DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.03.22) – As part of the 2022 SEMA Show, the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Feature Vehicle Program will shine a spotlight on 10 vehicles that showcase diversity, trends and opportunities available in the truck and off-road market. Situated this year in a new location (outside walkway between West and North Halls), the area referred to as “TORA Feature Vehicle Trail” is a must-see attraction for all Showgoers.
Check it out to see the following modified vehicles in key market categories:
“As industry trends evolve, it’s important for TORA to reflect and showcase all current and future opportunities available,” said TORA Council Director Denise Waddingham. “The diverse array of vehicles will inspire and educate SEMA Showgoers to the unlimited possibilities.”
Visitors at the TORA Feature Vehicle Trail are invited to vote for their favorite vehicle for the TORA Feature Vehicle Best in Show Award. The winner will be announced during the TORA Industry Reception, November 2, at 5:00 p.m. in West Hall 3rd Floor Terrace.
TAMPA, FL (10.03.22) – DOW Technologies will be donating 2.5% of sales over the next week to Hurricane Ian relief. As Hurricane Ian’s destruction has had wide ranging impacts on our home state of Florida, we want to offer assistance to those in need. Our plan to donate a percentage of sales also provides an opportunity for our customers to be involved. They can be confident that part of their purchase will go towards those impacted by the storm.
As a small/medium sized business ourselves, we recognize the importance and the responsibility of SMBs to communities. Many of our customers have been profoundly impacted by this hurricane, and we are striving to do our part to help get their communities back up and running.
DOW Technologies President and CEO John Yodzis provided the above information.
SHREVEPORT LA (10.01.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Custom Audio Concepts Won the JVC Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 198 on Friday morning, September 30th.
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 198th time on Friday morning September 30th. The Wheel landed on the JVC space and the Custom Audio Concepts 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 Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH and gave them the news an JVC prize will be headed their way. Mark Wallace was very happy to hear the news.
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 and Nakamichi. 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 and Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, October 7th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.30.22) – SEMA has announced the finalists for its first-ever SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award. The new program recognizes content creators and social media influencers who have significantly supported and helped build enthusiasm for the automotive industry and car culture. The new award will be presented to one of the top-five finalists at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet to honor an influencer who has built an engaged audience and used his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.
The award is a result of the rise of content creators’ and social media influencers’ impact on the industry. Finalists for the award were selected based on their presence and influence across social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. The coveted SEMA Industry Awards Banquet will host the finalists and recognize their impact on growing the $50.9 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.
“These influencers and creators have built up a tremendous voice to help promote, shape, and protect the automotive industry,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “Each of them has the ability to share their stories and connect with their fans in a personal and impactful way. They also generate tons of excitement and enthusiasm for the automotive industry. They are a big part of being an automotive enthusiast today, and it’s time we recognize them for their contributions.”
Fueled by the SEMA Show’s energy and passion, influencers will head to Las Vegas during the first week of November to connect with manufacturers and builders, learn about new products, witness vehicle unveilings, and attend industry gatherings while sharing their experiences for the world to see.
“Automotive influencers embody the passion that makes being a car person so special,” continued Lawrence. “The content they create is a great representation of what car culture is all about.”
The SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award winner will be announced at the newly revamped SEMA Industry Awards Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 3. The banquet, which is the annual celebration of the specialty-equipment industry, will also provide the backdrop for the presentation of other industry awards, including SEMA Person of the Year and SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year.
ONTARIO, CA (09.30.22) – Making any stock factory sound system sound fantastic is now a simple task with our OEM drop in replacement speakers for many Chevy, GMC and Cadillac, trucks and SUVs.
PowerBass OEM coaxials feature an Injection molded PP cone with a 1” silk dome tweeter, to deliver the music experience you have always wanted from your factory sound system.
OE DIRECT FIT GENERAL MOTORS OE652-GM2 2Ω 6.5″ Coaxial OE692-GM2 2Ω 6×9″ Coaxial
Now available in 2 OHM for most PREMIUM OEM Stock Replacement such as BOSE Premium Sound Systems!
The PowerBass OE-GM series 6.5″ coaxial features dual input terminal options made to work perfectly with early or late model Gm vehicles taking the worry out of which model fits your specific vehicle year.
With the PowerBass OE Series there is no need to drill holes, or cut wires thanks to our simple plug and play design that matches the factory bolt locations and plug styles for one of the fastest upgrades ever.
