DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.15.23) – SEMA members who would like to stay informed on emerging engine technology can watch three new videos by the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) that will delve into electric vehicle (EV) technology, alternative fuels and the changing landscape of the automotive aftermarket.
The first video, set to be released on August 30, features a conversation on “Electric Vehicles and The Changing Landscape of the Automotive Aftermarket” by Bob Morreale of The Tuning School and Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. The discussion will help industry members understand how OEMs are moving forward with electrification via hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and how this has sparked an entirely new industry of electric aftermarket vehicles and products.
Viewers will gain insight into current and anticipated legislation adoption that will develop over the next 10 years, as well as the pros and cons of EVs and aftermarket opportunities.
With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposing new federal emissions standards intended to dramatically increase sales of EVs, ETTN’s video “How Companies Are Navigating Regulation and Pivoting to Hybrid and EV” on September 13 will effectively dive into the various fuel innovation technologies that are often ignored on the road to zero emissions. Viewers will gain a better understanding of BEVs, biofuels and hydrogen technologies and the regulations, opportunities and challenges that come with each. This insightful video is led by Rob Simons of Automotive Consulting Services, and Tobi Tubiak of Ricardo.
During “Biofuels – Continuing the Conversation” on September 27, viewers will learn how biofuels have progressed since ETTN’s first live chat on the topic published in 2021. (Watch the first installment here).
As the industry continues to look for fuel alternatives, biofuels may become the in-between that automobile manufacturers can use for performance ICE vehicles alongside their EV fleet. Tune in to hear from Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane, and Bjorn Noack, director at Bosch, as they explore where the aftermarket and internal combustion engines (ICE) will be in the next 15 years. Other topics addressed are legislation that supports and hinders biofuel development, companies that are currently investing in this technology and whether or not the average enthusiast has access to biofuels.
Each video will go live on the ETTN Facebook page at 12:00 p.m. PDT on the day of its release. Industry members are invited to tune in at that time and join the conversation with one another in the comments.
WHEELING, WV (08.14.23) – The new Steel Valley Regional venue at the Wesbanco Arena drew rave reviews from participants at this year’s event that took place July 22nd and 23rd. The Steel Valley Regional (SRV) is the largest indoor Sound Quality competition next to the World Finals.
The Wesbanco Arena floor filled with vehicles for the Sound Quality Competition.
“We had over 500 Score Sheets with around 60 SQ Cars competing over the weekend including cars from Mexico, Florida and California competing at the weekend event. Competitions included SVR Money Round, EMMA, IASCA and MASQ” Larry Chijner related.
Larry Chijner welcomes competitors to the SVR XII event
This year’s show was moved from Mountaineer Casino to Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling WV because the Mountaineer is closing the HARV Arena. Hotel and restaurants accommodations were much improved at the new location as all were10 minutes from the Competition Arena.
Chijner continued “The competitors and judges loved the new Venue and the show was run professionally by Keith Turner from Soundstage Shows and Charles Knight. Keith and Soundstage SQ Shows is one of the major promoters of SQ Shows in the country. Prior to setting up Soundstage Keith has helped me run SVR for many, many years.”
Larry Chijner welcomes competitors to the SVR XII event
Larry Chijner welcomes competitors to the SVR XII event
“Linda Kobyashi and Richard Papasin travelled from the West Coast were on site as invited judges and Richard helped judge the money round and Linda helping with EMMA. The new venue was terrific and this year’s SQ competitors raised the bar with great systems and installations.”
First Place Money Round Winner Natan Budiono with his trophy.
Soundstage team Charles Knight and Keith Turner.
Dave Clews, 12volt Dave’s, once again made the trip from Pottsville PA to compete at the Steel Valley Regional. “Once again it was a terrific weekend. Meeting face-to-face with industry members and competitors is always super. The new venue is super and I look forward the the 2024 SVR.”
Top 10 Money Round winners with their awards.
Concluding “I would have to say this year’s show was the Best Ever as we SOLD OUT the 60 Cars in 8 Hours. SQ Competition is still very relevant and I’m seeing growth from the Retailers to the competitors participation. We had IASCA, EMMA and MASQ Formats supported at SVR this year and was a lead up to the World Finals October 15th weekend in Birmingham Alabama!!
