DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.23.22) – At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, TMI Products will recognize the builders who have created one-of-a-kind vehicles with the TRIM Awards, which were created to recognize the forethought it takes to not only create a finely crafted custom vehicle, but also incorporate the interior into that design. Since the TRIM Awards will be presented live at the SEMA Show, only the most detailed and creative interior installs will be considered.
Each individual category winner will receive a $500 voucher and the Best of Show Champion will receive a certificate for a complete interior for their next build ($8,000 value) that can be used to purchase TMI interior products.
A panel of insiders from the aftermarket industry, including the TRIM Awards host, will present the awards. They include Kevin Oeste of V8 Speed & Resto Shop and voice of the 2022 SEMA Show; Sean Holman, content director of the Truck and Off-Road Group at Motor Trend and co-host of “The Truck Show” podcast; Sara Morosan, 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, multi Ford Design award winner and co owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; Theresa Contreras, PPG brand ambassador, multi Ford Design award winner and co-owner of LGE/CTS Motorsports; and Marcel Venable and Jason Mulligan, co-owners of Auto Revolution on Amazon Prime.
TRIM Awards categories include:
Best Car Best Truck Best SUV or Wagon Best Full Interior Most Creative Best Color-Matching Best Custom Car Interior Best Custom Truck Interior Fan Favorite (chosen on social media) Best of Show Champion All contestants must have a vehicle on display at the 2022 SEMA Show. The awards will be presented on stage in the TMI booth #24477, located in the Central Hall, Wednesday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. Contestants must be present during the awards ceremony.
TEMPE, AZ (09.22.22) – Mobile Solutions’ highly successfully Modern Fab workshop concluded its revised in-person 2.0 version class this past September 8-11, 2022. The intensely hands-on, sold out four-day training workshop had participants ranging from upholstery professionals to 12 volt technicians to custom car builders and fabricators. Even a mother and son upholstery shop team. Mobile Solutions founder and CEO Bryan Schmitt said “It was an incredible event with a broad range of fabrication and customization techniques presented between myself and our ultra-talented guest trainers to ensure every attendee got the maximum impact of their time with us here in Arizona.”
Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions Founder and CEO center foreground, in shown with members of the Modern Fab 2.0 class with their amazing individual class projects showcased.
The September Modern Fab workshop featured metal fabrication, upholstery and sewing techniques, technology using automation like CNCs and Laser machines, as well as specialty electronic techniques which included coding integration and a micro controller for lighting systems and other switching applications. “We are training on next-level topics in these workshops and elevating all attendees’ skill sets and awareness of technology implementation” remarked Schmitt.
Rommel Medina demonstrates a real-time 3D scan process.
Guest presenters included MasterTech Expo 2022 Build Off winner Rommel Medina (@audiofabricator), upholstery expert Wesley Cato of Anything Car Audio (@anything_audio_upholstery) and industry veteran Doug Dobson (@dobslob). “I think what I enjoyed most about instructing at the workshop is seeing the growth of skills from each and every person throughout the duration of the class. Whether they came with limited knowledge or were seasoned veterans, everyone finished their projects and gained a significant degree of new information. I was very happy to share expertise with this amazing group in the Modern Fab 2.0 workshop” commented Wesley Cato, guest presenter.
Bryan Schmitt is joined by Lauren White and her son Austin with their class projects. They work with Top Stitch Interiors outside St. Louis MO.
The Modern Fab 2.0 workshop’s training topics included:
Designing interior panels and trim elements with the sewing machine processes
Working from an initial design sketch or rendering
Sewing machines – what to look for, how to begin sewing
Patterning and stitching different types of seams
Using stitching details to add accents to a build
Metal fabrication techniques and skills
Jigging up metal framework for repeatability
Structural mounts for service-friendly designs
MIG and TIG welding techniques and best practices
Bending and cutting sheet metal for use in interior fabrication
Victor Orozco in the midst of vinyl wrapping his Modern Fab class project.
