DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 2, 2024) – The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a huge win for industries impacted by federal overreach today. In its decisions in Loper Bright v. Raimondo and Relentless v. Commerce, the high court has provided increased regulatory certainty to small businesses around the country, including specialty automotive aftermarket companies, that have been adversely impacted by federal regulatory overreach. The court’s decisions overturned what is known as the Chevron Doctrine, which adopted the principle that judges should defer to federal executive branch agencies’ interpretations of their powers when the laws that Congress has written are ambiguous or have gaps so long as those interpretations are reasonable. The Court’s decision affirms that agencies cannot take actions that are inconsistent with, or not supported by, the language of, the laws passed by Congress.
These precedent-setting decisions will provide opportunities to revisit a wide array of regulations that affect so much of everyday life – including issues that directly impact the specialty automotive aftermarket. For the last four decades, many energy, climate, health, and safety regulations have been given deferential treatment in federal courts because of the Chevron doctrine. During this time, federal agencies expanded the scope of regulations beyond congressional intent, which has adversely impacted small businesses that drive the U.S. economy.
This decision restores the checks and balances of our system of governance and rightly places authority back where it belongs: with the elected officials in Congress who are charged with drafting federal laws. The Supreme Court’s decisions on these pivotal cases will help to reign in federal regulations where the executive branch has exceeded its statutory authority.
About SEMA The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.3 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
COOS BAY, OR (07.01.24) – Stereo King was on site at the 2024 UTV Takeover in the Oregon Dunes National Recreational area for the eighth time. The UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from June 25th-29th. Reports noted well over 3000 UTV’s were on site with the crowd of powersports enthusiasts topping 10,000.
UTVs lined up for adventures on the Coos Bay dunes.
The PowerSports category is very strong for Stereo King day-in and day-out at their 4 locations. The Stereo King crew of 7 was very busy at the 2024 UYV Takeover and had strong sales plus did close to 100 UTV installs. Paul Pilat, Zach Vanatta and Jackie Pilat from Crossover Marketing were on site working with the Stereo King crew as well as Jeff Oliver from Oliver Marketing.
Paul, Zack and Jackie (L to R) from Crossover Marketing arrived on Day 1 to work with the Stereo King crew.
Stereo King rolled into the event with a big U-Haul truck and 30’ trailer with Stereo King custom graphics. The booth was set up on vendor row with multiple tents and demo vehicles.
The Stereo King booth being set up on Vendor Row.
“During the 5-day event run we did a ton of promoting with business cards, fliers, free stickers, shirts caps and more. We spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth and saw a lot of customers from previous years which is always great to see. We offered onsite installation and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. It was a strong mix of Can Ams, RZRs and RZR PRO’s that came through and were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits which were the biggest hits” Scotty Miles related.
The Stereo King install bays were busy throughout the UTV Takeover.
Continuing, Miles offered, “We set up quite a few side-x-side related jobs along with some daily usage vehicles and RV audio upgrades back at the stores too. Attendance this year may have been down a bit but the enthusiasm across the event was very strong.”
Installations underway with gear set to load on UTVs.
Installations happened outside the bays also.
New this year in the Stereo King booth on vendor row was a 2024 Jeep Gadiator loaded with 6000 watts of JL Audio gear. The #SKhotwheels grabbed ears from across the event.
The Stereo King 2024 Jeep Gladiator was loaded with 6000 watts of JL Audio gear and grabbed ears from across the venue.
Stereo King crew members spent the nights at local motels in North Bend and wrapped their long days at in town spots that stayed open late to serve the hungry Stereo King crew.
Stereo King operates 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise, ID.