Richard Papasin and Linda Kobayashi wait in the San Francisco terminal ready to catch a red-eye flight east after judging a BassWars Summer Beat Down event in Bloomington CA earlier that day. A big 12volt Central Studios THANK YOU to Linda for supplying great images and info in this article.
Next Year’s SVR XIII is tentatively scheduled for July 26, 27, 28 2024 at Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling WV.
MIAMI, FL (08.14.23) – Nakamichi Car Audio recently received a large shipment of its popular NA3625-WUX floating face Bluetooth receiver.
The single DIN 10.1-inch adjustable screen receiver first began shipping in March of this year. The unit offers wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a whole host of attributes including 4-volt front and rear RCA outputs, 4-volt subwoofer RCA outputs, 10-band EQ (+/- 12dB), multi-color button illumination, SWC (Steering Wheel Control) 3.5mm input jack, quick USB charging and 4-way screen adjustment (side to side 15-degrees and up or down tilt of 25-degrees). An improved user menu with Rapid Gesture Touch Screen includes other new features such as:
Jason Proios, Product Development & Technical Services Manager for Nakamichi seen holding a NA3625-WUX fresh from the pallets that arrived last week.
Simplified Digital Time Delay
Adjustable Low Pass Crossover
Adjustable High Pass Crossover
Advanced Subwoofer Control
720P High Def Back-up Camera Output
Customizable Wallpaper
“This is our most advanced receiver to date”, stated Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio. “The new operating system has been openly embraced by our dealers”. The NA3525-WUX is currently the flagship of the Nakamichi line in the USA. MSRP is $450.00
Nakamichi will once again be exhibiting at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas October 31 through November 3, 2023.
VACAVILLE, CA (08.14.23) – Aegis Distribution Inc. (ADi) has announced a new collaboration with the well known Rainbow Audio. This partnership will allow ADi to carry another exquisite line of car audio speakers and amplifiers, all engineered with German precision by Rainbow Audio.
Rainbow gained fame in the early 2000s for their remarkable speaker offerings. They are now returning with enhanced versions of those beloved products, complemented by a more comprehensive selection of speaker options. Additionally, Rainbow’s new line includes amplifiers ranging from Class AB sound quality amplifiers to super-efficient class D micro amps. The latter delivers a clean, clear 120W RMS at just 2.5” x 3.5”, making them ideal for Electrics and Motorsports.
“Anybody around in the early 2000s is already familiar with Rainbow products,” stated ADi president Scott Welch. “We have requests from several companies, but we actually went looking for Rainbow. In conversations with dealers, they were asking us to bring it back and are anxious to be able to have Rainbow back in their stores.”
Rainbow’s comeback underscores its commitment to excellence, maintaining the qualities that first made it a household name while integrating the latest advancements in audio technology. With this reintroduction, ADi continues to be a destination for audio enthusiasts of all levels, providing quality, innovation, and satisfaction.
ADi, headquartered in Vacaville, California, was formed in 2022 by a group of manufacturers and investors with the goal of bringing high-end car audio products to the Americas, tailored and fine tuned to fit the unique needs of these regions.
For more information or dealer inquiries, please contact ADi at sales@aegisdis.com or by phone at 707-399-3069
SHREVEPORT LA (08.12.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Current Automotive Design won the KICKER prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 232 on Friday morning, August 11th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 232nd time on Friday morning August 11th. The Wheel landed on the KICKER space and the Current Automotive Design slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in Sparta NJ to let them know a KICKER prize will be headed that way. We spoke with Bryan Murillo-Stasiak and he was very happy to hear the good news. Bryan makes great posts on Instagram with vehicles posted in his facility that grabs the attention from his social media followers.
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, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the 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, 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, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen and Music In Motion is Alsip IL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, August 18th.
BOCA RATON, FL (08.11.23) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its exponential growth with six additional locations planned for development throughout North and South Carolina.
Under the agreement, Shawn McMaster, Jaysen McMaster Forman and Candi Krueger, who opened Tint World locations in Fayeteville and Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2023, will open three additional locations in North Carolina (Asheville, Weddington, Winston-Salem) and three in South Carolina (Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg) in the coming several years.
“We’re proud to set out on this journey with Shawn, Jaysen, and Candi,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Along with our other franchisees in this region, and throughout the markets we serve, they have delivered spectacular results. That’s a powerful statement about our proven franchise systems and our commitment to ensuring Tint World franchisees have every opportunity to maximize the financial and business potential in their markets.”
