january-february

19 Consider Driver Vision Augmentation Systems (DVA) and how they provide drivers with enhanced views of the road ahead to improve safety and assist in the reduction of collisions. “They improve the driver’s situational awareness. DVA technologies span roughly four areas: adaptive headlights, dynamic responsive headlights (DRH), infrared night-vision display (INVD), and head-up display (HUD). The automakers provide most of the ADAS-related headlight technologies today, while the aftermarket is playing a significant role in providing many of the HUDs and display applications for retrofitting ADAS products and features,” explained SEMA News. Speed and Performance But based on the incredible hot rod scene at SEMA, it’s fair to say that for as many people bought into a high-tech way of life, our industry is filled with even more enthusiasts who appreciate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of builders and their rides. It shows in the new products that were showcased by brands like Flaming River—named the winner of Engineered New Product and Street Rod/Custom Car Product for its variable angle steering, which is predicted “to solve a lot of problems for street rod builders facing space restrictions while working around exhaust headers, tight frame rails, and anything else that can get in the way,” said Hot Rod Network. And it’s evident in the artful display of vehicles throughout the show. For Jason Sakurai, Director of Marketing at Hypertech, “The top build in my mind was Chris Church’s ’40 Ford pickup, which was featured in the Center Hall Concourse right in front of SEMA’s main display. A 953 HP supercharged LS3 engine, 6L80E transmission, Fab 9 rear end, and incredible attention to detail by Portland, Oregon’s Carolina Kustoms along with the owner, who meticulously wired the truck, is reason enough to be the top custompick. Moreover, it was selected by SEMA’s PeterMacGillivray for placement in SEMA’s display, not a company who supported the build or one giving away awards, so you know it caught his eye as well as mine.” The annual Battle of the Builders event serves as the ultimate proving grounds to showcase such talent. Kyle Tucker of Mooresville, NC was named 2018 SEMA Battle of the Builders Champion for his ARP-sponsored ’69Camaro, “beat[ing] out the amazing builds of Top 4 finalists Eddie Pettus (’32 Willys aircraft refueling truck, BASF), Rod Nielsen (’72 Mazda R100, Tire Stickers), and Young Gun Kyle Kuhnhausen (’72 Nissan 240Z, Young Guns Regional Winner from Goodguys),” wrote Della Domingo on behalf of SEMA. “All four builders will be featured along with many other SEMA Show builders in a new episode of the TV special SEMA: Battle of the Builders. Hosted by Adrienne “AJ” Janic and racer Tanner Foust, the fifth-annual SEMA: Battle of the Builders TV special will air on the Velocity Channel at 10:00 p.m. on January 7, 2019,” continued Domingo. Truck and Off-Road On the truck and off-road side, both Upper and Lower South Hall were filled with their own eye candy, from mega trucks and high- end JLs to law enforcement builds and stretched Wranglers. But it was overlanding that turned out to be one of the most captivating trends at SEMA. Functional, versatile, stylish cargomanagement solutions and roof top tents could be seen from every single angle of the show floor. Trends, Industry Dynamics, & SEMA Soundbites from Jason Sakurai of Hypertech Q : Fromyour perspective, what are some of the biggest factors impacting the industry at large in the year ahead? A : The biggest factors impacting the industry are the tariffs as they currently exist, and the threat of increased tariffs in retaliation for the tariffs our government has imposed. The difficulty is in determining to what extent they will have an impact, and how this will either increase the price to consumers or the degree to which we’ll have to absorb these costs as manufacturers and resellers. Autonomous vehicles are being artificially supported by the tech giants and OEMs who want to advance this technology. Fewmotorists are willing to give up their mobility to be ‘on the grid’ so to speak and have their movements dictated, yet those same proponents are using their propaganda to exert their influence over the public in general. Enthusiasts won’t be fooled by this gargantuan effort to steer us in the wrong direction. Q : Any new brands emerging that you believe are going to be a huge hit with retailers and restylers/consumers? A : Yes, Overland Vehicle Systems and Notched Customs, a Vancouver, Washington manufacturer of custom bumpers and racks, will also make some noise with consumers in the year to come. Q : What’s your advice for exhibitors and attendees who are a bit overwhelmed by the whole SEMA show experience and are trying to make the most of the data, contacts, leads they’ve acquired? Do you have any proven post show tips/tactics that can help themprioritize and really apply all they learned last week? A : For exhibitors, look at the buyers who want to carry your products, and do your due diligence. While you may want a dealer in a given part of the country where you’re not currently represented, you don’t necessarily want to obligate yourself and your company to a shop that isn’t up to the standards of your dealer network. On the flip side, dealers should look at the big picture - - is this a company and a brand that will enhance your reputation and status among enthusiasts? If their products aren’t superior in materials and/or build quality, and they don’t believe in advertising and marketing, how are they going to help bring customers to your door? Going through distribution to buy the right products versus going direct to gain a few points on products that nobody knows about isn’t a deal at all. Keep that in mind, and sell brands with a name you and your customers can rely on. (continued on page 20)