HENDERSON, NV (10.27.2021) – Retro Manufacturing has created a new radio for classic 60s vehicles like the International Scout that had smaller dash openings than the RetroRadio can accommodate. The Denver was designed to be similar to the RetroRadio but have a smaller nose at just 3.5” wide by 1.5” tall adding hundreds of 60s classic vehicle fitments to the robust RetroSound line-up. Classic car enthusiasts with 60s-70s GM, Chevrolet, International, and import vehicles can now seamlessly add modern sound to their classics without cutting or altering the original dash. The Denver is available in black or chrome with sleek rounded edges and classic push-buttons for a truly authentic look and feel.
The Denver is compatible with all RetroSound Radio Motors giving classic car fans all the features of a modern car stereo. Available features include built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio streaming, Made for iPod/iPhone compatibility, USB inputs for flash drives and media devices, and non-volatile memory. A 32,000 color digital display gives users the option to customize the display color to match their gauges and browse through media by artist, song title, or album.
The Denver has a selectable AM/FM Tuner allowing the user to select between USA, EUR, AUS, JAP, and RUS turner frequencies with 30 pre-sets to store favorite stations. A powerful 300-watt built-in amplifier provides plenty of power over 4 channels along with RCA pre-outs and a subwoofer output for customers looking to expand their audio system further. The Denver is available with SiriusXM, connecting directly to an SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately) without the need for special adapters or cables. The SXV300V1 tuner adds SiriusXM broadcasts to your RetroSound radio with artist, channel, and song information shown directly on the radios display. The Denver is also available with HD Radio technology and DAB+ for superior radio reception.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.26.2021) – The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show kicks off on Nov. 2, 2021, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., and runs through Nov. 5. More than 1,300 exhibiting companies are signed up to participate and, to-date, nearly 50,000 buyers have registered to attend.
The SEMA Show is the annual trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry and is one of the largest gatherings of small businesses in the United States. This year’s show has expanded its footprint to include exhibit space in all four Las Vegas Convention Center halls, including the newly constructed West Hall – a 1.4-million square-foot facility that will be used to enhance the attendee experience. The Show features thousands of new products along with never-before-seen vehicle debuts from major OEMs, custom vehicle unveilings from leading customizers and coach builders and a host of celebrity appearances throughout the week.
“Businesses are eager to reconnect at the SEMA Show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA VP of events. “Participants at this year’s SEMA Show will be able to see thousands of new products in a way they haven’t been able to do in nearly two years. With product demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and in-person meetings, the SEMA Show will provide manufacturers and resellers an opportunity to accelerate their business.”
Other highlights of this year’s show include the largest collection of Chip Foose-built vehicles featured in a special corral that highlights some of the most influential and important vehicles created at Foose Design; a display of over 50 off-road racing vehicles ranging from motorcycles to trophy trucks in SCORE’s Baja 1000 Experience; and interactive driving demos, including the return of the Hoonigan Burnyard Bash in the Silver Lot and the “Ford Out Front” experience, which features drift and off-road vehicle demos.
Featured Events at the 2021 SEMA Show
New Products Award Breakfast Registration is free; however, seating is limited.
SEMA Electrified Nearly a dozen vehicles and products designed for modifying electric vehicles or converting vehicles to electric will be featured in this dedicated area of North Hall. First introduced in 2019, SEMA Electrified helps attendees discover and understand this fast-growing market segment.
SEMA Overland Experience As overlanding continues to grow in the United States, the expanded SEMA Overland Experience will feature industry experts identifying key opportunities and trends that can add new profit centers for aftermarket businesses. Products on display will include rooftop tents, awnings, portable kitchen systems, and much more.
SEMA Launch Pad The ultimate product pitching competition for aftermarket industry entrepreneurs, the 9th annual SEMA Launch Pad saw a record-high number of applications of new automotive-related products and services. The top five candidates will pitch their business ideas at the 2021 SEMA Show, with the top two competing live on stage during the SEMA Banquet for a chance to win a grand-prize package valued up to $100,000.
