STILLWATER, OK (06.19.23) – As part of KICKER’s sponsorship of the event, KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey will judge the SkillsUSA Championships June 19-23, during SkillsUSA’s 59th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.
The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. These skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.
“We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” said Malin. “There are 107 different categories of competition within SkillsUSA, each category stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace; so when they graduate, they are positioned to enter a job and immediately contribute. The 12-volt industry needs more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table.”
The event includes a written examination covering the Basic MECP certification, a professional interview and five hands-on applications that include taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering, working with relay circuits and troubleshooting electronic circuitry.
KICKER is donating over $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.
“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level,” Malin said. “As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in the very exciting and quickly evolving industry.”
SHREVEPORT, LA (06.19.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios’ staff, works to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool in 2020 was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and positive activities to members of the 12volt industry.
The 12volt Central Studios is Jammin’ N June. The images below are examples of the 12volt STP Tool at work in just the last 5 days. There will be much more to come as coverage of events and activities across the 12volt industry take place.
The Alpine Experience RAM was positioned early Friday morning June 16th in front of Amped Auto and Audio in Rochester MN. This was the last stop on Chris Reavis’ 9 Alpine Experience event tour in 16 days that covered well over 3000 miles.
A demo under way from the Arrowhead Sales ‘Dare To Listen JBL’ trailer at the Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence MO. Chris Pace was on site connecting with enthusiasts at the C10 Shindig on Saturday, June 17th.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase their positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318-465-0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
The Horizon Audio crew-Canton OH in the showroom following the JVC training on Thursday June 15th. Josh Bowen (C) conducted the training and End Result’s Ed Dalesandro is 3rd from the left with Rusty North behind the camera.
Junior Odeh shows the new King Box center console enclosure that is now shipping. The console features a 12” cutout, two 6.5” cutouts, two tweeter cutouts plus a port.
Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends over 5 hours a day on their smartphone.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
The JBL Palooza with Crutchfield crews showcased products and training along with providing fun times too as Leigh Powell snapped this image at the company’s Charlottesville VA HQ.
The 12voltSTP Tool is Jammin’ N June
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities by utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.19.23) – In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage Detroit is excited to announce a Measuring Session for the newly designed ’23 Ford SuperDuty.
SEMA members will be allowed to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan and measure, and have a close-up experience with their builds.
This event will feature two ’23 Ford SuperDuty Truck platforms:
6.7L Hi Output Diesel Power Stroke Tremor Off Road and Lariat Ultimate Package Pro Power Onboard-2Kw Roof clearance lights Leather seats 12-in. productivity screen 6-ft. pickup box In addition, SEMA has also recently added new, highly anticipated OEM CAD data into the Tech Transfer program. More details can be found at semagarage/techtransfter.
Event Dates: June 27–29, 2023
This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan. The event will require scheduled appointments.
Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. Please only register two attendees per member company. A follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.
Elena Johnson OSU Journalism contributed to this article
STILLWATER, OK (06.16.23) – SkillsUSA prepares students for the workforce and students in the Mobile Electronics Division will compete for recognition at the national competition in Atlanta. The conference will be held at the Georgia World Conferencee Center in Atlanta and attract over 6500 competitors in 110 competitions.
KICKER Audio is a strong supporter of the SkillsUSA initiative. Aaron Malin, TECH Force Global Training Manager, has participated in previous SkillsUSA National Conferences. Malin and Jacob Luckey are headed to Atlanta for the 2023 Skills USA Conference.
Aaron Malin working with one of the students at the local SkillsUSA local session in Stillwater. After the event the 4 winners were bussed to KICKER’s HQ for lunch and a tour.
In April, the local SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Installation competition was held at the Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater OK, Malin was on site as students prepared to showcase their installation and communication skills to judges, and the stakes were high with only three winning spots available for the State high school and secondary/college level competition.
“Each student was prepared to perform to their best abilities for the judges. Some of the stations included soldering, wiring speakers and identifying components. Students were judged on their proficiency in those particular skills and only the top four were chosen to go to state competitions” Malin stated..
Jacob Luckey observes one of the students working on a speaker template.
