No. 41 Sony Mobile ES Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing debuts Sunday, July 9th

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Sony Car Audio with its Mobile ES brand has a season long, associate sponsorship of NASCAR Cup Series driver, Ryan Preece, who drives for Stewart-Haas Racing. This weekend in Atlanta, GA., Sony launches The Pursuit of the (ES) Elevated Standard as it moves to the primary sponsorship position. Here are the race facts:

● Event: Atlanta 400 (Race 19 of 36)

● Time/Date: 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 9th

● Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia

● Layout: 1.54-mile oval

● Laps/Miles: 260 laps/400 miles

● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps

● TV/Radio: USA Network / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

This weekend marks the first race as the primary partner on the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang for Sony Mobile ES. By scanning the QR code on the No. 41 Sony Mobile ES Ford Mustang, fans at track and viewing the broadcast can enter to win one of six Sony Mobile ES replica autographed Arai NASCAR race helmets and a grand prize of Preece’s autographed race-worn helmet from this weekend’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. From there, fans are just one click away from race-winning, upgraded, Sony Mobile ES sound quality for their car, truck, SUV, boat, or motorcycle. The giveaway ends on Friday, July 14th. Please scan the QR code and join the Pursuit of the Elevated Standard for more information.

Sony’s message is clear – you will want to spend more time in your car with Sony Mobile ES. Sony’s Mobile ES is the result of its insatiable desire to deliver superior In-Car Equipment. Its sound and visual quality are proof of the uncompromising passion of its engineers and advanced technology. The experience it offers will transcend you into a realm of upgraded musical discoveries. Turn on the ignition and turn on your favorite music to lift your spirits, boost your mood, and transform your car environment. Feel every note, hear every breath the artist takes, and bear witness a true-to-life musical experience. Let the music truly manifest throughout your body. Elevating the Standard once again, Sony Mobile ES will redefine your ordinary driving experience. You will truly enjoy spending more time in your car. Available exclusively online at Crutchfield and over 350 authorized Sony Mobile ES retailers in your area highlighted by our dealer locator.

New England’s Ryan Preece kicked off the 2023 season with a strong showing in the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, leading a race-high 43 laps, but ultimately finishing seventh after a fuel pump issue. He has a best points-paying finish of 12th this season, which came at Phoenix Raceway in March. Preece heads to Atlanta, 25th in the overall driver standings with 312 points. The No. 41 SHR Ford Mustang team has continued to improve in recent weeks and has seen more and more consistency, providing a heightened sense of motivation. In 18 points-paying events this season, Preece has six top-15 finishes, four of which have come in the last six points-paying races.

For more information about Sony Mobile ES products, contact your local Sony authorized distributor.

KICKER Welcomed Country-Music Recording Artist Tim Montana to HQ

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STILLWATER, OK (07.07.23) – KICKER welcomed country-music and Americana recording artist and KICKER brand ambassador Tim Montana to World Headquarters here last week to hear his newly upgraded Chevy C-10 and perform in front of 200 in-house employees.

Montana was treated to a demo of the newly minted KICKER Bronco, in addition to a personal tour of the KICKER facility by Director of Brand and Sports Marketing Roger Demaree, who shared the history of the company in the VIP Museum and Visitors Center.

He then witnessed the unveiling from KICKER’s Special Projects team:  the new sound system for his long-owned C-10 featuring a KICKER mono amplifier powering two L7T square subwoofers, housed in a Slosh Tubz enclosure. To power the front stage, a KEY200.4 smart amplifier was used to bring a set of KS-Series coaxials to life. The truck was Montana’s first as a teen, selling it later in life and then locating it once again to purchase once more.

To cap off the afternoon, Montana thrilled a crowd of employees with an acoustic set, featuring personal hits “Hillbilly Rich” and “Rust and Red”, the song written for his beloved Chevy and penned by himself along with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

Visit kicker.com for more.

SSV Works Launches SWITCH Works Alpha12 Digital Smart Switcher

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OXNARD, CA (07.07.23) – SSV Works is proud to announce the launch its new brand SWITCH Works. With the launch comes its new Alpha12 weather-proof electronic smart switcher, a plug-and-play solution controlling 12 accessories from the fully programmable LCD touch buttons that can be customized for each individual vehicle or accessory. The patent-pending Alpha12 is now shipping with MSRPs of $1,149.99 (w/ 3-foot power cable) and $1,199.99 (with 10-foot power cable).

