LAS VEGAS, NV (07.10.2020) – View the following announcement regarding AAPEX 2020:
At this time, we plan to proceed with AAPEX 2020 as scheduled, November 3-5.
We continue to pay close attention to the evolving COVID-19 situation and its potential impact on the show. Our primary concern is providing a trade show in a safe and healthy environment. We will stay in touch in the coming weeks and months regarding any new developments.
Watch: Health and Safety Updates for AAPEX 2020
Watch: A Message from AAPEX
Exhibitors
Watch: AAPEX Exhibitor Town Hall
Exhibitors will be able to cancel and receive a full 100% refund on their booth space until September 1. Booth space applications are still being accepted. Reserve your booth today.
Important Dates:
July 15 – Priority Booth Selection Process Deadline
November 3-5 – AAPEX
These changes will allow you to invest in AAPEX with confidence. Please reach out to Bill Glasgow Jr. at billjr@aapexshow.com with any questions.
Resources
Visit AASA’s and Auto Care Association’s COVID-19 aftermarket business resource pages for additional information, access to webinars, safety tips, market insights, and more.
CAMARILLO, CA (07.09.2020) – Orca Design and Manufacturing announced it has agreed to become the exclusive U.S. provider of the iConnects line, and that products are available for shipment to Orca dealers. iConnects is a comprehensive selection of cables, power distribution systems and accessories that enable aftermarket car audio components to operate with maximum efficiently. The addition of iConnects positions Orca as a single-solution provider of premium audio products for OEM Integration and custom modification, along with the materials and components to optimize their performance.
The iConnects line comprises amplifier kits, audio interconnects, distribution blocks, fuse kits and bulk cable spools. All power wiring features the brand’s Pure Flow technology: 100-percent oxygen-free copper coated in tin for maximum conductivity and protection against corrosion. Interconnect offerings include flexible TosLink cable and nickel-plated RCAs with balanced, twisted-pair conductors. Amplifier kits come in hangable blister packaging, and other wiring kits are available on spools or in resealable bags that are ideal for storing remnants for later use.
“We’re incredibly pleased to bring yet another line of quality product to Orca dealers,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for Orca. “The iConnects line is an established premium upgrade from standard shop wiring and provides retailers with ‘show-and-sell’ packaging as well as bulk options for the bay. Plus, orders count toward our incentive programs which help our dealers stretch their purchasing dollars significantly.”
Orca dealers can contact their authorized Orca representatives for pricing and additional feature information. For information on Orca products and represented brands, visit orcadesign.com.
AVON LAKE, OH (07.09.2020) –Keep your Sprint car looking good in the pits and help prevent cool-down between races with the new Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover from Design Engineering, Inc.
The Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover allows racers to avoid cold engine damage by keeping their sprint car engines up to racing temperatures. Easy to install and built to last, the innovative cover features a triple-layer construction and can be used on hot or even running engines without damage.
“DEI’s Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover is designed to prevent engine cool-down between races,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “Built Ohio-tough to last many race seasons and still look great, it’s easy to install and fits all Sprint cars.”
The thermal cover’s unique design includes drop-down-side wings that can be folded up and snapped into place and can rest directly on hot exhaust pipes. The heavy-duty, triple-layer construction incorporates a durable, PVC-coated polyester black outer layer that will last for years, a glass fiber inner insulation, and a final layer of glass blanket fiber.
Final touches from DEI include high-strength fiberglass edge binding, use of heat-and flame-resistant Nomex fiber thread, and built-in stainless steel snaps.
Learn more about DEI’s Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover and the company’s entire line of race-inspired heat-and sound-control products at designengineering.com.
INDUSTRY, CA (07.09.2020) – Cadence Sound loves to stay connected with the audio community. They understand that due to Covid-19, some customers have been affected financially. They decided to do a monthly giveaway all summer so that Cadence aficionados can still enjoy their passions without worry.
June Giveaway winner: Salvador in Los Angeles, CA
The June Giveaway winner is Salvador, in Los Angeles, CA. Salvador won a Cadence Beast Subwoofer. Cadence is excited to see what kind of project Salvador uses his new Cadence BT for. Check him out wearing his Cadence Lanyard to work!
To enter the raffle for Cadence’s next giveaway, make sure to be following them on Social Media so you can see the next post.
THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2020) – The Sling Experience was originally scheduled for April. Due to COVID-19 the event was rescheduled to June 25th through the 28th. Over the weekend the event lit up Houston. The huge grounds surrounding the Marriott Westchase Hotel for the national event was filled with over 30 exhibitor setups and over 300 Slingshots. Live DJ, kids activities, food trucks, audio competition, lighting competition, People’s Choice Awards, donut competitions, after party and more were on the schedule.
This The Sling Experience Instagram image shows the action at the event.
Event organizer Mark Mallet offered on Instagram, “Although the odds were stacked highly against us with the pandemic and sketchy weather reports the event was truly a memorable experience for all who attended. We had well over 300 Slingshots on site and had many more who wanted to attend but could not attend”
This The Sling Experiences Instagram image shows the extensive list of activities scheduled for the 4-Day event.
House of Sound Car Audio is a huge player on the Slingshot scene in Houston and sponsored the audio competition at the Sling Experience. Owner Alex Restrepo related “This year’s Sling Experience, the second annual was truly amazing. We had our work on 33 of the Slingshots showing at the event. Audio, lighting, wheels, graphics and air ride systems are big product categories for aftermarket add-ons for Slingshots. DS18, Beyma, db Drive and PRV are audio brands we installed on Slingshots at the event.
This House of Sound Car Audio Instagram image post shows one of the retailer’s 33 Slingshots on site at the Sling Experience.
Houston retailer Dabass is also big on the Slingshot scene. Mike Truong commented “We look forward to the Sling Experience as a place to show our work. We custom fabricate several items that go into our Slingshot projects and utilize DD Audio gear for the audio many times. Our friend and customer @rokstar100 won the lighting competition this year and finished second n the sound competition. The turnout at the Sling Experience this year was really amazing. Events like this really raise the awareness and drive business.”
Mike Troung (L), DaBass Houston retailer, is shown with rokstar100 who won the lighting contest. DaBass put created the winning Slingshot for their friend and customer.
Jack Polubinski, Underground Auto Styling, made the trip from Sarasota FL to The Sling Experience with his Slingshot in the trailer. “At our retail store we have been working with Slingshot projects for several years and actually produce quite a few items that are used to customize Slingshots. This category is red hot for us and we see it continuing to grow. Events like The Sling Experience accelerate that growth. Right now we are working on our 4th custom Slingshot for the one and only Shaq. One of our projects with him was on display at CES and SEMA”
The Underground Auto Slingshot was put in the trailer for the trip from Sarasota FL to Houston for the Sling Experience in this Instagram post.
Amir Dhanani, SSR Distributing in Houston, is seeing much growth from area 12volt retailers for PowerSports and Slingshot products.
Great to see events like The Sling Experience draw large turnouts and create excitement in the marketplace.
MONTEBELLO, CA (07.08.2020) – Epsilon has announced the addition of Ceasar Olaes to their continually growing family. Starting immediately, Ceasar will take his role in working with Western sales representatives and direct accounts, introducing himself and sharing new focus for Precision Power, Soundstream, and Power Acoustik.
Ceasar Olaes has joined Epsilon Electronics as Western Regional. Olaes proudly shows off the Power Acoustik, SoundStream, and PrecisionPower brands on his new Epsilon shirt.
Ceasar has a solid mobile electronics background with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, including serving recently as a sales manager for popular manufactures.
Olaes commented, “As Western Regional Sales Manager for Epsilon Electronics, I look forward to partnering with Vice President Ronnie Brashear and the rest of the Epsilon team as we continue to provide our customers with brilliant products with outstanding and professional service. I’m honored to take part in such a reputable company.”
Ceasar is looking forward to meeting dealers and conveying his experience to Epsilon’s upcoming first time exhibiting KnowledgeFest shows.
SEATTLE, WA (07.08.2020) – This week’s AudioControl training will focus on the EPICENTER family of products- some of the most successful mobile audio processors of all time.
Tune in Thursday, July 9 at 11:00 am PST to learn more about The EPICENTER family of products, what they do and how they do it.
“I used to have an EPICENTER in my system years ago, do I really still need one with today’s music?” If you like bass, then yes, you really do. Join AudioControl this Thursday to learn more.
“I don’t have room in my trunk, what’s this InDash Epicenter all about?” Tune in to find out!
