Truck-Specific Dual-L7 Enclosures and Custom Cars Highlight the KICKER Booth at SEMA Show

STILLWATER, OK (10.30.23) – KICKER will showcase a booth filled with world premieres, custom vehicles, and celebrity appearances at this year’s SEMA Show. KICKER will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, booth 10739.

The 50-year manufacturer of premium mobile-audio products will unveil a truckload of new gear on the SEMA Show floor, including the debut of the KICKER Pro Class, and an expansion of the Marine, Powersports and 12-volt product lines.  Included in that will be KICKER’s new truck-specific, Dual L7T Subwoofer Enclosures. A perfect form-fitting, under-back-seat solution for select versions of the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and RAM, two L7T ultra-thin square subwoofers have been placed into heavily braced MDF enclosures, delivering up to 1,200 watts (RMS) of bass.

The brand’s big-power offering has grown, leading to the formation of KICKER Pro Class.  The Pro Class features KICKER’s new competition-grade products – SoloX Subwoofers, ST-Series Speakers, and Warhorse Amplifiers.  The perfect complement to the Warhorse 3,600-watt Mono Amplifier that will begin shipping this year, KICKER’s new Warhorse WXA1000.4 Four-Channel Competition Amplifier is a full-range powerhouse, rated at 250×4 at four Ohms, 450×4 at 2 Ohms and features 8 AWG speaker outputs. This amp is more than ready to run a massive, multi-speaker door set up in even the loudest competition vehicles.

The remaining sizes of the behemoth SoloX L7X Subwoofer line, the 10- and 15-inch, will both begin shipping this year, along with the previously released L7X12.

KICKER audiophile-grade KSS-Series 3-Way Component Systems also debut as a high-fidelity, drop-in upgrade solution, compatible with select models of GM, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and more.  Two model sizes will be available.

Several heavily customized vehicles will be displayed in the KICKER booth:  a 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide touring bike and Polaris RZR will both be packed with the newest KICKER Powersports products. A custom-wrapped GMC Sierra will sport four 15-inch SoloX Subwoofers in a powerful 8,000-watt system. The truck will tour across the country in 2024, attending shows and inspiring KICKER dealers from coast to coast.

In a tribute to SPL legend Alma Gates, KICKER’s 2021 Ford Bronco returns to the SEMA booth this year, loaded with nine SoloX 12-inch Subwoofers and as many Warhorse 3600-watt Mono Amplifiers. A trio of seven-inch ST-Series midrange drivers are installed in each custom door panel, as are four one-inch ST bullet tweeters.

To complete the SEMA Show experience, KICKER is excited to have NHRA legend Cruz Pedregon visiting fans in the booth on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. to shake hands and sign autographs. The hosts of Motor Trend TV’s Ride of Your Life, co-hosts Bryan Fuller and Courtney Hansen, stop by Thursday at 3 p.m. to meet their fans and talk cars.

More information on KICKER new products can be found at www.kicker.com/sema2023.

ADAS and Emissions Testing Featured in SEMA Garage Area at SEMA Show

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.30.23) – The SEMA Garage will feature its research and testing capabilities during the 2023 SEMA Show in an expanded area in the upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The 6,600-sq.-ft. feature area will allow the SEMA Garage to host real-time testing demonstrations and live calibrations. Attendees can learn from subject-matter experts, exchange knowledge and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) best practices and gain hands-on experience with ADAS tools and equipment.

The new exhibit’s aim is to assist in member education, to improve industry awareness of ADAS systems and their impact on the aftermarket, and to provide marketing and networking opportunities between buyers and sellers. The dedicated space will host a variety of ADAS-related products for examination and review, and live recalibration demonstrations throughout the week will guide attendees through the step-by-step process of integrating ADAS protocols into the workplace.

“The SEMA Garage Area will help Showgoers understand what the SEMA Garages offer and how we can help them bring products to market,” said Mike Mohacsi, SEMA Vice President, Product Development and OEM Relations. “SEMA Garages are on the forefront of research with new ADAS and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards along with EV standards. We are excited to share our research and technology during the SEMA Show.”

Opened last year, SEMA Garage Detroit features a new ADAS Technology Center. Rapid adoption of ADAS features raises new opportunities and challenges for vehicle modifiers. Currently, there is little data available to help anyone modifying an ADAS-equipped vehicle understand the exact degree of risk associated with changes to the vehicle. Ongoing testing and research at the SEMA Garage Detroit ADAS Technology Center seeks to change all that. During the Show, the SEMA Garage Area will perform live calibrations that may be used in the SEMA Garage White Paper on an ADAS-equipped truck.

