KICKER Creates High-Output, Audio-Zone Controller for Boats and RVs

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STILLWATER, OK (08.03.23) – KICKER is now shipping an audio processor that controls the volume in up to four different zones. The KICKER KXMARLC Zone Volume Controller, created for marine use but with all-weather features for any outdoor setting, distributes a stereo RCA signal from vehicle’s source unit to as many as four independent stereo RCA outputs for very clean, very clear sound. Compatible with most any amplifier, the KXMARLC will be 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, KXMARLC Zone Controllers will retail for $299.99 each and will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.

Perfect for boat and RV applications, the half-DIN controller unit measures under two inches high and nine inches wide, making it easy to mount in a variety of locations. It utilizes large, user-friendly knobs for adjusting individual zone volumes. Custom zone adhesive labels are included for easily personalizing the controller unit and overall sound system. 

Also included is the hide-away processor unit that features a remote turn-on lead for activating all amplifiers within the system. The processor houses the preamp section that delivers up to eight volts to each channel, so every amplifier is getting the cleanest signal possible. This allows for lower gain settings, increased noise rejection and overall better sound. All installation and mounting hardware for surface or flush mounting of both units is included.

For more information, consumers can log onto kicker.com/KXMARLC on the kicker.com website.

Strong Attendee Support ‘Reminiscent of Highest Records’ Expected for SEMA 2023

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.03.23) – The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, is gearing up to have

incredible industry support from several different industry segments from across the world. Beyond the enormous buying power set for the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show also delivers scores of qualified trade, mainstream and new media members alongside established and emerging influencers. These unique attendees help exhibitors expand their branding and product lineups well beyond their booths, making the SEMA Show a sound investment for the year to come.

“This year’s SEMA Show is shaping up to be one of the best events to date. The industry support is reminiscent of our highest attendance records, and participation is trending above pre-pandemic levels,” said SEMA Show Director Andy Tompkins. “From key buyers, top media members and qualified industry influencers, the professionals you need to help grow your business will be in Las Vegas, October 31-November 3. We’re ready for this industry homecoming!”

Be Part of the SEMA Show Global Business Ecosystem
A company’s credibility improves when news outlets publish stories about their offerings and services, one of the best endorsements a brand can receive. With more than 3,000 media members registered each year, the SEMA Show is the single-largest gathering of automotive media professionals in one location.

In addition, the Show is attended by influencers of all types, including those working for exhibiting members, marketers, suppliers, athletes, celebrities and more. Social-media influencers can help your brand establish social proof and build awareness. An influencer snapping a photo of your booth can drive purchase decisions and increase sales–at no cost to your business.

Everyone walking around the SEMA Show is part of the global automotive business ecosystem, offering the opportunity for participating companies to create brand evangelists from every sector in the marketplace.

It’s never too early to get started on your SEMA Show exhibit plan. In fact, records indicate that a majority of attendees decide to attend the SEMA Show six months in advance, providing ample opportunities for pre-event connections that maximize your time on-site.

There is still time to secure booth space for the 2023 SEMA Show. Visit SEMAShow.com to start creating your Show plan today! Exhibitor, attendee, media and students/educator registration is available at SEMAShow.com/register for just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

Ride in Style: KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorcycle Audio at Sturgis Rally

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LONG BEACH, CA (08.02.23) – KENWOOD USA has announced its participation in the highly anticipated Sturgis Rally, held in South Dakota, August 4th- 13th. This marks a significant occasion for KENWOOD as they proudly showcase, sell, and install their state-of-the-art eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio products designed and engineered for Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Riding on the open roads has never been more fun than with KENWOOD’s advanced eXcelon motorcycle audio systems. Designed exclusively for the Harley Davidson family of motorcycles, these audio products guarantee an unbeatable experience for riders and passengers alike. Whether you crave heart-pounding bass or crystal-clear highs, eXcelon motorcycle audio products are engineered to deliver unparalleled performance even in the most challenging riding conditions.

