KICKER Unleashes Warhorse Amp Along With Matching Accessory Line

STILLWATER, OK (06.21.24) – With a nod to its past competition and SPL successes, KICKER® is announcing the highly anticipated arrival of the long-awaited WXA-Series “Warhorse” Mono Amplifier. KICKER is also unveiling a full line of matching accessories for power distribution and signal control. The WXA lineup began shipping and will be available very soon for purchase at Authorized KICKER Retailers in-store and online. As introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show in past weeks, the Warhorse WXA3600.1 will retail for $999.99 and will also be available for purchase online at some point on www.kicker.com.

Built to run extremely hard all day and night, the WXA3600.1 is engineered specifically for ultra-high SPL applications. Every aspect of the Warhorse was tested mercilessly to ensure extreme performance and reliability. From the layout of the board to the rails, to the Tiffany-style RCA connectors, everything about these amps will make a bass-head smile from ear to ear. This full-bridge, one-Ohm-stable amplifier features dual 1/0 AWG power and ground connections, 4 AWG speaker terminals, dual 8 AWG remote terminals, and quad micro-controller-regulated cooling fans for fast, accurate cooling as needed.

Equipped with KICKER FIT+™ differential inputs and 125mV-40V RCA input range, the Warhorse is fully compatible with most factory or aftermarket source units. The amp is also start/stop compliant with a DC range of 6.5-15.5 volts. Users can engage Competition Mode to lock in gain voltage at four volts for perfect gain matching across multiple amplifiers, more aggressive fan cooling, and a fixed crossover setting of 200 Hz at 24dB per octave.

The WXA3600.1 includes two additional accessories:  a heavy-duty, diagnostic display tool and a dedicated, premium bass-level control, both with magnetic mounting. The diagnostic tool is a real-time status center, monitoring battery voltage (including max hold for hi/lo), amp temperature, power-supply protection, and potential speaker current overload.

A full line of Warhorse wiring and brass accessories is also being released. Designed to thrive under the extreme demands of high-SPL systems, the lineup includes a four-position battery terminal (with side-post adapter), a six-position battery terminal, fused distribution blocks, a universal RCA bass-level knob with magnetic mounting, and power cable and ground cable in 20-foot lengths featuring 1/0 AWG, full-spec, oxygen-free copper. All are emblazoned with the KICKER Warhorse logo.

Visit kicker.com for more.

BOSS Audio Teases BOSS Elite Brand with New Headunits and Amplifiers

OXNARD, CA (06.21.24) – BOSS Audio Systems is set to elevate the in-car entertainment experience with the upcoming launch of BOSS Elite. This new line represents a significant step forward, introducing a series of premium products, with the first release being new Headunits and Amplifiers.

With BOSS Elite, BOSS Audio Systems is not merely expanding its product line but establishing a distinct brand identity. This new range offers advanced features and true power ratings, designed to provide superior performance and reliability. Dealers and distributors will have exclusive access to BOSS Elite products, enjoying enhanced margins and unique incentives, reinforcing BOSS Elite’s commitment to quality and exclusivity.

The new BOSS Elite Headunits feature an updated touchscreen design, intuitive tactile buttons, and dynamic ambient lighting, all crafted to enhance the driving experience. Built-in Digital Signal Processor (DSP) capabilities allow users to personalize their audio settings effortlessly, ensuring a customized sound experience. Notably, the oversized screen options, available in 12″ and 14″ sizes, set a new industry benchmark. The Headunits are also available in 9″, 10.1″ and 7″ Double DIN variations. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ ensures seamless connectivity with smartphones and streaming services, while built-in SiriusXM capability allows direct access to satellite radio without needing to connect your phone, although a separate tuner is required for this function.

Complementing the Headunits, the BOSS Elite Amplifiers boast compact Class-D technology, providing powerful and reliable performance without compromising space. True-power ratings guarantee honest and dependable power output to better ensure exceptional audio quality.

In addition to these new products, BOSS Audio Systems has strengthened its team with strategic new hires who bring expertise and increased support to the dealer network. Matt Delgado, Director of Sales at BOSS Audio Systems, states, “Our mission at BOSS Audio Systems has always been to make premium audio accessible to car enthusiasts everywhere. With the new BOSS Elite series Headunits and Amplifiers, we’re delivering top-performing products with better features at an exclusive price to our dealer and distributor network.”

In line with their promise to bring more elite products to the market, a comprehensive product lineup for BOSS Elite will be unveiled throughout the year.

For more information about the new BOSS Elite Headunits and Amplifiers or to become a dealer, visit sales.bossinternationalgroup.com.