In the area of emissions compliance, SEMA is dedicated to helping aftermarket manufacturers meet the “reasonable basis” criteria by testing and certifying products so they have the confidence they can legally sell their products. The SEMA Garage team works closely with both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to understand their policies, namely the EPA’s Tampering Policy. As part of that effort, last year the Association launched SEMA Certified-Emissions, a program designed around the guidance of the EPA’s Tampering Policy to help manufacturers bring their products to market. SEMA assists manufacturers gain SEMA Certified-Emissions to sell their products in 49 States, and also helps interested manufacturers in processing their CARB EOs for sale in California. Demonstrations of the tests will be happening in real-time at the Show.

Additionally, the expanded SEMA Garage area will feature three vehicles, and additional Garage technologies like 3D Scanning and 3D Printing available for member companies.

The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is receiving tremendous support from the automotive aftermarket and is forecasted to return to historic levels as one of the most highly anticipated trade shows in the country. The Show is the ultimate business gathering for the multi-billion specialty-automotive industry and is the place to discover the latest products and trends, connect with industry leaders, and network with fellow aftermarket professionals. To learn more and register to attend, visit www.semashow.com or download the official SEMA Show Mobile App.

The SEMA Show 2023 Setup Is Underway In Vegas With The 12volt Beat On The Street

LAS VEGAS, NV (10.30.23) – The 2023 SEMA Show is set to be the largest automotive aftermarket trade event to date. The addition of The SEMA FEST is designd to excite and engage  enthusiasts and thus further increase car culture. With a reported 2200 exhibitors the 2023 SEMA Show will definitely be a record setting trade show.

The 12volt Central Studios and The 12voltBeat are woking to showcase the mobile electronics segmen of the automotive aftermarket industry at the 2023 SEMA Show. 12volt vendors are concentrated in the LVCC North Hall. Setup began for most 12volt exhibitors on Saturday, October 28th and continues Sunday and Monday. The SEMA Show runs Tuesday October 31st through Friday November 3rd.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews the 12volt Central Studios staff are making posts showcasing exhibitor setup acrtivity and will continue making posts throughout the event and beyond. These posts are designed to increase exhibitors’ visibility and encourage dealers, reps and distributors to check out the latest products on display. On Instagam #12vnn_sema2023.

The 12voltSTP Tool makes it very easy for all to showcase their actiities at the 2023 SEMA With the smartphone in your pocket snap and txt an image to 318 469 2526. Dealers, reps and distributors can snap images they can utilize once back at their offices. Dealers can showcase SEMA news to their followers to drive store traffic. Reps and distributors can do the same to let customers in their respective territories know the latest from their brands from SEMA 2023.

Let’s all work to extend the SEMA 2023 ROI for all across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easy.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Start Your 2023 SEMA Show Planning Here

LAS VEGAS, NV (10.27.23) – As the specialty-equipment market prepares for its annual homecoming at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, Show organizers have compiled a few essential resources to help attendees plan their experience.

Just visit semashow.com/plan for the latest resources, or view them below.

Download the SEMA Show App

app

It’s the SEMA Show in your pocket! Access the floorplan, a customizable schedule of events, exhibitor lists, new products and feature vehicles, turn-by-turn directions in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), “What’s On Now,” a lineup of current happenings and what’s coming next, the latest SEMA Show social media posts and much more. Simply search “SEMA Show” in your app store or visit semashow.com/app to download.

Questions? Ask the New SEMA Show Chatbot, Bessie!

Bessie

SEMA Show’s Bessie AI-powered chatbot will complement SEMAShow.com and the SEMA Show mobile app, plus all the on-site collateral, signage and related resources to help attendees maximize their time at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, in Las Vegas.

Chatting with Bessie is easy: just download the SEMA Show mobile app, visit SEMAShow.com or look for signage around the SEMA Show campus for the direct text number to access pertinent information right at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere. QR codes will also be placed around the SEMA Show campus, providing convenient access.

Getting to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Monorail

SEMA Showgoers are encouraged to use hotel shuttles to get to and from the SEMA Show in Vegas, as parking will be impacted by construction at the LVCC during the event. Free hotel shuttle service will be available to and from the LVCC and more than 45 hotels. 

