CAMARILLO, CA (08.25.22) – Orca Design and Manufacturing Corp., supplier of premium automotive autosound products and accessories, will host its first in-person training session for mobile electronics industry technicians since the pandemic began. On October 1, select industry professionals will join ORCA representatives at the Mobile Solutions training facility in Tempe, Ariz., to participate in the Mobile Solutions’ MasterTech Modern Fab training session. Instructors for the session include Mobile Solutions President and Lead Instructor Bryan Schmitt, along with award-winning retailers and fabrication experts Tom Miller of Musicar in Portland, Ore., Chris Pate from MobileToys in College Station, Texas, and Sage Weir of Sounds Good Stereo in Mount Juliet, Tenn.
The MasterTech Modern Fab training session comprises four days of intensive instruction designed to elevate the knowledge, skill level and imaginative processes of professional fabricators. Segments include hot rod interior design, fabrication theory and techniques, OEM system integration, system tuning, working with plastics, metal and lighting, and automotive upholstery. Each day includes team activities and work on take-home projects.
The session is open to select technicians from ORCA retail dealers. ORCA will pay the class tuition and materials fees for each participant (a $2,000 value). Hotel accommodations for the entire stay are included, as is transportation to and from the facility, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and select after-hours activities.
“We are truly excited to continue our strong training partnership with Mobile Solutions and get back to in-person, hands-on training,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for ORCA. “The MasterTech sessions represent a significant investment in our retailers to empower them with more capability, expertise and creativity. We look forward to seeing everyone in October!”
POMPANO BEACH, FL (08.25.22) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration is proud to announce the release of 3 new Wireless CarPlay / Wireless Android Auto Interfaces. Porsche vehicles 2010*-2016 with the CRD31 radio (Without Navigation), the 2010-2013 Mercedes Benz S-CLASS and the 2017-2020 Infiniti QX60 (8” Screen / With Navigation).
Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV said about the new products being released. “I am very excited to continue to bring new products to market. I focus 100% on supporting my dealers if they need any help during the installation process. Being in this industry for 25 years I know exactly what it takes to provide the necessary support for dealers to sell and install these products without the fear of lack of support. Additionally, I make myself available in person at shows and on the phone 24/7.”
The CPB line of products offer the highest quality and best warranty in the industry. With over 25 year of experience we stand behind our products 100%.
These kits offer the most seamless integration available by using all of your OEM radio controls.
The CPB line of products offer the highest quality and best warranty in the industry. With over 25 year of experience we stand behind our products 100%.
These kits offer the most seamless integration available by using all of your OEM radio controls.
The CPB line of products offer the highest quality and best warranty in the industry. With over 25 year of experience we stand behind our products 100%.
These kits offer the most seamless integration available by using all of your OEM radio controls.
AUSTIN TX (08.24.22) The 25th Anniversary Drag Racing World Finals WEEKEND will take place October 1-2, 2022, at Western Kentucky’s award-winning venue – the Owensboro Convention Center. This is a full-service facility overlooking the scenic Ohio River in revitalized downtown Owensboro, KY. This event is slated to be a combination of competition and old school car audio meet up. Current dB Drag Racing competitors will accrue points to gain an invitation to compete in the World Finals.
The dBDRA is extending an invitation to present and past dB Drag Racing competitors, judges, teammates, manufacturers, friends, and family to be a part of this historic Old School Car Audio Meet Up! The event is anticipated to be a time where enthusiasts can “hang out” and reminisce about all things car audio. A hospitality suite, overlooking the Ohio River, will be open during the weekend to allow for people to catch up and share stories.
The Owensboro Convention Center is a world-class facility.
On Saturday evening, the after party will take place at a local Brewery near the Owensboro Convention Center. The party is a great time for competitors to get out of the lanes, have dinner and visit with everyone. The party will be catered by a local favorite, Smokehouse BBQ. In addition, the Brewery offers a full-service bar including more than 12 local beers on tap!
“We invite you to join us at the 25th Anniversary dB Drag Racing World Finals WEEKEND!” remarks Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA. “We are really excited about the event and are working hard to make this a memorable time for everyone. I would like to personally invite everyone that has been involved with dB Drag Racing, over the past quarter of a century, to come out to the show!”
The Owensboro Convention Center is located along the scenic Ohio River.
On behalf of the dB Drag Racing Association and our members, we would like to sincerely thank our sponsors for supporting the event!
