Shaquille O’Neal Partners with Memphis Audio and Underground Autostyling on a One-Of-A-Kind SEMA Build

MEMPHIS, TN (10.28.22) – Memphis will unveil a fully custom Slingshot built for Shaquille O’Neil in the Memphis Audio booth 11039 at SEMA 2022! This custom Polaris Slingshot will feature a slew of Memphis Audio products with over 28 total SR Pro Audio speakers and over 5400W of RMS power making it one of the loudest Slingshots to ever hit the streets. The Insanely talented team at Underground Auto Styling out of Sarasota Florida custom fabricated everything on the build to make it worthy of DJ Diesel himself.

“This build is going to be wild. We’ve got four 10 inch mid’s, eight 8 inch mid’s, four 6.5’s, two 6×9’s and six tweeters integrated into this build, not to mention four 8 inch subs!” Said Jack Polubinski, owner of Underground Autostyling. Along with a plethora of speakers, the build will feature dual VIV1500.1V2 amplifiers and four VIV600.4V2 amplifiers. The entire system is controlled by an MXAZ24MC head unit and all the speakers are digitally tuned using the VIV68DSP Digital Sound Processor.

“This isn’t the first project Memphis has worked on with Shaq, we had the honor of being part of previous custom builds for him but we wanted this one to be special. Shaq aka DJ Diesel knows how to get the crowd going and we know he wanted it loud so Memphis and the guys at Underground Autostyling went with an insane SRX Pro set up to give Shaq the loudest build on the block. I have zero doubt that this will be one of the most insane builds at SEMA 2022,” Said Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio.

The DJ Diesel V2 Slingshot will be on display at SEMA 2022 in the Memphis Audio Booth #11039 in the North Hall along with a slew of new innovative product offerings from Memphis Audio.

Visit memphiscaraudio.com for more.

Retro Manufacturing to Reveal Three New Products 2022 SEMA Show

HENDERSON, NV (10.28.22) – Retro Manufacturing is set to exhibit three exciting new products for classic car fans at the 2022 SEMA Show. Evolving the robust feature set, the Motor 4HD replaces the current Motor 4 feature set and adds a HD Radio receiver and dedicated subwoofer output to the unit. The Motor 4HD is compatible with all RetroSound Radio Faces (excluding Apache) and will be available in November 2022 from the company’s website and dealer network.

Two new radio faces will be released in 2023 and are making their debut at the SEMA Show this year. The Europa Radio Face, styled after the 1960s-1970s Mercedes vehicles, brings period-correct styling and modern technology to 1960s-1970s European classics. The Dallas Radio replicates the original factory radio in 1985-1986 Ford F-Series trucks and Broncos and includes officially licensed Ford branding to complete the look.

The Motor 4HD, Europa, and Dallas will be displayed in the New Product Showcase and Retro Manufacturing’s booth.

Also in the Retro Manufacturing booth this year will be a classic 1975 Scout II and the team from New Legend 4×4 showcasing a complete RetroSound audio system. Retro Manufacturing’s display will be in Central Hall/Restoration Marketplace, booth 24193.

About Retro Manufacturing: Retro Manufacturing is the industry leader in the manufacturing of radios, speakers, amplifiers, antennas, and audio accessories for the automotive restoration marketplace. Retro Manufacturing is passionate about the classic automotive industry and strives to bring modern audio technologies to classic cars and trucks with respect to OEM styling and official licensing. Their flagship product, the RetroSound Radio, offers consumers the absolute best solution for adding modern audio to classic vehicles without altering the vehicle’s aesthetic. Retro Manufacturing is a proud member of ARMO and SEMA, has received numerous industry awards for its innovative products, and has been an exhibiting member of SEMA for over 12 years.

Visit retromanufacturing.com for more.