The Oklahoma state SkillsUSA competition was held on April 25th at the Cox Convention Center in Tulsa. Kicker Global Trainer Jacob Luckey was in the house and presented some of the awards. “The experience was great. It was awesome to see the excitement on the faces and be able to see the students working toward their goals. The conference was well attended and put together” Luckey commented.
SkillsUSA works to bring motivated individuals to the workforce and teach them lifelong skills. There are local, state and national competitions with 53 states participating, according to SkillsUSA.org. Its mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
The four winning students in the KICKER HQ lobby during their tour.
The 12-volt industry is in need of more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table. The overall employment of mobile electronics installers and technicians is projected to show little to no change from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics years.
“We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” related Malin. “Take out qualified… they can’t find people to hire.” Malin will again be one of the judges for the National SkillsUSA competition and has been judging for two years. Malin added that many of the students are put in a position where they can find a suitable job by participating in SkillsUSA national conference.
“There are 110 different categories of competition within SkillsUSA,” Malin said. “Each category stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace…so when students qualify for the national event they are positioned to enter the job market.”
Through SkillsUSA, students have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and make lifelong friends. “It is always exciting when you see the ‘lightbulb’ moment as something really clicks in the mind of a student,” Malin said. “The ‘ah hah!’ that lets you know they really got it! Last year at the national competition in Atlanta, one young man was so excited to introduce me to his mom and siblings after we really connected during his job interview competition. He experienced my admiration and his family’s proud moment, all at the same time.”
This student showing his soldering skills to the judge.
The SkillsUSA State Conference in Tulsa was a chance for local champions to compete for a spot at Nationals and make new valuable connections. “The students that competed got to meet industry partners that are looking for skilled employees and got to make friends with the other competitors and had new experiences while at state” Emily Goff, State SkillsUSA Director, stated.
“Students not only receive valuable skills from these events, but also priceless communication skills. From difficult interviews, to speaking with industry professionals and presenting their skills they also learn difficult communication skills” stated Chris Jack, Technical Chairperson for mobile electronics installation, for SkillsUSA. “My father always said that “I don’t care if you’re going to wipe up dirt off the floor, wear a suit and tie to an interview…no matter what it’s for.”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce, according to SkillsUSA.org. Students excel and often have the opportunity to secure jobs at competitions. “Almost every year, one of my winners has been offered a job before they left the contest,” Jack said.
Concluding Malin commented “The12volt industry needs workers more than ever, and SkillsUSA helps to ensure that they are proficient in their trade. I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry members and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level. As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in our very exciting and quickly evolving industry.”
For more information, visit SkillsUSA.org or contact Chris Jack who handles the 12volt portion of SkillsUSA. Email at cnjacklausd@aol.com.
Elena Johnson OSU Journalism contributed to this article
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.16.23) – The specialty-equipment market showed positive results in 2022 with an overall market growth of 2% and reaching $51.8 billion in sales, according to the new “2023 SEMA Market Report.” This continues a decade of growth for the industry, even among recent economic turmoil created by the pandemic.
While the growth percentage was slightly down from the industry’s typical annual rate of 4% to 5%, the slowing was expected given current economic challenges. SEMA estimates that sales growth will remain fairly flat in 2023, before ramping back up towards the industry’s historical growth trend in 2024.
“Even as economic uncertainty looms, particularly around inflation, consumers are passionate about customizing and continue to buy from our industry,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “This report provides new and relevant findings that businesses can use to better connect with their customers, find areas of opportunity and drive their business.”
Available for download at sema.org/research, the “2023 SEMA Market Report” provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market in 2022 and includes new data on the U.S. market size, consumer profiling and industry trends that can help companies make more informed business decisions.
Key findings from the report include:
Pickup accessorization remains the biggest segment for the industry, topping $15 billion in sales.
The CUV accessory market continues to grow, reaching 14% of specialty-equipment sales in 2022.
Younger people continue to be the most likely to accessorize and perform more upgrades; 50% of those modifying their vehicles are under the age of 40.
50% of accessorizers own a powersports or recreational vehicle, opening up cross-selling opportunities.
More than 80% of companies expect their sales to stay the same or grow in 2023.