The complimentary morning and afternoon hotel shuttles transport Showgoers to-and-from the LVCC and official hotel partners. Shuttles will carry an average of 55 passengers and will be marked with a route number that coordinates with which hotel properties they service.

Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available during hours of operation. For all shuttle inquiries, call 1-866-439-8563.

The Las Vegas Monorail, which will operate extended hours during SEMA week, is another great option, and discounted tickets are available to Showgoers. Purchase your discounted passes at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA23 to skip the line and scan your pass from your phone right at the gate. (Paper tickets are also available at ticket vending machines and customer service desks at the station for full price.).

Trains are scheduled every few minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. PDT Monday7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. PDT Tuesday through Thursday; and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. PDT Friday through Sunday, at each of the following sessions: 

  • MGM Grand Station
  • Horseshoe/Paris Las Vegas Station
  • Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
  • Harrah’s/The LINQ Station
  • Boingo Station at Las Vegas Convention Center
  • Westgate Las Vegas Station
  • SAHARA Las Vegas Station

View the map of the Las Vegas Monorail.

View more SEMA Show transportation information.

Explore the SEMA Show Floorplan

Floorplan

Tour the campus and learn about the 2,200-plus exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations.

View the 2023 SEMA Show floorplan.

View the SEMA Show Event Schedule

Ensure you know when all the events are taking place so you can attend all SEMA Show activities. For early arrivers, check out the Digital Marketing Bootcamp event and exhibitors, visit the Exhibitor Appreciation Party Monday, October 30.

View the 2023 SEMA Show schedule of events.

RSVP and Secure Tickets for These Events

Some education sessions and events, like the Industry Awards Banquet, require tickets in advance. Make sure to secure your seat!

2023 SEMA Show Preview

Preview

Review the can’t-miss experiences planned for this year’s Show.

Learn more.

Build a Customized SEMA Show Agenda

Create a customized learning plan from 99 education sessions and countless experiences.

View sessions.

Still Need to Register?

It’s easy! Get started here. This registration application is to attend, if qualified, AAPEX and the SEMA Show only.

Book Hotel and Travel

Vegas

Book with confidence. SEMA Show organizers have secured the guaranteed best hotel and travel rates for Las Vegas.

Book now.


QUESTIONS? Contact SEMA Show organizers at semashow@sema.org or (909) 396-0289.

BOSS Audio Systems Signs On As Audio Sponsor for West Coast Customs Academy, Elevating Vehicle Customization Education

OXNARD, CA (10.27.23) – Southern California’s BOSS Audio Systems and West Coast Customs Academy are teaming up to empower the next generation of automotive customization professionals.

West Coast Customs, renowned for its exclusive and high-profile celebrity car builds, has opened its doors to budding automotive industry enthusiasts through the West Coast Customs Academy. As an audio sponsor for the academy, BOSS Audio Systems is excited to bring its extensive product range and expertise to the students’ fingertips.

For over three decades, BOSS Audio Systems has led the car audio industry, delivering over 500 high-quality, affordable, and user-friendly products worldwide. BOSS Audio offers an extensive range of products from full-range speakers and tweeters to subwoofers and multimedia players.

Students will enjoy the unique opportunity to explore every facet of a car build, including painting, electricity, fabrication, upholstery, design, and beyond. With access to BOSS Audio’s product lineup, this partnership will provide West Coast Customs Academy students with the ultimate education in the art of vehicle customization.

“We are thrilled to have BOSS Audio Systems on board as our audio sponsor, providing our students with world-class audio solutions,” says Lorenzo Strong, VP of Sales/Brand Partnerships for West Coast Customs.

The future of vehicle customization education is bright. Stay tuned for exciting developments as the partnership unfolds.

Visit bossaudio.com and westcoastcustoms.com for more.

PowerBass at 2023 SEMA Show

ONTARIO, CA (10.27.23) – PowerBass will be on display at the 2023 SEMA Show with all of our award winning products guaranteed to complete your product offerings to your customers.

Stop by our booth and see our new PBX Series of Ultra High End Amplifiers and our first ever 8 Channel DSP all ready to take your PowerBass experience to the next level! Both of these new items are going to be in stock and shipping soon!

Schedule your meeting now with your PowerBass Sales Representative and we look forward to seeing you all at the show!

PowerBass will be showing off a fully equipped Classic Chevy Impala built by Zamz Audio and Maharaj Customs be sure to stop by and check it out!

