DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.22) – New data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that in 2021 outdoor recreation generated $862 billion in economic output and 4.5 million jobs. This equates to 1.9% of GDP in the U.S. economy and highlights the record-setting growth that the outdoor recreation industry has seen over the past few years.
“From the creation of jobs and increased profit for small businesses in local economies, to larger boons to our national economy, this sector is a consistent driver, even in times of economic uncertainty. The strength of the outdoor recreation economy reflects what many in the industry have long known to be true: there are infinite benefits that come from more people spending time outdoors, and they’ll only grow with continued investment” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), of which SEMA is a member.
ORR is America’s leading coalition of U.S. outdoor recreation trade associations. It represents more than 50,000 businesses that produce vehicles, apparel, equipment and services enjoyed in our nation’s parks, waterways, trails and outdoor spaces. SEMA’s focus within ORR is on motorized recreation (four-wheel, ATVs, UTVs, etc.), along with all the equipment that makes it possible to tow RVs, trailers, boats and off-road vehicles (suspension, wheels, tires, increased horsepower, etc.).
Click here to view the ORR press release on the BEA data.
HOUSTON, TX (11.15.22) – On Saturday all was set in motion for Sunday’s SSR’s Distributors Show in Houston. During the day Saturday vendors and representatives set up their booths and prepared for the big Sunday Show on November 13th.
Saturday evening nearly 40 people enjoyed an evening dinner at the Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse with refreshments hosted by SSR’s Amir Dhanani and Tracy Farr. Farr related “The dinner event was a terrific evening of networking and fine dining with refreshments too. We sincerely conveyed to all our appreciation for their support, partnership and contributing to the success SSR is experiencing in the marketplace served by the Dallas and Houston locations.”
Large tables of vendors and SSR staff enjoying the Saturday night dinner at Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse.
The PRV Audio brand is a new addition for SSR and drew a lot of interest.
Pat Szeman showed the Reikken and Energie batteries to SSR dealers.
The AAMP demo pickup positioned on Saturday for the show.
Through the day Sunday attendees from SSR’s dealer base topped 250 as all checked out the latest products from over 30 brands that had tables and demos set up between shelves and space in the large warehouse. Continuing Farr offered “There was a real sense of enthusiasm on the floor. Dealers were happy to see vendors and their products in person. The venders were likewise excited to show their latest products to SSR’s dealers.”
There were numerous demo vehicles on display including including the AAMP pickup-with Chris Brinkley behind the wheel, a bike decked with Cicada Audio and Farr’s ’06 red Corvette decked with Kenwood products. A Jeep Wrangler was shining bright with LUMI lighting that is a SSR brand. There were also demo vehicles in the parking lot on the cool, clear day. Training sessions for Maestro and AudioControl were offered. There were over 35 people in each session with Jimmy Bradfield conducting the Maestro session and Chris Brinkley from AAMP conducting the AudioControl session.
The LIMI Jeep shined to show the brand’s vehicle lighting products.
Lighting is a hot category and David Toliver from Synergy Marketing Agency shows Lucas Lighting products to dealer.
This image shows dealers attending one of the two training sessions presented by Jimmy Bradfield.
PRV Audio is a new brand in the house that SSR picked up at SEMA 2022. The company occupied a corner space with a lot of branding and products on display. Daniel Costa-CEO and Roberto Amengual-Sales Manager were two of the PRV staff members in the house.
Several vendors traveled great distances to attend the SSR Show. Nina Contreras-SiriusXM traveled from SoCal. Jeremy Foss also traveled from SoCal to show the latest from Jensen. Foss did not arrive in Houston until after midnight Saturday for the Sunday show.
This is the ticket that dealers had punched when they visited each booth to enter the raffles.
Jeremy Foss had the Jensen booth set up early Sunday morning after arriving past midnight Saturday night from Southern Cal.
Vendors also set up demos outside on the cool clear Sunday morning.
Midday dealers packed the aisles in the SSR warehouse.
