PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ (01.16.23) – The Findlay Toyota Center was sold out of Friday night January 13th for the AMA KICKER Arenacross. The arena area was reconfigured from a hockey rink to a dirt track with mound after mound riders had to navigate as they made their way around the track.
The Findlay Toyota Center was the site of the AMA KICKER Arenacross in Prescott Valley.
The pre-race Pit Party brought fans and racers together track side and on the track.
Prior to the race card fans enjoyed meeting riders in the Pit Party. “The pre-race Pit Party is new this year and starts about an hour before racing begins. Fans got a chance to speak with, and get to know a little about, their favorite riders and how they ride on the track. All had smiles on their faces. In addition the Pit Party adds time to the length of time Arenacross fans spend at the event. Many fans are in the venue until 10PM. This provides us more time to talk with attendees about products in the KICKER product lineup” related Lorin Morrell-Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER activities at the AMA Arenacross events.
Once the Pit Party area cleared the track was opened riders cranked up their bikes and made their ways around the very difficult track circuit where the dirt mounds were barely 15 feet apart. Many of the riders were able to fly over one mound and land on the downside of the next mound. Some riders didn’t have smooth landings and had to adjust their body parts before continuing the race.
Riders on the track in front of a full house of spectators.
The Kicker booth set up in the lobby Friday afternoon before the event started.
A wide variety of KICKER products on tables for fans to check out.
KICKER had a booth set up in the lobby with a wide selection of products set up on tables under the tent. AMA Arenacross attendees are definitely interested in audio products as many enjoy motorcycle, PowerSport, Lifestyle and/or marine activities in addition to their everyday drives.
Morrell added “In the Prescott Valley there are a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. PowerBars for side-by-sides and marine installs plus under seat truck boxes and Harley setups grabbed a lot of interest in the KICKER booth.”
Kyle Peters doing what he does best in this post by @matty.media. Also see @kylepeters
Event promotions by announcers provide opportunities for members of the crowd to win prizes. This happy winner received a KICKER Bullfrog from her father. Photo by @matty.media
Mounds on the track can be less than 15 feet apart!
There were more Pro riders at this Arenacross as recent heavy rain in California cancelled many outdoor riding events.
“This AMA KICKER Arenacross season was expanded to 14 events all across the U.S. The Prescott Valley event was the 4th event and next on the schedule is Guthrie Oklahoma on January 21st. With Guthrie very near the KICKER HQ in Stillwater we know the whole state will be Livin’Loud!” Morrell concluded.
TEMPE, AZ (01.16.23) – The second annual MasterTech Expo will welcome Aron Demers to the stage for the State of the Industry interview and discussion, hosted by MasterTech Expo Founder Bryan Schmitt. Demers is a 32-year participant of the automotive electronics industry and serves as Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Business for VOXX International. The interview and discussion will take place during the final day of MasterTech Expo, held Mach 5-8, 2023 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.
This year, the State of the Industry gathering will focus on future challenges of the automotive electronics industry and the impact of OEM innovations and collaborations on aftermarket products and system access. Of particular note is the topic of subscription-based, in-vehicle amenities.
“I am honored to be asked to share my knowledge and insight to speak at the 2023 MasterTech Expo,” said Demers. “The OEM and aftermarket have been tied together since the first consumer bought tires from a retailer that was not the car dealership. Since being involved in the Mobile Electronics industry for the last 32 years, I have seen the aftermarket consistently pivot to address new opportunities and deliver consumers enhanced in-car experiences. And today, with profits and technologies driving both the OEM and aftermarket, we need more than ever to be nimble enough to capitalize on every opportunity possible.”
“We are thrilled that Aron accepted our invitation to empower our guests with his knowledge and experience,” added Schmitt. “It is our hope that attendees will leave with a broader insight of the larger automotive community, and renewed enthusiasm to meet the challenges ahead.”
AUSTIN, TX (01.16.22) – Congrats to the 25th Anniversary dB Drag Racing World Finals Champions and big THANKS to Incriminator Audio for sponsoring the rings. Please post your ring pic and tag dB Drag Racing!