OMAHA, NE (7/01/24) – The 12VDashboard is excited to announce 2 new vendor partners in Q2 2024! We welcome KICKER’s Direct fit products and Epsilon’s motorcycle category, with SOUNDSTREAM and PrecisionPower. “Thanks to Team KICKER; we are excited to have them on board and partner with them in direct fit options now and in the future”, said Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales. “We welcome KICKER and EPSILON to the vendor family and look forward to significantly growing our reach and relationship with our dealer family with their brands while driving sales to them”, said Brian Hampson the CEO and founder of the 12 V Dashboard LLC.\
The Dashboard attended Knowledgefest in Atlantic City in June and found many dealers that were interested in the product tool and had inquiries into “just what this APP can do for my store”. They were constantly busy taking dealers through TEST DRIVES of the Fit Guide and the newly launched Vehicle Check-in program; available as an add-on inside the Dashboard at a nominal fee. The Dashboard will be attending Dallas Knowledgefest in September and showing the Fit Guide newest enhancements. They will be offering MEA special pricing at the show to become part of TEAM DASHBOARD.
For more information about the 12 V Dashboard contact Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales: Call or text at (531)-777-0877 or email at tkolar@the12vdashboard.com.
Auburn, WA – July 1, 2024 – Oliver Marketing and Sound House are thrilled to announce the addition of Mike Hall to our Pacific Northwest team as an Outside Sales Representative, effective July 1, 2024. Mike brings his extensive experience and passion for customer satisfaction to our organization, further enhancing our commitment to serving the 12-volt dealer base.
Mike Hall joins Oliver Marketing with over 35 years of 12-volt industry experience, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set and a strong dedication to the industry. Prior to joining Oliver Marketing, Mike represented various well-known brands in the 12-volt industry, developing a reputation for excellence in customer service and sales.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue serving the wonderful business owners that make up the 12-volt dealer base in the Pacific Northwest. I hope to make a difference for my new team at Oliver by adding fresh perspective to their already successful operation and carving out new revenue streams for them and for the top-shelf brands they represent,” said Mike Hall.
Mike began his career in retail in the early 1990s, working in sales and installation for small independent car audio shops before advancing to a store manager position at CarToys. He transitioned to outside sales and spent over a decade representing major brands, where he honed his technical knowledge and territory management skills.
At Oliver Marketing, Mike Hall will be tasked with creating new opportunities and growing alternate categories, including marine and powersports. His extensive experience and proven track record in sales and customer service are expected to bring significant value to our team and clients.
Bob Oliver, President of Oliver Marketing and Sound House, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to have Mike on board. His vast experience and passion for the industry make him a valuable asset to our team. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our operations and client relationships.”
Sound House, a division of Oliver Marketing, specializes in distributing high-quality audio and video products to a diverse range of clients. By providing cutting-edge solutions and maintaining strong relationships with top-tier manufacturers, Sound House has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry. With Mike Hall’s expertise, Sound House aims to expand its reach and enhance its service offerings in the marine and powersports categories.
About Oliver Marketing: Oliver Marketing, founded in 1986, is a premier sales and marketing representation firm specializing in the custom installation (CI) and mobile technology (12V) industries. Based on the West Coast, they provide comprehensive marketing solutions to manufacturers and dealers, including product fulfillment and 12V technology product distribution. Oliver Marketing empowers businesses to thrive in the competitive consumer electronics market.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.29.24) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 6.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 278th time on Friday morning June 28th. The Wheel landed on the Maximum Power space and the SOS Electronics slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in Los Angles and have not connected as all are Jammin’ N June. We will continue to reach out to let them know the news.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, NavAtlas, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, THINKWARE, Race Sport Lighting, Maximum Power, AlloyGator, King Boxes and Massive Audio. 12volt News $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD, Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY, Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville A and The-King of Custom in Longwood FL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 279 on Friday, July 5th.
CLEARWATER, FL (06.28.24) – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) hosted its annual owners meeting at the beautiful Hyatt Regency in Clearwater, Florida the week of June 17th.
The four-day event was lead by the EDA’s 11 distributor members and included over 30 industry leaders from EDA partner vendors. Discussions centered around strategy and execution, with one-hour one-on-one sessions between EDA principals and vendors. Multiple open discussion sessions addressed various aspects of the 12-volt industry.