Fabricating and implementing other unique trim and interior elements
Safety-focused 3D router techniques for incredible dimension with extreme efficiency
Time-saving techniques for unique using aluminum and plastic trim inserts
Comprehensive Arduino micro controller code programing for assignable LED lighting
Accent lighting and layering for maximum visual impact
Interior panel and trim finishing techniques
Pressed metal grilles/inserts
Shadow trim, paint tricks such as marbling, faux wood grain, etc.
Using wood-like veneers and other vinyl-wrap-based materials to emulate a design narrative
Secrets of finishing back sides on fabricated panels when removed for service
The Modern Fab 2.0 Session was set for many categories of training.
“Everything in the Modern Fab training workshop was so well laid out. I could tell that extensive thought went into every aspect of what I experienced. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will definitely learn something new, have your skills challenged and finish something that you have never done before” said Archie Speaks for Savannah Custom Car Audio in Savanah, Georgia. Archie and all of the Modern Fab 2.0 attendees built their own take-home project throughout the four training days as part of the hands-on element of this incredible class. After the event concluded, attendee Matthew Parrish remarked “That was such an amazing class. Opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Definitely world class.”
For questions or further information on Modern Fab training, please email Mobile Solutions at sales@mobilesolutions-USA.com or call 480 968-2074.
Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next Modern Fab class and other in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2023 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 5-8, 2023 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.22.22) – Emmitt Smith, the NFL legendary running back who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, will headline the 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program’s Friday Enthusiast Track. The new seven-session series will feature celebrities and iconic personalities as they share personal stories that will inspire and entertain Showgoers.
Smith, who will be joined on the Paradise Event Center stage by television personality Chris Jacobs from the hit show Overhaulin’ on Friday, November 4, at 8:00 am, will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and the importance of paying it forward. His race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks to break down barriers in motorsports.
NFL Legend Emmitt Smith will headline the new 2022 SEMA Show Educational Program Friday Enthusiast Track. He will discuss career opportunities in motorsports and his race team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports.
“Through Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, we want to bring awareness to the many opportunities available in motorsports,” said Smith. “We want to inspire and educate people of all walks of life to work hard and pursue their dreams.”
SEMA Showgoers will hear from Smith about what motivated him to partner with Iwuji as a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner and how they are supporting minorities, youth, and the service member community.
The SEMA Education Enthusiast Track will continue with sessions throughout the day on how to secure sponsors for project vehicles, protecting the right to modify, land-use sustainability, and more. The Enthusiast Track is open at no cost to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers, including top enthusiasts who are SEMA Individual Members attending through the SEMA Ignited Friday Experience.
“We’re excited about the Friday Enthusiast Track; it is the first time the SEMA Show Education Program has dedicated a series of seminars to appeal specifically to enthusiasts,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Education Director. “Given that this is such a passion-driven industry filled with professionals who love their jobs, the Enthusiast Track will be especially entertaining and engaging. Attendees will leave with practical information that speaks to this passion.”
For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.
MIAMI, FL (09.22.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio has announced plans to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show November 1-4 in Las Vegas, NV. This will be the companies third SEMA Show appearance since re-entering the market in 2019.
Nakamichi will use the international backdrop of the SEMA Show to unveil its new Susumu menu featuring a redesigned layout that is more intuitive and more responsive than previous models—further demonstrating Nakamichi’s commitment to Japanese innovation.
The highlight of the new 20’ x 20’ booth will be its release of the NA3625 platform touting Nakamichi’s “wireless evolution”, the companies next step in CarPlay / Android Auto technology. “We are very excited about SEMA and the release of our new wireless CarPlay products”, exclaimed Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi.
Nakamichi encourages all current and prospective dealers to contact their local sales rep to make an appointment or email Robin McNealrobin@usa-nakamichi.com
Nakamichi Car Audio can be found at booth 11517 North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center duing the SEMA Show.
COSTA MESA, CA (09.21.22) – PowerBass headed back the Sand Sports Super Show 2022 in Costa Mesa for the the West Coast’s largest Powersports event. The event, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center September 16-18, was packed with enthusiasts from all over the US.
