OXNARD, CA (06.01.23) – SSV Works has announced the launch of the new plug-and-play 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons for 2021+ 2-door Ford Broncos. Available loaded (p/n BR-2B65A) or unloaded (p/n BR-2B65U), the patent-pending system is now shipping. SSV Works launched the 4-door solution for Ford Bronco 2021+ model years earlier this year.
“The new Broncos have become immensely popular in a short period of time, and we quickly realized its audio system needed an additional audio option,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Designed specifically for the new 2- and 4-door Broncos, our new 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons provide easy installation in the rear factory roll cage using factory mounting locations. Optimized for sound quality, these pods are weather-proof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, making them the ideal audio systems when out on the trails or on the beach.”
The loaded pods for 2-door Broncos come with 6.5in., 120 Watt (peak) SSV Works powersports speakers with a 25mm tweeter and weather-proof EPDM dual-lock gasket with an MSRP of $359.99. Pods with included Kicker speakers have an MSRP of $469.99. If you already have the speakers, the unloaded pods have an MSRP of $249.99.
Additional features and specifications include: • Includes stainless steel hardware, molded grommet, & integrated speaker terminals • Plug-&-Play harness allows for both factory or external amplifier connectivity • Dimensions: 19.75in x 11.5in x 8.6in • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty of both the pods and the SSV Works speakers
SAN JOSE, CA (05.31.23) – The new Audio Design location was unveiled with an Open House and Grand Opening the weekend of May 19th and 20th. The new store is 22,000 sq ft with multiple showrooms with custom active product displays. The second floor features a large conference meeting area and kitchen. The entry hall sets the stage for what consumers will see when they enter the new store. Work on the new location began in July of 2022.
A selection of super high end and classic cars greeted those arriving for the Grand Opening under a sunny sky.
Mike Hong, who founded Audio Design in 2007, stated “The turnout and support from industry members, customers and consumers from the community was very rewarding. Our goal for our new location was to raise the bar and create an in-store experience people had never experienced. Comments from people attending our weekend activities let us know we achieved our goals.”
The KICKER Chrysler 300 was Livin’Loud out front.
A highlight in one upfront showroom is an Alpine F#1 Tesla on display. Jason Hannon, Alpine Western Regional, related “What Mike Hong and his Team have created with this new state-of-the-art facility is truly remarkable. Audio Design is able to show consumers the very best in home and car audio. Consumers get the ultimate experience from the moment they walk through the door and having the Alpine F#1 Status Tesla on display in the showroom reinforces that messaging and experience. We were honored to be part of the Grand Opening and look forward to continuing our partnership with Mike and the entire Audio Design Team.”
The Alpine F#1 Status Tesla is showcased for live demos in an up front showroom.
KICKER area representative Dana Doyle, Doyle Sales, was in the house with his Livin’Loud Chrysler 300 out front. “The new Audio Design store is certainly a show place for consumer electronics. It’s a very big store with a second floor for meetings and trainings. Six demo cars could actually be displayed on the main level. Mike Hong and his Team are certainly to be congratulated.”
Amazing corridors led Grand Opening attendees through the new Audio Design facility.
The new Audio Design facility is located at 5158 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.31.23) – SEMA members have elected Melanie White, President of Hellwig Products, and Ted Wentz III, CEO of Quadratec, to lead the association over the next several years as key members of the 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors.
Melanie White
White was voted incoming chair and fills the position held for the past two years by Kyle Fickler (ProCharger), who will begin his term as chairman in July when James Lawrence (Power Automedia) concludes his term in that position. White’s current seat on the Board will be filled by Marcus Umlauff (Toyota North America) for the balance of the two-year seat. Current SEMA Board member Wentz was re-elected to serve another term of three years.
SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers’ rep, and services.
Ted Wentz III
The SEMA Board of Directors for 2023-2024 will be as follows:
Board Officers
Chairman – Kyle Fickler, Director of Business Development, ProCharger
Kathryn Reinhardt – Senior VP of Marketing and Events, Hemmings
Marcus Umlauff – General Manager-Truck, Toyota North America
Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec, Inc.
