GREENSBORO, NC (01.31.22) – The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, raced into The Greensboro Coliseum Complex on Saturday, January 29th, for Round 6. In spite of very cold temperatures and forecasts of snow the 24,000 seat arena was alive with an enthusiastic crowd.
The crowd filed into the Greensboro Coliseum Complex for Round 6 of the KICKER ArenaCross on Saturday night, January 29.
“It was cold outside but inside the action on the track was red hot as riders and attendees were Livin’Loud. The KICKER display setup in the lobby area attracted enthusiasts through the evening. Dennis Montgomery, with KICKER area rep firm Tech Marketing, spent time showing KICKER products to members of the crowd. In addition Nate Hair from area retailer Sound Solutions talked KICKER with consumers throughout the night,” Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER’s presents at the events, stated.
It was an action packed night on the track.
Sound Solutions showcases the KICKER brand in their stores in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem NC. One attendee at the event had just had a KICKER system installed in his Tahoe by the Sound Solutions High Point store. He let Dennis Montgomery know how happy he was with his new KICKER system.
Enthusiasts checked out KICKER products in the lobby display.
Continuing, “Throughout the Carolinas its truck country so the new KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention. Powersports is strong in the area too so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed eyes when we cranked it on the display… Kicker Marine and Lifestyle products drew interest too,” Morrell related.
KICKER audio, Powersports, Marine and lifestyle products were on display.
For Saturday night’s event the stands were nearly full with attendees very engaged with action on the track. Amateur riders took to the track during the day and pro riders took the track through the evening from 6 until well after 10PM.
This lucky crowd member caught the special KICKER T with the certificate and picked up the BullFrog prize.
In addition to the action on the track KICKER T-shirts were fired into the crowd during Pro Race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. A lucky member of the crowd had a big smile when the Bullfrog was picked up.
Sound Solutions worked the event and has a store in Greensboro as well as stores in High Point and Winston-Salem.
Concluding Morrell added, “The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland. Successful events in Amarillo and Oklahoma City/Guthrie OK preceded Greensboro. Each event has added excitement to the 2022 Series. Next stop is Reno NV, February 4th and 5th, with Rounds 7 and 8. The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross is Livin’Loud in 2022.”
MIAMI, FL (01.31.22) – Last month, Diplomat Trading hosted Robin McNeal and Jason Proios at their Miami headquarters for several days of meetings. The meetings were capped by a video conference with the sales and marketing staff from Nakamichi Asia which featured virtually remote representatives from Singapore, Hong Kong and China.
Pictured left to right are Jason Proios, Robin McNeal and David Bradman in the Nakamichi showroom.
Topics of discussion included new models, market trends, sales projections and of course product availability. Production schedules were finalized for products that would ship before the Lunar New Year. “I feel better now about Q1 inventory,” noted Robin McNeal, National Sales manager for Nakamichi Car Audio. “To date we have introduced five new 2022 head units; two Double DIN (one with CarPlay and Android Auto) and three single DIN models. We should have several new CarPlay-Android Auto units to show at the February KnowlegdeFest in Las Vegas.”
Award for an Outstanding Job was presented to Robin McNeal.
During the trip McNeal was presented with a special award For an Outstanding Job in 2021. “I am very honored to receive this recognition and want to thank everyone involved that helped grow the Nakamichi business,” stated McNeal. ”A special thank you goes to David Bradman at Diplomat for giving me this opportunity.”
Since returning to the U.S market in 2020, Nakamichi Car Audio has expanded its dealer network both direct and through select distribution to car audio retailers in all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii.
PHOENIX, AZ (01.31.22) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing pre-order for their new audio kits and components for Polaris RZR Pro XP Side-by-side vehicles is now available through their website and authorized dealers. The new products are compatible with all 2020 and newer models.
The four main Thunder audio kits consist of three and five speaker options with power coming in at a thundering 1000 watts RMS for vehicles equipped with and without the Polaris Ride Command system. These complete audio solutions feature all wiring and hardware needed to quickly get you behind the wheel enjoying the industry-leading sound quality and trail tested durability you’ve come to expect from MTX Audio.
In addition to these, MTX is also offering two OE add-on audio kits that can expand or improve an existing factory audio system. First is the add-on subwoofer kit that comes complete with a loaded 10” ported subwoofer enclosure, 600-watt monobloc amplifier, amplifier mounting system and complete plug and play wiring. The second is the rear speaker kit to add a set of 6 1⁄2” coaxial cage mount speakers with integrated RGB lighting. This kit includes the speakers, mounting hardware, RGB lighting controller, plug and play harness and OE interface.
Also available for pre-order are the new PROXP-20-FS front component speakers with integrated RGB lighting and the PROXP-20-SW subwoofer enclosure for the same series of vehicles. The front speaker system features an all-weather 6 1⁄2” midrange driver preinstalled in a rotationally molded enclosure that mounts in the factory location beneath the dash. Combined with that is a high output, soft dome tweeter that mounts in the existing housing on the top of the dash. These components have been engineered to maximize your audio experience without sacrificing legroom or sound quality while riding. The PROXP-20-SW features a high output 10-inch subwoofer in a high mounted, ported design that installs in the dash. The enclosure is intended to be coupled with the MUD600-1 mono-block amplifier and features a front firing design to maximize bass output. The port allows it to produce deep vibrating bass while the high mount placement prevents water intrusion in most riding applications.