The PowerBass 40’x30’ booth stayed busy all weekend as staff members on hand answered questions and helped consumer get the best set up for their UTV’s and other off-road vehicles. In the booth a loaded PowerBass UTV was busy with demos throughout the event. Product displays showcased PowerBass products and new Bluetooth speakers were spotlighted on the country.
The PowerBass 40’x30’ booth was busy throughout the event.
The PowerBass crew set for the event to open…Jeff, Dave, Erik and Rick (L to R).
Of course a great PowerBass event wouldn’t be complete without the lovely ladies of PowerBass Sarah and Athena in the booth who met attendees with smiles as they entered the booth to check out all of the amazing products on display.
Athena ready to greet attendees by a PowerSports product display.
Sarah showed the new portable Bluetooth speakers and had freebies for attendees in the booth.
Erik Harbour related “Our best selling take with products at the event were portable speakers and we gave away hats, tool bags and backpacks.”
Continuing Harbour offered “We want to thank all who stopped by the booth and big thanks to those that took home some great PowerBass gear for their rides! Special thanks to all of our dealers in attendance and those selling at the show, customers said they were seeing PowerBass from the front of the show to the back! The XL-50 V2 series sound bars were the hit of the show with the XL-1250 and XL-850 being the #1 sellers amongst all audio products at the show! We hope you all had a successful year at this year’s event and thank you for your support.” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development and Global Marketing, stated.
Jeff Falk, National Sales Manager, was on site and engaged with attendees.
METAIRIE, LA (09.21.22) – Oracle Lighting has launched three new tail light modes in their popular “Flush” style design. The new LED tail light models include the Ford Super Duty Trucks (model years 2017-2022), the new Ford Bronco (model years 2021+), and for the Jeep Wrangler JK (model years 2007-2018). These new models with make their debut at the 2022 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The debut will take place in the SEMA new product showcase and at Oracle’s booth # 20137 in the Central Hall.
“Oracle’s flush taillights have become very popular in the Jeep market and have become a top performing category for us,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting’s director of development. “We are looking forward to introducing these new and innovative models of LED tail light designs and expand our offerings for the Wrangler and introduce these designs to the Ford Super Duty and Bronco markets.”
Protruding out significantly less than the factory tail lights, Oracle Lighting’s low-profile designs have a more streamlined appearance while also reducing risk of tail light damage when off-roading. These flush tail lights also feature a unique design and functional LED lighting elements including high-powered reverse lights, Oracle’s unique signature perimeter lighting, and an animated turn signal sequence.
Utilizing the same features as Oracle’s very popular JL flush tail lights, the new design for Jeep Wrangler JK (Part# 5891-504) is compatible with all JK model years 2007-2018 has an MSRP of $369.95
The new Ford Bronco is one of the most popular vehicles on the road and Oracle’s Flush Tail Lights (Part# 5892-504) are a big improvement. These are compatible with both the with factory halogen tail lights and with LED tail lights (will require ForScan flash) for all Broncos model years 2021-2023 (except Raptor) and have a MSRP of $449.95
The innovative modular design of Oracle’s LED tail lights for the Ford Super Duty (Part# 5896-504) features a unique animated turn signal sequence and adapters to fit both Halogen and LED model tail lights. Compatible with F250, F350, and F450 model years 2017-2022 and have an anticipated MSRP of $495.95.
Designed and engineered in the USA, all three models of these patent-pending LED tail lights feature easy plug-and-play wiring and user-friendly installation.
“The new modular design for Ford Super Duty Trucks allows the light to be quickly disassembled for custom painting,” Hartenstein continued. “The reverse light module and stop/tail/turn module can be easily removed from the black housing which can then be painted to match the body color of the vehicle to provide a more customized appearance which more seamlessly blends with the truck. No more problems backing up at night and no longer do you need to install additional reversing lamps onto the back of your truck to get the brightness that you desire. That’s because these LED reverse lights are basically a pair of LED light bars mounted into the tail light which will provide over 4,400 Lumens of rear-facing illumination.”