2023 SEMA SHOW
NORTH HALL BOOTH # 10352
Oct 31 – Nov 3rd 2023

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux Event a Resounding Success

LONG BEACH, CA (10.26.23) – The JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux event in Orlando concluded with great success this weekend, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with valuable insights to enhance their roles within the 12-volt industry.

Members of the group who presented the Hot Shots Part Deux gathered for a group image. Seth Halstead-JVC, Ron Trout-JVC, Rich McDonald-McDonald Business Strategies, Errol Hodgson-JVC, Steve Côté-JVC, Josh Bowen-JVC, Duston Harper-GLUED Performance, Marcus Vasconcellos-JVC and Corey Jacobs-GLUED Performance. Matt Yerger-iDatalink not pictured.

The event, a sequel to the previous year’s Hot Shots, continued to advance the mission of the EDA in improving the expertise and capabilities of distributor sales personnel. Attendees benefited from hearing Fender’s legendary Rich McDonald’s keynote message, master sales classes presented by GLUED Performance, product demonstrations by JVC’s training experts, and iDatalink’s Matt Yerger. These sessions provided attendees with the tools they need to excel in their roles within the 12-volt distribution sector.

“The success of this year’s event is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Elite Distributor Alliance and JVC in fostering excellence in our industry,” said Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales. “The value of the knowledge and networking opportunities provided at Hot Shots Part Deux is evident in the renewed motivation and understanding attendees are taking with them.”

As this year’s Part Deux draws to a close, excitement is already brewing for the next edition of JVC EDA’s Hot Shots event series, offering the promise of further valuable insights and enhanced networking opportunities for industry professionals.

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit www.us.jvc.com/car

Blaupunkt to Unveil Innovative Foldable eBike at SEMA Show in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV (10.26.23) – Blaupunkt is set to make waves once again at the prestigious SEMA Las Vegas trade show. This year, Blau-punkt will unveil its latest innovation: the highly-anticipated Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes.

Driving Innovation Beyond the Road

For over a century, Blaupunkt has set the standard for cutting-edge automotive technology. Now, with the global shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, Blaupunkt is embracing the future of mobil-ity. The Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes represent the company’s foray into the world of emobility, combining heritage with innovation to create a product like no other.

Experience Blaupunkt’s eBike Revolution

The SEMA 2023 show will be the stage for the grand debut of Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes, where automotive industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts will witness the future of personal transportation. These eBikes are designed to cater to the modern urban lifestyle, offering unmatched portability and performance.

Key Features of Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes:

Portability: Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes are among the most compact and lightweight on the market, making them ideal for urban commuting and outdoor adventures.

Innovative Technology: Featuring state-of-the-art battery technology and intuitive controls, Blaupunkt eBikes offer an unparalleled riding experience.

Stylish Design: With a sleek and modern design, these eBikes are as fashionable as they are functional.

Affordable: Blaupunkt is committed to offering quality products at an affordable price point, ensuring acces-sibility for a wide range of consumers.

Visit blaupunkt.com for more.

Metra Electronics Introduces Mounted Spare Tire Accessories at SEMA

HOLLY HILL, FL (10.26.23)Metra Electronics has developed two new kits designed to elevate a vehicle’s mounted spare tire; a new chasing light kit and an adjustable camera kit. They will debut them at this year’s SEMA show. These kits boast over 200 vehicle applications, including select Jeep, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Suzuki, and Land Rover vehicles.* This versatility is thanks to their included multi-adjustable brackets specifically designed to mount securely to the factory studs of spare wheels, fitting numerous bolt patterns. These new kits will be displayed from October 31 through November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Metra’s main SEMA Show booth will be #10539 in the North Hall, and its off-roading and powersports products will be on display at booth #60031 in the West Hall.

Chasing Spare Tire Light Kit

The HE-CHASE-STL chasing spare tire light from Metra’s Heise LED Lighting Systems brand is equipped with dual-row, dual-zone, addressable LEDs to add vibrant, colorful lighting to a vehicle’s mounted spare tire. This kit includes two 8-foot extension cables, left and right half-circle LED segments, installation hardware, and a Heise Connect chasing controller (HE-CHASE-CB). It works cohesively with all Heise chasing LED lighting as part of the Heise Connect Universe (HCU) and is controlled using the included RF remote or the Heise Connect app, available for download on smartphones and tablets. This spare tire light will not only add style to a vehicle but will improve awareness for nearby vehicles and increase safety with its included turn signal, brake, and reverse functions.

