SACRAMENTO, CA (05.15.23) – The Progressive American Flat Track hosted the first mile race of the season with the 58th Legendary Sacramento Mile at the California State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 13th. KICKER was Livin’Loud with a selection of products under the tent plus a loaded Polaris RZR. Lorin Morrell and Dana Doyle were in the house to get all set up and connect with racing enthusiasts throughout the event.
Morrell, who orchestrates KICKER at American Flat Track events, rolled 600 miles from Lake Havasu AZ towing a trailer filled with everything to showcase the KICKER lineup at the event. Dana Doyle-Doyle Sales, the KICKER area representative, came in from close by Folsom CA to work the event.
Early on Saturday KICKER was setup for the Sacramento Mile.
Enthusiast lined up to watch racers on the track.
“We were setup and ready well before the gates opened at 2 in the afternoon. The KICKER tent, with a wide selection of products on the tables, along with the ZRZ that was Livin’Loud with demos drew enthusiasts all during the event. Racers ran practice runs through the afternoon and the racing began at 7pm following the opening ceremonies” Morrell related.
Dana Doyle stayed busy under the tent connecting with attendees during the day.
Lorin Morrell (L) and Dana Doyle with one of the many products on display under the KICKER tent.
Doyle stated “During the event attendees really were drawn to power sports products as there is a lot of motorcycle action in the area plus marine too. There are a lot of pickups on the road and many people checked out the new KICKER down-firing loaded enclosures. No doubt events like this really puts the KICKER brand and products in front of the right audience. By the end of the day I had directed probably 10 attendees to KICKER dealers in the area.”
The loaded KICKER RZR let attendees see the many possibilities they could add to their UTV.
Racing on the track lasted into the night.
By 11:30 pm Morrell and Doyle had all packed into the trailer which capped the long and very busy day. The next Progressive American Flat Track Race is in Lexington KY on May 27th. KICKER is a sponsor of the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track series.
BATTLE GROUND, WA (05.15.23) – BOSS Audio, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and video products, today announced the hiring of the Crossover Marketing Group, a full-service Manufacturer’s Representative to lead the company’s business objectives in the Pacific Northwest Territory.
BOSS Audio is committed to amplifying its sales growth and improving its position in the highly competitive automotive aftermarket. The company is looking forward to adopting a new approach in building on its recent growth and success.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Crossover Marketing as we look to take our brand to new heights in the Pacific Northwest,” said Doug Kern, VP of Sales at Boss Audio. “We feel that they will quickly take a leadership role in the territory thanks to their broad experience in the 12V industry.”
“We are really excited to have Boss Audio onboard as a foundational partner, and we’re grateful for their trust in our new Rep Firm.” said Rob Sutton of Crossover Marketing. “BOSS Audio is a dynamic and innovative brand, and we’re poised and ready to help them take their business to the next level.”
LAS VEGAS, NV (05.15.23) – HARMAN International Industries, the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, launched its newest lineup of JBL Rallybars for powersports and marine applications. The three new models – the JBL Rallybar XL, JBL Rallybar and Rallybar S feature JBL’s signature sound combined with superior technology and an even more compact design, making them the premier choice for any off-road vehicle or boat.
The new JBL Rallybar XL expands on the original UB4100, now with the addition of a 300w amplifier. The three models support Hi-Res audio and offer 1” tweeters, and an array of 3” mid-range drivers and large 3” by 7.3” racetrack passive radiators to deliver the bass. The Rallybar XL features 10 speakers and 4 radiators. The Rallybar supports a 150w amplifier with 6 speakers and 2 passive radiators.
All three models are equipped with a HARMAN tuned DSP, USB play, aux-in and out and Bluetooth, with the ability to sync to an unlimited number of Rallybars. Both the Rallybar XL and Rallybar feature 7-way customizable party lighting along with a map light function for in vehicle use. The innovative design is rugged enough for any adventure, featuring an IP66 design so it’s easy to spray them down after a long day in the mud.
