NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown to Testify in Senate Hearing

Posted on September 1, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Save Our Racecars.

WASHINGTON, DC (09.02.22) – NHRA Top Fuel champion and superstar Antron Brown will testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as it considers passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Brown – a professional NHRA driver-team owner who has won three Top Fuel Championships – began his racing career about 40 years ago by modifying street-legal motorcycles into dedicated race motorcycles. Today, this ability to compete in modified street-legal vehicles is at risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft ruling in 2015 stating that it is not legal to convert production vehicles into dedicated race vehicles. Although the ruling was never finalized, the EPA maintains its position that such conversions are not legal and continues to enforce against the production and sale of high-performance parts.

*Antron Brown*, *NHRA Top Fuel Champion*

“The RPM Act is essential to the racing community, particularly for grassroots racers who are just getting started,” said Brown. “It’s imperative that we protect the ability for young men and women to be able to compete at the track. The RPM Act will give racers the assurance they need to continue this American tradition.”

Most of America’s 100,000-plus racers began competing in modified street vehicles. It is a cost-effective way to get started in motorsports. Passage of the RPM Act would enshrine in Federal law the right to modify street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles, thereby giving the racing community the certainty it needs to continue a long-standing practice without fear of EPA enforcement.

“Passage of the RPM Act will bring clarity to grassroots racers and businesses that manufacture, sell, and distribute motorsports parts,” said Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade association representing the automotive aftermarket that is pushing for passage of the RPM Act. “We’re grateful to the elected officials who strongly support and advocate for Congress to pass the RPM Act. The industry has been in limbo and in a state of uncertainty for far too long; it’s time to pass the RPM Act!”

Brown’s testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will showcase the positive impact of racing. He will be joined by his sons Adler and Anson, who compete in NHRA’s Junior Drag Racing Series, and his wife Billie Jo. Antron will share details about his family’s personal journey in motorsports, which includes four generations of Brown family members competing on the track.

“I owe a lot to motorsports; there are many great lessons that come from racing,” said Brown. “I’m urging Congress to help protect motorsports and ensure that it remains a viable pastime for all Americans by passing the RPM Act.”

The hearing will stream live on September 7, at 10:00 am (EST) at https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/. To learn more about the RPM Act and the threat to motorsports, visit www.saveourracecars.com.

Synergy Marketing at K’Fest in Big D

Posted on September 1, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged KnowledgeFest, Synergy Marketing.

HOUSTON, TX (09.02.22) – Houston-based Synergy Marketing Agency, with David Toliver literally behind the wheel, was on the K’Fest event floor with his company’s Avalanche demo vehicle. The custom vehicle build was a collaboration with retailer Ultimate Innovations in Kemah, TX.

*David Toliver pictured on the K’Fest show floor in Big D highlighting the Morel brand that is featured in the Synergy Marketing Avalanche demo truck.*

“Dallas K’Fest was a huge success for Synergy Marketing and our vendor partners…Morel, Lucas, Dynamat, Rydeen, Musway, MTX and Audiomobile. Dealers who attended were very engaged and actively looking for unique high end performance lines and solutions that are exclusive and unique. Everyone was blown away with the Ultimate Innovations install and even more impressed after hearing it” Toliver related.

*The custom installation completed by Ultimate Innovations in the Avalanche truly a work of art.*

Eli Kunzat offered “Seeing our Ultimate Innovations work on the floor being appreciated by fellow retailers at K’Fest was terrific. Their positive comments were greatly appreciated.

*Audiomobile speakers featured in the Avalanche displayed in the booth.*

The Car Audio Shop in Austin TX was one of the first early August dealer stops for Toliver in his demo vehicle loaded with brands on his rep firm’s line card. Store owner David Gabriel related “It was super when David rolled up in the Avalanche. We are a Morel dealer and the system in the truck sounds great. Also, the workmanship on the system is terrific and will give other retailers ideas for their installations.”

Look for the Synergy Marketing Avalanche in the states of TX, OK, AR, MS and LA. The brands on the Synergy Marketing Agency line card include Audiomobile, Dynamat, Gemini Acoustics, Lucas Lighting, Morel, MTX Audio, Musway, Polk, Rhino BOX, Rydeen, Reikken, Energie SQL Audio and TRU Technologies,

Visit synergyagency.net for more.

Audio Authority Promotes Delilah Durrum to Operations Manager

Posted on September 1, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Audio Authority.

LEXINGTON, KY (09.02.22) – Audio Authority is pleased to announce the promotion of Delilah Durrum to Operations Manager at their Lexington, Kentucky headquarters.