2-ohm System Impedance Upgraded OEM Replacement Co-Axial Speakers OE652-GM2- 2Ω 60 Watts RMS/120 Watts Max OE692-GM2 – 2Ω 80 Watts RMS/160 Watts Max Injection Molded PP Cone Nylon OEM Speaker Adapter 1” Silk Dome Tweeter OE652-GM2 – 20 oz. Magnet OE692-GM2 – 35 oz. Magnet Factory Plug and Play Wiring OE652-GM2 dual input plugs
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.30.22) – The OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) is bringing live, action-packed excitement to the SEMA Show, growing its activation with three of its five segments unfolding during the 55th annual trade show.
The competition’s Peak Performance Challenge (a timed segment) and the Lingenfelter Design & Engineering Challenge took place at the SEMA Show for the first time in 2021. Those two segments will return to this year’s SEMA Show, while the Autocross portion of the competition makes its debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Bronze Lot during the exclusive trade-only event. The remainder of the OUSCI continues November 5–7, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“As an expanded feature at the 2022 SEMA Show, OPTIMA’s Ultimate Street Car Invitational is an iconic competition that will showcase the aftermarket’s potential,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “With modifications that enhance the performance of the vehicles, the competing cars and trucks embody what the SEMA Show is all about. It’s going to be exciting to watch the action up close and in person.”
With six regional qualifying events spanning more than eight months, the OUSCI includes the country’s top road-worthy, modified vehicles. Top performers from the regional events receive coveted invitations to compete in the final competition, with a handful of spots reserved for vehicles selected at the SEMA Show.
Since 2008 when the OUSCI debuted, an additional highlight for showgoers has been a display of all 100 competition vehicles at the SEMA Show in an area known as OPTIMA Alley. At the end of the Show, the vehicles parade out of the convention center and make their way to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where they participate in a five-part competition. Last year, two of the segments kicked off the competition, which took place at the SEMA Show. This year, the SEMA Show will host three of the five segments.
“It’s rare to be able to witness so many vehicles push the limits of performance and agility,” said Gattuso. “To see the competition unfold live is exhilarating and inspiring.”
The Bronze Lot is located in the outdoor area south of South Hall. For details about the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1–4 in Las Vegas—including a floorplan showing the location of the Bronze Lot, or to apply for credentials to attend—visit www.SEMAShow.com.
OWENSBORO, KY (09.29.22) – The 25th Anniversary dB Drag Racing World Finals is taking place this weekend at the Owensboro KY Convention Center. Competition teams are traveling from all around to compete in 24 classes of competition.
Old school car audio enthusiasts will also be joining the event as part of an Old School Car Audio Meet Up. A busy weekend is planned with competition Saturday and Sunday. Trophies are awarded for 1st – 3rd place winners AND Championship Rings for 1st Place winners.
Wayne and Celise were rushing though the Atlanta airport on the way to Owensboro. Celise snapped this image as Wayne was boarding.
All attendees will receive a cool swag duffel bag with racing jersey, cap, banner, plaque and swag. Lunch is included for both days of the event and a catered BBQ dinner on Saturday night during the after party. Everyone will have a chance to win nearly $10,000 in PRIZES donated by sponsors.
On behalf of the dB Drag Racing Association and members a sincere thank you goes out to the sponsors supporting the event.
All is in place for the DB Drag Racing World Finals this weekend.
Deaf Bonce / Alphard Group (Presenting Sponsor) – Incriminator Audio (Rings and Badges) – Sundown Audio (Trophies) – Ground Zero & SounDigital (Hospitality and Party) – Crossfire Car Audio (Duffel Bags) – XS Power (Electric) – Directronix (Old School Meet Up) – DC Audio (Points Champion) – Mel Valadez (Plaques) – FCBC (Deathmatch) – AAMP (Decal) – Show Sponsors: Team Space 4 Bass – 20 Hz Labs – Shaker Trucking & Towing – Resilient Sounds – Kicker – Cerwin Vega – Term-LAB
SHREVEPORT, LA (09.29.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.
The images below show 12volt companies across the U.S. David Holland had a variety of brands on display in the Shiflet and Dickson showroom in Gastonia NC. “We wanted to make sure dealers know we have inventory to fill their orders” Holland stated.