SEMA Announces Board of Directors Election Results

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.20.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the results of the 2024-2025 SEMA Board of Directors elections, with Bill Bader of Summit Motorsports Park, Doug Lane of Motor State Distributing, Kelle Oeste of V8TV Speed & Resto Shop, Kim Pendergast of Magnuson Superchargers, and Melissa Scoles of QA1 elected to serve on the Board. Pendergast is a current SEMA Board member who was re-elected to join the group.

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the Association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers’ rep, and services.

SEMA members have elected (clockwise, from top left) Bill Bader, Doug Lane, Melissa Scoles, Kim Pendergast, and Kelle Oeste to the SEMA Board of Directors.

The SEMA Board of Directors for 2024-2025 will be as follows:

Board Officers

  • Chairman – Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
  • Chair-elect – Melanie White, President, Hellwig Products
  • Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary – James Lawrence, CEO Power Automedia
  • Treasurer – Tim McCarthy, Founder & CEO HushMat & ZyCoat

Board Members

  • Bill Bader – President & Owner, Summit Motorsports Park
  • Rich Butler – CEO, R&R Marketing Consultants
  • Doug Lane – President & Owner, Motor State Distributing
  • Norris Marshall – CEO, BluePrint Engines
  • Kelle Oeste – CEO & Owner, V8TV Speed & Resto Shop
  • Kim Pendergast – CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
  • Kathryn Reinhardt – Senior Vice President of Marketing & Events, Hemmings
  • Melissa Scoles – President & CEO, QA1
  • Marcus Umlauff – General Manager-Truck, Toyota Motor North America
  • Ted Wentz – CEO, Quadratec

Outgoing Board Members

  • Lindsay Hubley – SVP Consumer Events, Emerald X/Overland Expo
  • Larry Montante – VP Category Management, Keystone Automotive
  • Brian Reese – President & CEO, T-Sportline
  • Steve Whipple – President, PRW Industries

The entire 2024-2025 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during the 2024 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in Anaheim, Calif., on July 19. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at www.sema.org/gala.

KICKER Raises the Marine Bar with Dedicated Big-Bass Amplifier, Thin-Mount Coaxials

STILLWATER, OK (06.20.24) – KICKER has added a powerful, 1,500-watt mono amplifier to the KXMA Marine lineup, as well as a new pair of 6.5-inch coaxial speakers that look and fit differently than any others in the KICKER lineup. The KXMA1500.1 Marine Mono Amplifier will be available very soon for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, the KXMA1500.1 will retail for $699.99 and will also be available for purchase online at http://www.kicker.com.

Also shipping, KM614FL Marine Thin-Profile Coaxial Speakers with two different grille looks will become available at a retail price of $209.99.

Delivering the same power at one or two Ohms, the KXMA1500.1 is an efficient Class-D marine amplifier, powerful enough to run multiple KICKER Marine subwoofers at high volume. This feature-rich amp is also equipped with KickEQ+bass boost, a 24dB/octave crossover and a variable 24dB subsonic filter with adjustable frequency control. A full-range RCA pass-through is also included for easy system expansion. The amplifier also comes with a KMBLC Remote Level Control for easy customization of your sound on the fly. Now with eight options, the KXMA line also features two, four, five and eight-channel options for highly flexible system design.

KICKER has also integrated FIT2 (Fail-safe Integration Technology) into KXMA amps, ensuring a flexible, noise-free signal from virtually any radio – without the additional expense of a line-out converter. The DSP-controlled preamp offers superior sound quality and precise control of the signal.

All KXMA Marine Amplifiers are built specifically for the rigors of life on the water. The side-mounted acoustic controls are guarded with a gasket-sealed door for protection from the elements. In addition to heavily applied conformal coating on the circuit boards, all power connections are ABYC/NMMA compliant, per KICKER’s Real Marine™ protocol.

Same Real Marine™ durability can be attributed to the KM614FL.  They meet or exceed industry standards for environmental humidity and corrosion** and for material degradation due to UV exposure.*** Rust-proof, stainless-steel installation hardware is also included.

Extending only one-half-inch past any boat’s mounting surface, the KM614FL pair comes equipped with both white OE-style speaker grilles and silver with an open tweeter hole to match the theme of the craft with ease. Expandable, seven-color under-cone LEDs bathe the entire speaker in light.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Maria Alejandra Joins Crossover Marketing with a Focus on Elevating Service Standards

BATTLE GROUND, WA (June 20, 2024) – In a strategic move to boost customer service in the Pacific Northwest, The Crossover Marketing Group proudly announces the addition of Maria Alejandra to its growing team. 