SEMA members can download the report for free at sema.org/research. Discover key findings in the report during the upcoming “SEMA Market Update” webinar on Wednesday, June 21. Register for the webinar here.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (06.16.23) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. (elevenengineering.com), a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for professional, home theater, multi-room, portable, 12 Volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications, has announced the two Ukrainian refugee families that will receive the company’s May 2023 profits from its SKAAstore.com. For the second year in a row, the company is helping support Ukrainian families in dire need of assistance during the continued crisis with Russia who are actively working to protect their country.
“As this unnecessary war drags on, the team at SKAA made a commitment to once again support more families that have been affected by Putin’s war in Ukraine in 2023,” said John Sobota, Eleven Engineering CEO. “May 2023 was a record sales month for SKAAstore.com, which means we will provide even greater benefits where it is needed the most. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank our customers for stepping up and helping Eleven Engineering donate this much needed monetary aid, which is the equivalent of the costs for a year’s rent and other family necessities in hopes that the money helps ease any financial burdens on them while they endure and fight for their country’s freedom and independence.”
This year, Eleven Engineering is donating its May SKAAstore.com profits to the Prykhodko family, which consists of father Ruslan, mother Yuliia, and children Dmytro (16) and Daniil (10). The family was displaced by Russian missile bombardments close to home, and Ruslan lost his income since the war began while Yuliia works remotely as the only source of family income.
Also receiving this year’s monetary aid is the Petrunko family, who received Eleven Engineering’s donations last year, as well. The family of four also has first-hand experience with the horrors that come with war. Relocated a number of times since the war began, their home was damaged by shelling, they were forced to flee their occupied village near Kherson. Their escape was harrowing, but the family remained safe thanks to the heroic actions of the father, Viktor. Meanwhile the mother, Kristina, is a member of the Ukrainian armed forces, working every day to fight back against Putin’s onslaught.
“We salute both the Russian people who believe using their country’s military might to shell the homes of children is diabolical, as well as those who risk their lives to protest and resist Putin inside Russia,” Sobota continued. “We hope that our continued small gestures will help Ukrainian families persist with hope and determination as they continue in their noble causes. Thank you to those who fight the good fight.”
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, home to Eleven Engineering’s headquarters, has the largest Ukrainian population of any Canadian city. “And this fact really hits home for us,” Sobota said. “We still challenge other Canadian-based companies to consider stepping up and helping those in Ukraine and the refugees that have fled in any way that they can,” Sobota concluded. “We all need to help because that’s what Canadians do.”
Eleven Engineering invites everyone to share their first-hand stories of heroes from this conflict on its social media platforms.
SKAA is the new wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals which are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.15.23) – As part of SEMA’s initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round, the 2023 SEMA Show will feature a fully customizable hands-on education program that focuses on leadership and skill development, networking, exploration of emerging trends, and industry best practices. Attendees will be able to use this year’s program to jump-start and create a comprehensive year-long educational program.
“We want to support our attendees by offering a customizable learning journey for skill development and competency-based education inclusive of the Show and throughout the rest of the year,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Director of Education. “Our goal is to engage showgoers by creating high-energy learning situations throughout the Show environment and creating educational opportunities that are delivered in various formats, whether they be ‘fireside chats,’ workshops, Main Stage Experiences, or celebrity showcases.”
The 2023 SEMA Show will feature a fully customizable hands-on education program that attendees will be able to use to jump-start and create a comprehensive professional development experience throughout the year.
This year’s program will feature globally recognized speakers and industry leaders sharing their expertise with attendees. Also new for this year is an EV certification program from Legacy EV that offers hands-on training to automotive techs who want an up-skill understanding of EV anatomy, powertrains, and electrical theory. Attendees who complete the program will receive an EV101 certificate from Legacy EV.
“We have been very intentional about selecting our sessions and speakers this year,” explained Brown-Matthis. “All of our speakers are subject-matter experts and industry leaders who have the knowledge and ability to inspire change, and our sessions offer content that is relevant, meaningful and valuable for all our Show participants.”
Other SEMA Show Education Program highlights:
99 sessions by subject matter experts, beginning Monday afternoon (October 30) to provide wider access to education
Six highly focused SEMA Education tracks: Inside the Shop; Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends; Small-Business Strategy; Sales and Marketing; Vehicle Technology and Electric Vehicles; and Legal and Regulatory
Women in Automotive Symposium, including a Micro Learning Lab Experience consisting of four professional-development workshops, keynotes, power networking luncheon and a C-Suite Insights panel
Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials program, a six-part series by executive coaches from the world-renown Dale Carnegie Program that are designed to enhance leadership skills
Education sessions from partners Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).