When it comes to ease of install, the Rallybar family sets itself apart from the competition. The unique mounting bracket swivels 360 degrees and mounts in a multitude of locations across the top and back of the Rallybar. This flexible design, along with the variable clamp solutions, make it fast and easy to mount to any rollbar or wakeboard tower no matter the angle or diameter.
“The Rallybar family drafts on the success of the JBL UB4100, but now we have even more bass, more sound pressure levels, Hi-Res Audio and party lighting with flexibility of installation,” said Jeffery Fay, VP & GM Global Aftermarket, and Special Markets OEM at HARMAN. “With this new lineup, JBL has shown it’s possible to be best in class for looks, audio performance and durability.
LOS ANGELES, CA (05.12.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers opened its new franchise location in Agoura Hills, CA on April 1st 2023.
Owned and operated by Habib and Melody Golshayan, Tint World Agoura Hills is now serving drivers and auto enthusiasts throughout western Los Angeles County and offerong premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.
“Melody and I were seeking a reliable, proven path into owning a franchise, and Tint World’s award-winning franchisee support system, training and robust marketing made them the easy choice for us,” Habib said. “We are now delivering an industry-leading catalog of products and services to Agoura Hills and the surrounding cities, and we’re confident that drivers will love and trust our expert team of technicians that are installing performance upgrades, security systems, ultra-premium window tint, Nano Ceramic Coatings and more.”
The Tint World Team behind the counter in the Agoura Hills CA location.
“Since we opened everything has been going great. Lighting, window tint, detailing, PPF and vinyl wrap have been our best selling categories” David Clarke, Store Manager, related.
Tint World Agoura Hills, located at 30601 Canwood St Ste B, Agoura Hills, California 91301, serves Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Malibu, Oak Park, Newbury Park, Woodland Hills, Camarillo, Cornell and Simi Valley. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (818) 459-3914 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/ca/agoura-hills-127/.
“We’re thrilled to continue our growth in California as we welcomed Habib and Melody into the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “This power couple is committed not just to success in franchising but to excellent customer service and delivering the best aftermarket automotive solutions that our proven franchise system provides to the communities around Agoura Hills. Thanks to our innovative, world-class franchisee support, Tint World owners like Habib and Melody can stand out from the competition and have the edge they need to succeed.”
LAS VEGAS, NV (05.12.23) – HARMAN International Industries, the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, launched its newest lineup of JBL Marine Amplifiers and CLUB Marine Speakers for the Marine market. There are four new models of amplifiers including the JBL MA600, JBL MA1000, JBL MA754 and JBL MA5055. The four new models of CLUB Marine speakers are the JBL MARSPKCB62, JBL MARSPKCB82, JBL MARSUBCB102 and the JBL MARSUBCB122. All feature JBL’s 75 plus years of sound heritage and cutting-edge design at affordable prices for any boat.
The new JBL Marine amplifiers are offered in four configurations, a 4-channel by 75 watt Class H, a 5-channel mixed class AB and class-D, and 2 mono subwoofer amps. The PC boards are conformally coated with balanced RCA inputs for noise free audio. The variable crossovers allow for simple system tuning and easy system building with the new CLUB Marine speaker family. The cosmetics are sure to turn heads with a frosty white gloss paint and a silver trim ring finish for a seamless look.
The new CLUB Marine Speakers are also offered in four different sizes, a 6” and 8” full-range speaker and a 10” and 12” subwoofer. All new models come with two removable grills in gloss white and satin gray. The speakers feature silk dome tweeters for smooth highs, polypropylene cones for snappy bass, improve voicing and imaging in an open-air setting of a boat. The IPX5 ratings and UV testing ensure they can handle spray, salt and fog and look brand new years from now. The Elegant soft spoke design is set off against the LED multi color party lighting.