EDA Members enjoying the last night at Marina Cantina Clearwater for the owners/member dinner.
L to R: Nate Taliani-Davis Distribution, Dave Elkin- DOW Technologies, Tanner Wilson-Firstech and David Lopez-RPM Sales Group.
Jason Kaminski-Firstech, Robert DiCesare ADS, Louis-Gil Levette ADS and Steve Irby-KICKER (L to R).
In addition to the business meetings, attendees enjoyed several social events, including a dinner cruise on the Yacht Starship IV. The sunset over the Gulf and the sights of Clearwater Harbour provided a perfect backdrop for an evening of relaxation and networking.
“Our annual owners meeting allows us to focus on strategies to expand our vendor partners’ footprint with our dealers,” said Josh Eatherly, Executive Vice President of EDA. “The meticulous preparation by our vendors for this meeting is a testament to the strong partnerships we have built.”
Ellis Mathis-Memphis Audio, Bob Hernandez- Go Fast Solutions, John Lucas-Kenwood and Barry Lightfoot-Sound House Distribution/Oliver Marketing.
David Prinz-Go Fast Solutions, John Yodzis-DOW Technologies and Nick LoMonaco-Memphis Audio. (L to R).
Bob and Maria Hernandez-Go Fast Solutions along with John and Joey Tatro-Sierra Select Distributors (L to R).
“The one-on-one sessions with our EDA distributors are invaluable” said Jason Kaminski, Managing Director of Firstech. “It’s fantastic to strategize with so many key partners in one place.”
Team KICKER with Jay and Connie Ralston in the foreground along with Tracy Focht and Tom Heath on the right.
Bob and Maria Hernandez-Go Fast Solutions along with Joey Tatro-Sierra Select Distributors and Josh Eatherly-Elite Distributor Alliance (L to R).
“Our annual EDA Sales Meeting has become the most important event of the year for us.” Said Nate Taliani, President of EDA and VP of Davis Distribution. “The one-on-one meetings between our members and vendor partners provide a platform for collaboration, helping us strengthen relationships and strategically grow our business together. This year’s meeting was hands down the most productive and enjoyable event to date.”
“Coming out of the COVID bump of previous years, we have been working on forecasting the ‘new normal,’” said Steve Cote, Director of Sales at JVC. “The EDA membership has demonstrated that collective execution is a recipe for success.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.28.24) – Automotive specialty-equipment market sales grew to $52.3 billion in 2023, an increase of about 1% over 2022, according to the newly released “2024 SEMA Market Report.”
Produced by SEMA Market Research, the report is the Association’s largest report of the year and offers new insights into the size and scope of the specialty-equipment industry. The report includes detailed market sizing by parts category, consumer spending data by vehicle segment and information on where consumers shopped for aftermarket parts and accessories in 2023, along with other key industry trends.
“The economy continues to offer some uncertainty as we have emerged from the effect of COVID-19 and grapple with politics, global conflicts, and international trade policies,” said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. “Yet, consumers keep on spending, and that will always be good for our industry. Unless a big economic shock hits, we can expect to continue with a reasonable growth rate moving forward.”
Free to SEMA business members as a benefit of membership, the report is an example of the many resources available to help industry professionals and businesses succeed in the market and stay ahead of the curve.
The report finds that the light truck sector continues to drive the specialty-equipment industry, with pickups (32%), CUVs (15%), and SUVs (12%) accounting for over half of accessory and performance parts sales.
“Light trucks are a diverse and growing group of vehicles that have overtaken cars to represent the majority of vehicles on the road in the United States,” added Knapp. “They present a significant opportunity for the specialty-equipment industry due to their versatile platforms for accessorization, and this trend only seems to be growing as more companies recognize the potential in this space.”
Drivers are also accessorizing their alternative power vehicles, such as EVs and Hybrids, which brought in $2.5 billion in sales in 2023. While EV sales have climbed year-over-year, consumers aren’t flocking to this technology as some have predicted and many automakers are adjusting their transition plans. SEMA has lowered its forecast for EV sales, with the expectation that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will make up the majority of sales over the next decade.