Damaging factory tail lights on trails is not an uncommon issue for owners who often off-road their Broncos and Wranglers. The factory design protrudes out several inches past the body which creates unnecessary exposure to trees, boulders, and other obstacles on tight trails.
“Even if you don’t off-road your Bronco or Wrangler JK often, these lights provide plenty of innovative features and unique styling, which make them an awesome mod for any Bronco or Jeep owner,” said Hartenstein. “Gain sleek styling that compliments the original body lines and tons of innovative features. With the superior quality and durability that Oracle Lighting is known for, these tail lights are the perfect upgrade for your Bronco and Wrangler JK.”
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
VACAVILLE, CA (09.21.22) – Aegis Distribution Incorporated (ADi) announces its agreement with Audio Wave Ltd of Essex, England to bring hand-crafted amplifiers from the UK to allow for distribution throughout North and South America.
“I first heard an Audio Wave amplifier at a CES demo and I was amazed,” says Scott Welch of ADi. “In over 20 years on the competition circuit I had never heard anything like that. I was familiar with the speaker system but had never heard them sound that good. The sound stage and clarity were incredible and I kept looking for a sub… the low end extension was unreal. I had to have them and I immediately ordered them for my own competition car. Now, we at Aegis Distribution are proud to be able to distribute these incredible products here in the US and throughout the Americas.”
Audio Wave’s engineer, designer and owner Grant Hunan’s approach is to design and handcraft every amplifier one at a time. Every part of the process is done in-house, from the schematic diagram to the design of the printed circuit board, including fitting all the components by hand. Only high quality parts are used, with all the electronic components carefully matched before circuit board assembly. After testing they go through a burn-in period before final tests are carried out, a process done to detect early failures and ensuring reliability. In some cases Grant even builds his own discrete front end rather than using an integrated circuit op-amp. All with the intent of building the best sounding audio amplifier you can buy.
“Audio Wave ltd is excited to have Aegis Distribution Inc represent the brand in the USA, Canada, South America and the Caribbean countries. ADi understands and has the knowledge to back up our products to a very high standard and I have full confidence that our companies will be a great partnership,” said Audio Wave’s Grant Hunan. “ADi’s President Scott Welch has been using Audio Wave amplifiers for the last two years and understands the commitment and time that we put into every product.”
For more information or dealer inquiries, please contact us at sales@aegisdis.com or by phone at 707.446.6749.
COSTA MESA, CA (09.20.22) – KICKER returned with a truckload of fun to the world’s biggest sand-sports event – the West Coast’s annual Sand Sports Super Show. The Orange County Fair and Event Center played host to the event Friday thru Sunday September 16th-18th.
The KICKER presence extended well past the length of a football field.
KICKER arrived with its 83-foot rolling showroom – the XRV tractor-trailer, along with four custom side-by-sides equipped with KICKER powersports gear that were parked under the awning in the expansive KICKER area. The XRV trailer itself displayed the complete line of KICKER audio gear with space for several show-quality vehicles under its awning, including vehicles by Uncensored Motorsports and a Murfco-owned UTV, built by Morgan Motorsports. Showgoers found the XRV by the East entrance.
Josh Alexander, who rolled with Jeremy Wynn in the XRV from Oklahoma, is pictured with site security personnel in this Dan Murphy image.
Tracy Focht, KICKER Western Regional was on site and related, “The KICKER team on site made it happen as all worked together. Jeremy and Josh set the XRV in place and Lorin was there with his KICKER truck for setup. Dan Murphy, Murphco, worked the event each day ensuring our dealers were happy and knew we were there supporting them in the marketplace. All our dealers experienced the BoomRoom and attendees lined up for the BoomRoom experience with 40,000 watts of KICKER power. All in all it was a terrific event.”
The Murphco Can Am, loaded by Morgan Motorsports, was Livin’Loud and Shinin’Loud.
