now, more and more consumers are realizing what enthusiasts have known for a long time: On a freshly waxed car with dirty wheels and tires, people notice the dirty parts first.
We’re seeing initial signs of improvement as retail sales are growing and consumers are once again looking to make their cars sparkle and shine. With that, consumers want a good assortment of products and knowledgeable sales staff to help guide them with their product selection.