Steve Whipple – President, PRW Industries, Inc.
Outgoing Board Members
Tim Martin – CEO, Aftermarket Advisors
Les Rudd – President/CSO, Bob Cook Sales
The entire 2023-2024 SEMA Board of Directors and outgoing Board members will be honored and recognized during the 2023 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly the SEMA Awards Gala) in Anaheim, Calif., on July 21. All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration by purchasing tickets at www.sema.org/gala.
MORTON GROVE, IL (05.30.23) – The House of Electronics 2023 Dealer Show took place at the company’s Morton Grove facility on Tuesday May 23rd. A massive 5000 sq ft tent was placed in the parking area with vendor booths arranged throughout the space. Lights were in place as the the event started at 6pm with the Sound Off Competition on the grounds starting at 7pm. The Dealer Show wrapped at 11pm.
Exhibitors were setup in a 5000 sq ft tent with over brands on display.
Teg Manchanda related “We had a great turnout for our show…over 50 dealers showed up, 106 people, and we had fresh street tacos made to order. Over 25 reps representing more than 40 vendors were setup under the tent banquet style to showcase the latest in their lines at our show that included had over 100 items with super show special prices. Some brands, including Kicker, Pioneer, Maxxsonics, SounDigital, Metra, Reikken, Atrend, Zapco, Race Sport Lighting, PRV, BOSS, Epsilon and Magnadyne showed their latest.”
The Sound Off Competiton drew over 20 competitors plus many customized rides along with Vanderhalls and SlingShots.
Kicker was Livin’Loud with a demo pickup outside and a booth inside. Tom Ebeling, area representative and Lori Boyer showed a wide variety of Kicker’s car, truck, marine, motorcycle and Powersports products. Boyer, Area Regional, traveled from Kicker HQ in Stillwater OK to attend the House of Electronics 2023 Dealer Show.
The KICKER demo pickup was Livin’Loud with Tom Ebeling behind the wheel.
Ebeling offered “The House Dealer show was top notch. Kicker has such a wide variety of products and it was great to show them all to dealers. The Kicker demo truck I have in the territory really opened eyes with the sound quality, under seat enclosure and custom installation. Kicker wrap is like a magnet at an event. The work on the Slingshots in the Sound Off Competition was amazing and gave many dealers ideas for business at their stores.”
Race Sport Lighting rolled out a new ATV at the House of Electronics Dealer Show.
Armando Parra traveled from Magnadyne’s Florida office to show the latest from Silencer Car Security and Remote Start products. “The House Dealer Show was terrific. There was so much energy in the air with dealers checking out products plus the show cars, Slingshots and Vanderhalls in the Sound Off Competition were amazing” Parra relayed.
Josh Johnson from Loud Stereo took home the 4’ Sound Off Competition winners trophy.
Maxxsonic’s Sam Dattalo was set up with a booth highlighting MB Quart and Hifonics. “We showed new MB Quart speakers with RGB lighting that really grabbed dealers attention along with the Hifonics amps and subwoofers” Dattalo stated.
Pat Szeman displayed the latest from Reikken Batteries while Ernie Hudnal highlighted the latest Atrend enclosures and Zapco offerings.
Race Sport Lighting rolled out a demo ATV that showcased the company’s latest light bars.
SlingShots and Vanderhalls faced off.
Concluding Manchanda stated “The Sound Off Competition started at 7pm in which 20 plus cars were entered to compete and the winner, Josh Johnson from Loud Stereo, took home a 4 foot trophy and a $400 credit to shop at House. All Dealers were given a free subwoofer if they met with every vendor and got signatures from the reps on a Signature Sheet we gave them when they entered. The Show ended at 11PM and we had a great day of business and a great time!”
Tom Ebeling-Tree Assoc, Armando Parra and Teg Manchanda supplied images for this feature article.