Tint World currently has nine locations in North Carolina and two locations in South Carolina, all of which have been among the fastest growing franchises in recent years.
“Our experience with Tint World has been nothing but rewarding,” McMaster said. “We all have different backgrounds, and that diversity allows us to deliver comprehensive high-quality service and products for every driver in our current and future markets. We’re also able to take full advantage of all the tools and benefits Tint World offers franchisees, and we’re incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead of us thanks to this agreement.”
KNOXVILLE, TN (08.11.23) – Competitors at the 26th Annual dB Drag Racing World Finals locations in Owensboro KY and Antioch CA* will receive complimentary electrical power in their pit stall thanks to XS Power. This is a huge benefit for Finals participants as electrical power usually adds $75.00 or more to the cost of participation. On behalf of all Finals competitors, the dBDRA wishes to extend our gratitude to XS Power for their generous contribution. (* Indoor pit stalls in CA are limited and on a first to register basis)
XS Power Batteries was established in 2005 and has been dominating the winner’s circles of the competition lanes from the start. With in-house testing, and the services of outside accredited labs, as well as outside experts, XS Power Batteries insures the best in their products. XS Power utilizes the highest energy density chemistry known in AGM batteries, XSP is now the battery of choice for competition car audio. With large 12V batteries as well as the 16V models, more and more records are being smashed every day with XS Power Batteries on board.
To learn more about XS Power Batteries: 4xspower.com
For booth pricing and additional sponsorship information, please contact: marketing@termpro.com
ONTARIO, CA (08.11.23) – PowerBass has released new XL-SBCONRS *Wireless Remote Control for XL-50 V2 Soundbars. Control your new XL-50 Series Soundbar from the dash with the new XL-SBCONRS.
Designed for outdoor use the XL-SBCONRS sends an RF signal to your soundbar even in direct sunlight! The XL-SBCONRS gives you the freedom to change the volume, track, fast forward/rewind, play/pause with a simple push of a button.
Hardwire the XL-SBCONRS to power up the unit, then pair wirelessly to your soundbar for total control from the comfort of the driver seat.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (08.10.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will attend the 11th annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion (GSMJCI) at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN from Thursday, August 24 to Saturday, August 26. Alpine returns to GSMJCI for the first time since 2019, this time increasing its presence with a larger booth footprint to host the official Alpine Event Trailer and an installation booth.
Alpine will join over a hundred vendors outside the LeConte Convention Center (in the Jake Thomas Parking Lot) in a 30’ x 100’ booth space stocked with the latest dash and audio solutions designed specifically for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator driver. All products will be available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing.
In addition to the vendor booth, Alpine will also have a 30’ x 80’ installation bay, powered by Tampa-based Alpine Authorized Retailer Soundwaves, so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed. The installation space will be located directly next to the Alpine booth space.
Two Alpine 2018 Jeep Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep interior and retain the features Jeep drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep driver.
A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.
Alpine’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep-specific solutions designed for older Jeep Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.
Alpine’s show vehicle “Switchback,” a 2020 Jeep Gladiator, will showcase a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorizedBluetooth speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.
All GSMJCI visitors are encouraged to visit the Alpine booth and take advantage of the special, event-only deals and on-site installation services during the three-day event.
PHOENIX, AZ (08.10.23) –Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, will host a shop owner roundtable on August 22 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET. The webinar will focus on recruiting and retention within shops with special topics to be covered including tips for hiring top talent and the benefit and importance of apprentice programs.
Fullbay CEO Patrick McKittrick and COO Chris O’Brien will be joined by Mike Schwarz, Co-Owner of JE-CO Truck and Trailer as well as Ian Matje, Diesel/Automotive Technology Instructor to host the panel-style webinar.
“Fullbay is looking forward to hosting another shop owner roundtable and continuing to build connections with industry partners and fellow shop owners,” said McKittrick. “These roundtable discussions, which are a part of the company’s series of free webinars, are designed to pick the brains of industry veterans and peers alike to identify and solve the shop owner’s most pressing issues for the advancement of shops across the country.”
Registered attendees will be able to submit questions to be answered live during the event. To register or to submit a question for the webinar, click here. For more information on Fullbay, visit fullbay.com.
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