The CLUB Marine subs are best in class when playing low bass in the cavity of the boat. The subs play down to 20 Hertz thanks to a massive magnet and cast abs basket. With 300 watt RMS 10” and 400-watt RMS 12”, it is easy to build a sub system with the new JBL Marine amplifiers.
“JBL designed this new family of marine amps and speakers to not only look and sound amazing but drop into factory holes to easily upfit any boat or pontoon,” said Jeffery Fay, VP & GM Global Aftermarket, and Special Markets OEM at HARMAN. “We’re excited to offer these new products at affordable pricing to our customers.”
Availability and Pricing: The new JBL Marine Amplifiers family will be available in Q1 of 2023 with options ranging from $349.95 – $499.95. The new JBL CLUB Marine speakers are available now with options ranging from $249.95 – $299.95.
METAIRIE, LA (05.12.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the launch of its new Integrated Roof Mounted Light Bar System for 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-2023 Gladiator (p/n 5917-023). Scheduled to ship in June 2023, the new light bar system has an anticipated MSRP of $995.95.
“If you are in the market for a high-mount LED light bar and want to retain an almost factory look, the new Oracle Lighting Integrated LED Light Bar is for you,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “While other market offerings look obviously aftermarket or like an afterthought, our Patent-Pending design with its molded cowling integrates seamlessly into the factory roof line. This product further adds to the rugged and practical style of your Jeep while eliminating the common whistling issue of other light bars.”
The new Integrated Roof Mounted Light Bar System utilizes 30 individual 8W LED emitters, creating a total of 18,000 raw lumens and a projection distance of nearly 2,000 feet.
“Along with blending in with the factory design, the unique cowl design provides a quieter and more aerodynamic installation compared with traditional LED light bar set-ups,” Hartenstein continued. “The polycarbonate housing is designed to match the styling of the factory hard top but can be installed of soft top Jeeps, as well. It even retains all functionality when you want to go topless.”
The system features selectable amber or white clearance lights, and you can choose to connect these lights to an aux switch, parking lights, DRL, or simply have them disconnected if you prefer not to use the additional clearance light feature.
The system matches the factory black hard top out-of-the-box but can also be painted to color match. Oracle Lighting recommends using a professional painter to properly prep, prime, and color match paint the housing.
“This new light bar system design utilizes reflector-facing LED technology, elevating it above basic and more common bars,” Hartenstein concluded. “This reflector system is designed to provide optimized LED light output from the individual LED emitters and project to a distance of more than 600 meters.”
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
AURORA, IL (05.11.23) – Endless Possibilities Auto is a very proactive 12volt retailer that understands the continuing value of connecting with consumers and enthusiasts. On Saturday May 6th Endless Possibilities Auto hosted an Alpine Experience at their store in Aurora. Chris Reavis rolled the demo Alpine RAM, loaded with the latest, under Alpine tents beside the store and the Alpine Experience began.
Cesar Marungo, Endless Possibilities Auto owner, related “Again, the Alpine Experience at our store was a big winner. Especially in terms of sales that were up over the event last year. We have been staying well past our regular store hours to work with customers and are booked out a couple of weeks to finish installs from the Alpine Experience. Chris did a great job with the demos and attendees definitely opened their eyes and smiled during their time in the RAM.”
The creative Endless Possibilities crew placed the Alpine Experience sign in a frame with solar power lights to light up for drivers after dark.
Chris Reavis had the Alpine Experience RAM set for amazing demos during the Saturday event.
The Alpine Experience promo kit was packed with items for attendees including T-shirts, koozies, lanyards, banners and custom event signs for putting in the store window.
“We took one of the signs, about 3’ x 4’, and put it in a stand up frame and put it on a busy street by our store. We attached a solar powered light kit to the frame. Drivers at night could see the lighted sign for our Alpine Experience event” Marungo added.
At lunchtime Alpine Experience attendees had a delicious meal hot from the grill.
The Alpine Experience event hours were 10 AM until 4 PM. At noon a lunch was served hot off the grill for attendees to relax, enjoy and talk about car audio with others at the Alpine Experience.