“SWITCH Works by SSV Works’ and its new Alpha12 electronic switcher is the first of its kind, featuring 12 fully programmable outputs, solid state electronics, and IP-rated weather-proofing to handle the rigors of truck, Jeep, marine, RV, and UTV/ATV applications, and more,” explained Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Command the Alpha12 outputs with its hyper-bright LCD touch button controller which allows for full customization of the button graphics and easy viewability in direct sunlight. Users can choose any of the 60+ pre-loaded digital icons or upload your own custom image and assign to any button…thus making the need for stickers unnecessary.”

Additionally, the controller’s compact size allows for multiple mounting options. The positive response LCD touch-button displays are programmable for any accessory or combination of accessories for on-road and off-road vehicle applications. Each Alpha12 unit comes with a Universal RAM Mount for multiple mounting options. Optional vehicle-specific mounting kits will be available soon for seamless in-vehicle integration.

“Alpha12 has 170amp total output, six high current and six low current outputs with live amperage readings,” Kaplan continued. “Each output is a configurable option that can be turned on with the ignition off, Ignition whereas the ignition must be on for the accessory to turn on, or Ignition memory…if you turned the vehicle off with the accessory on, the accessory will automatically turn on next time you turn on your vehicle.”

If you need more than 170 total amps, SWITCH Works allows you to easily connect a second brain while keeping one single controller, keeping your dash clutter-free. Controlling from a secondary location is an option by adding a secondary controller to one brain. Output configuration is a breeze…it can be done directly from the Alpha12 controller, or via a computer app.

The weatherproof brain is made from cast aluminum for maximum heat dissipation to increase reliability and off-road durability. All wires utilize waterproof connectors for secure connections to further increase waterproofing and reliability.

“We are very excited to present the Alpha12 to the powersports and off-road enthusiast,” Kaplan concluded. “We are also excited to have more SWITCH Works products in development, and we are looking forward to presenting them to the industry in the months to come.”

For more information, please visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

Tim Tebow Highlights SEMA Show Main Stage Experience

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.07.23) – World-renowned athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Tim Tebow will share his mission-possible life message with attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show as part of the trade-only event’s professional-development experience. Taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show will highlight Tebow as a keynote speaker on the SEMA Show Main Stage, a new program that will feature iconic personalities in the automotive industry, thought leaders, and entertainers sharing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas and strategies.

“I’m looking forward to helping SEMA Show attendees find their mission and create a life that counts,” said Tebow. “I hope my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned first-hand will inspire them to live a purposeful life that helps them succeed personally and professionally.”

Tim Tebow will be a keynote speaker at the 2023 SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, as part of this year’s comprehensive education program.

Tebow’s keynote address will take place at 1 p.m. on November 2 in the West Hall. His speech is part of a comprehensive SEMA Show Education program that focuses on leadership and year-round skill development.

“We’re really excited about bringing Tim Tebow to our Main Stage Experience as a subject-matter expert who has the knowledge and ability to inspire change,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Director of Education. “His ideas will elevate and strengthen an attendee’s business strategy because he’s a very strong entrepreneur himself. His multigenerational message is going to resonate with all attendees.”

In addition to globally recognized speakers and industry leaders on the Main Stage, the 2023 SEMA Show Education Program will include 99 learning sessions that begin the Monday before the official start of the Show, six highly focused SEMA Education tracks, the Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials program, a Women in Automotive Symposium, and an on-site electric vehicle (EV) certification program. Access to most education programs is included as a benefit to registration.

“The SEMA Show is the only place where aftermarket professionals can discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, and take their careers and businesses from good to great in one location,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “We are committed to ensuring that participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable, and provides the greatest return on investment.”