“As part of our commitment to partnering with and supporting our authorized dealer network, we are delighted to announce our collaboration with Chris Hulin and his team at The Audio Edge (theaudioedgeonline.com), based in Nederland, TX,” said John Lucas, KENWOOD VP of Sales. “Their expertise and passion for delivering top-notch audio solutions align perfectly with KENWOOD’s commitment to excellence.” The Audio Edge will join KENWOOD in its booth at 1601 Lazelle St in Sturgis to offer live product demonstrations, personalized advice, and professional installations for all eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio products as well as their motorsports action cam system.

KENWOOD invites all motorcycle enthusiasts and audio aficionados attending the Sturgis Rally to visit its booth and experience the future of motorcycle audio firsthand. Its dedicated team, together with The Audio Edge, will be on-site to demonstrate the remarkable features and performance of its eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio products. Prepare to be amazed by the seamless integration, durability, and unmatched audio quality that KENWOOD brings to the riding experience.

For more information on KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line, please visit its website here: https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/motorcycles/

Aspen Sound Wins First Ever Crossover Points Drawing

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BATTLE GROUND, WA (08.02.23) – The Crossover Marketing Group presented Aspen
Sound with the first ever Crossover Points prize at a recent Hertz Audison factory training with Ken
Ward.

Crossover held a drawing last month to pick the winner for this new incentive program, which is
designed to reward dealer orders and incentivize upside activity at the end of the month.

“Dealers are building up their ‘Crossover Points’ by writing orders across all of our great brands like
Hertz Audison, Boss Audio, VOXX/DEI, and Linkswell. For every $2,500 they spend, they earn a
point, which gives them a shot at winning an awesome prize. The next drawing will be for $500 in
Costco Gift Cards plus we have some great stuff lined up for the fall…It’s truly a win-win for everyone
involved!” said Rob Sutton of Crossover Marketing.

The program is set to grow even more as additional vendor support kicks in to allow bigger and bigger
prizes. Please visit the following link for an informative video: https://tinyurl.com/xover-points

Visit www.crossovermktg.com for more.

Wireless Carplay & Android Auto Fully Integrated with the Factory Touchscreen for Select Toyota Vehicles

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (08.02.23) – The ITZ-TOY is a easy plug-and-play solution compatible with most Toyota vehicles from 2014 and newer. This solution integrates with the factory touchscreen and provides both wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. It also includes front and rear camera inputs, allowing you to connect cameras for enhanced visibility while driving. Additionally, the ITZ-TOY supports smartphone mirroring.

The ITZ-TOY kit retains the factory microphone and allows you to use the factory Bluetooth, maintaining the original audio quality during phone calls, which is a significant advantage.

For detailed information about the ITZ-TOY and its compatibility with specific Toyota models, you can visit our website (www.zz-2.com) and check out all the product details.

To get to know more about our solutions or purchase the ITZ-TOY, you can contact ZZ2’s sales team at 929-220-1212 (extension 1) or reach out via email at sales@zz-2.com. We will be happy to provide you with further details about the product, pricing, and installation process.

The ITZ-TOY is now available. CLICK HERE to see all the details about it.

Sanford Sound Hosted The 27th Annual Show N’ Shine

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SANFORD, ME (08.01.23) – The 27th Annual Sanford Sound Show N’ Shine filled the grounds surrounding the company’s retail location on Sunday, July 30st.

“This year’s Show-n-Shine was the third at our new location and the weather was absolutely perfect. Last year we were mobbed. This year was even busier and the largest ever for our Annual Show N’ Shine as we had nearly 170 cars registered. It seemed almost every square foot of our property was filled with Show-n-Shine cars and activities” Owner Jack Bogard related.

Attendees lined up Sunday morning to register their vehicles for the show.

Tents were set up for demos with JL Audio, Memphis Audio and Rockford Fosgate. The Sanford Sound RZR was loaded with Memphis PowerSports products. Bill French was on site representing JL Audio while Chad Boone demoed the RZR under the Memphis tent. Byran Case manned the Rockford Fosgate booth and all handed out brochures and giveaways plus spent time with attendees.