Deaf Bonce / Alphard Group – Incriminator Audio – Sundown Audio – Ground Zero – SounDigital – Crossfire Car Audio – XS Power – Directronix – DC Audio – Mel Valadez – FCBC – Team Space 4 Bass – 20 Hz Labs – Shaker Trucking & Towing – Resilient Sounds – Kicker – Cerwin Vega – AAMP
AVON LAKE, OHIO (August 24, 2002) – Building on the tremendous success of its interior insulation kit release for 1988-’98 GM pickups, Design Engineering, Inc. is following up with its advanced thermal acoustic kits, a custom-cut solution specifically for 1967-’72 regular-cab Chevy and GMC pickups.
Eliminate unwanted heat and noise with these easy-to-install, pre-cut, vehicle-specific kits. The 1967-’72 regular-cab Chevy and GMC pickup kits achieve that goal by utilizing a combination of proven 2mm damping material and Boom Mat® Under Carpet Lite™ while remaining lightweight for performance applications. The kits are an easy and affordable way to cruise in style and comfort while improving stereo performance and sound.
Each kit includes the appropriate type of material to cover specific interior areas including floors, firewalls, headliners and more. They are also designed to use the precise amount of material to control vibrations and eliminate undesirable noises such as tire, road and engine noise, all while blocking heat transferred from the engine bay and hot exhausts.
For the most quiet and comfortable interior, first put down the damping kit to eliminate noise and vibration; then follow with an insulation kit for superior thermal protection. Add the roof-specific part numbers for a total cab makeover. DEI insulation kits are CNC-cut for a precise fit and easy installation:
Libertyville, IL – Maxxsonics is adding depth and experience to their Marine business by partnering with The Merifield Company. Bringing 90-plus years of experience, The Merifield Company has been serving in the Marine industry since 1932 and bolsters Maxxsonics with Marine experience. Ivan Cross (Senior Partner), Chris Martorana (Partner), Keith La Marr (Partner), and Jayson Steiner (Associate) specialize in the Marine markets and will be representing Maxxsonics products.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Maxxsonics, said,“MB Quart has been a known commodity in the Marine market for decades, and Maxxsonics’ recent investment in new products and technologies has us positioned for significant growth. We’re happy to partner with The Merifield Company to represent our brands during this exciting period.”
On the critical partnership with Ivan, Chris, Keith, and Jayson from The Merifield Company, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “As we continue to enhance our Marine line of products, we could not have partnered up with a better company than Merifield. We are excited to be working with Ivan, Chris, Keith, and Jayson! We look forward to a very successful partnership.”
From broad territory coverage to expert product training and go-to market strategies, The Merifield Company stands for Marine knowledge and years of dedicated customer service and experience.
Ivan Cross, Senior Partner at The Merifield Company, added,“I’m proud to say our company has served as manufacturers’ representatives since 1932, making The Merifield Company the oldest Rep agency in our industry in the West. We service all Marine OEMs, Distributors, Retailers, and Dealers along with select other Specialty and Recreation customers across the Western United States and Western Canada and are widely respected as one of the best.”
Chris Martorana, Partner at The Merifield Company, commented,“I’m thrilled to partner with another quality brand, Maxxsonics. Their innovation and insight will help us grow and find solutions for our OEM and Distribution partners.”
Keith LaMarr, Partner at The Merifield Company, stated,“When you think about what goes into the building of a boat – there are few products that create excitement for everyone to enjoy as much as the stereo system. Maxxsonics gives us the chance to impact our customers and their customers in a most exciting way by bringing them great sound at a great value and loud! We are excited to be part of the Maxxsonics team. They build truly innovative products that solve unique problems faced by marine market. I can’t wait to see what the next great thing from MB Quart will be!”
Jayson Steiner, Associate at The Merifield Company, mentioned,“Our OEM customers are always looking for quality, yet competitively priced electronics. Maxxsonics’ lineup has the best of all worlds: quality, price, availability and will be a great addition to our lineup to help satisfy our customers’ needs and demands.”
Maxxsonics is looking for a fresh and big enhancement to their entire family of Marine line products with 90-plus years of experience from The Merifield Company.
