Kyle Carruthers

Lund International Introduces Online Configurator Tool Lund International has debuted the “Get The Look” online configurator tool where consumers can now try Lund, AVS and AMP Research products in a virtual environment while they’re shopping and before they buy. The online configurator tool offers consumers the unique opportunity to customize vehicles with products ranging from Ventvisors, hood protection products, running boards, POWERSTEP, nerf bars, fender flares to tonneau covers. The company has issued the following statement: “We recognize that in order to effectively communicate the depth of our product portfolio and our brands we must develop innovative tools to enhance and optimize the consumer buying experience. This configuration tool allows us to interact one-on-one with consumers, offering a personalized experience meeting aspirational desires. The “Get The Look” configurator demonstrates the commitment on Lund International’s behalf to continue to innovate as our customer’s needs evolve, all while equipping our channel partners with innovative tools.” To experience the new configurator tool, visit www.lundinternational.com or www.ampresearch.com. AutoTrader Study Points to Tech Features That Attract Consumers To help evaluate what consumers are desiring out of new cars, AutoTrader's experts have worked off their recently released In-Vehicle Technology Shopper Influence Study to identify the six in-car tech features that help make test drives safer and more enjoyable. They also identified the specific brands and vehicles that offer car shoppers these features for the best value and are easy to operate. According to the study, 40 percent of consumers surveyed said they would like more time in the vehicle during the test drive to fully evaluate all of the vehicle's technology and safety features. Consumers are also demanding that in-vehicle technology is easy to understand, with 48 percent of those surveyed saying they would walk away from a car they like if the technology is difficult to use. The six features include: Adaptive Cruise Control: Using a radar system embedded in the front fascia or grille, adaptive cruise control maintains a preset distance between you and the car in front of you. In some cases, it's capable of bringing the car to a full stop in order to maintain that distance. AutoTrader's Top Pick: 2015 Hyundai Genesis Editors say: "The 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan's adaptive cruise control is nicely executed. It adapts to slower traffic seamlessly, then gets back up to speed without any of the jerkiness typical of other adaptive systems" Forward Collision Mitigation: Typically employing the adaptive cruise control system's radar, forward collision mitigation systems monitor objects on the road ahead and measure the data against your own car's speed and heading. If a collision is deemed likely or imminent, the system springs into action. The simplest type merely sounds an alarm, perhaps vibrating the steering wheel or seat as well, but there are also more advanced systems that can automatically brake the car to a full stop. AutoTrader's Top Pick: (tie) 2015 Honda Accord and 2015 Subaru Outback Editors say: "The 2015 Honda Accord offers a reassuring warning system, while the new 2015 Subaru Outback's EyeSight safety suite boasts an enhanced system with automatic braking -- a rarity in its segment." Touch-Screen Infotainment: A central touch-sensitive screen that controls audio functions and generally others as well, including phone, climate control, navigation and vehicle settings. AutoTrader's Top Pick: Chrysler's 8.4-inch screen and Uconnect system Editors say: "Chrysler's 8.4-inch Uconnect screen is one of the best at any price, providing iPad-like elegance and quick, reliable responses." Park Assist: The most basic form of parking assist is a set of proximity sensors (either rear or front and rear) that beep when you're about to hit something. Increasingly, though, automakers are offering self-parking systems that can find a suitable space and park the car automatically. AutoTrader's Top Pick: Ford Park Assist Editors say: "Ford more or less pioneered the self-parking system with its Active Park Assist, and it's still our pick for value-oriented shoppers." In-Car WiFi: A data connection in your dash that powers Wi-Fi access for compatible devices. AutoTrader's Top Pick: OnStar 4G LTE on GM vehicles Editors say: "OnStar's 4G LTE connectivity is now widely available across GM's brands, and we like it for two reasons: 4G means faster Internet (many rivals are stuck on 3G), and its flexible payment plans let you tailor the service to your needs." Automatic Start-Stop Engine: A system that automatically turns the engine off when you brake to a stop, and turns it back on again when you take your foot off the brake. AutoTrader's Top Pick: 2015 Chevrolet Malibu Editors say: "The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu's auto stop/start is pretty smooth with its transitions, and we like that Chevy offers the feature on a mainstream family sedan." SuperSprings International Moves into Larger Facility to House Growing Business The growth of SuperSprings International’s “fit-it-and-forget-it” suspension enhancement products has led the company to move to a larger facility in order to continue to meet its customer commitments. The new headquarters is located at 505 Maple Ave. in Carpinteria, Calif. The new facility is within the same block as SuperSprings International’s former Carpinteria location, but is more than 50 percent larger. It includes additional offices, larger warehousing space and increased assembly areas. “Over the