Jack Bogard and his wife by the Memphis Audio tent by the Sanford Sound van that’s loaded with Memphis Audio gear. Jack is wearing a large Memphis Audio Gold Medallion around his neck.
The grounds for the Show N Shine ran along a main road that added to the visibility.

“This year we set up vendor row and attendees spent time visiting all of the 13 brands that we spotlight at Sanford Sound. It was super to see the tents with JL Audio, Memphis Audio and Rockford Fosgate busy. Local business owners said they had never seen Route 4 so busy on Sunday” Bogard offered.

A number of area businesses were on site showing their products that 12volt enthusiasts could utilize. Vehicle restoration, lift modifications, stickers and more were offered. Food trucks were on site and the lemonade stand reported selling over 300 refreshments.

Miss New Hampshire 2023 was on site at the Show N Shine. Ashley in real life is Jack Bogard’s daughter who will head to Vegas for this year’s Miss America Pageant.
Classics are becoming a larger part of the Show N Shine each year.

“We also had several clubs attend the Show N’ Shine in big numbers. Team Conflicted had 13cars on site and won the car club top award. Also, we had a number of cars with out of state license plates… including Connecticut, Vermont, New York and Rhode Island” Bogard added.

There was an amazing number of custom trophies created for the 21 classes and set up for all to see before the awards presentation.

This amazing ‘62 Corvette won the Best Classic award. The 62 year old owner was actually driving down the street and saw the show and wheeled in to spent the day with his wife having fun.
There was a wide range of vehicles on the event grounds.

Bogard concluded “A really big thing for us at a Sanford Sound Show-n-Shine event is seeing all the happy, smiling faces. Members of the crowd were showing their rides and checking out other’s rides.The level of customization of the vehicles in the show this year was amazing. Long term this will lead to residual business for us at Sanford Sound. A huge shout out to all, especially family and staff who participated in, and contributed to, the very successful 27th Annual Sanford Sound Show-n-Shine”

Amazing trophies were prepared for the 21 car show classes.
Attendees at the Show N Shine event checked out a wide range of exhibits.

Sanford, ME is a town of just over 20,000. Sanford Sound is a responsible business member of the community and had an officer on site to help with the increased traffic for the event which packed Route 4 on Sunday afternoon.

Visit sanfordsound.com for more.

Training at the myFirstech Academy Prepares Attendees for the Upcoming Remote Start Season

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SEATTLE, WA (08.01.23) – The recent training sessions at the Seattle myFirstech Academy consisted of 3 sessions, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 24th-26th. Josh Woodie and Doug Reed conducted the sessions. Each session had at least 20 in the people in the training and they came from all parts of the country.

Attendees from one of the 3 sessions gather for a group photo. Firstech’s Josh Woodie is bottom right in the red shirt and Doug Rerd is center in the black shirt.
The myFirstech Academy in Seattle includes a large area for training sessions and hands-on vehicle installation.

“The myFirstech Academy trainings provide practical training that pertains to everyday, real world installations. Installers of all levels are invited to Firstech’s Dallas or Seattle offices to receive direct training from our company’s award winning technical support team. Firstech offers a Level 1 course for new installers and a Level 2 version for experienced installers with at least 2 years of experience” Justin Lee, Firstech Marketing Director related.

Josh Woodie paused during an in-session break.
Attendees gathered around as Doug Reed conducted an in-vehicle training opportunity.

The next two training events are in Dallas TX. The first for KnowledgeFest in August and another free training at the Firstech facility in Dallas suburb of Flower Mound in September.

For upcoming events, dealers and installers can visit https://www.firstechllc.com/calendar for dates and locations. Are next two events are in Dallas, TX for KnowledgeFest (August) and another week of FREE training sessions in September.

SEMA Webinar: What to Know Before Conducting an EV Conversion, August 9

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.01.23) – Electric-vehicle (EV) conversions are a growing opportunity in the automotive aftermarket. For shop owners, technicians and product developers who work on these builds, it’s crucial to clearly understand the safety practices and various EV components involved, as they are critical parts of the process.