Access to most education programs are included as a benefit to registration. For more information about the SEMA Show, this year’s Education Program, or to register, visit www.semashow.com.
The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.15.23) – Meet the ALL-NEW MB Quart GMR7V1 7-inch waterproof touchscreen Apple CarPlay source unit! The ALL-NEW flagship leader in MB Quart source units is leading the way with more customizable audio features and enhancements that add depth to every MB Quart listening experience. It’s time to dive deeper into audio playback with the GMR7V1. Get ready to bring out more details of playback and layers of customizable options with the ALL-NEW GMR7V1 waterproof touchscreen Apple CarPlay source unit and also supporting Android devices.
With deeper features like an integrated four-button auxiliary switching system, easy-to-use and simple navigation, and protection against the conditions with it being completely waterproof – the GMR7V1 is the next evolution of source units from MB Quart. Bringing more control and integration with your iPhone or Bluetooth device, the GMR7V1 waterproof CarPlay source unit uses a master knob control button for easy navigation of options and sub-level buttons within a full touchscreen 7-inch display.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “The MB Quart GMR7V1 signifies a huge step forward in the landscape of source units with it being completely waterproof and featuring Apple CarPlay while offering more control to dive deeper into audio with dual-zone adjustments. We are extremely excited for everyone to get their hands on one of these and see how it levels up their MB Quart listening experience. I know that I will be having one of these in my audio setup, and I am excited to try all of the new features that are made available.”
ABOUT THE GMR7V1 WATERPROOF TOUCHSCREEN CARPLAY SOURCE UNIT
No matter what the journey ahead brings, whether it’s Marine, UTV, RV, or Mobile applications – the GMR7V1 7-inch waterproof Apple CarPlay source unit is going to make every adventure more enhanced with tons of incredible new features that bring out more from your audio. The GMR7V1 source unit includes a built-in RGB lighting controller that also adds an accent of the desired color to all of the waterproof buttons under the 7-inch touchscreen display and is easily adjusted with a master knob, zone mute buttons, sub-level buttons, and a full touchscreen 7-inch display.
The GMR7V1 features selectable audio sources that include Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, AM/FM, Weather Band, two USB inputs, and aux input. Integrating four built-in auxiliary switches and a full RGB lighting controller that adds color under every button, the GMR7V1 source unit also includes two camera inputs and one video output. Control more of your sound throughout every listening session with dual-zone and full audio adjustments that control the volume in two different areas independently. Fine-tune any genre of audio to your liking with sub-level control and a 10-band equalizer for an enhanced listening experience.
This touchscreen CarPlay and Android-supported source unit is completely waterproof and LIFE SHIELD IPX-Rated has you fully protected against the elements that outdoor adventures may bring. Enjoy fine-tuning that favorite song and diving deeper into your audio playback with a built-in auxiliary switching system and RGB lighting controller while taking on every outdoor condition.
FEATURES INCLUDE: MARINE GRADE PROTECTION / IPX RATING Meets or exceeds the IPX67 requirements for water and dust proofing with LIFE SHIELD
APPLE CONTROL Wired Apple CarPlay included
SOURCE TYPE AM/FM/Weather Band/Bluetooth allows all access to radio stations and content from Bluetooth-enabled devices
CONTROL BUTTONS GMR7V1 features a master knob, mute buttons, sub-level buttons, and a full touchscreen 7-inch display
DUAL AUDIO ZONE CAPABILITY Control volume in two different areas independently such as the passenger area and tower speakers
MEDIA SCREEN 7-inch high-contrast touchscreen display ensures to be the focal point and highlight of every MB Quart audio installation showcase
Rob Anderson, Marketing and Creative Director said, “This source unit will make an amazing upgrade to every MB Quart audio installation with tons of incredible new features like controlling volume in two different areas independently with dual-zone audio control to total sub-level control and an amazing 10-Band EQ. The source unit also includes an integrated four-button auxiliary switching system adding flexibility to every listening session. I am pumped for people to see what this monster of a source unit can do with all of these enhanced features while being fully protected against the elements with LIFE SHIELD IPX-Rated.”