With an expected shipment time of mid-March, you won’t want to delay in getting yours secured today and be the first in your group to show off the next best audio solution in UTV audio systems. For more information and to find an MTX dealer near you visit them at www.mtx.com.
SHREVEPORT LA (01.29.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Audio Plus of Eden won the JVC prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 163 on Friday morning, January 28th.
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 has now rolled into Year-4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 163rd time on Friday morning January 28th. The Wheel landed on the JVC space and the Audio Plus 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 Audio Plus in Eden NC and gave Neil Shelton the good news that the store won a 12volt Spin-To-Win JVC prize. Neil chose a JVC KS-GA100 HEPA Air Purifier. That JVC prize will be headed their way.
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, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 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 and Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, February 4th.
PITTSBURGH, PA (01.28.22) – Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in the Pittsburg area, had a very strong showing at the recent MAX Motive World of Wheels this year at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh Friday – Sunday, January 21st-23rd.
End Result and Team Nutz members at the entrance to the booth on Sunday. End Result’s Rusty North (L) and Ed Dalesandro flank Tom Mays (2nd) and Ed Nuttall.
The Team Nutz 70’ x 80’ booth was filled with demo vehicles, tents, show car displays, live installations and importantly consumers. End Result, with Ed Dalesandro and Rusty North, was onsite with the Team Nutz staff of 20 who worked the show. The End Result rep firm brands Hertz, Audison, Memphis Audio, Race Sport Lighting and Nakamichi were installed in several demo vehicles and experienced by thousands of attendees.
High School students loading up on Swag Friday morning.
Dalesandro shot a video tour of the booth as Nuttall led the trip around the booth with input from North. Nuttall gave a background and details of over a dozen customized vehicles were spotlighted in the booth in addition to free-standing product displays.
Play the video below: Ed Nuttall leads Ed Dalesandro and Rusty North on a 10-minute video tour around the Team Nutz booth.
Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated, “The attendance was reported to approach 20,000 and members of the crowd were really interested automotive consumers. We had literally over 10,000 customized swag items including pens, stickers, tote bags, screw drivers and lanyards to hand out to attendees. We gave out over 1500 tote bags.
Ed Nuttall set to start the booth video tour. Play the full video above.
The visibility for Team Nutz at the event led to very active days at the store following the World of Wheels event.
“Snow and very cold temperatures certainly did not stop our phones from ringing at the store. Phones have been ringing off the hook scheduling installation appointments and answering questions. Many registered for contests we offered and checked out info from QR Code we spotted around at the event. Mike Gosnik posted a number of videos to draw attention to products in the booth and posts of those videos are creating visibility for us after the event,” Nuttall offered.
Mike Gosnik in a screenshot of the All Ways Safe International loaded with Memphis Audio, lighting and custom interior. This rig by Team Nutz debuted at SEMA 2021
This Jeep was loaded with Sony from Davis Distribution.
Continuing, Nuttall offered “Friday was high school day and we had 800 students at the show. I was scheduled to address the students in a conference room before the show opened. On my way up to the conference hall the elevator stopped and left me trapped inside for over 45 minutes. By the time maintenance got the damn thing fixed the students had already left for the show floor. The good news is they visited our booth and are carrying Team Nutz tote bags in the halls at their schools.
Following the show Saturday night Team Nutz hosted a dinner for exhibitors and crews at a restaurant across the street for over 100 who contributed to the success of the show.
This tow truck featured Team Nutz graphics.
This is a custom bike display built from bike parts and placed on a TV stand for in store sales presentations. Ed Nuttall on the left with Rusty North.
“All at Team Nutz certainly put a lot into pulling off this event. We worked over 3 days to set up and tear down took 3 hours. We put our company and products in front a very large number of people. Literally thousands went home with some swag with our name on it too. We look forward to more big events at the David Lawrence Convention Center,” Nuttall concluded.
Utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool, with images supplied from End Result and friends, the 12volt Central Studios delivered fresh news to members of the 12volt industry.
ONTARIO, CA (01.28.22) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes when not in your car than with PowerBass’ new BT-50 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This portable speaker has built-in 1200 man Li-ion battery for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied USB charge cord and let the music play!
The new BT-50 portable Bluetooth speaker features FM radio, SD card, is true wireless stereo and waterproof design IPX7.
Packed with great features such as bluetooth, FM radio, SD card, and hands-free calling, the BT-50 also comes equipped with TWS pairing for True Wireless Stereo playback. Connect 2 separate BT-50 Sound Cubes together for an immersive stereo sound experience or share your tunes with a friend while out on a hike. The adventures never have to end with your PowerBass Sound Cube!