*Delilah Durrum, Audio Authority Operations Manager*

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Delilah moved to Lexington, Kentucky as a child. Her professional background includes 25 years of electronics manufacturing experience. Beginning as a production associate, she has been promoted throughout her career to roles of increasing responsibility including Product Engineer, Project Manager, and Program Manager. Delilah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (with Marketing) from Sullivan University, and joined Audio Authority in 2018.

Delilah is married and has one son. She enjoys the outdoors, boating, gardening, traveling and spending time with her family.

Visit audioauthority.com for more.

Alpine and Proline Car Stereo Partnered for a Very Successful Ocean City Jeep Week 2022

Posted on August 31, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Alpine.

OCEAN CITY, MD (09.01.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. attended the 2022 Ocean City Jeep Week in Ocean City, MD from Thursday, August 25 to Saturday, August 27 where they showcased exciting new vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep driver.

*The expansive Alpine booth set up as the gates opened on Day 1.*

Alpine retailer, Proline Car Stereo from Brooklyn NY, partnered with Alpine and provided onsite sales and installations over the 3-Day event. The Alpine Event Truck and Trailer were open to visitors who wanted to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology, all from the comfort of the air conditioned lounge area located in the trailer.

*Members of the Alpine and Proline Car Stereo teams gathered for an image at OC Jeep Week.*

The Proline Car Stereo Team consisted of 25 people with 11 installation techs and a shop foreman plus sales staff along with Proline Management staff Will Sullivan, Shef Sadik and Guytano Savino.

*Victoria showing the large Proline Car Stereo banner on the Ryder truck that was packed with Alpine products, tools and supplies for sales and installations.*

Sadik offered “Partnering with Alpine at OC Jeep Week was amazing. Our team of 25 made the 260 mile trip from Brooklyn in several vehicles and stayed in rental B&B’s. A large Ryder truck was packed with Jeep specific products and installation accessories plus tools and supplies. We have participated with Alpine previously at successful Jeep beach events and were prepared. On the Ryder truck we had a Proline banner that was probably 18’x10’ drawing attention to the booth. Everything worked out so well with strong sales and and installations with many Jeepers headed home enjoying their new Alpine systems we sold and installed. Working on site with Alpine staff members Roy Meyer, Eric Brooks and Colin Vargo was a real pleasure for Will and myself. We look forward to more in 2023 and Alpine puts their brand in front of consumers.”

*Installations underway under Alpine tents.*

Featuring the latest in Jeep-specific dash and sound system offerings from Alpine, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler was on-site for product demonstrations so attendees could experience the new High-Resolution i509-WRA-JL with a High-Definition, Weather-Resistant 9-inch screen and wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The i509-WRA-JL was intentionally designed with the Jeep driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep interior and retain the features Jeep drivers use the most. High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) can stream music from popular Hi-Res streaming platforms or directly from a smartphone for incredible music detail and high-precision music reproduction.

*Members of the crowd check out Alpine products.*

To demonstrate the head unit integration capabilities, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler also features a premium night vision DVR-C320R Dash Camera with built-in drive assist and impact recording. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier featured in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.

*Proline tents added bay space for installation.*

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler was also on-site with similar Jeep-specific solutions designed for older Jeep Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.

“Switchback,” Alpine’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator, was also on-site with a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorized Bluetooth speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.

Alpine also provided three Turn1 AD-SPK1 Portable Bluetooth Speakers for the Ocean City Jeep Week raffle. Each Ocean City Jeep Week event participant received two raffle tickets in their registration packet, with winners announced Thursday and Friday after the Show & Shine event and mid-day Saturday from the main event stage.

Visit alpine-usa.com, oceancityjeepweek.com and prolinecarstereo.com for more.

Register Now for the 2022 SEMA Show

Posted on August 31, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA Show.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.01.22) – Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.

“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”

Anticipation for this year’s SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.

“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.

Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.

“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”

Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.

Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

Echo Sales and Distribution Welcomes Adrian Manrique

Posted on August 31, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Echo Sales.

Adrian Manrique pictured entering the office in Grayslake, IL.

GRAYSLAKE, IL (09.01.22) – Adrian Manrique has joined the Echo Sales and Distribution Team as the firm’s inside sales rep. Adrian brings over 18 years of installation experience and vast product knowledge of Alpine, Aquatic AV, Hertz, VOXX, Metra and everything in between.

“I’m looking forward to supporting ECHO dealers, getting out into the field and maintaining strength in the territory plus growing relationships with our dealers,” Manrique related.

*The new ECHO Sales and Distribution location in Grayslake, IL.*

“Adrian’s dedication to bringing dealers the newest and best technology in the field earned him ‘Top 20 Sales Professional in 2018,’” Rob Osheaski related.