Battle of the Builders The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition shines the spotlight on the amazing talents and craftsmanship of builders that bring their custom vehicles to the SEMA Show. It allows enthusiasts and fans a chance to learn the stories behind the builds, get to know the builders, and be inspired along the way. The competition unfolds at the SEMA Show, with the 40 finalists announced on Tuesday, Nov. 2, followed by the Top 12 on Wednesday, Nov. 3, and the winner announced Friday, Nov. 5.
SEMA Cruise and SEMA Ignited The SEMA Show culminates at SEMA Ignited, the official after-party, which launches immediately after the show ends. More than 1,000 vehicles will depart the Convention Center at show close on Friday, Nov. 5, thrilling thousands of fans along the SEMA Cruise to SEMA Ignited. The annual event is free to all credentialed Show attendees and is also open to the public, giving consumers the chance to glimpse some of the vehicles and excitement from the Show.
For more information or to register to attend the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.
TULSA, OK (10.26.2021) – Car Toys Tulsa provided area consumers with the opportunity to get the Sony Mobile ES Experience on Friday, October 22nd. Richard Wong rolled into Tulsa from his Dallas office in the Toyota Tacoma Mobile ES Demo truck to work with Charles Stewart and the Car Toys Team for the event.
Richard Wong’s Sony Toyota Tacoma demo parked in front of Car Toys Tulsa.
“Having Richard and the Sony truck parked in front of our store, doing demos for customers all day, was terrific. We utilized a graphic Sony supplied for social media posts to highlight the day’s activities. Over 2 dozen people specifically responded to the event. In addition, normal store traffic through the day added to the number of people who sat in the Sony Demo Truck to experience the latest Sony Car Audio products,” Stewart stated.
Car Toys Tulsa owner Charles Stewart (L) getting ready for a demo with this customer.
The Sony 10.1” screen, with custom graphic, definitely got attention.
Wong offered, “People who experienced a demo in the truck all indicated the sound was the best they had ever heard. All noted the 10.1” XA9500ES screen and said the sound was so natural. For some who wanted loud, with some bass, we gave that to them as well.”
Custom LED lighting spotlighted the Sony amps.
Giveaways and prizes were available to customers who experience the Sony demo.
“My personal Jeep Gladiator is outfitted with Sony gear and it was parked out front and was an opportunity for more Sony demos. After a demo we invited customers into the store to pick up a Sony koozie. While in the store they also saw other product categories we offer. The day turned out very nicely and we will plan another Sony Demo Day next spring. A big thank you to Sony and Richard,” Stewart concluded.
While on site Wong also worked with staff members to talk about Sony products and answer any questions for them.
DALLAS, TX (10.21.2021) – Nemesis Audio, maker of competition level Speakers and Amplifiers since 2014, has released their most powerful amplifier to date. Nemesis is now Shipping a 60,000W RMS @ 0.5 OHM Stable High-Voltage Amplifier.
Falling under the Full-Range series of Amplifiers, SKU # NA-FR60000D has the Following Specifications:
RINGWOOD, IL (10.25.2021) – Race Sport Lighting is excited to announce the launch of their new P-Series projector perfect LED headlight lineup. This product was developed and tested in their lab over the last year and is now available to the marketplace. The P-Series is the first headlight kit approved by their product specialists to produce a 100% perfect beam out of a projector lens with no spray lines or shadowing. These kits provide effective projection down the road without any performance loss. All other LED kits on the market experience performance issues when placed into projectors because projector lenses were originally engineered to work with HID technology. With the increase in popularity of LED headlights, the need for a LED solution to projector lenses was too much to ignore.
“Our whole team is excited to launch this new P-Series product to the marketplace. We have had the projector problem solved for the last 5 years with our GEN6 HID headlight kits, but many customers continued to insist on putting LED technologies into the projector style lenses on newer vehicles. It was imperative that we engineered an exclusive LED kit that provides another option with LED technology that we can feel comfortable putting our stamp of approval on.”
– Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting
The P-Series boasts an amazing 3,950 LUX light output per bulb – giving the user almost 8,000 total LUX per kit. A high LUX output is required to properly project the 360° perfect light array down the road out of the lens. The P-Series closely resembles the down-road performance of their notorious GEN6 HID Conversion kits that have been the ultimate projector solution for thousands of dealers in the industry. If that was not enough, every P-Series kit is packaged with CANBUS decoders to ensure a successful install every time – even in vehicles with complex electrical systems.