last year, we have introduced new variations of our suspension enhancing products and dramatically increased the number of parts numbers and vehicle applications available,” said Mike Visser, international president of SuperSprings. “This has required us to maintain a larger inventory to provide the typical 24-hour turnaround service our customers have grown accustomed to. We also brought on an additional engineer and increased warehouse and office staff, so we were bursting at the seams in the old facility.” The new SuperSprings International office space includes a meeting room that is better equipped for video conferencing and webinar production. This will allow staff members to provide enhanced training opportunities for distributors and more easily connect with customers. VOXX and AT&T Sign International Data Agreement VOXX Electronics Corp. has announced that it and AT&T have signed an agreement to offer wireless data service to VOXX international Telematics users on a global basis. VOXX currently promotes and sells the Car Connection product line and services in the United States. With this agreement, VOXX Electronics is now able to provide service to their Car Connection Telematics customers internationally. Additionally, VOXX Electronics and AT&T also reached agreement on a new LTE 4G data plan program for the U.S. “We have several programs under review outside of the U.S., and working with AT&T on these efforts is exciting for the potential customers who will benefit as a result,” said Dan Murphy, vice president of telematics solutions for VOXX. “Through this agreement, we have the ability to expand outside of the U.S. and further grow the number of users of our Car Connection program.” VOXX Electronics initially introduced its Car Connection Telematics device in Nov. 2013, launching at select retail outlets nationwide. In June 2014, the Company announced the formal launch of its Insurance Discount Program, aligning with three insurance carriers, including Liberty Mutual Insurance, American Family Insurance, and The General Insurance. The new insurance program provides consumers with the ability to save hundreds of dollars on their car insurance policy when they sign up for Car Connection. “Car Connection is currently available in our U.S.-based retail stores and online, and now we can expand the program to other markets,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president of the “Internet of Things” division of AT&T Mobility. “We look forward to working with VOXX Electronics over the coming years and expanding this program, as we believe driver safety and vehicle maintenance are two very important issues for consumers across the world. The ability to block texting while driving is such an important feature and has received significant attention in the U.S. With VOXX Electronics, we can bring these important features to our global customer base.” LARTE Design to Debut Three Custom SUVs at Los Angeles Auto Show LARTE Design, a European tuning company specializing in the personalization of premium SUVs, announced today that it will hold the first ever public debut of three of its custom SUVs, including the Infiniti QX80-LR3, QX70-LR2 and QX70-LR3 at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The custom creations will be on display in the South Hall Lobby (SL-10) through the public run of the show (Nov. 21-30). The LARTE Design QX80 LARTE Design produces three tuning kits for the Infiniti QX80 including the QX80LR1, QX80-LR2 and QX80-LR3. The LARTE Design Infiniti QX80 that will be presented at LA Auto Show will be equipped with LARTE Design’s QX80-LR3 body kit in white, which comes with highquality components including a completely redesigned front and rear end among other custom styling features. The LR3 radiator grille features interwoven “V” shapes with matte-black accents and specially designed panels and air intakes, which provide additional cooling to the QX80’s V8 engine. LED daytime running lights and additional fog lights have also been added.The new rear bumper has a square, three-dimensional design. Austrian company REMUS, a LARTE Design partner, created a four-pipe stainless-steel exhaust system finished in black chrome to replace the stock system on the QX80 tuning kits. With two 3.9-inch pipes per side, the exhaust gives an aggressive look. LARTE’s QX80 body kit also comes with a generous use of high-quality teak wood is featured on the floor of the foot well, trunk and door-sills (encased in brushed metal). The LARTE addition aluminum pedal pads are also available. The LARTE Design QX70s LARTE Design produces three tuning kits for the Infiniti QX70 including the QX70LR1, QX70-LR2 and QX70-LR3. The LARTE Design Infiniti QX70s that will be presented at LA Auto Show will be equipped with LARTE Design’s QX70-LR2 body kit in white and the QX70-LR3 body kit in black. QX70-LR2 This luxury tuner changed the front and the rear bumpers, installed LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a new exhaust system with impressive tailpipes giving the current QX70 a more elegant and sporty touch. The tailpipes at the edges of the rear bumper support the dynamic style of the front part and underline the extraordinary power. QX70-LR3 The QX70-LR3 tuning package comes equipped with a sportier front and rear bumper that offer optimal air flow distribution and provide effective ventilation of the engine compartment, bright LED daytime running lights and a lightweight spoiler. LARTE added solid side trims which visually reduces the gap between the asphalt and vehicle floor and developed standard vents that are located behind the wheel arches. Broadened wings make the Infiniti