KENWOOD Was Trackside At The Circuit Of The Americas For The Moto GP Austin Race

Posted on by in Featured.

AUSTIN TX (10.08.21) Moto GP got back in the saddle when the fastest show on two wheels rev’ed up for 3 days of bar-banging motorcycle racing in Austin, October 1st thru 3rd.

Kenwood was set up trackside to meet with attendees and conduct an initial presentation of the Motorsports-grade dual camera recording solution.

KENWOOD displayed at the 2021 Moto GP Race in Austin, TX! This was the perfect event to begin the initial promotion of their STZ-RF200WD motorsports-grade Dual Camera recording solution with hide-a-way control box, allowing stealth installation in motorcycles and other similar vehicles that reside in an outdoor environment (https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/dashboard_camera/stz-rf200wd/).

Attendees had an opportunity to check out the new dual camera recording solution installed on a Ducati in the booth.

Four KENWOOD team members were on site along with 2 salespeople from Custom Sounds-Austin to help promote the new product, along with KENWOOD’s Motorsports helmet 4K recording camera & communication/communication only helmet systems, the KCA-HX7C and KCA-HX5M.

Marcus Vasconcellos is pictured with Pro UFC fighter Tim Kennedy (R) who attended the GP event.

Kenwood staff members present trackside included Rick Noetzli, Scott Caswell, Josh Bowen and Marcus Vasconcellos. Marcus supplied the images included in this article.

“The new KENWOOD dual camera solution will have so many applications for harsh environments” Scott Caswell, Senior Marketing Manager, JVCKENWOOD related.

The event wasn’t at pre-pandemic attendance levels, but was still very well attended and booth traffic was busy throughout the event.  Customer surveys about the new product were conducted at the event and the overall response from consumers is it is needed, wanted, and very cool! KENWOOD plans to make further announcements about this new product in the upcoming months. 

For more see kenwood.com

MasterTech Expo to Feature Bitchin’ Rides’ Dave Kindig

Posted on by in Industry.
World-famous vehicle customizer to talk with attendees and conduct live design session.

TEMPE, ARIZ., October 8, 2021 – Mobile Solutions announced that Dave Kindig, renowned vehicle designer and star of Motortrend TV’s Bitchin’ Rides, will join the first annual MasterTech Expo, scheduled March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Kindig will sign autographs for automotive aftermarket attendees, but more importantly, he will conduct a live design session and share his creative process with attendees.

Dave Kindig is the co-founder and designer of Kindig It Design, a custom car fabrication shop in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kindig It Design reimagines vehicles with full body transformative capability that starts with pencil and paper under Kindig’s hand. The shop is also the subject of the Motortrend TV show Bitchin’ Rides, which chronicles the design, build and delivery of some of the world’s most creative cars and trucks. With Co-founder Charity Kindig, Shop Foreman Kevin Schiele and a hyper-creative team of automotive professionals, the Kindig It Design brand enjoys worldwide popularity among automotive enthusiasts.

At MasterTech Expo, Kindig will provide attendees a unique and immersive look into his methodology. As part of his presentation, one of his shop’s most recent builds will be on display at the show. Kindig will 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.

In addition, Kindig will take the stage on the exhibit floor and talk the audience through a series of live designs, with cameras displaying his work on overhead screens. The session is scheduled separate from class and exhibit times and therefore open to all attendees and exhibitors.

“With MasterTech Expo, we are committed to embracing the entire automotive aftermarket community,” said Bryan Schmitt, show founder and owner of parent company Mobile Solutions. “Our objective is to bring tremendous value to our attendees with brands, classes, tools and products from every segment of the industry. In talking with Dave, we were thrilled to find that he is aligned with our vision and is excited to join us at MasterTech Expo and share his knowledge with other professionals.”

For more information, or to register for MasterTech Expo, please visit mastertechexpo.com.

Metra Ships New Dash Panel Kits Designed for Older Model Ford, Lincoln, and Dodge Ram Trucks

Posted on by in Industry.

Holly Hill, Fla. 10/08/2021 – Metra Electronics, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive solutions, is now shipping two new dashboard panel kits designed to upgrade older model SUVs and trucks with a larger Double-DIN radio. These new solutions give installers an easier way to fit a larger aftermarket radio into the dashboard without labor-intensive custom fabrication, bringing modern technology to older vehicles.