ECHO Sales represents number of top brands for a wide variety of car audio, marine audio, powersports, automotive audio/video integration, car alarms, remote car starters plus installation tools. In addition ECHO Sales offers cold weather outerwear for powersports and motorcycles along with helmets.

ECHO Sales covers the states of IL, WI, IN, KY, MN, ND and SD.

For more see echosales.net.

Todd Ramsey and Ed Nuttall Return to Mon Valley Career Technical Center

Posted on August 30, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Team Nutz.

CHARLEROI, PA (08.31.22) – Todd Ramsey and Ed Nuttall paid a return visit to the Mon Valley Career and Technical Center in Charleroi PA on Monday morning, August 29th. Previously Ramsey and Nuttall visited the Mon Valley facility in March of this year as part of the SEMA High School Auto Shop Build Program.

*Todd Ramsey and Nuttall (R) addressing the shop class at 8 AM, Monday August 29th, the first day of the Fall Semester.*

“Ramsey related “Ed and I felt after that visit it would be terrific to make a return visit to the school. The program, with Instructor Chris Mance, is terrific as students follow their automotive interests. Time in class and the school shop prepares students careers in the automotive aftermarket industry once they complete their studies. Ed and I worked our schedules to match up when I would be in the area from my Phoenix home. Monday, August 29th was the date that worked.”

*Tom Ramsey gives the Mon Valley CTC SEMA High School Build a well-deserved thumbs up.*

“Todd and Ed met with the A.M. students on opening day of our semester and shared the wisdom they have learned from working in the automotive industry as successful business owners. Ramsey with Ramsey Consulting and Nuttall as the owner of very successful Pittsburg-based retailer Team Nutz. We finished off the visit by doing a demonstration of the Team Nutz custom built Ford competition and show vehicle. Our students even went home with some new Team Nutz promotional swag. We thank them so much” Mance related.

*Students check out the loaded custom Team Nutz demo and show vehicle.*

“It’s essential for local businesses in the automotive aftermarket, like Team Nutz, to get out to engage with high school or early college automotive programs in their community. The next group of technicians are going to be in those programs and making the connection early and often is important to filling those labor shortages all 12volt retailers are experiencing today” Ramsey offered.

*Ed Nuttall drove the Team Nutz demo and show vehicle down to the Mon Valley Career Center meeting from Pittsburg.*

Nuttall relayed “It was great to get in front of the shop students their first day of the fall semester. We handed out a bunch of swag and talked to the students about careers in the automotive aftermarket. We, as an industry, really need to get ahold of other trade schools like Mon Valley and do the same. Mon Valley is a hour drive from Pittsburg and there are certainly other schools closer.”

Team Nutz participates at various Pittsburg Automobile Shows in the downtown convention center and connects with many students from area high schools.

The 12volt industry is very fortunate to have members like Todd Ramsey and Ed Nuttall that contribute to the long term success of the industry.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

DEI to Sponsors DSM / EVO / GTR Showdown in Ohio

Posted on August 30, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Design Engineering.

AVON LAKE, OH (08.31.22) – Design Engineering, Inc. will serve as a primary and class sponsor of the 29th annual IDRC Shootout presented by Buschur’s, LLC this fall.

Billed as the “World’s Greatest DSM/EVO Event,” the Shootout will feature drag racing, autocross and Max Effort combination competitions, plus a pre-event Poker Run. Now in its 29th year, the event is set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

“We’re looking forward to some great action at this year’s ENEOS 2022 IDRC Shootout Presented by Buschur’s,” said Will Farkas, Social Media & Sponsorship Coordinator of DEI. “A later starting date this year should mean cooler temperatures and faster times throughout the weekend.”

DEI’s performance heat and sound control products offer drag racers a competitive edge through cooler operating temperatures and thermal containment—particularly in tight engine compartments and under the body of sport compacts and other smaller competition vehicles.

For more information about DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

SEMA Show Transportation Options for Getting to the Convention Center

Posted on August 30, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA Show.

LAS VEGAS, NV (08.31.22) – SEMA Showgoers are encouraged to use hotel shuttles and the Las Vegas Monorail to get to and from the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Free hotel shuttle service will be available to and from the LVCC and more than 45 hotels, and discounted tickets are available to Showgoers for the Monorail, which will operate at extended hours during SEMA Show week.

Monorail
The monorail is a great option for getting to the SEMA Show each day. Trains arrive every few minutes and will begin operation at 6:00 a.m. on SEMA Show days (Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4).

There are seven stations along the Las Vegas Monorail route. With a total of nine running trains, one train arrives at each station every few minutes.