Saddle Tramp Debuts Lighting and Audio Products at SEMA

HOLLY HILL, FL (10.28.22) – Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics is introducing new products designed to fit select Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Can-AM Rykers at the 2022 SEMA Show. The manufacturer has designed new accent lighting, driving lights, audio accessories, and a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery from Shuriken’s new Lithium Series. New products launching at SEMA will include:

Designed to Fit Select Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
● 7″ Reflector Headlight with Full Halo fits 1998-2022 Street Glide models, or any motorcycle with a 7″ sealed beam headlight. (BC-709B)
● 4.5″ Reflector Passing Lights with Full Halo fits 1998-2022 Street Glide models, or any motorcycle with 4.5″ passing lights. (BC-453B)
● 16-Piece Chasing LED Strip Kit fits 1998-2022 Touring models (BC-CHASE-K1)
● Cut-In Saddlebag Lids fit 2014-Up* Touring models with hard bags (BC-HDC69-2)
● Vent Grill Light fits 2014-Up* Touring models with with vented lower fairings (BC-HDVL-HD2)
● Sword Saddlebag Light fits 1998-2013 Touring models with hard bags (BC-HDSBL-HD1)
● Saddlebag Accent Lights fit 2014-Up* Touring models with hard bags (BC-HDSBL-HD2)
● Keystone Lights fits 2014-Up* Touring models with hard bags (BC-HDFL-HD2)
● 4GA Dual Amp Kit fits 1998-2022 Touring Models (BC-9704)
● CarPlay/Android Auto Harness fits 2019-Up* Touring models with GTS touchscreen radios (BC-9728)
● 550CA / 28 Amp Hour Lithium-Ion Starting Battery with Charger fits any motorcycle using a 30L size lead acid battery, and many other applications (BC-BTX30L-CH)

Designed to Fit Select Indian Motorcycles
● Speaker adapter harness fits two-speaker Roadmaster and Challenger models (BC-9802)

Designed to Fit Select Can-Am Ryker Motorcycles
● Chasing Accent Lighting Kit fits 2019-Up* Rally and 2022-Up* Sport models (BC-CHASE-K2)
*Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

These new products will be showcased at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s 2022 SEMA Show booths, November 1st-4th. The main booth will be #11139 in the North Hall, and its off-roading and powersports products will be on display at booth #60031 in the West Hall. More product details will be available at MetraPowersports.com soon after the show.

Visit metrapowersports.com for more.

Tint World Named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review

BOCA RATON, FL (10.27.22) – Automotive Styling Centers was identified by independent research firm Franchise Business Review as one of just 80 franchise brands to be named an award-winning franchise in its 2022 report on the Top Franchises for Veterans

Tint World is the largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coating, and installation services.

Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes rankings of the top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

To identify the companies on the list of this year’s Top Franchises for Veterans, Franchise Business Review analyzed data from over 2,500 franchise owners, representing more than 300 brands, regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others. 

“Veterans are a critical part of franchising’s success, and franchising needs more business owners with the leadership skills, resilience, and can-do attitude of veterans,” said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Not all franchises are created equal, but the 80 brands on our list of the Top Franchises for Veterans have satisfaction ratings by their veteran owners that are 10-30% higher on average. That’s why we do what we do … we survey thousands of franchisees every year and make those reviews available to prospective business owners to help them understand which franchises are the top opportunities based on the actual experiences and satisfaction of other veteran franchise owners.”

Tint World franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity. 

“Tint World is committed to honoring and supporting the brave men and women who protect our freedom and security,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Our industry-leading automotive aftermarket franchise system rewards the character, integrity, and leadership that results from military service. We also value the discipline and dedication that veterans can bring by providing extensive training, support, technology, and other resources that immediately empower franchisees to make an impact in their communities. We also express our gratitude to veterans and their families by participating in VetFran, a nationwide program that helps qualified veterans invest in franchise business opportunities with valuable and exclusive financial incentives.”

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2022 Most Innovative Franchises.

BOSS Audio Showcasing Two New Large Screen Floating Head Units at 2022 SEMA Show

OXNARD, CA (10.27.22) – BOSS Audio Systems has announced its new 11-inch and 14-inch single-DIN, mech-less, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatible floating source units. The BE11ACP (11-inch) and BE14ACP (14-inch) are now shipping and BOSS Audio will feature them during the 2022 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth # N11429.  These two brand new units will be shipping Q1 2023.

“The BE11ACP and BE14ACP add bigger options to our family of seven-, eight-, nine-, and 10.1-inch floating head units, making them the ideal choices for those that desire large screens,” explained Colin Ross, BOSS Audio associate brand manager.