Maria’s creativity, enthusiasm for helping others, and bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish) make her a valuable new asset to the team. As a past sales agent with a diverse background as a chef, bartender, and administrator, Maria is uniquely qualified and has adept skills to handle various situations and the experience in understanding and supporting people’s needs… Now, she is ready to embark on the next chapter of her career with Crossover. 

Outside of the office, Maria is a creative soul, she enjoys crafting, designing bags and earrings, and painting. She is also furthering her education by studying architecture and the Japanese language. 

“Her dedication and passion are evident in every task we’ve given her over the past several weeks of training” said Rob Sutton, expressing his admiration for Maria’s remarkable energy and commitment. “I wanted someone who shared in my desire to really connect with people, and feel like we hit a home run here” 

As the new Client Success Manager, Maria will oversee order entry, warranty claims, and overall customer service. This strategic hire also enables Crossover to transition Sam Sutton outside the office into a new Relationship Manager role, where he will directly serve accounts alongside Rob and Paul. Maria’s appointment underscores Crossover’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering strong relationships in the territory. 

“We couldn’t be happier with Maria. She brings an energy and enthusiasm to every task, is very detailed oriented, and extremely personable, all the traits and skills that we strive for in the DNA make-up of the entire Crossover Marketing Group“ said Paul Pilat when asked about how she will fit with the team. 

Visit www.crossovermktg.com for more.

The Falcon Sales and AM Merchandising Dealer Show Set The Stage For Strong Summer Sales

WASHOUGAL, WA (06.19.24) – The Falcon Sales and AM Merchandising Dealer Show definitely provided an opportunity for vendors and reps to connect with dealers through out the area Thursday and Friday June 13th and 14th.

Prior to the event Scott Chapin said “The Show gonna be a party and we would love to have area dealers come and join us to take advantage of incredible deals, food & beverages and FUN!! Turns out he was spot on!

A portion of the demo vehicles that were on site.

Demo vehicles were onsite and several dealers brought their cars to show off while at the show. The warehouse was packed with great deals and tables in the aisles with specials. The free goodies and some giveaways plus Friday evening raffles added to the excitement.
Importantly all of this while dealers checked out new products and networked with fellow industry members.

The racks in the warehouse were stacked to the ceiling as dealers checked out specials.

Scott Chapin, Mike Hall, Kam Frisbee and Dave Gates were on site from Falcon Sales & Marketing. Tom Miller and Randy Harcourt travelled up from Oakland CA to showcase all from AM Merchandising.

Kam Frisbee, who recently joined Falcon stated “It was such a super event. I had talked to many of the shops over the past couple of years working with Metra. It was terrific to meet them in person. Many said this was their first time to come to the Falcon HQ and they were very impressed plus too advantage of the great deals and fun atmosphere.”

Thursday morning early the UTV Stereo set up taking place with the Polaris Pro R 4 ready to shake the ground.

Brands in the house included Morel, Jensen, PowerBass, Wet Sounds, UTV Stereo, Sound Skins, KICKER, Massive Audio and Sony. Factory vehicles on site included KICKER, Alpine and UTV Stereo.nDealer cars added to the vehicles on the grounds.

Massive Audio’s John Velez related “JR Mares and I had a great show. We showed new products new plus offered dealers a chance to win a new GTR8 sub. By coming to the show dealers experienced our broad line in person. Edgar Gonzales from Unique Audio, the NW Territory Massive Audio dealer of the Year 2023, was in the house and it was super to meet him and thank him for the strong support.”

Thursday morning early the UTV Stereo set up taking place with the Polaris Pro R 4 ready to shake the ground.
Sound Skins showed sound deadening for bikes.

Jeff Falk traveled from Florida the show the PowerBass line to dealers under a large tent. With the Powersports category being strong Falk related the SoundBars were a hot with dealers.

Jeff Petersen, with UTV Stereo, stated “The PowerSports category is hot and we have the widest selection of products. We cranked it up the volume on Dave Gates’ Polaris Pro R 4, loaded with UTV Stereo gear shook the ground.”

Doug Kern unveiled new Jensen products.

Industry veteran Doug Kern, who recently joined Dual and Jensen for the Western US, was in the house. “NW dealers loved the new Jensen line up of Wireless CarPlay/AndroidAuto. The opening price points are great along with the feature set and 3 year warranty. Also new to dealers was the new Dash/Window Mount wireless CP/AA that is perfect when s customer doesn’t was to change their dashboard.”

Rob Sutton with Crossover Marketing made the trip from Oregon was thrilled to see the enthusiasm of dealers in the house. Crossover Marketing recently was appointed the rep firm for KICKER and the Dealer Show was the perfect opportunity to show the KICKER lineup to many dealers.