Even with current economic uncertainty, sales across all sectors of the market continue to grow. Notably, sales of appearance and accessory products ($27.41 billion), engine and performance products ($12.56 billion), and wheels, tires, and handling ($12.38 billion) all increased over 2023.
Additional findings from the report include:
Most accessorizers are modifying their daily drivers; 58% of accessorized vehicles are used for commuting.
Young people continue to drive the market, with half of accessorizers under the age of 40. Younger accessorizers are also likely to do more extensive builds, such as suspension and engine performance mods.
More than half of accessorizers (58%) also own a powersports product, such as a trailer, UTV, or motorcycle, which can offer opportunities for cross-selling and promotions.
New vehicle sales are likely to top 16 million in 2024.
The United States vehicle fleet comprises nearly 290 million passenger cars on the road. More cars on the road means more opportunities for drivers to personalize. Additionally, over 90% of specialty-equipment businesses surveyed expect their 2024 sales to equal or exceed 2023. This is positive news as the industry prepares for the SEMA Show later this year, where more than 2,400 brands are set to exhibit and reveal their products and services to thousands of qualified buyers.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.28.24) – Your customer’s off-road audio experience is about to receive an upgrade with ULTIMATE CONTROL. MB Quart Powersports UTV Dash Kits enhance every listening session exclusive for Polaris RZR and Polaris RANGER.
Get ready for your customers to receive more control with the MB Quart GMR7V1 source unit innovated for the ALL-NEW Polaris RZR and Polaris RANGER dash installation kits. Obtain complete outdoor audio control!
WATERPROOF. TOUCHSCREEN. CARPLAY.
The GMR7V1 is a 7-inch waterproof, touchscreen, Apple (and Android supported) CarPlay source unit. The flagship leader in MB Quart source units is leading the way with more customizable audio features that add depth to every MB Quart listening experience. CONTROL meets CUSTOMIZATION!
The GMR7V1 brings more control and integration with your customer’s iPhone or Bluetooth device. Using a master knob control button for easy navigation of options and sub-level buttons within a full touchscreen 7-inch display – the GMR7V1 features selectable audio sources that include Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, AM/FM, Weather Band, two USB inputs, and an Aux input.
Integrating four built-in auxiliary switches and full RGB lighting controller that adds color under every button, the GMR7V1 source unit also includes two camera inputs and one video output. Have your customers control even more of their sound through every listening session with dual-zone and full audio adjustments that control the volume in two different areas separately. Included Sub-level Control and a 10-band equalizer allow for an enhanced listening experience.
Upgrade your customer’s MB Quart audio system to the GMR7V1 waterproof touchscreen Apple CarPlay source unit and have them embrace more audio features, user-friendly control, and a larger touchscreen that enhances every MB Quart install on their Polaris RZR or Polaris RANGER vehicle.
Learn more HERE about the GMR7V1 7-inch waterproof touchscreen CarPlay source unit.
ATLANTA, GA (06.27.24) – SkillsUSA prepares students for the workforce and students in the Mobile Electronics Division are competing for recognition at the National Competition in Atlanta. The conference is taking pace at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta June 24th-28th and has attracted over 6500 competitors in 110 competitions.
KICKER Audio is a strong supporter of the SkillsUSA initiative. Aaron Malin, TECH Force Global Training Manager, has participated in previous SkillsUSA National Conferences. Malin and Jacob Luckey, KICKER Global Trainer, arrived in Atlanta onTuesday and spent the day setting up for the 2024 Skills USA Conference.
Aaron Malin (L) and Jacob Lucky from KICKER flank Scott Dilbeck from Sky High Car Audio, who will judge in the radio installation competition.
“Each student prepared to perform to their best abilities for the judges at regional events in states across the US. Some of the stations included soldering, wiring speakers and identifying components. Students were judged on their proficiency in those particular skills and only the top qualified for this year’s Convention in Atlanta. KICKER participated in local (Stillwater) and state (Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater) Skills USA competitions this spring in preparation for the National Competition” Malin stated.