“The P-Series LED Solve-All Kit is going to provide a solution to all the questions people are asking when it comes to vehicles equipped with projector lenses. This kit is going to be the next hot product for everyone to talk about at future tradeshows. This will change how LEDs are looked at, and it will be a home run for resellers all around North America.”
The new P-Series Projector Perfect LED kits are in stock and shipping in six bulb bases (H7, H8, H11, 9005, 9006, and 9012) out of the Northern Illinois warehouse. All distributors and dealers are encouraged to get this new technology in stock and experience the LED solution to projector lenses.
MIRAMAR, FL (10.25.2021) – JL Audio, manufacturer of high-end marine audio solutions, announces today that its audio solutions will now come standard on all 2022 model year Harris pontoonboats and luxury pontoon boats, including the redesigned Grand Mariner. The Grand Mariner will be offered with three audio packages, standard, diamond and platinum, each composed entirely of JL Audio products.
Working closely with Harris early in the design phase, JL Audio assesses the workable area of a boat to optimally place audio components for peak performance. In the case of the 2022 model year Grand Mariner, JL Audio in collaboration with Harris created an elevated sound stage that is ideally suited for how Pontoons are used. To do this, the full-range speakers were raised and integrated into the seat back within the entertainment area, instead to being near the floor, as was the case on previous model years. This seemingly subtle change resulted in sound immersing all passengers in the boat, providing them a n ideal music experience.
“Like automobiles, when audio systems are designed into a boat and engineered by audio experts they can produce a breathtaking listening experience,” said Ora Freeman, Director OEM Sales, North America, JL Audio. “Working with Harris’s design team early in the development of the new Grand Mariner, we applied our team’s robust understanding of open-air acoustics to engineer an audio system that takes music enjoyment on the water to new heights.”
All 2022 luxury pontoon boat models from Harris, including Solstice, Crown, and Grand Mariner, will come standard with a high-performance JL Audio system – further extending the relationship with JL Audio. Harris will also offer two optional audio upgrade packages:
Standard – JL Audio MediaMaster 50 marine source unit and six JL Audio M3 marine coaxial speakers
Diamond Package – Builds on the Standard audio package, replacing the MediaMaster 50 with an HD Audio-equipped MediaMaster 105 and adds a 10-inch JL Audio M3 subwoofer and JL Audio M- series amplifiers to drive the system
Platinum – Evolves a combination of Standard and Diamond audio packages, upgrading the components to JL Audio MVi reference-grade marine amplifiers with integrated DSP and M6 marine coaxial speakers with Transflective RGB lighting along with two subwoofers in custom enclosures
“Harris’s latest Grand Mariner launch is another example of how Harris and JL Audio’s historical partnership continues to lead the industry in delivering exceptional audio experiences to our customers. All our premium Harris models come standard with a JL Audio system and provide superior sound quality, richness, and user customization. Harris offers a robust set of audio packages to enhance every boater’s day on the water, and we’re thankful to our amazing partners at JL and the collaboration between our teams during each phase of the design process to together deliver premier customer experiences,” said Rusty Kucher, Category Director – P ontoons at Brunswick Corporation.
HENDERSON, NV (10.25.2021) – Retro Manufacturing has developed a new DIN style radio for 70s-80s classic European vehicles. The Grand Prix is designed to perfectly compliment the interior styling of classic BMW, Mercedes & Jaguar vehicles. The unique design of the Grand Prix features paddle-style controls along with low profile push-buttons and a digital display. The familiar look and feel of the Grand Prix will take you back to the ’80s without having to drive a modified DeLorean! Retro Manufacturing even created a new DIN kit specifically for the Grand Prix for a hassle-free installation and a perfect fit.