The HE-CHASE-CB Heise Connect chasing controller featured in this kit is specifically designed to work with Heise chasing LEDs, making customization and control of these products effortless. Users can easily group multiple controllers through the app, and every controller has left and right zones for independent turn signal control wires and a dedicated brake light trigger wire. The Heise Connect app automatically connects via Bluetooth wireless technology and allows users to select from 170+ pre-programmed moving patterns, a DIY chasing pattern option that allows selection of up to 16 colors and 3 motion effects, and a music sync function.

Adjustable Spare Tire Camera Kit

The TE-ASTCAM adjustable spare tire camera kit from Metra’s iBEAM brand upgrades a vehicle’s safety and parking functionality. This camera setup is designed to provide drivers with a clear view of their surroundings while parking or reversing, offering the ultimate solution for enhancing a vehicle’s safety and maneuverability. The kit includes a multi-adjustable bracket, high-quality camera, and wiring to ensure a hassle-free installation. The versatile bracket of the TE-ASTCAM offers an impressive range of adjustability, allowing drivers to position the camera exactly where they need it. The bracket’s camera stem can be adjusted both side-to-side and up and down, providing drivers with optimal flexibility and customization options. Additionally, the head of the bracket is bendable to achieve the perfect angle adjustment for each unique vehicle.

Equipped with high-quality metal housing, the included camera delivers durability and longevity. Its 170-degree field of diagonal view ensures a wide coverage area, minimizing blind spots and providing a comprehensive perspective of the vehicle’s surroundings. The camera also features parking guidelines, enabling drivers to gauge distances and maneuver their vehicle accurately. With an IP67 rating, this camera is designed to withstand inclement weather, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments. Additionally, the TE-ASTCAM boasts excellent low-light capabilities with its 0.6 LUX night vision, allowing drivers to navigate safely in dimly lit areas or during nighttime parking. For a convenient power connection via the taillight, adding iBEAM’s Pulse Width Modulation Stabilizer (TE-CAMFLTR) is recommended (sold separately). This accessory ensures a reliable and efficient power supply to the camera, further enhancing its functionality.

More product information and details will be available at MetraOnline.com soon after the SEMA show.

*Visit our Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

Extreme Car Audio Hosted Another Very Successful Alpine Experience Event

MARRERO, LA (10.25.23) – The Alpine Experience at Extreme Car Audio on Saturday October 21st filled the parking lot and showroom with enthusiasts looking for better sound. The Alpine Experience delivered as Alpine’s Dan Greenwood rolled in from Dallas with the Alpine X-Perience Tundra, tent and promo items for Ace Truong’s event. Jimmy Chauffe arrived in 2023 Hyundai with an Alpine OPTIM8 and subwoofer installed.

The Alpine Experience was set to go on the sunny Saturday morning.
The Extreme Car Audio Team and Alpine’s Jimmy Chauffe and Dan Greenwood gathered for a group image. Owner Ace Truong is pictured with arms folded in the center. Chauffe is pictured on the left and Greenwood 3rd from left.

“We did no less than 50 demos during the day. Extreme Car Audio is an Alpine Style Center so when enthusiasts saw the breath of the Alpine product lineup in the showroom they were ready to talk about a system for their rides,” Chauffe stated.

As an Alpine Style Center, Xtreme Car Audio’s showroom highlights the Alpine brand.
Ace Truong holds a top raffle prize with 2 staff members. The happy winner is 2nd from left.

Truong, Extreme Car Audio owner, told 12volt News, “We had a terrific day with certainly more than 50 customers coming into the store and sales were very strong. We had great Alpine specials for the event plus had a raffle drawing every hour for Alpine gear and Extreme Car Audio promo items. There well over 100 tickets in bowl when prizes were drawn.”

Another top raffle winner holds his Alpine prize with Extreme Car Audio with staff members.
This overhead shot shows a busy install bay on Tuesday following the Saturday event.

Concluding, Truong offered, “We had a food truck on site and the brisket tacos and fingers were enjoyed by all. Jimmy and Dan were great and worked with customers and demo’ed the Tundra all day. Jimmy’s stock Hyundai showed all a terrific sounding OPTIM upgrade with utilizing the OEM radio. This was our fourth Alpine Experience event and we truly appreciate Alpine‘s commitment and support of independent 12volt retailers. The Alpine Experience event promo is terrific for driving consumer awareness and business for specialty 12volt retailers. Our install bay is booked for days.”

Visit extremecaraudio.com and alpine-usa.com for more.