25th Anniversary World Finals Champions
dB Drag Racing Street Stock 1K – Team Directronix Poptart Pro Stock 2K – Team Last Minute Pro Stock 5K – Team Soundcheck Kenneth Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Team Directronix Matt Pro Stock Wall 5K – Team Mach 1 Pro Stock NL – Team Crossfire Eric Super Street NW – Team Directronix Dan Super Street 1-2 – Team Soundcheck Butthurt Exp Super Street 3-4 – Gorman Cassidy Super Street 5+ – Beau Boren Super Street X – Team Crossfire Donteay Extreme NL – Team Soundcheck
Bass Race 120.0 dB to 129.9 dB – Audiodreamland Chris 130.0 dB to 139.9 dB – Team Directronix David 140.0 dB to 149.9 dB – Team Directronix Matt 150.0 dB to 159.9 dB – Team Fx Jimbo
Psychlone Demo Demo No Wall – Julius Mack Johnson III Demo Wall – Team DC Lucas Demo Extreme – DD Tank
Top Dog – Team Fx Jimbo
Freestyle Freestyle Street Stock 1K – John Bennett Freestyle Pro Stock NL – Team Crossfire Eric Freestyle Pro Stock 5k – Chad Flopbox Bleeke Freestyle Super Street NL – Team Fx Jimbo
SHREVEPORT LA (01.14.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Ultimate Sounds 1 won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 210 on Friday morning, January 13th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 210th time on Friday morning January 13th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and Ultimate Sounds 1 slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to Ultimate Sounds 1 with an Instagram message and received a call from owner Marcos Palencia from the store in Wilmington NC. He was very happy to hear a NavAtlas prize will be headed his way. We will contact Patrick Brooks to get the ball rolling for the NavAtlas prize to ship to Ultimate Sounds 1.
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, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA and Audio Excellence in Orlando FL.……Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday January 20th.
MIAMISBURG, OH (01.13.23) – Alpine Electronics’ Chris Reavis and Online Marketing’s Steve McGaffee are on the road in seeing dealers in Ohio the week of January 9th. On Wednesday, January 11th, Reavis pulled the Alpine Jeep up in front of the Stereo-in-Dash store in Miamisburg.
Road warriors Steve McGaffee-Online Marketing (2nd L) and Alpine’s Chris Reavis (R) in the Stereo-in-Dash showroom with Todd Grubb (L) and Jason Gilley (2nd R).
McGaffee related “Stereo-in-Dash is a strong dealer, and an Alpine Style Center, in our territory and we wanted to bring them up to speed on the new Alpine products for 2023.”
The Alpine Style Center display area in the Stereo-in-Dash showroom immediately grabs attention as soon as customers enter the store.
Chris Reavis pulled the Alpine Jeep that he pilots his region up in front of Stereo-in-Dash in Miamisburg, OH.
Continuing McGaffee offered “Reception has been really strong on this road trip and dealers feel like Alpine listened to the input they shared… which is leading to this great new product launch. In spending time speaking with Jason Gilley and Todd Grubb on the sales floor they agreed. 2023 will be an exciting year to be an Alpine dealer.”
Zack Knoop and Rocky Palmer are owners of the Stereo-in-Dash location in Miamiasburg, OH.
SHREVEPORT, LA (01.13.23) – WTF…Where’s The Fun! Definitely…..the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolling in Year 5. Created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry receiving a prize puts a smile on winner’s faces.
Audio Excellence was the winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win 209 which was a Maximum Power 4 Gauge Amp Kit. The prize was shipped from Shiflet & Dickson in Gastonia NC and Sam Baker is set to receive the in Orlando.
Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA was the winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win 208. The JBL Marine Tower Speaker system, with a $850 MSRP, The prize was received by Andy Kahla’s team and they are excited to put the prize in a big upcoming marine installation.
The Maximum Power 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 prize packed to ship to Audio Excellence.
12volt Spin-To-Win winners are selected from posts made by industry members with the hashtag #12voltspin. So, when making your company’s posts to Instagram remember to include #12voltspin to make sure your store has a slip in the jar.
Companies with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, RDV, Kenwood, JVC Mobile, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. There are 12volt News $100. cash prizes on the Spin-To-Win wheel too.
The JBL Marine Tower speaker system prize was shipped by FedEx and has been received by Car Audio One in Chula Vista, CA.
We look forward to pulling your store’s slip from the jar on an upcoming Friday as we spin the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.13.23) – The automotive aftermarket is evolving—from vehicle trends to shifts in consumer spending to new vehicle technology. As the automotive specialty-equipment market enters 2023, companies need to be informed on what to expect in the new year and beyond to make the best decisions for their business.
Set to be released on January 26, the new “2023 SEMA Future Trends Report” will give members thorough insight into where the industry is heading. SEMA members are invited to download the report at www.sema.org/research when it becomes available, and to register now for the SEMA Future Trends: Outlook for 2023 and Beyond webinar, February 2 at 11:00 a.m. (PST).
By attending the webinar, members will gain insight from Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, and Kyle Cheng, SEMA market research manager, as they cover key findings from the report in detail, including:
SEMA’s updated market size projection and industry forecast.
New data on new- and used-car trends (sales, prices, projections).
An updated forecast on the growth of EVs and ADAS/autonomous technology.