SEMA members are invited to the “Skateboard Platform for Electric Vehicles” webinar on Wednesday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m. PDT to learn about the complete process of an EV platform. Attendees will hear from Adam Roe, founder, CEO and product architect of Zero Labs Automotive, as he teaches the components associated with an electrified vehicle and EV conversion, as well as the component names, integration, hazards and diagnosis that are present when converting a gas-powered vehicle to electric. 

Participants will walk away with a thorough understanding of EV conversions from the ground up and engage with Roe as he addresses detailed questions from the audience. Register today!

The 12volt Specialist Hosts ARC Audio In-House Training

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MERRIMACK, NH (07.31.23) – On Thursday, July 27th, the 12volt Specialist hosted an in-house ARC Audio training presented by Brian Mitchell-ARC Audio National Sales Manager. The in-depth integration and DSP training was conducted with Mitchell’s personal Chevrolet pickup in the 12volt Specialist’s HQ installation bay.

This image from the second floor shows Brian Mitchell presenting the integration and DSP session to dealers beside the ARC Audio Chevrolet pickup demo studio.

L Phil Chartier, 12volt Specialist Principal stated “Brian Mitchell spoke to a full house at the 12volt Specialist’s second manufacturer sponsored training hosted in our new Merrimack office.”

Continuing “Dealers from New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts drove from as far away as 2 1/2 hours away for Brian’s integration and DSP training. Brian captivated the dealers and the scheduled 2 hour training wrapped up after nearly 4 hours with all the extra Q&A.”

Attendees viewed the tuning process in real time during Mitchell’s training session on large monitors mounted on the pickup bed…stand up ARC Audio graphics too.

JT Alexander from Capital Car Audio in Epsom NH stated “I really got a lot out of Brian’s sales and tech approach to presenting DSP to customers on the sales floor. We will certainly use it in our store.”

Mike Harootian with Audiomax in Wapole MA offered “DSP tuning is definitely a process. Brian’s ‘read, correct anf tune’ is a straight forward approach that works.”

The 12volt Specialist Harley system also features onboard DSP. ARC Audio motorcycle gear was displayed on the table.

Isaac Giblin, 508 Audio Innovations in Worchester MA commented “I actually attended both integration and DSP trainings hosted by 12volt Specialist. Learning from Kan Ward and Brian Mitchell was a great opportunity to learn from 2 of the very very best in the business.”

Mitchell related “Thanks to the amazing dealers from all over the Northeast! We hope to get attendance like this at all future trainings.”

“We felt a training facility was needed in this part of the country and that was a key part of the decision to open our new HQ in Merrimack. Based on the attendance and positive comments from our first two trainings we are very happy with our new HQ” Chartier concluded.

Mitchell is on an extended road trip from the ARC Audio HQ in Modesto, CA. The journey is over 2600 miles one way to Merrimack NH as the crow flies. On the trip a trailer towing 2 competition vehicles was behind the Chevrolet pickup that competed in the recent 2023 Steel Valley Regional in Wheeling WVA.

For more info email 12voltphil@gmail.com or see 12voltspecialist on Facebook.

Discover New Avenues of Business Growth with the 2023 SEMA Market Report

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.31.23) – Understanding the market, as well as who your customers are and how to connect with them, is imperative for driving business. Automotive aftermarket companies need reliable data and insights to make informed decisions as the industry evolves.

The “2023 SEMA Market Report” provides an overview of the size and scope of the specialty-equipment market in the United States to help SEMA members make better-informed decisions in the next year and beyond. Released in June 2023, the report includes findings on how much consumers spent, where they shopped for specialty-equipment parts and accessories in 2022, and automotive trends and economic factors influencing the market.  

“Understanding purchasing patterns and preferences can help businesses gain a competitive advantage,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “The report is the ultimate guide for businesses seeking to navigate the industry. With this report, they can refine their approach, identify new opportunities and carve out a distinctive plan for what they need their business to focus on.” 

The report is free to SEMA members and includes sections on market sizing, consumer profiles, industry indicators and vehicle information. Learn what the data means and how it can help your business by downloading the report at sema.org/research.