The BE11ACP and BE14ACP radios feature oversized touch screens that mount in front of a standard single-DIN radio chassis, providing the often more desired large-screen entertainment option without having to modify your vehicle…which can often be expensive and sometimes cause unforeseen damage.

“With four-channels and 80 Watts of power and Bluetooth hands-free functionality, these two floating head units are as powerful as they are packed with today’s necessary features and aesthetic requirements,” added Ross.

Additional BE11ACP and BE14ACP features include:

  • RBDS tuner, balance/fader and preset built-in EQ
  • Plays Bluetooth/USB, MP3, WAV, AVI, FM/AM
  • Compatible with audio out from smart phones and MP3 players
  • USB, AV, front & rear camera input, steering wheel control input
  • Front, rear & sub pre-amp outputs
  • USB charging, multi-color illumination options
  • Bluetooth hands free, make and receive calls, Bluetooth audio streaming
  • Play and control music and apps such as Spotify/Pandora wirelessly

During SEMA, BOSS Audio will also feature its line of acclaimed wireless CarPlay/Android Auto source units, including:

  • BE920WCPA (double-DIN touch screen)
  • BE920WCPA-FT (double-DIN touch screen with backup camera)
  • BECPA9W (9-inch floating head unit)
  • BECPA10W (10.1-inch floating head unit)

For more information, please visit www.bossaudio.com.

SEMA Preview: DEI Grows Its Line of Side-by-Side Heat Control Products

RAPID CITY, SD (10.27.22) – DEI continues to grow its line of custom kits for side-by-side applications.

DEI now offers innovative, custom heat control kits for Polaris, Honda, Can-Am, Arctic Cat and Kawasaki side-by-sides, and continues to develop new products to meet the demand of the growing market.

As the popularity of side-by-sides steadily increases year after year, the need for effective heat and sound control systems increases. DEI’s commitment to providing the burgeoning market with thermal and noise control products for side-by-sides featuring model-specific components and custom-cut kits continues with the launch of several new products designed for many of today’s most popular applications.

Stop by the DEI SEMA Booth (20213) to learn more about the full line of DEI heat control products.

Visit designengineering.com for more.

Big Installs and Bigger Announcements at KICKER’s 2022 SEMA Show Booth

STILLWATER, OK (10.26.22) – KICKER will feature a booth filled with custom vehicles and big announcements in its return following a three-year absence at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Located in the LV Convention Center’s North Hall in booth 10709, KICKER will launch its 50th anniversary celebration with several jaw-dropping vehicles and a bevy of new products.

The company that manufactures KICKER products, Stillwater Designs and Audio, was founded in 1973 by Steve Irby and a partner, and Irby continues today as the president and drive behind KICKER award-winning audio gear.  This year’s SEMA Show provides KICKER the opportunity to unveil new offerings like ST-Series Speakers and Bullet Tweeters, a PA line built to be as loud as possible while including KICKER’s dedication to sound quality. 

This long-awaited line of KICKER SPL (sound pressure level) products makes its debut on the SEMA Show floor, installed in a highly customized 2021 Ford Bronco that commemorates KICKER’s long-time relationship with SPL legend Team Gates and its record-setting Bronco from the early 2000s. The newer Bronco is loaded with four pair of seven-inch ST-Series midrange drivers, eight ST-Series bullet tweeters and nine SoloX L7X 12-inch subwoofers. KICKER will also unveil nine, 3,600-watt Warhorse™ amplifiers, installed in a custom amp rack.  ST-Series speakers are shipping and currently available; the other gear is expected to ship in 2023.

“KICKER is the originator of big bass,” said Drew Jones, owner of Bassahaulic Productions and designer of the Bronco’s 4th-order enclosure. “They’re going to be surprised at how good it will sound, and how long it will play. This is how systems should be installed and set up. With KICKER getting back into SPL competition, it will also help make the sport more approachable.”

A 1973 Chevy C10 created by Hills Hot Rods and JD Glassworks will also be featured in the booth, sporting a powerful yet compact sound system not found in the truck 50 years ago on the showroom floor. A KICKER KEY amplifier powers artfully integrated KS-Series Speakers, while a CX-Series amplifier provides signal to a single CompRT thin 10-inch sub, all hidden behind custom mesh grilles.

