SEMA News—July 2013
RESTYLING & CAR CARE ACCESSORIES NEW PRODUCTS
By Steve Campbell
Renew, Repair, Refurbish, Reinvent
Car-Care and Restyling Products From the 2012 SEMA Show
The SEMA Show offers thousands of products to automotive professionals, ranging from performance hard parts to purpose-built off-road equipment. But vehicle accessories—body kits, interior additions and restoration parts—can spruce up nearly any car or truck, and car-care products are used throughout the industry on both new and used vehicles.
The next few pages include dozens of restyling and car-care products that were unveiled at the 2012 SEMA Show. We have also compiled comments from industry professionals at some of the leading car-care companies about changes in technology, the distribution process and the influence of the Internet on both consumers and retailers.
Any company in the business of making vehicles look or perform better will find items of interest here.
| View More than 175 Restyling & Care Care New Products and Expert Comments from the 2012 SEMA Show on PDF. |
Ford officially licensed product. A 21/8-in.-diameter, high-impact, polymer resin shift knob with inlaid graphics and brass threads. Other color combinations are available. Made in the U.S.A |
Sysonic offers protection, quality and style all in one with its universal all-weather rubber mats, now with wood-grain finish to match or upgrade the interior of the vehicle. The high-quality TPR rubber material protects the vehicle’s interior from the elements and is available in three colors: black, gray and beige. | |
Speed Dawg Shift Knobs A 21/8-in.-diameter shift knob with black multi-skull finish. Comprised of specially formulated, high-impact polymer resin with brass threads. Available in several colors. Made in the U.S.A. |
FMS Automotive/ATS Design All-in-one SL-series running board package includes running boards, brackets and installation hardware to install right out of the box. | |
Sysonic USA Sysonic offers what it calls an easy and affordable way to add class or style to a vehicle’s interior. The company’s universal steering wheel covers are said to be super-easy to install and are available in five assorted finishes, including blackwood, redwood and oakwood grain, to match the interior panels. Or users may choose from exotic finishes, such as zebra or leopard print. |
Sysonic offers protection, quality and style all in one with its universal all-weather rubber mats, now with wood-grain finish to match or upgrade the interior of the vehicle. The high-quality TPR rubber material protects the vehicle’s interior from the elements and is available in three colors: black, gray and beige. | |
A 7-in. LED driving light for trucks, RVs or SUVs. ECE and SAE compliant. |
Pin Hsiu Rubber Co. Ltd. Evo-R full carbon-fiber interior kit for the Nissan 370Z. Made of 3K cross-weave carbon fiber. Surface is UV protected and gel coated. A total of 11 pieces. | |
Pin Hsiu Rubber Co. Ltd. Z emblems for the Nissan 370Z come as a set for front and rear. Available in chrome and black. Rear carbon pieces also available in black and silver carbon. |
Whoosh! Inc. Whoosh! It’s all a user needs for all screens. Quick screen cleaner removes fingerprints, smudges and dust without silicon, ammonia or wax. Cleans, polishes and protects all screens, tablets, video displays, GPS units. Just Whoosh! it. | |
Dresden Auto Design Dresden Design’s new platinum edition grilles offer a new breed of OE styling designed to enhance the visual appearance of the new Land Rover Evoque. |
Gibson Performance Exhaust Designer clampless stainless-steel tips offered in black ceramic and pink powdercoated models. | |
Classic Design Concepts OE-quality replacement grille features a wide mouth design for enhanced performance style. |
Whoosh! Inc. Whoosh! rim cleaner is a natural, eco-friendly, acid-free rim cleaner. Its organic polymers leave a natural shine with a protective anti-static coating. Whoosh! repels brake dust, dirt and water and protects the rim from harmful UV rays. Safe for alloy, stainless steel and painted rims. Whoosh! It’s all a user needs for all rims. | |
Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners A unique clear plastic carton highlights a category-first foaming dispenser, placing a new spin on leather care packaging and performance. |
Mothers Polishes-Waxes-Cleaners A unique clear plastic carton highlights an innovative leather conditioning gel cream that the company says will stand out in | |
Sanctiond Automotive Group Sanctiond Automotive Group says its high-sudsing car wash leaves paint spot-free while brightening with color enhancers. A unique blend of polymers and dirt suspending agents gives paint the deep-cleaning action it deserves. The product is 100% safe—even on the most sensitive custom paint jobs. |