Jacob Lucky sets up one of the competition stations.
Continuing “Wednesday morning all got underway with the competition sessions with a lot of excitement throughout the center. Scott Dilbeck from Sky High Car Audio is in the house and helped with set up and judged a radio installation session. James Simpson from Vickers AV and Soundsations is on site helping with judging. Industry vertean Bryan Gary volunteed and also helping with judging. Erin Smith came from Savannah Technial College too. One competitor from last year came to judge this year.”
KICKER has a wide selection of products in display in their area.
SkillsUSA works to bring motivated individuals to the workforce and teach them lifelong skills. There were local, state and national competitions with all states participating, according to SkillsUSA.org. Its mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
Erin Smith from the Savannah Technical College returned to the Skills USA competition.
The 12-volt industry is in need of more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table. The overall employment of mobile electronics installers and technicians is projected to show little to no change from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics years.Through SkillsUSA, students have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and make lifelong friends.
“It is always exciting when you see the ‘lightbulb’ moment as something really clicks in the mind of a student. The ‘ah hah!’ that lets you know they really got it! Last year at the national competition in Atlanta, one young man was so excited to introduce me to his mom and siblings after we really connected during his job interview competition. He experienced my admiration and his family’s proud moment, all at the same time” Malin concluded.
“Students not only receive valuable skills from these events, but also priceless communication skills. From difficult interviews, to speaking with industry professionals and presenting their skills they also learn difficult communication skills” stated Chris Jack, Technical Chairperson for mobile electronics installation, for SkillsUSA. “My father always said that “I don’t care if you’re going to wipe up dirt off the floor, wear a suit and tie to an interview…no matter what it’s for.”
Jack added “Along with KICKER’s continued strong support we recently received support from 12volt companies DB Drive, DOW Technologies, VOXX Electronics and Vickers AV for the National Convention in Atlanta.
For more information, visit SkillsUSA.org or contact Chris Jack who handles the 12volt portion of SkillsUSA. Email Chris Jack at cnjacklausd@aol.com
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.27.24) – Embrace your sound through PRO LEVELS of performance when space is tight in your vehicle installation or setup through the innovation and power of Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifiers! Delivering LOUD AUDIO with unparalleled detail in a smaller size, Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifiers infuse sound with PRO POWER while staying flexible enough to fit anywhere in your install.
Taking your audio to new thrills of Colossus performance and sound – Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifiers signify ULTIMATE POWER in a smaller heat sink. Get ready for your songs to transform within deeper details and cleaner clarity, and obtain Colossus levels of audio performance!
The entire line of Colossus Mini models features monoblock and 4-channel amplifiers (like the PRO Series of amplifiers). Including the HCM-3000.1D Colossus Mini amplifier that creates 3000 watts of PRO POWER sound and the HCM-400.4D that makes 400 watts of clean Colossus Mini audio — every Colossus Mini amplifier is fueled with Colossus innovation that pushes audio to the peak of performance.
Incorporating full-range Class-D chipsets (including the mono models) – all Colossus Mini amplifiers are compatible with a wide range of drivers, especially pro-style speakers. Colossus Mini amplifiers incorporate a smaller footprint design that enables them to be placed in motorcycles, UTVs, and other automotive vehicles – all while still creating Colossus sound.
Multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCB) with surface mount components require fewer parts and result in a cleaner design and finish. Fly-cut CNC stylized badging showcases the Hifonics and Colossus logos in a CNC machined aluminum presenting a sleek and stylish finish. The air-core transformer power supply is more effective for higher frequencies and energy loss due to its open-core design.
Embrace PRO SOUND and POWER with Colossus Mini where you need it the most in your vehicle installation. Colossus Mini amplifiers power your music with PRO SOUND technology and take audio to deeper thrills of playback!
Learn complete Hifonics Colossus Mini amplifier line details HERE from the Hifonics website
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