Follow the link below for information and to read more about The Merifield Company serving the Marine industry. https://merifield.com/
STILLWATER, OK (08.23.22) – KICKER has developed and perfected a 5 x 7-inch powersports coaxial speaker pair, meant specifically as a drop-in saddlebag upgrade for select 2006-and-newer Harley-Davidson motorcycle models but additionally utilized in any 5 x 7-inch application. The newest releases from KICKER’s tough PS-Series of drivers are available in in 2- and 4-Ohm impedances and are available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online.
Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live streamed show, PSC57 Powersports Coaxial Speakers will retail for $199.99. PSC57 Coaxial Speakers are also available for purchase at kicker.com.
PS-Series Coaxial Speakers are designed by KICKER’s own bike riders and in-house engineers to be a premium weather-proof speaker pair, tuned to sound exceptional through wind and the outdoors. The PSC57 is a bolt-in solution made to fit Harley-Davidson factory mounts, with factory Harley-Davidson speaker terminals included to provide the easiest install without modification. The coaxial design itself features powerful neodymium magnets, bridge-mounted high-output PEI-dome tweeters, and lightweight polymer baskets to facilitate outstanding sound that cuts through competing road and engine noise.
Chip Foose created original pieces of art that will be woven into signage throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center to help give the 2022 SEMA Show a new look.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.23.22) – Legendary car builder and industry icon Chip Foose will help give the 2022 SEMA Show a new look as the official artist of this year’s trade show. Foose created original pieces of art that will be woven into signage throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center and in marketing materials for the Show to help reflect each segment of the industry in a special and authentic way.
“This opportunity is allowing me to be creative in a different fashion. Usually my drawings have been a tool to build the final art, which are the cars that we create at Foose design, but these drawings are the final art to be used at the SEMA show,” said Foose. “I’m excited to entertain and connect with SEMA Show attendees in a new way.”
SEMA Show officials feature a new artist every three years to add a level of authenticity to something that most trade shows in the world leave to a sign designer. Foose is the fourth celebrated automotive artist—joining Alex Carmona, Max Grundy, and Ed Tillrock—whose artwork will give Showgoers a new experience at the event.
“We are honored to have Chip Foose as our SEMA Show artist for the next three years and see his creative side in a different and new way—outside the car and on paper,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “Chip has gone above and beyond with this original artwork for the Show, which will help build the best automotive trade show experience in the world. We are thrilled to share these incredible images as they will truly bring the Show to the next level.”
Foose has become a household name in and out of the automotive industry. He has appeared in several television shows and has won numerous awards and accolades for his vehicle builds, including becoming the youngest person to be inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 1997. Foose was also inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod & Custom Car Museum Hall of Fame in 2002, the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame in 2003, the Detroit Autorama “Circle of Champions” Hall of Fame in 2012, the San Francisco Rod and Custom Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2005, and the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2016. To learn more about Foose, visit chipfoose.com.
The 2022 SEMA Show, taking place November 1-4 in Las Vegas, is an annual four-day trade event that makes it possible for manufacturers of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories to connect with and conduct business with buyers from all over the world. It’s the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills by attending SEMA’s career development and business improvement education sessions and seminars hosted by top industry professionals.
To learn more and register to attend, visit semashow.com.
COMMERCE, CA (8.23.22) – Massive Audio has added industry Veteran John Velez to the Massive Audio team as its’ new Sales Manager. He will be working closely with company VP Hernando Mares JR. Hernando stated, “I have worked with John in the past and he has a deep passion for customers and will be a great addition to the growing Massive Audio team.”
John Velez, Sales Manager
John is pictured at California Upholstery, in Bell Gardens, next to Canelo Alvarez Shelby Boss Mustang that was just finished. John was dropping off more Massive Audio product for two new builds.
John Velez is responsible for conceiving and executing sales strategies plus tactics that drive growth. In addition, he will help with overall dealer development in the marketplace as well as execute sales campaigns. Massive Audio is working to expand sales and marketing efforts and provide a stronger presence across the United States. Going forward, all will see several changes in the Massive Audio brand, social media, and eventually the website.
Special shout out to Joe and Joseph for their support shown for Massive Audio.
PLYMOUTH, MI (08.22.22) – The SEMA Garage in Detroit, MI, is now open for business. The new 45,000-square-foot facility represents a significant milestone for the automotive aftermarket industry and is the first-ever research facility dedicated to testing and understanding how the aftermarket is impacted and can successfully work with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Located in Plymouth, MI – just 30 miles from Detroit – the SEMA Garage Detroit features a large ADAS technology center, an installation center, and will expand to include a four-wheel chassis dyno lab, and another dyno lab capable of testing diesel and gasoline tailpipe emissions. Like the high-tech SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, Calif., the Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers.