The extended Show hours are:

Monday, October 31: 6:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Tuesday, November 1–Thursday, November 3: 6:00 a.m.–2:00 a.m.
Friday, November 4: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 a.m.
Stations:

MGM Grand Station
Bally’s/Paris Station
Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station
Harrah’s/The LINQ Station
Las Vegas Convention Center Station
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Monorail Station
SAHARA Las Vegas Station
Look for Monorail kiosks throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and at participating hotels to purchase discounted tickets. Showgoers can save money and purchase discounted multi-day Monorail passes. For more information, call 702-699-8200.

Discounted Ride Passes:

Single Ride: $5
24-Hour Pass: $13
Two-Day Pass: $23
Three-Day Pass: $26.10
Four-Day Pass: $32.40
Five-Day Pass: $38.70
Seven-Day Pass: $50.40

Ride Sharing
There will be three designated transportation hubs where ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, and taxis will be able to drop-off and pickup quickly and easily.

Las Vegas Convention Center:

Blue Lot (East End of Grand Lobby, adjacent to Central Hall)
Bronze Lot (South of South Hall)
West Hall Transportation Lot (Adjacent to West Hall )

Taxis and Limousines
There are three designated drop-off and pick-up areas.

Las Vegas Convention Center:

Blue Lot (East End of Grand Lobby, adjacent to Central Hall)
Bronze Lot (South of South Hall)
West Hall Transportation Lot (Adjacent to West Hall )
Registered buyers (retailers/WDs/jobbers) who are SEMA members will be able to utilize the express taxi lines from the Convention Center on Tuesday–Thursday, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and Friday, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. For details regarding the express taxi lines for member buyers, visit SEMA Member Central upstairs in the Grand Lobby.

SEMA Show On-Site Parking
Limited parking is available and rates are subject to change without notice. Plan in advance if you will be commuting to and from the Show in a personal vehicle. Updated parking information will be available on www.SEMAShow.com, in the mobile app, or by calling the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at 877-VISITLV or 702-892-0711.

Limited parking at the following locations:

Platinum Lot – Las Vegas Convention Center – $10
937 East Desert Inn Rd.

Piero’s Italian Cuisine Restaurant – $50
355 Convention Center Dr.

Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel – $50
3400 Paradise Rd.

Las Vegas Marriott – $40
325 Convention Center Dr.

Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center – $40
3275 Paradise Rd.

Springhill Suites by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center – $40
2989 Paradise Rd.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino – $30
3000 Paradise Rd.

SEMA Show Hotel Shuttles
The complimentary morning and afternoon hotel shuttles transports Showgoers to-and-from the Las Vegas Convention Center and official hotel partners. Hotel shuttles, which will run every 20–30 minutes, carry an average of 55 passengers and will be marked with a route number. Route numbers will coordinate with which hotel properties they service.

A complete list of hotels, pickup locations and route details are available at www.SEMAShow.com.

The 12volt Chevy Studio Rolled with the 12voltSTP Tool

Posted on August 29, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged STP.

SHREVEPORT, LA (08.30.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt Chevy Studio was on the road in Big D this weekend. 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

Check out action with the 12voltSTP Tool this past weekend from OC Jeep Week in Ocean City MD and KFest in Big D. KICKER and Alpine both had a major presence at OC Jeep Week. KICKER was on site with the XRV, Audio Works of Delaware doing sales and installations along with area rep firm Opus Marketing.

Alpine had 3 demo Jeeps, event truck and trailer. The Proline Car Stereo crew was on site performing installations and they were packed for the 3 day run.

At KFest in Big D KENWOOD unveiled the amazing new in-booth sales kiosk that displays information selected in a PowerPoint format. Nakamichi was onsite and Robin McNeal spotlighted new products to dealers like Carmil Car Stereo from Springfield MO.

JVC and Kenwood hosted training sessions and presented a prize to attendees. Curtis Dickens from C&S Car Audio won a JVC Multimedia receiver in one of the 2 JVC training sessions. Chris Reed from Stereo Video Center in Tyler TX won a KENWOOD STZ-RF200D in one of the 2 KENWOOD sessions.

The New JVC Sonic demo, highlighting new waterproof amplifiers, was spotlighted in the JVC booth. DB DRIVE President Robert Diaz was in the showing products from the Euphoria line and more with area rep Dave Gill from SMS.

The KICKER FIAT 500 demo brought a lot of technology to the event with KEY line of all-in-one amplifies/processors. Paul Trueman in the SiriusXM booth offered a raffle prize package for dealers registering for the SXM training website.

The above examples are some of the 3 dozen posts made this past weekend from 12volt industry members who utilized the 12voltSTP Tool. Check out over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios staff makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.