Reavis, Alpine Specialist offered, “Cesar and Endless Possibilities Auto team have had successful Alpine events in the past and it was very rewarding to be able to get back and support their efforts again in 2023 with an Alpine Experience at their store. Last year we participated with Cesar at the SubieFest Midwest event. We are hoping to do that again this year. Working together… that is what a great business relationship is all about.”
STILLWATER, OK (05.11.23) – The perfect marriage of power and performance, KICKER has announced its first-ever PTRTP Powered Down-Firing Loaded Enclosures, available in a 10- and 12-inch model and now shipping. All enclosures come with a built-in, power-matched amplifier and convenient remote volume control. The enclosures are available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show, PTRTP Powered Down-Firing Loaded Enclosures will retail at $449.99 and $499.99. PTRTP Enclosures are also available at www.kicker.com.
Loaded into each enclosure is an active, KICKER CompRT shallow-mount subwoofer, equipped with Forced Air Cooling to enhance the woofer’s efficiency and durability. A bumped top plate allows for full voice-coil clearance and excursion in a shallow-mount woofer, while the large-diameter, progressive-roll spider ensures increased linearity, better overall sound quality and outstanding bass reproduction.
Next to the active woofer is a reFLEX passive radiator, providing a significant bass upgrade without increasing overall depth of the already thin enclosure. The down-firing design allows the enclosure to fit in tight spaces, yet still deliver peak performance. Standing only about six inches high, the PTRTP is built to fit anywhere – from behind the seat of a pickup to the back of a hatchback. The rugged enclosure design has the added benefit of allowing items to be stacked on top of it, if mounted in a trunk or cargo area. The enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER logo.
Featuring up to 500 watts of power and a best-in-class input sensitivity, PTRTP built-in amplifiers accept input voltages ranging from as little as 125 millivolts to as much as 40 volts, ensuring its compatibility with virtually any factory or aftermarket radio or source without the additional expense of a line-out converter.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.11.23) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal last month for strict new federal multipollutant emissions standards for
light- and medium-duty vehicles. The proposal would decisively tilt the U.S. car and truck market toward electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade. The new standards would initiate for the ’27 model year and gradually increase through the ’32 model year.
If the EPA drafts standards are implemented by 2032 as proposed, the agency anticipates that two-thirds of all new-car sales in the United States would be EVs. This large-scale shift would significantly disrupt automotive industry supply chains and potentially eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops. Ford alone estimates a 30% labor reduction in its transition to EVs.
Likewise, much of the automotive specialty-equipment market–the parts and modifications you make to your vehicle once it leaves the car lot–is built around the internal combustion engine. The $51 billion aftermarket industry supports more than one million jobs in U.S. automotive manufacturing. The automotive specialty-equipment market has also led the way in alternative fuel innovations such as hydrogen, replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions, and even conversions of older internal combustion engine-based cars to new electric, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Yet none of that is considered part of the broader plan to reduce greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants from automobiles.
Small businesses would be the most vulnerable to the disruptions caused by a seismic shift to battery-electric vehicles. According to the most recent Census Bureau tally of the almost 1,200 auto engine and transmission parts suppliers in the United States, more than 60% had 20 or fewer employees. These companies often make specialized components, operate on tight margins and rely on long-term contracts. They employ American workers with technical skills and create the often politically celebrated blue-collar jobs.
Large automakers are losing billions a year in their EV programs, despite the massive financial infusion of taxpayer dollars they are receiving from the government and subsidies to purchase EVs. If they are struggling, how are small businesses expected to survive?
Clean air and the reduction of greenhouse gases are goals everyone can acknowledge. That said, when governments arbitrarily pick technology winners and losers, the marketplace is deprived of choices and the public suffers. Instead of forcing this transition, the EPA should put in place incentives to support a diversified zero-emissions approach that takes advantage of breakthrough technologies across the spectrum.