The ALL-NEW GMR7V1 source unit is changing the MB Quart source unit landscape with dual-zone audio control and dual-zone video inputs and remains completely waterproof with LIFE SHIELD protection. Audio was meant to be controlled and powered with innovation that pushes the boundary forward. The source unit landscape has been upgraded into new dimensions of additions and features with the GMR7V1 waterproof CarPlay source unit.
Upgrade your MB Quart audio system to the GMR7V1 waterproof touchscreen Apple CarPlay source unit and embrace more audio features, user-friendly control, and a larger touchscreen display that enhances every MB Quart audio installation on every Marine, UTV, RV, or Mobile vehicle. GMR7V1 has ARRIVED!
MAKE SURE to contact your Maxxsonics Sales Representative NOW as orders for the ALL-NEW MB Quart GMR7V1 waterproof touchscreen CarPlay source units are GOING FAST!
DANIA BEACH, FL (06.15.23) – Tury Vehicle Enhancement products is excited to announce the newest item to the line up.
The FAST, or Full Acceleration and Safety Technology, product line just got a wicked set of upgrades with the launch of the new FAST MAX series of interfaces. This new throttle control system is not just another signal modifier that gives a vehicle a more responsive feel, it is now a safety device giving drivers peace of mind.
Building on the FAST 3.0 that has become a fan favorite, Tury has added a couple of new hardware features to make the MAX even more desirable. From the new Megic Key Bluetooth Fob (sold separately) to the direct wire input compatible with most telematic units, the FAST MAX can now function as an anti-carjacking device and vehicle immobilizer. Some software updates include features like an AutoLock that now keeps the throttle inactive unless a friendly smartphone or paired MagicKey is detected.
“We are very excited about this amazing release from TURY that will be an incredible asset to protect vehicles all around the country” stated Diogo Iannacconi, CEO of HKI-USA, the importer for Tury.
For more information about the Tury and the other HKI brands, please visit hki-usa.com or e-mail info@hki-usa.com.
TULSA, OK (06.14.23) – The 2023 Rumble and Roll, supporting the Make a Wish Foundation, was a huge success on Thursday, June 8th. Well over 2000 motorcycle enthusiasts rolled through the streets of Tulsa to gather in the Brookside area.
Bikers gathered outside Churchill’s after their Rumble and Roll ride through Tulsa.
The Brookside Center was filled with enthusiasts.
Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa owner related, “We were an Event Sponsor and had a major presence in front of Churchill’s in the Brookside area of Tulsa which was the destination for the bikers. Bikers assembled at the University of Tulsa Reynolds Center and paraded down Peoria street. Through the years the Rumble and Roll event has raised nearly over $400,000 for the Oklahoma Make A Wish Foundation.”
In front of Churchill’s, Car Toys had a large tent set up with 2 bikes for demos plus a table spotlighting Rockford Fosgate products designed for bikes.
The streets were blocked off for the Rumble and Roll crowd.
Car Toys Tulsa staff members connected with bikers.
“Our bike business continues to grow. Putting the Car Toys Tulsa name, along with the Rockford Fosgate brand, in front of so many bikers during the 20th Annual Rumble and Roll was amazing. The 3 hours at the event was non-stop. We gave a ton of demos, sold products, provided quotes and set up installations. In the first days after the event we did several jobs in our bay at the store. The average ticket was right at $2K each” Stewart added.
Rockford Fosgate is a strong brand for bikes at Car Toys Tulsa and was featured at Rumble and Roll.
Bikers enjoyed time together at Churchill’s during the Rumble and Roll evening.
Concluding, Stewart stated, “There was a live band and so much energy at the event. Mark Adams, Chance Rotert and Chad Ball from the store were at the event with me and we talked with so many people. Today retailers need to get out and and connect with consumers and enthusiasts. We definitely did that at the Rumble and Roll. Even though Car Toys Tulsa has been in the Tulsa market for over 3 decades it’s amazing that people will say they didn’t know we worked on bikes, UTVs or boats. That’s another reason we like to work at off site consumer events. Can’t wait for Rumble and Roll 2024.”
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