wider. The extensions flow into the entirely re-designed front apron, which is dominated by a grille that replaces the QX70's standard version and which—according to the company– takes styling cues from pick-ups and off-road vehicles. An exhaust system rounds out the rear of the car with a stainless steel exhaust system by Austrian-based OEM manufacturer, REMUS. New Advent Plug & Play Navigation Systems Add Nav to Existing Head Units and Keep All Factory Features VOXX Electronics Corp. announced the introduction of its Next Generation Navigation Systems to the Advent line of exclusive car dealer products. With these three systems, dealers can add navigation capabilities to existing head units in select- Cadillac, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Buick and Chevrolet vehicles, which allows consumers to retain all factory features with no modifications to the factory radio. The Advent Next Generation Nav Black Box system features iGo Primo 8 with U.S. and Canada mapping with its ability to upgrade to new maps via USB cable, similar to what consumers would receive in a factory system. iGo (NNG) Certified Navigation Hardware provides 3D Mapping and over 11 million POI, turn-by-turn voice guided directions, and ECO Green Navigation which helps save fuel. Additionally, the system also includes input for a reverse camera and 2 AV inputs allowing vehicles to be upgraded even further if desired. All systems will also integrate with OE camera if installed. “We pride ourselves on keeping our car dealer partners ahead of the technology curve,” said Tom Malone, president of VOXX Electronics. “These new interfaces have been designed to integrate with a vehicles existing infotainment screen and they offer the consumer the ability to add a high resolution system that is updateable and upgradable via a remote USB connection…something normally found only on factory systems. These systems feature plug & play technology, which simplifies the installation process of what were once complex systems.” Bushwacker Announces Winner of Founder’s Award Jerry Logan, founder of Bushwacker, has awarded truck builder, Josh Ellison, the first Bushwacker Founder’s Award. The Founder’s Award recognizes the builder of the best truck or SUV at the SEMA Show as judged by a panel of industry experts. Ellison won $1,500 and a trophy for his efforts in building a stunning custom 2014 Ford F-350 Crew Cab. This award-winning Ford F-350 featured an extensive list of modifications, starting with Bushwacker pocket style fender flares with custom hardware, which provides extra coverage to the custom-painted 24-inch Hostile wheels wrapped in 40-inch Interco tires. To accommodate rolling stock that big, Ellison equipped the rig with a custom bullet proof lift with components including dual shocks, steering stabilizers, and traction bars. He also added Mag Hytech differential covers. Much of the suspension was custom painted to match the truck. There are an array of other exterior accessories on this F-350, including unique Royalty Core grilles and bolts throughout, a custom ram-air hood by Cervinis, Fusion bumpers, a Warn winch, Line-X bed liner, various Monster Hooks products, LED lighting and a custom ramp in the bed to allow for a Polaris RZR side x side that resides on the back. The truck’s finish wears a baked-on ceramic coating. For added performance, Ellison installed an Edge Evolution CTS touch-screen programmer, MBRP dual exhaust, an S&B Filters intake system and an H&S Motorsports intercooler pipe kit, to the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel. Ellison is also the president of Royalty Core Truck Grilles and Accessories. Aver Dennison Announces Winner of Chrome Sweet Chrome Promotion Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions announced that John Scott, of 360 Tint in San Antonio, Texas, won the Chrome Sweet Chrome grand prize full car makeover. The car makeover includes an Avery Dennison car wrap, of Scott’s choosing, with installation, Giovanna wheels, DUB audio package and Croftgate cleaning supplies. 360 Tint, which specializes in window tints, graphic wraps, and paint protection films, plans to customize its company car, a 2007 Chevy HHR LTD Panel SS Front. “I am thrilled to win the Chrome Sweet Chrome promotion. It’s so exciting for our business,” said Scott. “The crew at 360 Tint has wanted to update our company’s car wrap so this is ideal. We can’t wait to work with the Avery Dennison team on the grand prize car makeover. It will definitely help us raise awareness about vehicle wraps.” The Chrome Sweet Chrome promotion highlighted how vehicle wraps can be used to create full or partial car wraps, according to the company. Car enthusiasts entered the promotion through text message and an online form before and during Nov. 4–7. Daily prizes were awarded during that period, in addition to the grand prize vehicle makeover. “Avery Dennison representations handed out nearly 5,000 Chrome Sweet Chrome stickers at The SEMA Show,” said Erin Harmon, North America segment manager, Graphics Solutions at Avery Dennison. “We were thrilled with the turn out and support from all the SEMA Show attendees. More than $1,000 worth of gift cards were given away randomly to participants throughout the show.” Husky Liners Announces Dog Naming Contest Husky Liners has announced a contest to give the company’s canine mascot a name. The winner of this naming contest will win bragging rights and a full Husky Protection Package; including Liners, Mud Guards, GearBox and HuskyShield Paint Protection Film. Submissions are to be posted on the Husky Liners Facebook page. The husky will be choosing its name on Nov. 25.