Sanctiond Automotive Group Sanctiond Automotive Group says its metal polish is safe on alloy and great for grilles. Users can keep every ounce of gold, brass, forged and finely cast aluminum, billet and chrome rims shining. With the micro-diminishing abrasive technology engineered into this custom formula, metal will be clean and protected. | |
HornBlasters Inc. This novelty car horn brings back the sound of yesteryear—1908 to be exact. This horn emits the famous klaxon sound, awooga! The bell’s characteristic sound is produced by the repeated striking of a rivet in the center of a spring-steel diaphragm with the teeth of a rotating cogwheel. |
HornBlasters Inc. An ultra-compact, motorcycle horn with the pleasant and powerful air-horn sound. The horn produces a loud, dual tone with the nostalgic sound of an air horn. The lightweight, direct-drive compressor activates the air horn instantly. HornBlasters says this high-quality horn is perfect for motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts and any other small vehicle. | |
Consumers want safe, eco-friendly products but don’t want to sacrifice performance. We at Whoosh! strive to meet the consumer’s needs by developing specialized products that won’t harm the consumer or the environment. The use of nano technologies and plant-based surfactants allow us to break free from petroleum-based formulations and develop car-care products that not only outperform traditional products, but also are differentiated, cost-effective, non-toxic, non-reactive to the environment and safe to use. In addition, digital media and eCommerce are having a massive impact from both a marketing and a distribution perspective. The Internet has allowed us to reach consumers, distributors and markets that we could never afford to reach and has allowed us to develop strong international relationships and be more focused on global opportunities in new markets. From a product perspective, we are very excited about the growth and innovation in nano and bio-based technologies. We also see international growth in emerging markets, such as South America and Eastern Europe, and there is a continuing shift to the Internet as a marketing and sales channel. The next few years are going to be very exciting for us. —Jason Greenspan |
Making it easy to buy in a multitude of ways is important to customers. Their need for more detailed product information has grown, and they want to access information easily and immediately. Being able to do quick searches online and access store locations or Internet buying opportunities continues to grow in importance. Free shipping also continues to be a key touch point, and it’s an expectation in addition to the desire to receive their products faster. The rapid expansion of social media adds to the multiple touch points in which we communicate with customers. Personal communication via the telephone has been replaced with consumers’ requests for more and more communication via e-mail, texting and social sites. Continued government intervention and restrictions with regard to manufacturing requires constant vigilance to ensure compliance. Fortunately, people who love vehicles will continue to find enjoyment, peace and reward in their garages. It’s a place to escape the world’s troubles and have some fun! —Mark Greene | |
Sonax Car Care Sonax Profiline polishes and sealants offer the latest technological advancements in auto paint correction and protection. The abrasive ingredients found in the polishes significantly reduce the time needed to refresh a paint surface, increasing productivity and profitability. The sealants are easy to apply and last six months. |
Sonax Car Care Sonax glass cleaner is the latest formulation by the European leader in car care. Engineered to break down even the most stubborn contaminants, Sonax glass cleaner is environmentally conscious (made from recycled surfactants) and produces an easily achievable, streak-free brilliance. | |
3M Shines like metal. Formulated with metallic aluminum, Bondo Metal Fill is a specialty filler so strong that it can be drilled or tapped. 3M says this one-of-a-kind filler provides a repair with a metallic appearance that won’t rust. |
Angel-Guard Products Inc. Hook-Tight rubber tab keeps the hooks of ratchet straps and bungee cords in place. With Hook-Tight, hooks will not slip off during installation because of slack in the strap due to a load shift, bumpy roads or heavy winds. They will be locked to the anchor point. | |
