As previously reported, SEMA has intervened in an EPA enforcement case to protect the rights of racers.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, while acknowledging the fundamental issue raised by SEMA, declined to make a ruling in the lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Gear Box Z. Inc. (GBZ). While pursuing GBZ for tampering allegations, the EPA made statements in its court filings that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition and that equipment installed to make the conversion is illegal. SEMA challenged this flawed interpretation of the CAA first made by the EPA in 2015 and now repeated in the court filing.
The Court ruled that the EPA produced evidence that the subject products sold by GBZ were being used on highway vehicles, with no evidence of use on motor sports vehicles. Therefore, lacking evidence of the converting of road vehicles to dedicated race cars, which would have necessitated the Court address the issue, the Court declined to rule on whether the CAA disallows conversions of street vehicles to dedicated racing machines.
While not settling the street-to-racecar conversion issue, SEMA’s filing of the amicus brief was impactful for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the need for the U.S. Congress to enact the “Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act” (RPM Act), bi-partisan legislation to clarify that it is legal to make such conversions and to produce, market and install racing equipment. Second, the Court’s opinion did offer some favorable language with the Court confirming that it is the EPA’s burden to produce evidence that emissions-related equipment is being used illegally on highway vehicles when making such a claim.
SEMA will continue to work tirelessly to settle the EPA’s overreach by passing the RPM Act.
TORONTO, CA (03.29.2021) – The Inaugural Canadian Mobile Audio Industry Week Spring Showcase wraps Monday and Tuesday, March 29th and 30th respectively. The final 2 days of the 9-Day online LIVE streaming presentation will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, March 31st and April 1st respectively. The final 2 days will be presented in French.
CMA Industry Week… Week 1 highlights included 60 hours of broadcasting with over 80 sessions streamed. During the first five days over 50 brands top 12volt Brands announced over 100 new products. Presentations were available @canadianmobileaudio Facebook and YouTube with on demand presentations available.
Key to the success of CMA Industry Week 1 was the participation of 13 distributors across Canada who engaged the support of their vendors and coordinated their presentations with CMA staff.
Ben Woo, as the on-camera host, did a masterful job orchestrating sessions smoothly. Behind the scenes Frank Spezzano, CMA President, and Sheldon Hatch worked tirelessly in the background with Woo to bring all the sessions together.
Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development and Global Marketing stated “At PowerBass we are grateful to have been included in such a great event. BB Distribution and CMA put on an excellent event and we hope the dealers enjoyed our session as much as we enjoyed resenting it to them.”
This screenshot during the 5 Axis Innovations presentation provided Jody Culbertson with a platform to show and explain new in-store displays, like this new wheel display with lighting, to dealers across Canada. This image pictured Ben Woo (Top Left) with Culbertson bottom left.
“Reaction to the first week of the CMA Industry Week Spring Showcase has been very positive. Our distributor partners have said they were able to connect with dealers across Canada, are having positive feedback about new products and that they are writing orders with their dealers” Spezzano related to the 12volt News Central Studios.
The Final 2 days of CMA Industry Week will be equally informative for dealers across Canada plus the US and around the world. Of special note during the GemSen block on Monday afternoon March 29th will be the KICKER session with KICKER Founder Steve Irby from the KICKER UnMASKED Studio in Stillwater OK. That session is 6-7 PM ET.
Please make your plans to check out the final 2 days of the Inaugural CMA Industry Spring Showcase Week.