KICKER had a strong presence outside of the booth as well. KICKER partner SSV Works showcased KICKER-equipped side-by-sides plus Gatorwraps was located next to the XRV. Several KICKER dealers also had UTVs on-site, including UTV Stereo, Temecula Motorsports, California Sound and Bert’s Mega Mall inside their pavilion.
Attendees lined up to experience Livin’Loud in the BoomRoom with 40,000 watts of Kicker power.
There were multiple ways to win KICKER prizes during the Super Show. KICKER offered a chance to win a 150-watt PowerBar™ amplified system, which event-goers could enter to win by finding the scannable QR code, at the XRV. The Super Show also gave away a trio of Bullfrog BF100 Outdoor Speakers during the show. Contestants registered by scanning the QR code located on the Super Show map.
OXNARD, CA (09.20.22) – SSV Works is proud to announce the launch of the new SSVWorks.com.
“As we have updated and created new and better purchasing abilities for our products, we have rebuilt ssvworks.com from the ground up in order to give our customers the best online experience possible,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Our website now utilizes the Shopify platform, which provides for a better and easier way to buy as well as providing more customer-friendly tools to utilize when browsing and selecting their new audio systems.”
Compared to the past website, the new ssvworks.com has better overall aesthetics, better overall organization and easier navigation for customers, and internal system linking that keeps products consistently up-to-date.
“To make finding product information easier, we’ve included additional features,” Kaplan continued. “Product variations such as speaker enclosures, for example, the SKU on the product page will dynamically change when you select the speaker option and clamp size option. Each product title, description and spec have been updated, along with an added ‘Vehicle Compatibility’ tab, making the process of finding the correct kit much simpler.”
During the purchase process with the new Shopify platform, zero interest financing is now available. Popular payments such as Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, and more are now available, as well.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.20.22) – After the SEMA Show concludes, the iconic cars and trucks from the business-to-business event will emerge from the Las Vegas Convention Center and make their way to SEMA Ignited – the official SEMA Show after-party where consumers will have their first chance to see the one-of-a-kind vehicles that debuted at the world’s premier automotive trade gathering earlier that week. Taking place at the convention center’s West Hall Parking Lot from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm PT on Friday, November 4, SEMA Ignited is a combination of a car show, parade, music, food, entertainment, and exhibitions all rolled into what becomes the ultimate automotive celebration.
Now in its eighth year, SEMA Ignited is where consumers see, hear, and – in some cases – get up-close and connect with award-winning vehicles and their owners. With more vendors and exhibitors than ever before, the 2022 SEMA Ignited is where car enthusiasts will be able to discover the newest trends, learn about new products, meet industry celebrities, and experience the excitement of the growing aftermarket firsthand. In addition to demonstrations from Formula DRIFT drivers from throughout the world, this year’s event will include simultaneous live attractions and activations. One of this year’s main attractions is the Urias Globe of Death, a group of daredevil motorcycle riders who perform jaw-dropping stunts in a mesh sphere ball.
“There is something for everyone at SEMA Ignited,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “As the official after-party of the SEMA Show, guests of all ages can come and experience the best of the SEMA Show, see the custom builds, meet automotive celebrities, and enjoy live entertainment. Our exhibitors and builders are anxious to meet with the public and show off their latest products and unique builds.”
General admission tickets allow access into SEMA Ignited. Car enthusiasts may choose to purchase upgraded tickets for reserved seating where they’ll be able to sit and watch the SEMA Cruise and performances from Formula DRIFT and the Urias Globe of Death. A limited number of Friday Experience packages are available for general admission into SEMA Ignited, as well as entrance into the SEMA Show on Friday, November 4, and comes with a one-year SEMA Individual Membership.
“The SEMA Ignited Friday Experience is a rare opportunity for gearheads to experience the trade-only SEMA Show and engage with the industry as SEMA Individual Members,” said Gattuso. “Through the Friday Experience, enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at what industry professionals are doing at the SEMA Show and witness the trends as they are happening.”
All SEMA Showgoers will be able to attend SEMA Ignited with their Show credentials. For more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. To learn more about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.
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