RMI-25 RMI-25 cooling-system treatment cleans, inhibits, lubricates and conditions. Just pour it in and drive. No flushing, draining or other additives. It works while the user drives and keeps protecting while it sits. Vehicles are said to run cooler. |
WD-40 Co. The WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak restores rusted parts to bare metal quickly and is made with biodegradable ingredients and a nontoxic, 50-state VOC-compliant formula. | |
Putco Inc. Putco’s nylon SSR locker side rails feature a heavy-duty nylon casting with polished stainless-steel tube to create an attractive side rail to complement today’s trucks. |
3M This gasket and adhesive removal kit provides a mechanical solution where scrapers and chemicals just won’t cut it. Use this all-in-one system on a drill for effective removal of gasket adhesive and material for a tighter bond. | |
Putco says that its Boss grille insert provides a true custom look. This cut-to-fit black powdercoated grille made of CNC-machined aluminum will transform the look of the user’s truck. |
Putco Inc. Putco’s chrome trim towing mirror covers for the ’12 Ford F-150 provide a high-quality chrome finish to accent the vehicle’s exterior. | |
Shiniest Industries Inc. Elegant turtle-style housing with strong sticky Gel pad on-dash suction system to ensure secure and convenient holding on dashboard surface and release with ease. |
KBD Urethane KBD Urethane says that this front lip spoiler for the ’11–’13 Dodge Charger is a great aerodynamic addition. Besides its aerodynamic benefits, it is said to add an aggressive | |
KBD Urethane New for Ford trucks. Not only a great aerodynamic addition to hopefully enhance fuel mileage, this roof spoiler adds to the appearance of the truck. Easy no-drill installation. Made in the U.S.A. of unbreakable urethane. |
The Thermalblade heated silicone wiper blade uses less than 2 amps per blade and has an easily replaceable squeegee. Replacement squeegee is available in 100-ft. and 1,000-ft. rolls. Available in 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 in. Made in the U.S.A. | |
The use of molecular structures and charges can make surfaces more resistant to dirt or, in the case of deodorizers, actually encapsulate the molecules of a bad smell rather than trying to cover them up. Distribution channels are shifting as well. In the 20-plus years I’ve been in the industry, I have seen a shift to more of a “lean distribution” model—smaller orders, shipped within 24 hours with more frequency, closer to a just-in-time delivery model. Today, thanks to the ubiquity of the Internet, every marketing campaign can be “multi-channel.” We are seeing a surge in “second screen” or mobile access. Big-box companies and catalogs are gaining online market share over the small Internet retailer. Our main focus for our Internet marketing is on building our brand and driving traffic to our customers. —Merrick Browne |
Consumers are looking for time-saving products and tools. They are also demanding products that deliver superior results but are environmentally responsible at a competitive price. Our polymerized rubber surface prep tools are more cost effective and efficient than clay at removing paint overspray, water spots and industrial fallout. The typical cost of clay per car is $2.50, whereas surface prep tools cost about $0.45 per car. The cost savings are substantial; the ease of use and superior results are remarkable. We were also challenged by regulatory agencies and consumer demand to develop a high-quality, easy-to-use, environmentally friendly car wax. The hurdle was high, and while it took two years, we succeeded in developing Nano Carnauba Spray Wax, which was honored with a SEMA 2012 Global Media Award. It’s noteworthy because it is a true, water-based carnauba wax that contains no solvents nor powders. It creates an exceptional high-gloss protective coating with little effort—just spray, wipe and shine. International marketing is an essential part of our strategy, and the Internet has enabled us to reach consumers and distributors globally to create an effective, cost-efficient marketing management plan and a better understanding of our own business and the market in which we operate. — Randall Wemmer |
Speed Dawg Shift Knobs
Sysonic USA
Sirius Light Technology Co. Ltd.
Consumers are keeping their automobiles longer and are taking better care of them. Synthetic waxes and sealants provide an easy way to keep their vehicles looking good and resale values high, and headlight restoration kits continue to be strong sellers.
Putco Inc.
Thermalblade
Nano technology in paints, polishes, soaps and deodorizers is changing the industry. 
| View More than 175 Restyling & Care Care New Products and Expert Comments from the 2012 SEMA Show on PDF. |
