SHREVEPORT LA (11.18.23)  WTF…Win This Friday. Ballistic Autowerks won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 246 on Friday morning, November 17th..

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 5.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 246th time on Friday morning November 17th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the Ballistic Autowerks 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 Smithsburg MD via Instagram message as we could not find a phone number. More to come on this 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

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, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards 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 and Platinum Car Audio in Puyallup WA.

Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 247 on Friday, November 24th. 

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.17.23) – Andy Leach won the 10th anniversary SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition with his 1960 Buick Invicta Custom “X-60” at the 2023 SEMA Show. It took Leach nine years to build the Invicta out of his Cal Automotive Creations shop in Bennington, Neb., as he worked to maintain the car’s original intentions, including details originally lost to budget constraints.

“I’m very honored to be the 2023 Battle of the Builders winner. It’s a dream come true; I’ve been chasing this award for nearly a decade,” said Leach. “The Buick was a labor of love, and I’m glad all our hard work and effort has been recognized, especially against all the stiff competition we faced. The Buick Invicta Custom ‘X-60’ embodies every inch of its potential and evokes emotions in the spirit of what this car stood for in 1960.”

Inspired by the Jet Age B-52 (or Boeing B-52 Stratofortress), the X60 Invicta features sleek lines perfected after countless hours of thoughtful reengineering. Its refined lines and bodywork are highlighted to give the illusion of driving fast and forward. Wedged sections are present only in the front of the car, giving it the look of running downhill. Its brass trim is CAD designed and precision machined, and its one-piece, precision- machined rear bumper delivers a refined and polished flow.

In designing the interior of the car, the goal was to keep the look and feel of the 1960 Buick, while elevating and polishing the visual experience. The interior is built around the iconic Invicta hardback bucket seats and center console, featuring custom logos and pockets. Custom-made pearlized leather and woven aircraft carpeting brings everything together for a seamless and aesthetically appealing ride.

The X60 Invicta stays true to its roots, outfitted with the same factory-correct 401 Nailhead engine block featured in the 1960 Buick. Featuring a crank-driven supercharger with custom-made bracketry for the blower, as well as power-steering, A/C and an alternator with a custom made front drive, it delivers a powerful driveline and an unmatched driving experience.

Leach’s winning build will be featured in the “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special that will air in January 2024 on the History Channel. For more information, visit www.semabotb.com.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.16.23) – Even amid the economic uncertainty of the last year, 55% of automotive aftermarket manufacturers are reporting expected growth in the coming year, up from only 44% last Fall, according to the new “SEMA State of the Industry-Fall 2023 Report,” which is now available for download at www.sema.org/market-research.

The report is the latest study in the “SEMA State of the Industry” biannual series that explores the current state of the automotive specialty equipment industry, including how businesses are doing, key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities along with an outlook for 2024 and beyond.

“Our latest ‘SEMA State of the Industry’ report shows that despite inflation and economic unpredictability, including the UAW strike, aftermarket sales continue to grow,” said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. “While there has been softening sales for some firms, two-thirds of industry companies are reporting stable or growing sales over the last year.”

Other key findings from the report include: 

• Even with inflation and other uncertainty in the market, one-third of manufacturers report double-digit growth over the last year.
• Inflation continues to impact the industry, with more than half of manufacturers indicating their prices have increased in the last year. Nearly 90% of companies say that increased supplier costs are the key driving factor.
• New-vehicle sales continue to rebound and are projected to exceed 16 million in 2024.
• The truck sector continues as the top market for the industry, with the majority of manufacturers and retailers viewing the off-road segment as a growth opportunity.

As the automotive specialty-equipment market continues to evolve, the report will provide aftermarket companies with the data and insights they need to navigate the industry’s landscape and make more informed business decisions. SEMA Business Members can download the report for free at www.sema.org/market-research.

MESA, AZ (11.15.23) – MSC, North American Distribution Partner for Audiotec Fischer, BLAM, Escort Radar, Mobridge Interfacing, and Stinger Radar, is proud to announce that it has named industry veteran Mike Eckley as Director of Specialty Dealer Development, effective immediately.

“Mike brings a wealth of 12volt experience to MSC, and we are proud and excited to have him join our team,” explained Larry Penn, MSC President. “Mike not only brings well rounded industry experience and product knowledge to the table, but also strong relationships throughout the country along with a work ethic that is synergistic with our company. Mike will be responsible for managing the relationships with our dealer partners across the country.”

Based in Florida, Eckley has more than 30 years industry experience with companies such as Rockford Fosgate, Lightning Audio, MB Quart, ADS/Precision Power, DOW Electronics, Sony, and, most recently, with AAMP Global as its outside national sales manager.

“I have also had the privilege of owning my own retail shop which provided me with a valuable dealer perspective that helps guide me even today,” said Eckley. “This foundational experience gave me insights and understanding that can only be gained from firsthand retail experience.”

Eckley has earned multiple industry awards, including Top 5 Rep of the Year (Mobile Electronics 2019, 2020) and Rep of the Year (Mobile Electronics 2017).

“Now, I am excited to join MSC and embrace its distinctive culture,” Eckley added. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with current partners and contributing to future expansion and growth of the company.”

As a major marketing tool for when visiting with MSC partners and end users, Eckley’s 2023 Audi A4 will be outfitted with an “integrated audio” system featuring components from Audiotec Fischer and Escort Radar. This will include speakers from the exciting new Helix Compose speaker range, as well as best-in-class multi-channel DSP amplification from Helix. The system wouldn’t be complete without a little low frequency energy, and MSC will deliver on that with the Impact series subwoofers from Helix. Allowing Mike to “Drive Smarter”, the Audi will feature the new Redline CI integrated radar/laser defense system from Escort Radar.

“This presents a fantastic opportunity to offer our partners the firsthand experience of seamless OEM product integration while infusing a sense of style and flair,” Eckley concluded. “Seeing product online is one thing, but being able to fully immerse oneself in a vehicle that’s already been outfitted offers a completely different perspective.”

For more information, please visit www.msc-america.com, call 480-372-2929 (USA) or 403-698-3695 (Canada), or email sales@msc-america.com.