During the show there were 2 raffles for dealers who turned in their cards punched to visit each booth. The raffle prize for each drawing topped $2000. for a mix of products stacked on the table. Prized ranged from a couple hundred to ten bucks. A food truck in the parking lot offered a wide variety of food for attendees plus pizza was also available for the hungry attendees.
Concluding Farr related “The Houston Show was a super event and set the stage for a strong holiday selling season. The SSR Distributors North Dealer Show is set for May 2023 and the date will be announced.”
HOLLY HILL, FL (11.15.22) – Metra PowerSports by Metra Electronics showcased a new Chasing LED Underglow Lighting Kit and a 3ft Chasing LED Whip Light designed to add brilliant lighting to UTVs and golf carts at SEMA 2022. These products install easily to provide fast and durable lighting solutions. They work with the Heise Connect Chasing Controller to allow users to control their LEDs from the palm of their hand when paired with the Heise Connect smartphone app.
3ft Chasing LED Whip Light The MPS-CHWP-1 is designed for ATVs, UTVs, dune buggies, and other powersports applications. It is strong enough to withstand some of the most extreme off-roading environments with an IP67 rating. In addition, it is stylish yet durable, constructed with a weather-resistant polyolefin cover and a bendable polycarbonate core that is virtually unbreakable.
Chasing LED Underglow Lighting Kit The MPS-UNDG-KT1 includes (4) 9” and (2) 28” sealed polycarbonate LED tubes, mounting hardware, a Heise Connect Chasing Controller, RF card remote, and extension cables to make installation easy. The Chasing tube layout was designed to separate the left and right sides of the vehicle so that when a pattern is selected within the app, that lighting pattern will track down each side of the vehicle with the same timing. Additionally, the turn signals are zoned so that they have independent left and right triggers.
Heise Connect Chasing Controller This controller provides 12volt triggers for the option to turn lights red when the vehicle is braking and amber for turn signal indication. Users can choose from 170+ color-changing patterns using the Heise Connect smartphone app with DIY lighting patterns, music sync, and more.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.22) – The automotive specialty-equipment industry’s record-high sales growth over the past two years is beginning to level off or subside, according to the newest SEMA market research report. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues and rising costs, companies continue to be optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.
Filled with 60 pages of data, the “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2022” report is the latest study to explore how businesses are doing post-pandemic. Members can use the report to gain valuable insight into key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities, and an outlook for 2023 and beyond.
By downloading the report, members will gain access SEMA’s research designed to help them plan and succeed in the year ahead.
Key findings include:
47% of manufacturers, 48% of distributors and 44% of retailers expect sales to increase in the coming year.
Supply-chain issues continue to be disruptive for the industry. More than 90% of companies say that they are having a moderate or significant impact on operations.
Inflation and the supply-chain issues are resulting in higher costs for businesses. More than 90% of companies reported an increase in supplier or production costs; most (around 80%) are compensating for the high costs by increasing their prices. Despite this, consumer demand and revenue remain strong.
Ongoing supply-chain issues and high prices are slowing new vehicle sales. Sales are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 or 2025. Sales for 2022 are expected to fall about a million vehicles short of 2021, at 13.9 million total units. The average price of a new vehicle reached $48,301 in August 2022, a record high. The average price of an electric is even higher, at over $66,000.
THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (11.14.22) – Since the first print issue in February of 1994 the 12volt News has been delivering fresh industry news highlighting positive across the 12volt industry. With today’s digital technology the 12volt News, from the 12volt Central Studios, is delivering fresh industry every day. News from around the world as well.
12voltnews.com on the web, plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook, delivers fresh positive industry news ranging from manufacturer’s new products to the activities of industry companies and organizations plus individuals every day.
12volt News coverage, from the 55th Annual SEMA Show November 1-4 2022, is an example of timely news delivered by the 12volt Central Studios. Via social media over 100 posts from the SEMA Las Vegas venue were posted. #12volt_vnn2022 to check out action from the SEMA Show 2022.
12volt News coverage, from the 55th Annual SEMA Show November 1-4 2022, is an example of timely news delivered by the 12volt Central Studios. Via social media over 100 posts from the SEMA Las Vegas venue were posted. #12volt_vnn2022 to check out action from the SEMA Show 2022.