See the schedule below:
Monday, March 29thSobel 9:00am – 10:00am: BPS Lighting – Sobel 10:00am – 11:00am: Viper – Sobel 11:00am – 12:00pm: Pioneer – Sobel 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Metra – Sobel Gemsen 1:00pm – 1:30pm: Atrend / MTI Acoustics – Save Time & Reduce Dust: Pre-Made Enclosures – Gemsen 1:30pm – 2:00pm: Dynamat – Serious About Sound Treatment – Gemsen 2:00pm – 2:30pm: Clarion Marine – 2021 New Product Debut – Gemsen 2:30pm – 3:00pm: Kicker Marine – GO OVERBOARD with Our Extensive Lineup of Marine Gear – Gemsen 3:00pm – 3:30pm: JL Audio Marine – High Performance Marine Audio – Gemsen 3:30pm – 4:00pm: BOSS Elite – Affordable Industry Acclaimed Source Units – Gemsen 4:00pm – 5:00pm: AudioControl – Simple OEM Integration – 1 Amp Can Do It All – Gemsen 5:00pm – 6:00pm: JL Audio Mobile – DSP OEM Integration & System Tuning Products – Gemsen 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Kicker Mobile – “Unmasked” Products New for 2021 – Gemsen 7:00pm – 8:00pm: Morel – New Product Launch – Hi-Fidelity Sound for Every Budget – Gemsen 8:00pm – 9:00pm: NavTV – Vehicle Integration Solutions for Cars, Trucks & Trailers – Gemsen
Tuesday, March 30thAAMP 9:00am – 10:00am: PAC Audio – AAMP 10:00am – 11:00am: Echomaster – AAMP 11:00am – 12:00pm: Stinger – AAMP 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Phoenix Gold – AAMP ODX 1:00pm – 1:30pm: ODX Lighting – Pushing the limits of innovative automotive LED products – with Kevin Darwish & Max Desnoyers Auto Oxide 1:30pm – 2:00pm: Auto Oxide – Disinfect your facilities or vehicles at lightning speeds – with Kevin Darwish & Max Desnoyers
Automobility 2:00pm – 3:00pm: Hertz Audio – 25 years of sound experience with Ken Ward – Automobility 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Audison – Instinct for innovation with Ken Ward – Automobility 4:00pm – 5:00pm: Rockford Fosgate – New Product Showcase with Zach Luke & Eric Russell – Automobility 5:00pm – 5:30pm: Escort – Everything you need to know about Escort Radar with Brian Pflomm & Mark Karnes – Automobility – 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Cobra – Everything you need to know about Dash Cams, Radar and Power Inverters – with Brian Pflomm & Mark Karnes – Automobility 6:00pm – 6:30pm: Thinkware – Refresher & Intro to 2021 Product Line with Billy Alexandre – Automobility 6:30pm – 7:30pm: ZZ-2 – OE Integration, wireless Carplay/Android Auto and video– with Rich DeSclafani – Automobility 7:30pm – 8:30pm: Memphis Audio – 2021 Product highlights and exclusive technology – with Nick Lo Monaco III & Ellis Mathis – Automobility 8:30pm – 9:00pm: TBA – Automobility
LAS VEGAS, NV (03.29.2021) – Eton Car Audio has announced its ‘Upgrade’ series of component 2-way coaxial systems and neodymium ‘FrontBass’ woofers are now in-stock and shipping.
Founded in 1993, Eton gmbh, is recognized as the premier loudspeaker manufacturer in Germany and is celebrated their 35th Anniversary by entering the N. America market. Over the past few decades, the company has developed a formidable reputation for advanced technology and precision engineering and has become the premier OEM speaker supplier for both automotive manufacturers, as well as numerous prestigious European and US brands.
The new systems join their existing ‘Upgrade’ series of “Plug and Play” systems, which are specifically designed for late-model and up BMW / Mini and VW platforms. The new UG systems include five (5) models, one 4-inch / 100 mm 2-way component system, featuring a proprietary 15 mm edge-damped alloy dome tweeter, dedicated front and rear coaxial systems, as well as center-channel coax, plus high-performance, matched pairs of 195mm (8-inch) Neo motor woofers, specifically designed to replace the factory “FrontBass” foot-well woofer enclosures. All the drivers use powerful, compact, exotic, neo-motors and fit most popular C, E, G and S-Class platforms.
As with all Eton speakers, these new systems are precision designed, developed and manufactured at their state-of-the-art factory in Neu Ulm Germany. The line is now in stock and shipping from three (3) regional warehouses, to provide upscale retailers ‘JIT’ delivery to all major US markets.
Retailers who are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity are invited to call AMG at (702)829-4155, or email to Matt@Audiomobile.net, for more details and information.
HOUSTON, TX (03.29.2021) – Wet Sounds, Inc. has announced Virtual Marketing as key manufacturer rep covering Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northern Illinois.
Effective March 2021, Wet Sounds proudly named Virtual Marketing Consultants (VMC) as their new sales representatives in the Upper Midwest region.
“Wet Sounds is thrilled to have Virtual Marketing promoting our line of products. The Midwest region features some of the most stunning lakes, rivers, trails, and outdoor adventure sites in our country, all of which are perfect to explore with vehicles featuring Wet Sounds’ speakers, soundbars, amplifiers, and beyond,” stated J.R. Stocks, Wet Sounds CEO.