Hydrogen, for example, is already being used as a power source in buildings, cars, trucks, forklifts, ships and trains. Hydrogen-powered cars have greater range and faster refueling times compared to EVs and reduce the need for limited-supply materials used in EV battery packs. And clean hydrogen generation is already feasible: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory website identifies five different methods to produce hydrogen economically from sustainable resources.
Other renewable fuels–including synthetic eFuels that allow legacy vehicles to operate in a carbon-neutral manner–should also be part of the equation. Where are the government-backed financial incentives for these alternate technologies?
The market is rightly skeptical of new EV technology, and right now, it simply does not have the infrastructure ready to support EVs. Yet by using multipollutant emissions regulations to force-feed EVs to the market, the government is effectively putting all its eggs into one technology basket.
The Biden administration should realize that the market’s hesitation to adopt EV technology in the first place proves that putting the government’s thumb on the scale is not an effective means of persuasion. But instead of adjusting course to let the market forge the transition, the administration is effectively doubling down on a flailing policy.
Meanwhile, a dozen states have recently introduced or passed legislation or resolutions affirming support for the internal combustion engine and for the government to remain technology-neutral in the debate to reduce automotive emissions. In Virginia, for example, it was only the state’s slim Democratic Senate majority that stymied Governor Glenn Youngkin’s campaign platform issue to repeal Virginia’s internal combustion engine ban.
The EPA’s emissions proposal is misguided and counterproductive. Instead of trying to force a clean energy transition, the Biden administration should support the work of innovators and protect the small-business owners and those they employ by letting the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.10.23) – Maxxsonics and MB Quart expand their international relationship with Connected Audio Visual (CAV) to Australia and New Zealand. Connected Audio Visual will now be the exclusive distributor for MB Quart products specializing and selling the entire product lines of Powersports, Marine, and Mobile offerings.
This brand-new international relationship with Connected Audio Visual (CAV) will catapult MB Quart to new heights overseas. Opening another outlet for others to hear and feel Music. Defined. products throughout Australia and New Zealand regions will gain more notice to the MB Quart brand and Maxxsonics (as a company), business and support to MB Quart product lines, and more followers of Music. Defined. audio installations to come.
Beata Wasilewski, Director of Customer Support, said, “I am so excited that Matt Psaras from Connected Audio Visual reached out to become a Distributor for MB Quart. Working with Matt has been a blast and the relationship that we are building will lead both companies to a great partnership and friendship!”
Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “This is an incredible opportunity for Maxxsonics and MB Quart to branch out to the Australia and New Zealand regions. I’m very excited to see the partnership grow and flourish throughout the rest of the year and beyond. This is a great opportunity for both sides of this international relationship!”
Connected Audio Visual (CAV) has two distinct divisions that include (1) Retail division Specialties in Integrated Technology Solutions and Complete Automation Solutions for the world’s smartest buildings and smart homes (including centralized smart lighting, heating/cooling, distributed audio and video, cinema, security, surveillance, and more), and (2) the Wholesale division that chooses to partner with manufacturers that are leaders in their chosen field and all brands have a unique synergy within the Mobile market.
Matt Psaras from Connected Audio Visual (CAV), commented, “Connected Audio Visual started over five years ago with a goal to offer customers great products with above and beyond service support. Thanks to a reputation that has been built up with over 40 years of knowledge and experience, the CAV team is renowned for offering superior support and service as the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor for IROAD Dash Cameras, INNOVV Powersport Cameras and is now exclusive for Maxxsonics starting with MB Quart. This new international relationship with Maxxsonics brings a fantastic opportunity for us. I am looking forward to working with MB Quart and their innovative line of audio products.”
For a complete breakdown of the entire line of MB Quart products selling throughout Australia and New Zealand regions, head over to the newly launched MB Quart Australia and New Zealand web page at https://www.mbquartau.com.au/.
12VoltNews.com 