BATTLE GROUND, WA (05.3023) – Trailblazers in the Pacific Northwest market, the Crossover Marketing Group is thrilled to unveil their new incentive program, designed to reward dealers who write orders consistently.
The rewards program enables buyers to amass ‘Crossover Points,’ for orders placed across all brands sold by the Group. Buyers earn points in increments of $2,500 per order. For example, an order worth $8,000 would garner three points.
The Crossover Marketing Group team
These points act as tickets that are then entered into a raffle for premium prizes, with winners selected at the end of each month. Crossover Marketing will work closely with our Manufacturer partners to create exciting prizes and shift focus on participating manufacturers in the months that they provide support.
Essentially, the more a buyer writes in orders, the more Crossover Points they earn, increasing their chances of winning a prize. Distributor accounts are factored at a rate of 10X (or $25,000 per point). “Think of our new Crossover Rewards program as the perfect playlist for our loyal dealers. It’s all about celebrating your hard work—each order you write is like a hit track, and we want to keep those hits coming! Easy, fun, and a big ‘thank you’ from us to our dealers. With us you’re not just a dealer—you’re a rockstar!” said Rob Sutton of Crossover Marketing.
Every month, we will randomly draw a winner from all the Crossover Points earned during that month, then start over with all new points the next month. Monthly winners will be notified by email.
SPARTENBURG, SC (05.30.23) – Elite Audio, with Joe Zelano behind the wheel, has served the community and surrounding area for over 30 years.
“It’s been a fun journey and we have certainly seen tremendous changes across the 12volt industry. Not only in products and vehicles but how to reach and connect with consumers in today’s internet driven marketplace,” Zelano stated.
The XL-1250 grille was removed to show the speakers for the social media post.
To stay in front of consumers Elite Audio makes frequent social media posts. “Today consumers spend hours a day on their mobile devices. Social media posts, like a recent PowerBass SoundBar post, is an example. The new XL-1250 SoundBar has 12 speakers powered by a 500 watt amp and sounds great. It also has many applications. The post we made was right before the Memorial Day holiday as many in our area might be on the lake, trail or golf course. Letting them know planted a seed for them to rock over the holiday. Our post showed the SoundBar on display in our showroom and invited all in for a demo. We also included separate images with the grille removed so people could see the speakers. Being able to deliver that message directly to a consumer is powerful,” Zelano added.
The PowerBass XL-1250 Soundbar prominently displayed in the showroom.
Elite Audio was on site at the recent K’Fest in Orlando. “Staying ahead of the curve because we care about our cars and customer’s future enjoyment was high on our list in Orlando for our staff members. The training sessions were very informative and there were super vehicles on the event floor… our hats off to the shops that did the builds. We also made social media posts spotlighting those builds,” Zelano concluded.
The Elite staff includes 6 full time professionals plus 2 part time employees. The company’s product mix include car audio, video, remote start, safety, remote start, wheels tires, suspension, lighting and accessories. The Powersports, bike and marine categories have added to the company’s 12volt side category offerings. Home AV is also included in Elite Audio’s offerings for area consumers.
SHREVEPORT, LA (05.29.2023) – Memorial Day is the Federal Holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The Holiday’s exact origins are uncertain, but it came out of Civil War traditions of decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers. Many cities and individuals claimed to have been the first to celebrate the event. In 1868 General John A Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a Decoration Day, which was widely celebrated. By 1890 every Northern state had adopted it as a Holiday. The World Wars turned it into a generalized day of remembrance, instead of just for the Civil War. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as Memorial Day and changed its observance.
This Holiday is observed on the last Monday in May. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of the Summer in he United States.
We trust all across the 12volt industry who have lost a loved one in conflict will remember those lost on this Memorial Day 2023.
SHREVEPORT LA (05.27.23) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is set to Spin again on Friday June 2nd. 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 set to Spin next Friday, June 2nd.
AlloyGator is now on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel with the next Spin set for next Friday June 2nd. AlloyGator wheel protection systems are engineered with teeth to offer protection for the expensive tires and wheels on the rides of enthusiasts while providing profit opportunities for 12volt retailers.