“Our team couldn’t be any more excited to partner with Wet Sounds. Our multi-channel business model covering Powersports, Outdoor, & 12V dovetails perfectly with the multi-channel business that Wet Sounds has so successfully pioneered,” commented Jon Kluiter, Principal and Founder of VMC.
SHREVEPORT LA (03.27.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Audiowave Car Stereo won the DS18 prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, March 26th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 120th time on Friday morning March 26th. The Wheel landed on the DS18 Space. The Audiowave Car Stereo slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to Audiowave in Gautier MS and Chris White was surprised and happy to hear the news. We will contact the DS18 team and a cool DS18 prize will be headed to Chris. He will say “We like it Loud”.
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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a 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 and 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 and Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, April 2nd.
NASHVILLE, TN (03.26.2021) – The Mobile Electronics Competition Association, Inc. -MECA- kicked off the Spring season with a dedicated SQL Judge Training session at Audio Specialists in Clarksville. Commissioner Stern introduced 16 trainees to veteran judges Vinny Taylor from Tennessee and Matt Roberts from South Carolina.
Vinny Taylor conducting a SQL Judges training for 18 on Saturday morning at Audio Specialists in Clarksville, TN.
Attending the Judges trainings were: Tommy Craig, Colorado Nick Graham, Ohio William Grimme, Indiana Jason Hale, Tennessee Cassie Hall, Ohio Joseph Heddon, Illinois Russell Jones, Florida Jordan Kisler, Florida Michael Myers, Tennessee Joseph Norton, Arkansas Shannon Price, Illinois Mick Shuck, Ohio J. Silva, Colorado Mic Wallace, North Carolina Scott Welch, California Andrew Woodward, Colorado
The weather brought out competitors and big numbers on the meter in Ashland City.
Trainees reviewed selected tracks from the list of official test songs maintained by the MECA organization. 9 outstanding vehicles were on-site for intensive listening sessions with accomplished judges and well-versed vehicle owner/competitors.The 9 AM – 7 PM schedule on Saturday, March 20th, featured the most revealing and informative track descriptions and evaluations in the club’s 23 year history.
The Sunday SPL Event in Ashland City TN had a strong turnout of competitors.
On Sunday, March 21st, MECA split the March Madness event into 2 locations, to better accomodate the unique requirements of both SPL and SQL contests. Audio Specialists owners Rob Bess and Robert Corwin hosted the SQL activites at the store, with Vinny Taylor as Head Judge.. Trainees continued with informational exchange and scoring systems to get more seat time. Robert Corwin earned the SQL Best of Show, The Zenner trophy and Rob Bess had the highest Sound Quality score at the event.
Commissioner Stern lead the SPL faction to Middle Tennessee’s best venue, the Cheatham County Fairgrounds in Ashland City.
Chris Gregory unveiled his new CRX build at the SPL event in Ashland City.
Greg Kelley (Kelley’s Car Toyz/High Voltage) from Newport, TN had highest scores in Sound Pressure and Park & Pound contests, winning the big SPL Best of Show trophy. Judges Eric Halfacre and 2020 SPL Judge of the Year Malani Puni handled the lanes. It was a beautiful day at the Fairgrounds and the show very engaging, fun, and competitive.
Many new faces attended the events, and several OG’s who haven’t competed in over 10 years came out to play: Mike Elder (KY), Freddrick Simpson (KY), MECA is building a very active schedule in the USA and should be running on all cylindars by June.
MECA SQL Judges were treated to live bluegrass music at Caney Fork Restaurant in Nashville by The Meltones. This was a great listening experience for the trainees.
MECA has laid the ground work for an exciting year in 2021. A huge Thank You goes out to Manufacturer Members that are supporting the MECA SQL Clinics program. Specifically Arc Audio, JL Audio, Linear Power, Stereo Integrity, TRU Technology and XS Power are providing valuable assistance to showcase the MECA Sound Quality League.
Planning for a Unified Finals with IASCA and dB Drag Racing is in the works.
Contact the Commissioner for info and scheduling opportunities at mecacaraudio@comcast.net or office 615-851-7428.