MIAMI, FL (07.07.2020) – Last month marked the one-year anniversary of Nakamichi Car Audio’s return to the U.S. It was June 2019 that Diplomat Trading, the exclusive agent for Nakamichi, reintroduced the car audio brand domestically.
NQ721BE: New mechless single DIN with 10-band EQ carries a MAP of $69.95.
The first half of the year finished strong for Nakamichi having processed more dealer applications in June then the prior 5 months of 2020.
Currently all head units are available. The brand’s much anticipated two new audiophile vacuum tube amplifiers are in stock and shipping. Nakamichi continues to process orders at a 90% fill rate.
NA3605: 2DIN DVD CarPlay / Android Auto with a MAP of $299.95.
“We have been working closely forecasting with Asia to keep the shelves full”, commented Nakamichi National Sales Manager Robin McNeal. “Like many brands we are experiencing delays in new products, so the challenge is to have enough of the current product to bridge the gap.” McNeal joined the relaunch last September.
Nakamichi Car Audio is represented nationwide through an independent rep network.
Click chart to enlarge
“We had a great SEMA and fantastic CES that allowed us to connect with many dealers and reps who were longtime Nak fans”, stated McNeal, ”Since then it has been off to the races!”
Established in 1948 the Japanese brand is known worldwide for its innovations in car and home audio equipment.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.07.2020) – Even though 2020 has altered the vehicle landscape for many, the specialty-equipment market had shown impressive growth over the past 10 years with industry retail sales climbing nearly 4% to a new high of $46.2 billion in 2019, according to the new “2020 SEMA Market Report.” The report provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market, market-sizing by vehicle segment, purchasing channels and trends to help SEMA-member companies make better business decisions.
SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward. By Q4 of 2020, nearly 50% of industry businesses expect their sales to be the same as or even better than 2019.
SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward.
“While this year has presented its challenges, the SEMA Market Report can help our member companies identify the key areas of interest for consumers and prepare for the growth that we expect in 2021,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “It’s still early to predict exactly how things will play out over the next couple years, but the positive news is that as the country re-emerges from the shutdown, we can expect that sales should rise back toward previous levels.”
In-store purchases accounted for the largest share of 2019 retail sales, representing almost 60% of the total. It is highly likely that online purchases will spike in 2020 due to COVID-19, but SEMA expects that many consumers will return to in-store shopping once restrictions are loosened. Word-of-mouth and the web were important sources of ideas and information for consumers researching potential upgrades. Forty-four percent of consumers used search engines or review websites; 40% went directly to manufacturers’ own websites; and 37% sought advice or recommendations from friends or relatives.
Pickup upgrades are the largest sector of the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for 31% of 2019 retail sales, although mid-range cars, CUVs and SUVs (including the Jeep Wrangler) are also major components of the market. Fifty-nine percent of specialty-automotive consumers are under the age of 40, and younger drivers are more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts or accessories and make heavier modifications to their vehicles.
To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to get the latest research on market sizing, consumer profiles and 2020 industry indicators, download the report for free today.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.07.2020) – Saturday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 244 across the U.S. Many businesses enjoyed a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking the day off on July 3rd.
To say July 4th 2020 was different is an understatement. The COVID-19 Pandemic and public unrest across the country certainly lead to a setting we have never seen in the previous 244 years.
Great 4th of July graphic created by Sondralee and the Custom Audio team keeping #eriestrong
Over the July 4th weekend there were many positive social media posts by industry members noted in the 12volt Central Studios. We selected a number of them and created the short video below.
Included are posts from Custom Audio in Erie PA, Memphis Car Audio, Columbus Car Audio in Columbus OH, Morumo LED Lighting, SSV Works, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Sound Connection in Brainerd MN, RetroSound, VisionX Lighting and the 12volt Central Studios.
Click above to view on instagram.com/12voltnews
The business year is divided into four quarters….much like a football game. This year’s ‘game’ certainly is being played under the COVID-19 cloud. The first quarter of 2020 was just OK from what most say. The second quarter, with billions in stimulus checks, saw off the chart sales.
We are now entering the second half of the 2020 ‘game’. As of Monday, July 6th, there are 178 days remaining in the 2020 ‘game’. The COVID-19 Cloud is still overhead, as well as products shortages, which can definitely impact the playing field in the second half.
Let’s keep our eye on the ball and play smart as we work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry.
12VoltNews.com 