To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

MB Quart is the Official Parade Radio Sponsor for 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest

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MB Quart is the official parade radio sponsor of the 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest! HOME of the Jeep — the Toledo Jeep Fest attracts more than 70,000 attendees nationwide and even more from Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands. The Jeep celebration gets bigger and BIGGER every year, and 2023 is shaping up to be an incredible Toledo Jeep Fest to remember. The ultimate Jeep party goes down on August 4th (Friday) through the 6th (Sunday), so mark your calendars because MB Quart will be there showcasing vehicle builds and demoing ALL-NEW Jeep Tuned Audio products like Rear Overhead Soundbars and the JL Tailgate Subwoofer System!

MB Quart continues to provide high-quality, innovative audio products for Mobile, Powersports, Marine, RV, and UTV industries, and this event is no different — with all of the focus and spotlight being on Jeep Tuned Audio products and kits for Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest sponsorship will be completely commercial-free radio all-day on Saturday, August 5th (Saturday). The weekend will provide an incredible time to celebrate Jeeps nationwide and from around the world.

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “We are extremely excited to be the official parade radio sponsor of the 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest. It is going to be such a fun weekend, and MB Quart will be bringing some incredible Jeep Tuned Audio to the ultimate party in Ohio! We hope to see you there!”

This weekend-long event includes the festival’s staple attraction – the All-Jeep Parade through downtown Toledo, along with an indoor All-Jeep Exhibit at the Glass City Center, a massive Vendor Midway, a 4-mile run on Sunday coordinated by Run Toledo, and much more. From Music. Defined. audio to incredible vehicle builds — the 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest will be a special 3-day event to be a part of!

Jeeps, audio, and Music. Defined. is coming YOUR WAY Toledo! Plan your 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest NOW! MB Quart is bringing LOUD audio to the ultimate Jeep parade in the nation, and we want you to be a part of all of the Music. Defined. audio action and fun. Download the Toledo Jeep Fest official mobile app to easily keep track of everything in one place! Another record-breaking Toledo Jeep Fest event is on the horizon, and MB Quart is ready to take in ALL OF THE JEEP FUN!

Register your own Jeep at https://toledojeepfest.com/jeep-registration/register-for-the-parade/ or become a volunteer at https://toledojeepfest.com/jeep-registration/volunteer/.

For a complete breakdown of the 2023 Toledo Jeep Fest, visit the official event/show website at https://toledojeepfest.com/ and MB Quart hopes to see YOU there!

The Alpine Experience Got July off to a Fast Start at Summit Sound & Security

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TWINSBURG, OH (07.05.23) – The Alpine Experience was set early Saturday morning July 1st in the parking area in front of Summit Sound & Security. Chris Reavis had the Alpine RAM positioned under the Alpine tent well before the doors opened. When the doors opened at 9AM enthusiasts from the area were ready to experience the latest from Alpine.

Attendees arrived early on Saturday morning for the Alpine Experience at Summit Sound & Security.
The showroom was stacked with Alpine Experience specials.

Chris Jenky, Summit Sound & Security GM related “We started getting the word out about the Alpine Experience at our store a couple weeks ago. We have been in business in Twinsburg for 28 years and our connections in the community are strong. When our customers heard about the Alpine Experience they put it on their schedules to attend. We also had a DJ in the house and that added to the overall Alpine Experience and kept people at the event.”

The showroom was very busy with customers.
Customers at the sales counter finalizing their purchases.

“The Alpine Experience at Summit Sound & Security was amazing. There were 9 vehicles on site loaded with Alpine, including the RAM. There was participation from a local car club that and even members of the local police department were on sight to see the latest and make sure all ran smoothly with the crowd that filled the parking area” Reavis offered.

Inside the store the showroom was very busy. Alpine Experience specials were stacked on the floor and customers filled the sales counter area finalizing their purchases.

“Through the day, Steve McGaffee from Online Marketing, and I performed well over 50 demos in the RAM. Store staff members also did demos for customers in other vehicles at the event that were loaded with Alpine systems. At the end of the day virtually all of the Alpine Status inventory had been sold” Reavis added.

The Alpine Experience events are taking place across the US with Alpine Specialists driving their Alpine pickups to events in their respective regions. Currently Alpine has events on the schedule through July.