Owned by offroad legend Robby Gordon, SpeedUTV will add the limited-edition “El Jefe” UTV to the floor mix this year. This race-ready UTV is integrated with original equipment from KICKER – the new PX-Series five-channel powersports amplifier with a CompRT subwoofer and KM-Series all-weather speakers.

Expanding to its third brand in the booth, KICKER will also show its 100-watt MultiPro™ Tailgate System which can now be found as OE on the GMC Hummer EV. The Hummer joins the Sierra and the Canyon utilizing KICKER audio in its truck tailgates.

Full event details are available on the SEMA Show web page at www.semashow.com.

MasterTech Expo 2023 to Host Chip Foose in Exclusive Design Session 

MESA, AZ (10.26.22) – Mobile Solutions announces that Chip Foose, award-winning vehicle designer and builder, will join the second annual MasterTech Expo, scheduled March 5-8, 2023 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona. Foose plans to conduct a design-inspired session to explain his creative process, as well as  and share details about his ascent to the pinnacle of one-off vehicle designs, working with TV shows and inspiring the next generation of designer/builders in the automotive aftermarket.

In his design session at the stage on the exhibit floor, Chip will take the audience through a series of live designs and sketches while overhead cameras display his work on audience-viewed screens. The session is scheduled separate from the event’s educational workshops and exhibit floor schedule, which means it’s open to all attendees and exhibitors.

As a highlight of his session and along with the interior build team, Foose will provide MasterTech Expo attendees a unique and immersive look into his methodology by revealing a behind-the-scenes look of TV’s final Overhalin’ build (2020), Shaq’s 1964 Chevy Impala. “Chip is going to take the audience through the intricacies of the design elements, providing thought processes, tips and techniques that are typically valued as a designer’s trade secrets” comments Bryan Schmitt, event founder and CEO of MasterTech Expo parent company Mobile Solutions.

Of course, known for his friendly approach to fans and followers, Foose will be available for autographs and photos following the design session at MasterTech Expo. This is an exciting opportunity to get inspired from one of the industry’s most talented vehicle designers and builders.

MasterTech Expo’s objective is to bring tremendous value to attendees with like-minded professionals, brands, education, tools and products from every segment of the industry. “At MasterTech Expo, we are committed to embracing the entire automotive aftermarket community. We were thrilled that Chip Foose is aligned with our vision and is excited to join us at MasterTech Expo to share his knowledge with other professionals” remarked Schmitt.

Registration for MasterTech Expo is currently open.

For questions or further information on the 2023 MasterTech Expo on March 5-8, 2023 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona, please email info@mastertechexpo.com or call 480 968-2074.

Watch MasterTech Expo’s Facebook, Instagram and website for ongoing updates and more event details.

New Axxess Integration Accessories are Coming to SEMA 2022

HOLLY HILL, FL (10.25.22) – Axxess by Metra Electronics has expanded its product line to include additional vehicle applications for popular integration solutions and will showcase these new products at the SEMA show on November 1st-4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Now shipping are new vehicle-specific DSP packages, amp retention interfaces, STOP/START engine override interfaces, AXTC Series interfaces, line output converters, and DSP T-harnesses. These new integration accessories are designed to help installers deliver upgraded sound systems and everyday convenience to drivers, with less labor and work in the install bay. New products launching at SEMA include:

DSP Packages

Axxess’s new DSPL and DSPX packages fit select Chrysler, Lincoln, BMW, and GM vehicles, including industry-leading solutions designed for Ethernet amplifiers in BOSE sound systems. These products feature combined digital signal processor and Interface technologies that allow installers to upgrade their music experience and customize their sound system. The DSP reflashes the OE radio and gives full tuning control from the palm of your hand. It is designed to integrate with factory audio systems and offers easy sound system expansion. Axxess’ DSPL series provides six channels of output and a 15-band graphic EQ per channel, while the DSPX series features 10 channels of output and a 31-band graphic EQ per channel. Both products offer selectable crossover slopes. These products feature independent equalization for each output and the ability to read, write, and store configurations for future recall. All tuning is done wirelessly via a free downloadable app, available exclusively for Android devices using the Google Play store.       