STILLWATER, OK (03.26.2021) – KICKER announces the promotion of veteran technician Tim Smith to KICKER’s Installation and Special Projects Supervisor. Smith takes over team management, effective immediately. The announcement is a result of the resignation of long-time team manager Randy Botts who recently moved on to pursue other interests.
“Tim has devoted more than 20 years to KICKER,” said Kevin Campbell, Global Marketing Director. “Over that time, he has learned a great deal. He has evolved into a creative leader of that team. The sky’s the limit with the kind of builds you’ll see coming out of his installation bay.”
Tim Smith
A native of Kenai, Alaska, Smith has been fascinated by trucks and audio for much of his life, and has been actively working on audio systems for nearly 30 years. Consumers can find Smith’s handiwork on many KICKER staple demo cars and award winners, including the 1950 Studebaker Champion and the 2011 Chevy Cruze.
“I want to continue the tradition of the supervisors before me of building reliable and impactful vehicles that people remember,” Smith said. “I’m extremely excited to see what’s next for us in the coming years.”
KICKER’s Special Projects division is a dedicated team of in-house installers, creating custom audio systems for select KICKER partners and events across the country. The team also designs original product displays and distributes branded public-address systems to KICKER’s stable of marketing influencers, helping promote romote the brand.
LAS VEGAS, NV (03.26.2021) – Wet Sounds has announced the recipients of their 2020 Independent Rep of the Year and 2020 Direct Rep of the Year awards.
Scott Baughman, Principal of Reliable Product Marketing (RPM), has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2020 Independent Rep of the Year. Baughman, who is based in Stockton, California, has shown true commitment to Wet Sounds that has resonated for over 10 years.
Scott Baughman
“Scott’s attention to detail, product knowledge, and leadership skills have proven to be valuable assets to Wet Sounds and his dealers,” stated Richard Prieto, Wet Sounds Regional Sales Manager.
Baughman persevered through a challenging year to truly excel, especially with the acquisition of the new dealers.
Mike Cullers has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2020 Direct Rep of the Year. Cullers joined Wet Sounds as a Territory Sales Manager in October 2019 and has made an immediate, lasting impact.
Mike Cullers
“Mike is a leader in sales, while focusing on building and nurturing dealer relationships,” commented Ray Woodall, Wet Sounds National Sales Manager..
Cullers has developed a reputation of quality service and technical knowledge regarding application and installation and he is continuing this momentum into 2021 and beyond.
Wet Sounds continues its strong sales growth into 2021 across the United States and multiple international territories.
“Wet Sounds remains focused and dedicated to deliver a clear, loud, and live audio experience for consumers who want the best solutions in the most demanding environments,” stated J.R. Stocks, Wet Sounds CEO. “The recent launch of our Venue Series to the outdoor home market confirms our mission to extend the Wet Sounds experience beyond the marine and powersports markets.”
BOCA RATON, FL (03.25.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced its partnership with DS18. As part of the collaboration, Tint World will serve as an authorized seller and installer of all DS18 products.
“We’re always excited to be able to offer our customers the top automotive electronic products on the market,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “Partnering with DS18 lets our customer have access to top-end car audio products, and we can’t wait to see how they enjoy them.”
DS18 is the official Jeep sound systems vendor. The Miami-based company specializes in mobile, marine and home electronic equipment. DS18 offers several products including amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, tweeters, component sets and a multitude of other audio accessories.
“We want to be able to reach an audience that enjoys the nuances of a great sound product as we do,” said Sasha Susterman, CEO of DS18. “Joining Tint World’s extensive franchise network will allow us to expand our reach and continue to show why we are an industry leader.”
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more.
MIAMI, FL (03.25.2021) – The 11th Annual PASMAG Car Audio & Technology issue hit the streets earlier this month. The issue includes individual Buyers Guides for five car electronics categories.
In the coveted head unit category, models were featured from Alpine, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Nakamichi, Pioneer and Sony.
“We are very pleased to be included with such good company”, stated Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager, for Nakamichi. Continuing McNeal commented, “Since Nakamichi’s U.S. relaunch in 2019 the brand has been carefully building a network of traditional 12volt retailers and distributors. One of the cornerstones fueling the successful relaunch is the enforcement of the brand’s MAP program.”
PASMAG is the only major consumer magazine that is focused on both mobile electronics and performance products. The print edition is distributed throughout the USA and Canada and publication can be viewed digitally as well.
12VoltNews.com 