This past week coverage from the PowerBass 2-week trip across the pond has been featured. PowerBass VP Erik Harbour traveled to the UK and is working with Carl Huntington to spend time with dealers on the continent. See @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook.
News from across the pond will continue from the METSTRADE in Amsterdam from November 15-17. The METSTRADE is the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment and materials for marine professionals. CelsusUK, KICKER’s Marine Distributor in Europe, will have a booth. David Glasgow, Chet Weddle and Aziz Masti from KICKER’s Stillwater OK HQ are joining Mark Baker with the Celsus UK team on site.
Reikken, PRV Audio and Jensen are 3 examples of vendors set up at the SSR Distributors Show Sunday Nov 13th.
Yesterday, Sunday November 13th, the 12volt Central Studios made numerous posts from the SSR Distributors Show in Houston. Nearly 30 exhibitors were in the house with industry representatives from both coasts traveling to Houston to present their products to dealers from across the territory SSR covers. There will be much more to come from the SSR Houston Show.
The 12voltSP Tool is a key element. Everyone has the12voltSTP Tool in their pocket or purse. It’s a Smartphone. Snap an image..Txt the image to 318 465 0844… Presto. Your positive activities could be in the 12volt News.
A big thank you to all who make it possible for me to ‘Put Out More Than Anyone.’
POOLE, UK (11.14.22) – CELSUS UK, Poole based distributor for KICKER AUDIO Marine products in Europe, are displaying three new speaker lines from the Oklahoma based manufacturer on booth 01.531 in hall 1 at METS 15-17th November.
The expanding 2023 offering will feature an OEM focussed flush mount classic grill style, horn loaded high output models and an entry level 6.5” coaxial. KICKER aim to give distributors, installers and boat owners more choice when configuring high-end performance audio systems.
METS offers the industry a first look at the flush mount model which boasts all the performance that is expected of a KICKER Marine speaker with the added benefit of classic grill style aesthetics and very low profile flush mount fitment. Full RGB LED illumination is also included in this model, giving it a subtle look that blends in with all styles of boats. White and Anthracite grill colourways available.
Paul Baker, CELSUS UK Managing Director, said “KICKER is fast becoming a trusted audio brand in the European market and the latest additions to the range will cement their reputation. We are extremely delighted to show the flush mount speakers to our customers, we believe this product gives KICKER the edge moving into 2023.”
Next is the KMXL range of high output horn-loaded compression coaxial speakers which are designed to play louder and throw sound further, the real deal for those that want a party boat atmosphere. Engineered to deliver incredible performance in high power systems, the white KMXL comes in three models, a 6.5”, 8” and a rather unique 6×9” version. All models benefit from full spectrum LED illumination and are of course UV and salt fog tested to exceed industry standards, as with all KICKER Marine speakers.
The KM604 value coaxial is perfectly positioned to give boat owners access to KICKER performance and quality where budget is limited. Designed to sound amazing when paired directly with a KICKER source unit as an easy upgrade for any vessel. The value coaxial utilises a white moulded sports grill, sealed components and salt-water resistant hardware. An illuminated variant is available with blue LED only.
The CELSUS team will be joined on booth 01.531 by KICKER Audio International sales managers David Glasgow and Aziz Masri alongside Director of International Sales Chet Weddle. David Glasgow, International Sales Manager for KICKER Audio, adds
“We are delighted to support Celsus at METS and display some of our recently introduced speaker products. This event is a great chance for KICKER to meet with our European marine distributors and OEM’s to learn more about this important market”
MURRIETA, CA (11.14.22) – Global Audio Marketing is pleased to announce the appointment of Paragon Sales & Marketing to represent the MUSWAY product line in the Southern California, S. Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico territories. Paragon Sales & Marketing started in the year 2000 and is lead today by owner Wayne Smedile. With the help of Ed Gonzalez, and Mike Rios, they bring a combination background of formal corporate business and street-smart small business experience to the table
The Paragon Sales and Marketing team members pictured outside their Corona, CA office.