Raffle winners with their prizes. Israel Tellez (L) from The Best Auto Glass and Tint in Burien WA. Tim from Tim’s Audio and Tint-Newport OR with his Pioneer and PowerBass prizes.

Chapin concluded “The are definitely looking forward to next year as is AM Merchandising. Many dealers took advantage of the local motel offer and several closed their shops and attended the show both days. We definitely appreciate all the support from our vendors and reps for working with us to put together this super Dealer Show.”

Visit https://falconsalesanddistribution.com and https://ammerchandising.com for more.

Latin American Distributor DIREGO Adds Three Colombian Locations to VIPAR Heavy Duty Network

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (06.19.24) – A VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholder since 2010 and one of its first Mexico-based distributors, DIREGO added its three Colombian locations to the group’s network, expanding its footprint into South America.

Two of the Colombian locations are in Bogotá and one is in Cali. DIREGO is headquartered in Saltillo, the capital of Coahuila, Mexico, and operates four distribution centers and 24 stores in that country, as well as one in Houston.

“We are very pleased to continue growing our partnership with VIPAR Heavy Duty. Bringing our Colombian locations into the network strengthens our ability to serve customers in that region and positions us for further growth,” said Alejandro “Alex” Garcia Pérez, DIREGO’s commercial director. “Our reputation is built on exceptional service and providing truck and trailer parts of the highest quality from the industry’s most trusted brands. We are eager, in conjunction with VIPAR Heavy Duty, to strengthen that reputation among our Colombian customers and communities.”

Garcia, who joined DIREGO’s management team in 2013, serves on the VIPAR Heavy Duty Board of Directors. During his time with DIREGO, the distributorship has experienced significant growth. They also became a subsidiary of ZOR Capital Group, which is focused on Latin American transportation, manufacturing and distribution for automobiles and commercial vehicles.

“DIREGO and Alex have been essential to VIPAR Heavy Duty’s success and growth in Latin America where we have more than 100 locations and 15 years of experience,” said VIPAR Heavy Duty President and CEO Chris Baer. “Alex’s aftermarket expertise and market knowledge are great assets as we execute our strategy to further strengthen our presence throughout Latin America. We are proud to have the strongest and most progressive network of independent aftermarket distributors throughout the Americas – now serving end-user customer needs on two continents.

“It’s a great time to be in the heavy duty truck parts business!”

DIREGO was founded in 1994 and has steadily expanded its footprint through the years. They provide parts for all makes and models of trucks, trailers and buses.

“DIREGO is a top VIPAR Heavy Duty distributor, excelling in all areas,” said Jim Pennig, VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ vice president of business development. “They are an outstanding ambassador of VIPAR Heavy Duty’s brand and principles, and we welcome their Colombian locations to our growing Latin American network.”

For more information on DIREGO, visit dirego.com.mx. For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or email: info@vipar.com.

MB Quart Elevates Marine Speakers with Nautic Compression Horn Speakers

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.19.24) – Take on the thrill of the open waters and abundant sunshine by upgrading your Marine speaker game to the NH2 LEVEL! Creating a soundscape for every on-the-water listening experience, MB Quart Nautic compression horn speakers and Nautic compression horn tower speakers bring out the best in Nautic performance. Get ready to embrace more of summer adventures!

Four models are included in this Nautic speaker line – NH2-120, NH2-116,
NHT2-120, and NHT2-116, as each speaker set projects audio that is loud so
it can be heard from miles away. But just being loud on the open waters is not enough – every speaker model creates audio that is clean, sharp, and detailed, with sound displayed in crisp playback.

Showcasing audio and design in a customizable appearance, each set of Nautic compression horn/horn tower speakers will include interchangeable grills (Black, Silver, and White) allowing you to match your boat or audio system installation as desired. Hear sound that is customizable to every install!

HEAR CLEANER DETAIL THROUGH NH2

Both the NH2-120 and NH2-116 make clean clarity in every beat upscaling your sound to the maximum performance in audio delivery. In addition – both compression horn models have been LIFE SHIELD tested to the highest Marine and Motorsports standards that include protection against sun fade, fresh/salt water spray, dust, and even sand.

Creating steady mids, higher-in-detail trebles, and overall a richer layer of Marine speaker playback – both NH2-120 and NH2-116 compression horns have been innovated with UHS (Ultra-High Sensitivity) Technology and wavelength transparent acoustic lenses with a polypropylene cone – so sound is heard in top-notch detail. Take on MORE SOUND in MORE DETAIL.

Learn more details HERE on both the NH2-120 and NH2-116
Nautic compression horn speakers.