Vehicle-Specific DSP T-Harnesses

Another exciting announcement from Axxess are new vehicle-specific DSP T-harnesses, designed to fit select BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, and more. These harnesses offer an “a la carte” option for installers where they can use them to fit their unique needs or pair them with Axxess’ DSPX or DSPL packages. These harnesses have easy plug-n-play installation and provide versatile, cost-effective solutions for installers allowing them to keep less inventory in stock.

Amp Retention Interfaces             

Axxess is debuting two new amp retention interfaces at SEMA; one designed to retain the Harmon Kardon amplifier in select European vehicles such as BMW and Porsche, and one designed to retain the BOSE amplifier in select GM vehicles. These add-on amplifier interfaces are used when replacing the factory radio, such as with Metra’s dash kits. These interfaces also retain the balance audio feature when replacing the factory radio and are Micro “B” USB updatable.

START/STOP Engine Override Interface

Axxess expands its AXSSO series with a new START/STOP engine override interface for select 2020-Up* Chrysler vehicles. This interface automatically disengages the STOP/START engine feature. The setting remains even after the key has been cycled, and the factory STOP/START button can resume the STOP/START feature once again. This exclusive and patented technology works with factory or aftermarket radios and is programmed through the Axxess Updater software program. This interface has weather-resistant housing and harnessing with plug-n-play installation under the hood.

AXTC Interfaces               

A new Interface has been added to Axxess’ Total Control Series, designed for use when replacing the radio in select Ford 2015-2018* vehicles. These products utilize patented Auto-Detect technology that automatically detects the vehicle type, radio connection, and preset controls, while allowing the ability to dual-assign steering wheel controls. It provides NAV outputs, accessory power, and a 12-volt illumination output, in addition to retaining R.A.P., and balance and fade. The Axxess Total Control Series is a universal solution designed to work with all major radio brands and both amplified and non-amplified audio systems. They can be manually programmed for most vehicles and will retain settings even after battery disconnection or interface removal.

Vehicle-Specific Line Output Converters

Axxess is introducing an assortment of new vehicle-specific line output converters designed to fit select BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and more. These LOCs feature T-harnesses that install quickly and make it easy for installers to add an amplifier for subwoofers or speakers to a factory radio. They are designed to provide (2) channels of low-level audio output from the factory system, with 55 watts per channel. A Gain Controller is included to adjust overall output, and they are 12v-500mA remote wire activated with signal sense.

These products will be showcased at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s 2022 SEMA Show booths, November 1st-4th. The main booth will be #11139 in the North Hall, and its off-roading and powersports products will be on display at booth #60031 in the West Hall. More product details will be available at AxxessInterfaces.com soon after the show.

 *Visit MetraOnline.com and axxessinterfaces.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

Race Sport Lighting Releases New Patented Hitch Bar Solution at SEMA Show

RINGWOOD, IL (10.25.22) – Race Sport Lighting will be releasing their brand new Patented and Made in USA Bolt-On Hitch Bar Light Solution for HD Series Ford, GMC, Chevy, and Dodge Trucks. SEMA Attendees will get the first look at this amazing lighting solution at booth #11416 in the Mobile Electronics section of the North Hall. Race Sport Lighting Staff will be available in the booth all week to answer any questions. There will be a standing display replicating how the product bolts on to OEM Hitch Receivers on the back of any HD Series truck.

This Hitch Bar Lighting System takes 1-2 hours for retailers to install in their bays and comes with all required wiring and bolt hardware in the kit. There is no drilling or modifications required to install this light system. There are no other lighting options on the market today that offer an OEM look while meeting the demands of Heavy-Duty Trucks. The lighting systems will be manufactured right in Northern Illinois and kept 100% American Made. You can view these products at racesportinc.com/hitch-bar-light-kits.html

“This product is going to be extremely profitable for our distributing and retail partners in 2023. Consumers are looking for unique and patented solutions like this one to add to their trucks and get the job done. This product will appeal to many different industries we serve beyond Truck Accessory market. We are already fitting up the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Bronco just to name a few.” says Steven Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.

The Race Sport Lighting booth in Las Vegas will also feature also feature an eye-catching display of their flagship Chasing Style LED Wheel Light Kits and the patented wireless solar cab light systems that have swept the nation in 2022. Race Sport Lighting has been a SEMA Manufacturing Member for 10+ years now and this will their 7th years exhibiting in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is their first year back to the show since the global pandemic.

Visit racesportinc.com for more.