Wayne and Celise were rushing through the Atlanta Airport on the way to Owensboro KY for the DB Drag Racing World Finals. With the Hurricane Ian slamming Florida there is a lot of uncertainty with air travel.
It’s the remote start season and Robert Sylvester stacked product from a number of brands on a table in the company’s Rhode Island warehouse to show dealers they are ready to fill orders.
Nakamichi is preparing for a major showing at the SEMA show and Jason Proios was in the Diplomat Nakamichi showroom in Miami planning product displays for Las Vegas.
CRUX Interfacing is seeing a big need for their new DK modules and Bob Hering is pictured with products in the CRUX HQ in Chatsworth CA.
See even more @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook for more examples of the 12voltSTP Tool at work. Check out over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
On Instagram and Facebook, @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Click to see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.29.22) – SEMA is calling all SEMA Show car builders to register for SEMA Battle of the Builders—the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition—by the October 14 deadline. Open exclusively to builders with a car or truck displayed at the annual trade show, the competition celebrates and honors top builders for participating in what many consider to be the pinnacle of automotive events.
“Since 2014, we’ve provided vehicle builders a special platform to showcase their imagination, creativity and craftsmanship while also fueling the love for competition and pride of accomplishment,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “SEMA Show Exhibitors are tremendously selective with the vehicles they choose to showcase their products, capture attention and drive traffic to their booths. SEMA Battle of the Builders not only offers an additional avenue for further exposure by featuring the top builders and brands that exhibit at the SEMA Show but also provides a chance for top builders from different genres to learn from each other building meaningful connections as they judge each other’s builds in the final round.”
SEMA Battle of the Builders gives builders to opportunity to gain global recognition, including possible inclusion in a one-hour television special or SEMA’s social channels, and a chance to be recognized and named as the industry’s top builder. The competition recognizes one winner in four different categories:
Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic Young Guns—before crowning the coveted title, Battle of the Builders Champion.
The four categories have evolved for the 2022 competition. Hot Rod Trucks will now compete with traditional Hot Rod builds. The former Truck class becomes more focused on 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road builds while the Sport Compact class is expanded to include Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic builds as well. The age limit for the Young Guns class has also been raised from 27 to 29 years old. As part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry, the association will continue its SEMA Young Guns category for builders who are 29 and younger.
“Each year, we meet amazing young builders through the Young Guns program,” said de Vera. “It is inspiring to witness the passion, drive and courage they have to put their blood, sweat and tears into their projects and to compete with their pride and joy in this competition. To see the industry embrace them as they build a network of contacts and connections that will fuel a lifelong career is exactly why the Young Guns class was created. Fortune definitely favors the brave, and we want to highlight that.”
Although the SEMA Show is a trade-only event, consumers can experience the excitement of the event and see the winning Battle of the Builder vehicles during the SEMA Cruise and at SEMA Ignited (www.semaignited.com), the official SEMA Show after-party taking place from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., in the West Hall parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 14. Calling all builders!
LIMA, OH (09.28.22) – The Custom Audio Concepts 3-Day Tent Sale took place Thursday through Saturday, September 22-24. The company’s store is located at a very busy intersection in Lima OH. A row of tents was positioned outside along with numerous tables stacked high with specials under tents for customers to check out.
Mark Wallace, Custom Audio Concepts GM, who orchestrated the event offered, “We had a unbelievably huge success. When others around may be slowing down we are moving forward. I have been in this industry for 24 years and have never seen an event this busy… and register such strong sales.”
The large Tent Sale banner grabbed attention on the busy street in Lima.
Continuing, Wallace added “We sold lots of Rockford Fosgate products along with Memphis subwoofers. Harley Hertz speakers were a hit and Sony Radios were sold like hotcakes. We did in 3 days what some stores may do in a month.”
The row of tents stretched over 100 feet down the side of the store and tables were stacked high with the products.
Al Congdon, with the Progressive Group, worked the event. Congdon related “I’m happy to say the event was well promoted and we had a steady flow of customers looking at products. The people that showed up were definitely buyers. The deals were smoking and I would like to say Nice Job Mark Wallace.”
“There were 7 store staff members working the event. We promoted the event on Facebook and Instagram with targeted ads” Wallace concluded.
Nate Gast (R) and Mark Wallace are all smiles on tent row.
Custom Audio Concepts is owned by Nate Gast and sells home and car audio plus associated automotive aftermarket products.
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