The BT-50 PowerBass Sound Cube is bluetooth-ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android and more. It provides a hands-free microphone so you can also take calls while enjoying tunes.
Do you want to listen to your favorite local radio station or catch the big game while relaxing at the pool? The BT-50 has a built-in FM radio tuner! If you are hosting a party with a playlist, this device has you covered as well. Simply slide your SD card into the BT-50 and let your playlist roll!
AVON LAKE, OH (01.28.22) – Reduce under-hood temperatures and the chance of getting burned while working on a hot engine with the new Wastegate Heat Shield (#10142) from Design Engineering, Inc.
Great addition to a DEI Turbo Heat Shield for total turbo system protection, the Wastegate Heat Shield features high-tech composite materials with superior thermal insulating properties to help turbos run as efficiently as possible.
“We incorporated all of our experience building the absolute best Turbo Shield on the market, and applied it to building the best Wastegate Heat Shield,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Offering a precise fit over the wastegate/BOV, it is without a doubt the strongest, most heat-resistant shield available.” Ideal fit for TurboSmart 40mm – 45mm wastegates – CompGate & HyperGate.
Thermal protection starts with a Titanium LR Technology™ outer layer encasing multiple stainless steel and silica inner layers. Stainless mesh and thread ensure durability even on the hottest engines, while stainless wire and true riveted tie-downs allow for a secure, simple installation.
The DEI Wastegate Heat Shield is lightweight for high-performance applications, controlling extreme heat for improved turbo system efficiency and function.
For more information about the Wastegate Heat Shield and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
CORONA, CA (01.27.22) – “Keeping the avenue of innovation open, GCH is pleased to announce we are now shipping our newest application…. a PLUG and PLAY interface, factory fitted and matched front grille exo-skeleton WITH fitted 360 degree adjustable camera AND 3 additional inputs!” Greg Delgado, GCH Owner, related.
Greg Delgado, totally committed GCH Owner, with the new RAM Camera Solution and business on his forehead.
Continuing, Delgado offered, “This new product is designed for the UAV 8.4 and UAX12.1 radios. This system installs quickly and safely for clients looking to increase their safety field around this massive and attractive truck,”
Call GCH Automotive for further details: Greg Delgado 951-847-5673
ONTARIO, CA (01.27.22) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes when you are not in your car than with PowerBass’ new BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This portable speaker has dual built-in 1500 man Li-ion batteries for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied dual USB-A to USB-C charge cord and let the music play!
“This new BT-200 is pretty darn cool and sounds great,” stated David Holland, Shiflet and Dickson GM, pictured in the Gastonia NC showroom.
The PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT takes TWS True Wireless Stereo to a new level when you remove the rubber bumper protector and SPLIT your BT-200 into two speakers! Place them across the room or on each side of your pool or anywhere within 30 feet to completely surround yourself and your friends with this new modular stereo sound.
The BT-200 splits into two pieces for stereo and features passive radiators for enhanced bass.
The BT-200 PowerBass SPLIT is bluetooth-ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android, and more.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.27.22) – A new Professional Development Program launched by the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN, formerly Young Executives Network, YEN) is helping aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket reach greater levels of success. Sponsored by FLN in partnership with Dale Carnegie, the two-day, in-person program focuses on improving individual and business performance and is available exclusively to FLN members at a significant discount.
“The SEMA Future Leaders Network is committed to helping aspiring leaders advance in the industry,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso. “Partnering with a world-class organization such as Dale Carnegie is just one example of what we are doing to invest in the membership. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to participate in the Dale Carnegie Training, and I’m excited that other FLN members will have access to the program as well.”
While Caloroso’s employer, Driven Lighting Group, supported his participation in the Dale Carnegie Training, most aspiring leaders in the industry do not have such opportunities. To make the training attainable for all employees, including junior level executives and those from small businesses, FLN is subsidizing 50 percent of the cost of the training, plus offering free hotel and meals for two days, two nights to a limited number of members.
“It’s important to invest in training, and the Dale Carnegie Program is among the best that is available,” said Brian Reese, current CEO of T Sportline and Caloroso’s employer at Driven Lighting Group at the time of the training. “Nick has always been a terrific leader and team member, but the Dale Carnegie program has given him greater skills and knowledge to become an even better leader. He’s learned strategies and tactics that many seasoned professionals have yet to learn.”
The program, which will take place in March 2022 in Diamond Bar, California, will teach participants to:
Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations
Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions, and listening
Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios
Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward
Use emotional controls to sustain success
The program is available at half of Dale Carnegie’s regular fee and includes complimentary meals and hotel accommodations for two nights. (Cost for the program is $1,600 direct from Dale Carnegie.) Participants will also need to arrange their own travel to the event.
The program is limited to 25 FLN members, but any SEMA member company employee aged 40 and under can apply for FLN membership at no cost. Individuals interested in learning more can visit pages.message.sema.org/FLN-Profession-Development/ or contact Denise Waddingham, FLN Director, at deniselw@sema.org
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