Alpine is definitely working to ‘Get Our Shine On’, and create in-store traffic, across the 12volt industry.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

SEMA Awards Nominations Open to Honor Excellence in the Aftermarket

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.05.23) – SEMA members are encouraged to submit their applications for the notable SEMA Industry Awards, which are awarded to leading companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry.

In recognition of the recipient’s exceptional contributions to the specialty-equipment industry throughout the last year, the SEMA Industry Awards are one of the highest honors given by the trade association. A recipient is someone who embodies the industry’s mission while also demonstrating the principles, professionalism, and service that advance the sector.

Mike Burns, CEO of ValvoMax, was named the 2022 Gen-III Innovator of the Year.

Nominations are now open for:

  • Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.
  • Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.
  • Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
  • Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology and/or trends.
  • Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts.

The Industry Awards are presented during SEMA Show week, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2023. The Kick-Off Breakfast, held on Tuesday, Oct. 31, will award both the Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. On Thursday, Nov. 2, the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will recognize the Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Person of the Year, and Content Creator of the Year. Nominations for all five awards are now being accepted at www.sema.org/awards.

The July 4th 2023 Celebration Marked the 247th Anniversary of Independence Day

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12VOLT CENRAL STUDIOS (07.05.23) Tuesday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 247 across the U.S. Many businesses enjoyed a 4-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Monday the 3rd along with Tuesday July 4th.

July 4th 2023 is seeing a return to somewhat normal with the COVID 19 Pandemic fading further in the rear view mirror. That said, the landscape across the US and around the world is far from normal. Inflation is running high and air travel is a nightmare in many cases. Online sales continue to take away from the brick and mortar marketplace. In-person events are returning but everyday life is far from normal.

Swipe left to see MTX, Meyer Distributing, Installations Unlimited, Oracle Lighting, DS18, Memphis Audio, Kenwood, Max Pro Film and 12volt News say Happy 4th of July.

On the 12volt industry side business has slowed for many as consumers make decisions with allocating their disposable income. Uneasiness with regard to price increases and inventory issues persist.

The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2023 was AOK for many even without the stimulus checks. As the second quarter came to a close the price of gas has declined but mounting social issues cloud the future. Reports are business has definitely slowed. Worldwide unrest adds to the cloudy future.

Now, as the second half of 2023 gets underway, all businesses must evaluate their game plans and make appropriate adjustments. Importantly, businesses must adjust their shoulder pads and tighten the chin straps on their helmets. Now, as the clock for the second half of 2023 has started, all businesses must keep their eye on the ball, work their game plans and be prepared to quickly make necessary adjustments. Importantly brick and mortar retailers must work to create excitement in their market to drive in-store traffic and business.

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt..PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO..your company could be in the news. As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be… ‘Jammin’ N July’.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry.

PowerBass Releases New Universal RGB Controller

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ONTARIO, CA (06.05.23) – Take control of the party lights to the palm of your hand with the new XL-RGB1 Universal RGB Controller! Designed to work *plug and play with PowerBass XL-SST, XLM, XL-POD2SR, and XL-PODLRG models or connect to any RGB lighting for complete control!

The XL-RGB1 allows for an infinite amount of color choices with preset colors or dial in your own color from the RGB wheel.

Want to really get the light show going?
Use one of the Preset Effects or create your own easily in the app, but wait there’s more, the XL-RGB1 can even sync the lighting effects to your music for the ultimate party vibe!

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

SEMA High School Vehicle Builds Go to Auction, Bidding Closes July 5

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.05.23) – Two customized Jeeps and one customized 4Runner, modified as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, are now available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com.

Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers and was built by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.

Mon Valley Career & Technology Center | 2002 Jeep Wrangler
Bid and learn more here.
Wichita Falls Career Education Center | 1999 Jeep Wrangler
Bid and learn more here.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School | 1996 4Runner  
Bid and learn more here.

The public is invited to bid on the vehicles in the auctions currently running on BringaTrailer.com.

Check out each build below and learn more by visiting the auction link for each. Bidding closes Wednesday, July 5.

These builds wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support and generosity of the sponsors who helped make this happen. To see a complete list of the supporters, visit sema.org/student-builds#sponsors. 

For more details about the program and the vehicles, visit sema.org/student-builds.