DP-5859 for Ford and Lincoln

Metra’s DP-5859 replacement dashboard panel is custom textured and includes multiple trim panels and brackets to cover different vehicle options and trim levels. It is designed to fit 1997 to 2004 Ford and Lincoln SUVs and trucks. Metra suggests that installers paint the factory vents black to match the new panel. An installation video is available at https://youtu.be/1PJpgXl86tE.

DP-5859 Specifications

●     Replacement dash panel for Double-DIN radio

●     Designed to fit:

○     Ford Expedition 1997-2002

○     Ford F-150 1997-2003

○     Ford F-150 Heritage 2004

○     Ford F-250 1998

○     Lincoln Blackwood 2002

○     Lincoln Navigator 1997-2002

DP-6551 for Dodge Ram

The DP-6551 replacement dashboard panel is custom textured and designed to fit select 1998 to 2002 Dodge Ram trucks. Is it not designed for 1998 models with a single knob headlamp switch or 12volt power in the upper right corner of the dashboard*. A product video is available at https://youtu.be/2Yq3fasSS98.

DP-6551 Specifications

●     Replacement dash panel for Double-DIN radio

●     Designed to fit*:

○     Dodge Ram 1500 1998-2001

○     Dodge Ram 2500 1998-2002

○     Dodge Ram 3500 1998-2002

These two new dashboard panel kits are in stock and available now.
*See MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information and additional fitment details.

Nakamichi Readies for SEMA

Posted on by in Featured.

MIAMI, FL (10.07.2021) – The count down to show time is less than 30 days and Nakamichi Mobile Audio is in full SEMA Show mode.

Starting with a rep meeting the evening of Monday the 1st and followed by four days of convention, the first week in November will be a busy one for the Nakamichi team. National Sales Manager, Robin McNeal will be joined by staff from Diplomat Trading meeting with new and prospective customers from the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.

Nakamichi’s new booth will be located at space 12465 LVCC North Hall November 2-5

New items on display at SEMA include a Hi-Res amplified DSP, wireless CarPlay / Android Auto and new amplifiers. The current 2021 line-up of Pure Sound coaxials will be rounded out with the addition of several new models.

“SEMA is branding the 2021 show ’Reconnect’ and we are looking forward to doing exactly that”, stated McNeal.

Nakamichi Mobile Audio can be found at booth #12465 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information visit www.nakamichicaraudio.com or www.SEMAshow.com

U.S. attendees interested in scheduling an appointment email robin@usa-nakamichi.com

SSV Works Offers Industry’s Only In-Stock Polaris RZR Pro XP Audio Solutions

Posted on by in Industry.

OXNARD, CA (10.07.2021) – SSV Works (www.ssvworks.com), the market leader in powersports and off-road audio systems, is proud to announce that it currently offers the industry’s only in-stock weatherproof Polaris RZR Pro XP full aftermarket audio solutions for both Ride Command and non-Ride Command equipped vehicles.

“With full kits available as well as front and rear-door 6.5-inch speaker pods and a 10-inch subwoofer sold individually specifically for Ride Command-equipped Polaris Pro XPs, SSV Works offers the ideal add-on solutions for dealers improving factory-equipped systems,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO.

SSV Works’ easy-to-install, plug-&-play weatherproof Polaris RZR Pro XP full aftermarket audio solutions for both Ride Command and non-Ride Command equipped vehicles include 2-, 4-, 5-, and 7-speaker kits.

For more information, visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

2021 SEMA Award Finalists Announced

Posted on by in Industry.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.07.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a member-organization dedicated to advancing the automotive and automotive aftermarket industries, announced finalists for the 2021 SEMA Award, a recognition presented to new vehicle models that provide the aftermarket with the best platforms for customization. Voted on by SEMA Show exhibitors, winners will be announced at the annual trade-only event on November 2-5, in Las Vegas, Nev.

This year’s award program includes a new category for mid-size trucks. Other categories include car, full-size truck, 4×4/SUV, and sport compact. Exhibitors identified the top three finalists in each category that best showcase their products and accessories.