TAKE ON LOUDER SOUND WITH NHT2

Creating LOUDER VOLUME while maintaining incredible detail – both the
NHT2-120 and NHT2-116 come designed in a reinforced compact enclosure.
With mounting hardware included and packaged in pairs, natural Butyl rubber surround remains responsive in all weather conditions. A heavy-duty injection-molded ABS cast enclosure provides strength and improved bass response in any genre of music.

A woven fiber composite spider helps stabilize the cone and voice coil in all musical situations creating a clear sound that projects an immersive layer into every song. Front and rear venting allow air passage through the spider and back plate to exchange air over the voice coil.

Learn more details HERE on both the NHT2-120 and NHT2-116 Nautic compression horn tower speakers.

Zapco and ESB Audio Shined At The KnowledgeFest in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (06.18.24) – Zapco and ESB Audio showcased their latest product lineups in the company’s booth along with a Jaguar demo vehicle that drew rave reviews from attendees.

Chris Bennett, who recently joined the Apex Group Italy, manages all US Sales and activities. “This was an opportunity to bring all members of the Apex Group Italy and the US staffs together and proved to be very successful. Enzo Biasella travelled from Italy to join George Jenkins, Ernie Hundal and myself as we presented the Zapco and ESB Audio products and marketing plans. Jack Mazur, and his AllBoro Custom team from New York City, delivered the show stopping Jaguar demo loaded with an extreme custom installation of Zapco and ESB Audio gear.”

Chris Bennett meeting with dealers on Day-1 in Atlantic City.

“KnowledgeFest Atlantic City was perfect for us to debut ESB Speakers, which are relatively new to the US Market. Many dealers who had not heard of ESB Speakers before were excited by the wide range of speakers and the value of ESB Audio for their stores” Bennett concluded.

AllBoro Custom is a well known 12volt retailer that specializes in custom installations. The Jaguar is Mazur’s personal vehicle. “Actually we worked on the Jaguar project for nearly 2 months. I personally worked on the project. Initially the project was getting all the gear in house and then setting up the custom design work. We started with a little bit of work on the project every day. I lost track of the hours sometime back at about 300 hours. As the show date appoached we went full time and finished up the buld the day before we rolled out to Atlantic City. When the Apex team experienced the sound and installation they very happy. When attendees saw and listened to the Jag they very very impressed and all gave big thumbs up. That was what made me very happy and proud” Mazur stated.

The AllBoro Custom Jaguar drew raves from all who expected a demo.
The Team gathered for an image as the event wrapped. Ernie Hundal-Zapco, Jack Mazur-AllBoro, Enzo Biasella-Apex Group, Sara Oliveras and Leo Rosario-AllBoro, George Jenkins and Chris Bennett-Apex Group (LtoR).

George Jenkins, VP US Sales, related “We were thrilled to have Chris join the Apex Group Italy recently. He did super work organizing everything for our successful launch in Atlantic City. The stage is set to drive Apex Group Italy’s objectives and goals forward.”

Custom Audio Hosted The 8th Annual Anna Shelter Car Show

ERIE, PA (6.18.24) – The area in front of the Custom Audio location in the West Ridge Plaza was filled with over 100 cars on Sunday June 16th, Father’s Day, to benefit The Anna Shelter mission.

“Cars started showing up early for a place on the plaza and we soon had our max of 100 car, trucks and vans for the event to further the Anna Shelter mission” Sondralee Orengia offered.

The Anna Shelter animal welfare organization in Erie PA was established in June of 2004. The organization helps dogs, cats, small animals… even horses, one animal at a time. During the Sunday event there were gift baskets, raffles and 50/50 opportunities on site along with the RouechaQue food truck which shared a percentage of sales with the Anna Shelter..

The Father’s Day crowd checking out a wide variety of show cars.
Exotic cars also drew attention.

Continuing “The event on Father’s Day was so special. The weather was terrific and so many families came to see the wide selection of amazing vehicles at the event and spend the afternoon together.”

On Sunday Custom Audio’s showroom was open and staff members engaged with enthusiasts about the wide variety of 12volt and automotive aftermarket 12volt products available at Custom Audio. Sondralee and Nick were slammed inside as AJ and Paula were outsideand helping Anna Shelter and others direct traffic.

Attendees stopped by to learn more about the Anna Shelter mission and make donations.
The RouechaQue BBQ rig was set up early to serve delicious lunches for attendees.

“Last year we were very busy following the event every day during the week following the Car Show and expect to be this year also. Putting the Custom Audio brand in front of consumers and enthusiasts continues to drive business. We certainly look forward to next year’s Anna Shelter event” Orengia concluded.

Visit customaudioshop.net for more.