The Grand Prix is compatible with all RetroSound Radio Motors giving classic European car fans all the features of a modern car stereo. Available features include built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio streaming, Made for iPod/iPhone compatibility, USB inputs for flash drives and media devices, and non-volatile memory. A 32,000 color digital display gives users the option to customize the display color to match their gauges and browse through media by artist, song title, or album. The Grand Prix has a selectable AM/FM Tuner allowing the user to select between USA, EUR, AUS, JAP, and RUS turner frequencies with 30 pre-sets to store favorite stations.
A powerful 300-watt built-in amplifier provides plenty of power over 4 channels along with RCA pre-outs and a subwoofer output for customers looking to expand their audio system further. The Grand Prix is available with SiriusXM, connecting directly to an SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately) without the need for special adapters or cables. The SXV300V1 tuner adds SiriusXM broadcasts to your RetroSound radio with artist, channel, and song information shown directly on the radios display. The Grand Prix is also available with HD Radio technology and DAB+ for superior radio reception.
MSRP on the Grand Prix starts at $224.99 and will be available early 2022 at www.retromanufacturing.com.
LAKE HAVASU, AZ (10.21.2021) – KICKER Marine Audio again joined its local dealers and fans in Lake Havasu City, AZ, for the NGK Spark Plugs Formula 1 Powerboat Series that ran October 15-17. The event featured high-horsepower racing excitement in 3 classes over 2 days with international powerboat racing stars.
Formula 1 boats race on Lake Havasu as press and crowd members watch the action.
The Friday Night Beach Party from at the London Bridge Beach was sponsored by KICKER Marine Audio. Fans got to mingle with the drivers and crews to learn more about them and their racing equipment. Amid great music–broadcast through the KICKER Marine Audio system–a vintage boat display, kids’ activity zone, museum exhibits, food, Beer Garden, vendors, and a Reunion Social for past racers, families and racers crew members all enjoyed the festivities. This special event will be free and open to the public.
The lake views at night are spectacular.
Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, was on site and coordinated the event with Dan Murphy whose Murfco is the long time KICKER rep firm in the area and Boom Toon partner. “No doubt about it. KICKER Marine definitely ‘Went Overboard and was Livin’Loud during the weekend…all the while making a huge impression with the local boating community. I was on site all 3 days and the KICKER Marine presence was everywhere,” Morrell related.
KICKER Marine Audio, and its local dealers (Wired 4 Sound and Ron’s In Your Ear Audio), and vendors have long been active in Lake Havasu through the performance boating Annual Desert Storm Poker Run and rally. This NGK Spark Plugs Formula 1 Powerboat event gave KICKER Marine Audio and music fans the opportunity to mix high-speed racing with high-octane sound.
Lorin Morrell (R) grabbed this selfie with Cap ‘N Frank Zepeda… Boom Toon partner.
Dan Murphy teamed up with Lake Havasu’s custom installer Wired 4 Sound’s Jeff Cuvelier at the event. Murphy and partner Frank Zepeda’s “Boom Toon,” a “vintage” 30-foot Starlight 1986 riverboat that was transformed into a runabout double decker party barge, complete with a slide and party poles, was back at the docks. The Boom Toon joined Jeff’s Rinker Flotilla Deck boat. Both were decked with top-of-the-line KICKER Marine Audio speakers, subwoofers, amps and more. Both boats emphasized the KICKER’s tag line of “Livin’ Loud!”
Ron Voegele, of Gatorwraps, installer of large-scale vessel and vehicle wraps said of Cuvelier’s boat, “Whenever he pulls into a cove, everyone else shuts off their stereos because his sounds like a live concert! We hear those comments all the time when KICKER sound systems are LIVIN’Loud—the sound is that clear!”
The Murfco and KICKER RZR’s were set up to show all KICKER was Livin’ Loud on land in Lake Havasu City.
MurfCo and local dealers have had long-time KICKER audio affiliations, including friendships with KICKER founder Steve Irby, who is a pioneer in the 12volt mobile audio world spanning over 4 decades.
“KICKER Marine Audio has found kindred spirits in the performance boating community,” stated Jeremy Bale, brand manager, “This group of racers and fans may have been introduced to KICKER through this event and some may certainly know the company from its decades as a mobile audio leader, no doubt used in their tow vehicles. Lake Havasu has been a good location for us with long-time dealers, distributors and installers and we have enjoyed getting together and engaging with our customers and friends at these events–and to make new friends. We’re happy to support the Seebold family in this race!”
