SEMA 2008

Can Tint Be a Silver Linin
by Drew Vass

Times are tough for Americans these days. Every time we cut on the television, it seems there’s more bad news pertaining to the economy. And it can be expected that the situation will impact new car sales, as people choose to put off that shiny new vehicle for another year.

When people cannot afford to buy new, one thing they can do is satisfy their urge for change by modifying what they’ve got. For this reason, this year’s SEMA Show is an important one. The aftermarket industry has an opportunity to offer consumers the ability to change and continue enjoying their current vehicles. In this way, it is possible for window film to serve as a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing economy. And when the market rebounds and those same customers can afford a new ride, chances are they’re going to want to add that same tint to the new car that they enjoyed on the trade-in. This could be an all-around win for the window film industry. And there’s no better place to gear up for it than the SEMA Show.

Booth #11841:
Ultrafilm USA
If you’re drawn to fast cars, you won’t miss Ultrafilm’s booth. The company plans to use its Ferrari’s to draw attendees in—an F40 and 550, that is. But take a closer look at these cars while you’re there, because they will also exhibit Ultrafilm’s products, which are availablein Cool Blue and Charcoal and in 24-, 36-, 40- and 60-inch rolls. With a visible light transmittance range (VLT) of 35- to 90-percent, ultraviolet (UV) blockage of 99 percent and heat rejection of up to 70 percent, there’s a match for every customer. ❙❙➤ www.ultrafilmusa.com

Booth #11327: SunTek
Commonwealth Laminating and Coating will showcase its SunTek automotive films at this year’s event, but that’s not all. The company will also have an expert tinter onsite performing product demonstrations and a representative from Tint Tek 20/20 to showcase the company’s latest automated film cutter and software.

If you’ve had trouble matching up with your customer’s factory tint job, SunTek’s High Performance series is especially suited for this purpose. It also offers excellent heat shrinking, superior optical clarity and a lifetime warranty. Last but not least, every SunTek dealer knows—SEMA is a special time of year for Commonwealth, as the company holds its dealer appreciation party at the event. ❙❙➤ www.suntekfilms.com

Booth #11855: Solar Gard
Bekaert Specialty Films has something special in store for dealers attending this year’s show. The company will unveil its “Solar Gard Ultimate Tint Shop,” a customizable tint shop template available to dealers. This set-up will include floorand wall-mounted window tint displays, indoor and outdoor signage, eye-catching new marketing brochures and videos, and tint shop design layouts that detail many different ways to customize and enhance the appearance of a tint shop store front. The company is also pairing up with Olfa to show you the latest in cutting tools and accessories.

And now for the best part: one lucky SEMA winner will walk away with a free “Solar Gard-OLFA® Ultimate Tint Shop Makeover!” Stop by for details. ❙❙➤ www.solargard.com

Booth #12141:
Wintech Window Films
If you’ve read about Wintech’s new FEELM series and you’ve been waiting for a chance to put your hands on it, SEMA will be your opportunity. Company officials say you will recognize its products strengths off the bat: excellent shrinking and stability. FEELM comes in a 100 series one-ply NR, 200 series two-ply NR and 300 series two-ply HP. All lines come with black, 5-, 20-, 35- and 50-percent VLT. Swing by to have a look. ❙❙➤ www.wintechfilm.com

Booth #11947: Solamatrix Inc.
While this will be Solamatrix’ first trip to SEMA as a brand new manufacturer, the company’s brand name is no stranger. This year, Sun-Gard is back with more than ever to offer. The company will be showing off its new company cars—complete with detailed wraps. It will also have representatives on hand to discuss the Diamond Automotive Film Program—an exclusive dealer program in which the company selects its best dealers across the country, gives them an exclusive territory and then provides them with profit generating warranty programs and marketing support. ❙❙➤ www.solamatrix.com

Booth #12213:
Global Window Films
Global will return to SEMA this year to display its patented Super Shrink™ technology. Stop by to see how the company’s
films adhere easily through a dry-shrinking process, for a fast and easy installation. Global produces its films from raw polyester and they feature unique Anti- Static™ properties that company officials say make them especially well suited for dealers who use plotters.

Global will have a representative on hand to provide training demonstrations. While you’re there, ask about the company’s new distributors in Florida, the midwest and Europe. ❙❙➤ www.globalwindowfilms.com

Booth #12337: Performance
Tools Distributing
Performance Tools has provided the window film industry with top notch tools for more than five years. And each year the company brings its latest and greatest tools to the SEMA Show where you can get your hands on them.

This year, Performance wants to share several new developments, including a new website that will allow customers to view live inventory levels and track order confirmations, among other new features. ❙❙➤ www.44tools.com

Booth #12411: VentureShield®
Visit Venture Tape’s booth to see how you can wrap an entire hood with one piece of paint protection film. The company’s VentureShield® product comes in a 58 inch wide format that might make your life a lot easier. In addition to its wide stature, this clear, acrylic, surface protection film also features an advanced adhesive with greater adhesion levels than its predecessor (30 percent) and 25 percent reduced thickness. ❙❙➤ www.venturetape.com

Booth #12427:
Johnson Window Films
If you’ve been to past SEMA shows, then chances are you’ve spent time in Johnson Windows Film’s booth. Company officials assure that this year’s booth will once again include a special hospitality room for dealers to gather and enjoy complimentary food and beverages.

While you’re there check out the company’s entire portfolio of automotive films, including the popular nonmetal Ray Guard—an easy to use charcoal film, Greystone—a durable 2-ply dyed film that is non-conductive, and Insulatir—a high IR rejecting film that is long lasting. In addition to demonstrations, Johnson will also be offering a Tinters Challenge. Stop by for details. ❙❙➤ www.johnsonwindowfilms.com

Still King
SEMA remains the premier automotive event for aftermarket product manufacturers and dealers of all types. When the event sets in on the Las Vegas Convention Center, it draws automotive enthusiasts from all corners of the world. The window film industry held a tremendous presence at the 2007 SEMA Show and the same is to be expected November 4-7 this year. But will SEMA draw the same attendance in spite of the times? Show officials admit they anticipated a possible drop and, for this reason, the show collaborated with the city of Las Vegas to ensure its numbers will resemble past years, in spite of the times.

The Las Vegas Convention andVisitors Authority agreed to hit the phones and place calls to more than 15,000 non-registered buyers from past shows. According to Chris Meyer, director of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the purpose of the calls was to reassure the marketplace that the SEMA Show will continue to deliver.

“There are a lot of small retailers out there who are hurting, and we need to assure them that the city of Las Vegas and SEMA are partnering even more deeply than we have been to make Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) the best possible week it can be,” Meyer says.

But attempts to increase attendance does little for tight travel budgets, so SEMA officials made efforts to help attendees by actively renegotiating hotel room rates. At press time, officials reported they successfully reduced the costs at Circus Circus and Trump International Hotel and Tower. If you were an early bird, don’t worry; they assure the new rates will be retroactive for SEMA attendees. Just mention it at check in.

Let’s take a look at some of what you can expect to see at this year’s show

WINDOW FILM
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