We are extremely excited to welcome Paragon Sales & Marketing to the MUSWAY family. The Paragon team possesses an extensive background in 12-volt application and technical training, including DSP installation, sound tuning and product sales. Not only do they know their customers and equipment, they live it, and are eager to show customers what the products can do for them.
“At Paragon, we work with some of the best quality vendors and brands in the industry and we are proud of that. We work hard and often long hours to help our customers get the most out of the products we sell them. It’s a team effort. MUSWAY offers unique audio solutions we see as having a place in the markets we serve today and, in the future,” says Wayne Smedile.
Welcome to the MUSWAY Team, Paragon Sales & Marketing!
To learn more about the MUSWAY Product Line, please visit www.muswayusa.com
SHREVEPORT LA (11.12.22) WTF…Win This Friday. No Doubt Window Tint won the KICKER prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 204 on Friday morning, November 11th.
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 4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 204th time on Friday morning November 11th. The Wheel landed on the KICKER space and the No Doubt Window Tint 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 on the phone to No Doubt Window Film. They had seen the Instagram post and replied with a message on their Instagram as we received a smily face reply but have not spoken with them. Look forward to congratulating them and getting the ball rolling on their KICKER prize.
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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, USASpec, 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 and 589 Kustomz in Modesto CA……Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, November 11th.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (11.11.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the relocation of its Mountain View location.
Under owners Abdelrahim Afaghani and Sultan Alafghani, the new updated Tint World Mountain View provides the Santa Clara area with premier automotive aftermarket accessories and styling and window-tinting services. The new location enhances Tint World’s industry-leading service and customer experience.
Lighting and security products are spotlighted in separate displays as well as protective body film.
“With our new location, we’re equipped to meet the evolving needs of drivers throughout our northern California service area,” Afaghani said. “This space provides a great environment for customers to experience Tint World’s premium automotive styling products and empowers us to deliver the industry-leading service on which Tint World has built its continuing success.”
The new Mountain View location has a very impressive showroom filled with displays.
Tint World Mountain View is located at 2185 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, California 94043. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about what the store offers, call (408) 610-3810 or visit tintworld.com/locations/ca/mountain-view-057/.
“Abdelrahim and Sultan have demonstrated a true commitment to Tint World’s proven franchise systems and to the customers in their service area,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Their team reflects the passion and dedication that have made this company an authentic franchise success story.”
RINGWOOD, IL (11.11.22) – Race Sport Lighting released their NEW Stage Bundle Kits for the Jeep Wrangler JK at their SEMA Booth last week in Las Vegas. Their Stage 1 Road Runner Kit features 5 major external lights in a kit that takes 2-4 hours to install in the bay. The Stage 2 Trail Runner Kit includes 8 popular LED Jeep lights that install in about 6-8 hours. And lastly, the Stage 3 Zombie King Kit packages a whopping 11 interior and exterior Jeep lights that shops can bill out 8-12 hours of labor to install. These are the perfect solutions for resellers who upfit Jeeps or who are looking to keep it simple and offer lighting packages.
This is a dealer driven product and Race Sport Lighting has already been getting amazing feedback. Dealers who upfit Jeeps communicated, whether it’s a lift kit, an exhaust kit, or alike, that it’s easy for their sales counter guys to sell a 1-2-3 option to the customer instead of putting together a lighting system piece by piece. The sales counter person will simply show the 3 options, give them the 3 prices for package + labor, and the customer will make a choice.
“We have already started selling these kits to Jeep up-fitters nationwide and they love it because their lives just got a whole lot easier, and they actually sell more lights as a result. Essentially, the resellers drove this product to the marketplace to make the checkout experience much easier. It also makes it easier to quote labor and make sure their shops make a lot of profit selling a Jeep Lighting Stage kit. says Steven Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.
The Race Sport Lighting Jeep Stage Kits are in stock and shipping now out of their warehouse. The current packages are for the JK model, but they will be releasing the Wrangler JL Stage packages by the end of the year just in time for 2023 kick off. A Jeep Gladiator and Ford Bronco Kit package is also in the works for a 2023 release.
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