SEMA President & CEO Mike Spagnola, left, and SEMA Garage Detroit General Manager Ben Kaminsky cut the ribbon on the new 45,000-square-foot SEMA Garage in Detroit. It is the first-ever research facility dedicated to testing and understanding how the aftermarket can work with ADAS systems.
“The SEMA Garage Detroit is a game changer in helping aftermarket manufacturers develop products for today’s sophisticated automobiles,” said Ben Kaminsky, SEMA Garage Detroit General Manager. “We will be collaborating with automakers, suppliers, and key players in the industry to conduct some groundbreaking research. We are really going to be able to take product development and testing capabilities to a whole new level.”
Similar to the facility in Diamond Bar, the SEMA Garage in Detroit will feature exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab, and a modern training center for members to use. Since opening in 2014, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar has helped manufacturers to secure more than 600 Executive Orders (EOs) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) – more than any other testing facility.
The SEMA Garage in Detroit will offer all SEMA members complimentary access to automotive garage tools and equipment for aftermarket product development, R&D, prototyping, and measuring sessions. Additionally, the facility is available for trainings, how-to/installation videos, product reveals, and production video and photography.
Moreover, 5,000 of the 45,000-sq.-ft. building will be devoted exclusively to research on ADAS. The ADAS Center represents a new venture for SEMA, where manufacturers will be able to obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras). With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, manufacturers will be able to easily troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles, as well as work on dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities.
“The SEMA Garage Detroit facility opens up new doors and opportunities for our member companies and SEMA,” said Kaminsky. “We will be able to elevate our current offerings by making the services accessible to new members, incorporating new technology, and collaborating with key partners in the area.”
The Detroit facility is three times larger than the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar. SEMA Garage Detroit features new equipment, such as emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and diesel vehicles, vehicle lifts, full sets of tools, fabrication equipment, an alignment rack, 3D scanning tools, and engineering software. The lab accommodates a 48-inch all-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer and includes a new emissions test bench. With equipment that meets CARB’s new 1066 testing requirement standards, SEMA Garage Detroit will be able to perform all required CARB and EPA test procedures.
“SEMA Garage provides manufacturers access to tools and equipment without the exorbitant individual costs,” said Kaminsky. “Manufacturers no longer need to rely on trial and error for their product development, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. SEMA Garage Detroit will enable more manufacturers access to our resources.”
Through the SEMA Garage’s resources, manufacturers are often able to develop fully functional prototypes in as little as two weeks and obtain CARB EOs in as little as 12 weeks. The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is now open for members.
OXNARD, CA (08.21.22) – It is with great sadness all at BOSS Audio learned of Ken’s Johnson’s passing on August 18th, 2022. Ken was the company’s Senior Product Manager and had been here with BOSS for the past year and a half and previously for 5 years working mostly in the BOSS Audio China headquarters.
“Ken was not only a great colleague to work with but truly a great and kind friend to everyone. He always had a positive attitude and it showed through his personality and behavior. His knowledge and experience made us at BOSS a better company. He will be missed. Our hearts and sincere condolences go out to Ken’s family and friends for their loss,” Douglas Kern, Vice President Sales BOSS International Group, stated.
Ken Johnson
“It is with deep sorrow that we learned of Ken Johnson’s passing. Kenny was a former Dual Electronics Director of Product Management. Colleagues, suppliers and customers will all remember Kenny for his industry knowledge, professionalism, and creativity. Those of us that worked closely with him will remember and miss his humor, dedication, and friendship. Kenny was never too busy to help a friend or colleague and he will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to his Family for their loss,” Matt Vinson, Senior Vice President Dual Electronics Corp, related.
“The loss of Kenny is a hard hit to all that knew him whether within or outside of our industry. As a former Voxx team member rolling in from our acquisition of Jensen many moons ago, Kenny brought his deep technical and practical product knowledge to our group and was an essential part of our product development team. He was not only a colleague to many of us in our professional lives, he was also a great friend who will be dearly missed. His passing reopens several wounds of a near and dear industry veteran who passed way too early. Our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time,” Joe Caltabiano, Vice President Vehicle Entertainment VOXX Electronics Corporation relayed.
Please remember Ken Johnson and his contributions to the 12volt industry.
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