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, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, AlloyGator and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
The ambulance ride Monday morning April 3rd sidelined the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel for 2 months.
Over 220 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 and Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME..
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, June 2nd.
ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND (05.26.23) – The Isle of Wight is a beautiful picturesque small island off the South Coast of England. Thousands of car audio enthusiasts from all over the mainland take the ferry for the one hour ride from Southampton each summer to attend the Isle of Wight Takeover. The Isle Of Wight Takeover 2023 took place on Sunday, May 21st.
The Safe and Sound Essex team-George, Lee and Richard with Carl (LtoR) and the PowerBass van headed to the event site.
Carl Huntington, who drives PowerBass business on the Continent, related “We were waving the PowerBass flag with Safe and Sound Essex at the Isle of Wight Takeover 2023. Lee Glover, and his team members George and Richard, were set up under a PowerBass tent installing and offering PowerBass as the audio option. During the event Safe and Sound Essex sold a selection of PowerBass products and as always the Ford OE Speakers sold like hotcakes.”
Huntington and the Safe and Sound Team arrived Thursday night so there would be ample time to get all set for the Sunday event. They stayed at an Air B&B which gave all an opportunity tp plan the event’s activities and set plans moving forward during the busy summer season. Following the Sunday event the vans were packed up for the trip back to the mainland Monday morning.
As a note of interest gasoline at the present time is running about $8.00 a gallon in the UK. Huntington’s large PowerBass van takes up a lot of space on the old narrow UK roads as he makes trips to see PowerBass dealers.
The PowerBass setup drew attention and drove sales at the Isle of Wight Takeover.
The team stayed in an Air B&B during the event and the PowerBass was loaded with inventory for the event.
Lee Glover’s Safe and Sound Essex has been onboard with PowerBass since Huntington began representing the brand on the European Continent. Over the years Glover has attended CES and toured the PowerBass HQ in Ontario CA.
“Carl and the great dealers like Lee at Safe and Sound Essex have done an amazing job with the PowerBass line across the UK. We love seeing our super partners getting out to events and helping their customers get great sounding car audio” Erik Harbour, VP Product Development & Global Marketing, stated.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.26.23) – RealTruck Inc.–the premier manufacturer of aftermarket truck parts and accessories–has officially rebranded all areas of its business following a training session at the SEMA Garage in Detroit.
RealTruck sent its sales team to a three-day cross-training event at the SEMA Garage to ensure its team members are equipped to assist its customers. Participants received classroom instruction on more than 300 of RealTruck’s vast product offerings and hands-on training for the installation of several truck bed covers, including the upcoming Retrax EQ, AMP PowerSteps, BackRack headache racks, AVS LightShield Pro and more straight from the state-of-the-art facility.
“SEMA Garage offers us a unique opportunity to train a large group of people in a comfortable, well-equipped facility. Having a garage setting that will accommodate a lot of trucks and people to experience ‘hands-on’ installations is an important and welcome resource,” said Ryan Herman, executive vice president of sales at RealTruck.
The SEMA research and validation facility is 45,000 sq. ft., giving 7,000 SEMA-member businesses access to 3D scanning, 3D printing, ADAS testing, vehicle measuring sessions, fully equipped bays, and emissions testing and certification.
“There really isn’t a facility that can accommodate our needs as well as SEMA Garage. We brought in our entire outside sales force from around the country, and this experience has been a terrific way to teach, share and work together,” said Herman.
RealTruck announced its rebrand from Truck Hero last July and, since then, has been working with its various departments and facilities to roll out a new brand identity and sales team. In addition, the company has transitioned its manufacturing websites and dealer locator to realtruck.com, making it easier for millions of do-it-for-me truck owners to find dealers and local resources for professional installation.
For more information, including how to sign up for the SEMA Garage services, visit SEMAGarage.com or contact garage@sema.org. For more information on RealTruck, visit realtruck.com.
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