The KICKER Boom Toon was ready to show all KICKER was Going Overboard and Livin’Loud at the Lake Havasu Race weekend.
Concluding, Morrell stated, “There was also a large KICKER tent display area on land where the Murfco and KICKER RZR’s were set up and Livin’Loud for PowerSports enthusiasts. For 3 days around Lake Havasu KICKER definitely had presence as announcers on the PA systems were talking KICKER and members of the press were on the top deck of the Boom Toon filming the racers. What an amazing 3 Days. KICKER definitely “Went Overboard and was Livin’Loud!”
All KICKER Marine Audio’s can enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white to complement a boat’s color scheme, complete with LED light complements. Horn-Loaded Tower Systems, speakers, subwoofers, amps and media centers are only part of the line. So when boaters want to “Kick” up their sound system, they rely on the brand that delivers the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components… they are Livin’Loud with KICKER Marine Audio.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.21.2021) – The official 2021 SEMA Show mobile app is now available for download from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or via the QR code below.
A great tool to maximize your time at the Show, the official SEMA Show app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. This year, the SEMA Show app will feature a scanning function that will allow attendees to quickly capture product and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display throughout the Show as well as the ability to scan and save products from the New Products Showcase. The app puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket.
2021 SEMA Show mobile app features include:
Scan the QR to download the app
Interactivity: Users can receive detailed information about feature vehicles displayed throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center. By simply scanning a vehicle’s QR code, located on a feature vehicle sticker attached to the vehicle during check-in, the app will display the vehicle’s year, make and model; information on the exhibitor displaying the vehicle; and a list of products used on the vehicle. The app also allows users to access a list of exhibitors from 2019 and any saved product information.
Turn-By-Turn Directions: Find the quickest route from one place to another without the need of a GPS or data service. Simply enter an exhibitor name or room nearest to you and where you want to go, and the app will provide directions.
My Schedule: Create a schedule to keep track of the events you wish to attend.
New Products Showcase: View all of the products entered into the New Products Showcase, complete with detailed information and photos, exactly where within the Showcase the product is displayed, and directions to the exhibitor’s booth on the Show floor.
Product Scanner: Use your smartphone as a scanner at the New Products Showcase to create a list and map of the scanned products.
Maps: View floorplans of all SEMA Show halls and how/where they connect to make passage from hall to hall as easy as possible. Exhibitors: Look up all 2021 SEMA Show exhibitors by name, Show section or product category.
Events, Celebrity Appearances and Speakers: See lists of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers, including day, time and location.
Social Media: Keep up with the feeds of the official SEMA Show social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Ground Transportation: Find the best way to arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Obtain information on the Las Vegas Monorail, rideshare and hotel shuttles, including pickup locations.
SEMA eNews: Stay up to date with the latest news before, during and after the Show.
For more information about the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com.
SHREVEPORT, LA (10.21.2021) – On The Spot Audio was the winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win on Friday, October 15th, when the Wheel rolled for the 149th time. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the On The Spot Audio slip was drawn from the jar.
We reached out to Vince Resto, On The Spot Audio owner in Pennsauken, NJ, and he was very happy to hear the news.
Patrick Brooks, NavAtlas National Sales Manager, saw SlingShots out front of the store on the On The Spot Audio website. He quickly determined the NavAtlas NHR1 handheld dual band radios would be the perfect prize to send the winner. Two of the NHR1 handheld radios are on the way.
Patrick Brooks in the NavAtlas Brea CA HQ holding one of the NHR1 handhelds headed to On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken, NJ.
“For Slingshot riders the NavAtlas handheld radios will be perfect. NavAtlas is the 12volt industry’s one stop shop for all things in Off Road Communications. For Handhelds, Intercoms, Car to Car radios, headsets and accessories we have you covered. We also have the installation dash kits for Polaris, CanAm, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha PowerSports rides,” Brooks related.
We look forward to touching base with On The Spot Audio to learn how the NavAtlas prize performs in their market.