The status of the ongoing supply-chain disruptions, its impact on the industry and where it’s going.
Outlook and forecasts for the overall economy—including metrics on economic growth, consumer spending, inflation and consumer confidence.
GASTONI,A NC (01.12.23) – Make your plans to attend the 2023 Shiflet & Dickson Dealer Show. The event kicks off Saturday night with a St Paddy’s Day party featuring live music along with food and refreshments in the company’s facility in Gastonia. Sunday is the show day with over 20 brands represented. There will be food and refreshments on show day Sunday also.
Shiflet & Dickson’s David Holland stated “This will be our 31st dealer show! Many dealers have not had the ability to go to a show recently to see the newest 12volt products. With vendor motorcycles and other vehicles we plan on letting our customers hear what these products sound like in a real world setting other than on a display in a showroom.”
Continuing Holland offered “We will have trainings with certain vendors as well as having reps on the show floor to answer questions. We start the St Paddy’s day party Saturday night with food, refreshments and live entertainment.”
12volt brands to be showcased include Kicker, JVC Mobile, CRUX, Metra, DB Drive, Roadview, Jensen, AudioControl, Polk Audio, PowerBass, Nakamichi, Audio Enhancers, SD Lighting, XPERT, Maximum Power, Planet Audio, MaxPro, Rydeen and SoundStream.
Concluding Holland stated “Our show is like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. We also have many of our vendors that have offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. We look forward to seeing our extended family on Saturday and Sunday, March 18th and 19th.”
Contact your Shiflet & Dickson inside or outside sales person to make sure you are able to sit down and take advantage of the special pricing being offered for dealers at the show. Contact 800-222-9411 for more.
STILLWATER, OK (01.12.23) – Kicker Marine Audio introduces a new series of marine loudspeakers designed for use in the most demanding marine audio installations where ultimate power and performance are required. The new KMXL horn-loaded coaxial loudspeakers incorporate several unique features that set them apart from traditional marine speakers, while building upon KICKER’s Real Marine design ethics and standards.
The KMXL series builds upon the success of KICKER Marine Audio’s KMTC and KMFC horn-loaded tower speakers, widely recognized in the marine industry as the new standard in HLCD tower speaker design. The KMXL series brings much of this same technology to smaller 6.5-inch, 6×9, and 8-inch loudspeakers that can be installed in traditional coaxial speaker mounting locations.
A proprietary high-frequency horn design gives the KMXL series sonic performance provides incredibly smooth and easy listening, even at extremely high volumes. This proprietary geometry in the KMXL horn prevents acoustic resonances and standing waves, providing fatigue-free, long-term enjoyment. Super-efficient, lightweight midrange cone assemblies and advanced built-in crossover networks round out the KMXL designs for unrivaled sound performance.
The KMXL speakers UV treated grilles come in both charcoal and white and like All KICKER Marine Audio products, the KICKER KMXL series’ cones, baskets and grills, are UV and salt fog tested and certified to withstand the marine environment. Speaker hardware is forged from rustproof 316L stainless steel for years of enjoyable use. Neodymium magnets in the motor assembly provide tremendous power, while being extremely light weight.
The KMXL speakers, like most of the KICKER Marine Audio speaker lines, incorporate RGB LED lighting. Add up to 20 colors and 19 lighting modes by adding the small and lightweight KMLC lighting remote ($49.99).
The KMXL speakers come in 3 sizes: KMXL65 (6.5”) KMXL8 (8”) and the KMXL69 (6×9”) and can handle between 300 watts (KMXL65 and KMXL69) and 500 watts (KMXL8).
When upgrading a boat’s sound system—or installing a new one—look to the KICKER Marine Audio brand for dependability, durability and the best customer service in the industry. For more information visit http://www.kicker.com/marine-audio.
BOCA RATON, FL (01.12.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, was recognized for the 10th consecutive year as one of the top 500franchisesin Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking. The 44th annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the 2023 Franchise 500 ranks Tint World 368th for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.
“The past year underscores the extraordinary opportunities that the franchise industry presents for entrepreneurs of all levels,” says Entrepreneur editor in chief Jason Feifer. “The companies named to our 44th annual Franchise 500 list represent some of the most innovative, creative, and trusted brands across many industries and highlight what it takes to build the kind of momentum that drives long-lasting success.”
In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 44-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors that go into the evaluation including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.
Over its 44 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Tint World’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.
“This is the 10th year in a row that Tint World appears in the prestigious Entrepreneur Franchise 500, which confirms that our strategy for growth is working,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Our vision and commitment to franchisees distinguishes us in this industry, and we’re continuing to offer proven, repeatable systems and innovative support to drive their success in 2023.”
To view Tint Worldin the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2023 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands Jan. 17.
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