The top three finalists in each category are (in alphabetical order):

SEMA Car of the Year
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Ford Mustang
• Nissan GT-R

SEMA Mid-Size Truck of the Year
• Ford Ranger
• Stellantis Jeep Gladiator
• Toyota Tacoma

SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Ford F Series
• Stellantis Ram

SEMA 4×4/SUV of the Year
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Ford Bronco
• Stellantis Jeep Wrangler

SEMA Sport Compact of the Year
• Honda Civic
• Nissan Sentra
• Toyota Supra

These vehicles represent today’s most popular models based on their potential for customization. Aftermarket manufacturers are investing in the vehicles for their ability to have upgraded performance, styling, comfort, convenience, and safety. The program creates awareness for aftermarket products and highlights the ongoing collaboration between SEMA, automakers, and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions, 3-D printing, technology transfer, and more.

For additional information about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

Car Audio Championship This Weekend

Posted on by in Featured.

AUSTIN, TX (10.06.2021) – The SPL portion of the Car Audio Championship will take place October 8-9, 2021 at the North Alabama State Fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

The car audio organizations of dB Drag, MECA, IASCA and EMMA US are all partners in producing the Car Audio Championship. Competitors have accrued points throughout the season to gain an invitation to the championship events. With hundreds of vehicles participating in multiple locations, the event will be a destination for all things audio.

Local and national competitors have the opportunity to enter a few events that are non-invitational. IASCA will host the 2022 Season Kick Off event. The dB Drag Racing, in conjunction with Limitless Lithium, is proud to present Deathmatch at the Championship. It’s been almost 25 years since the dBDRA introduced Deathmatch to the car stereo community. A lot has changed since 1999, but the desire to dominate the competition in a gladiator-style showdown is stronger now than it has ever been. In Deathmatch, competitors must play their sound systems as loud as possible for 5 grueling minutes.

The competitor with the highest average sound pressure level (SPL) is the winner.
• The DEATHMATCH contest is open to the public. No points or Final’s invitation is required.
• 4 competitors – $500 minimum winner take all prize
• The dBDRA will select 4 contestants from those who wish to participate

The Championship organizers would like to thank the major event sponsors, show sponsors and T-Shirt Sponsors:

• Deaf Bonce is the SPL Title sponsor
• Kicker is the Competitor BBQ Sponsor
• Incriminator Audio is the Badge sponsor

Show sponsors include: Lord of Bass, B2 Audio, DD Audio, 20 Hz Labs, Pioneer, XS Power, Sundown Audio, Coventry Industries, Italia HiFi, Resilient Sounds, Directronix, Term-LAB, Crossfire Car Audio and Morel.

T-shirt sponsors include: Ohio Generator, Zapco, TN Bass Racers, Phat Farm, DC Audio, Team Mini, Team Flop Box, ARC Audio, CanaSound, Limitless Lithium, Tru Technologies and Hybrid Audio.

For more information contact: marketing@termpro.com

Kicker Sponsors the 7th Annual Car Audio Championships

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

STILLWATER, OK (10.06.2021) – Kicker returns to co-sponsor the 2021 Car Audio Championships, held at the North Alabama State Fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals October 8-9, and then again at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville, AR, October 23-24.

The SPL portion of the Championships will take place in Muscle Shoals, coinciding with some additional West-Coast locations. The Sound-Quality Finals will take place in Bentonville two weeks later. KICKER is a sponsor for both events.

“The Championships represent the elite of the competition world, both for SPL and sound quality,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER’s Marketing Director. “KICKER believes in the importance of competition, which is why we’ve supported the sport for so many years. A passion for audio drives these competitors. That same passion pushes us and our products to evolve. It’s a kindred spirit.”

MECA, dB Drag Racing, IASCA and EMMA USA are all partners in producing the Car Audio Championships. Competitors have accrued points throughout the season to gain an invitation to the SQ and SPL championship events. With hundreds of vehicles participating in multiple locations and thousands of spectators, the event will be a destination for all things audio, as local audio retailers are promoting it around the area.

The dB Drag Racing competitors will have the option to compete from Muscle Shoals, or a the Sacramento, CA site. Web-enabled competition will allow any competitor to go head-to-head in either location and still be part of one large event.

Open triple-point events will also be held at the same time as the invitation-only Championships, allowing local can national competitors to have an opportunity to kick off the 2022 competition season with a high-point event.

Both Championships will run on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm.

Visit CarAudioChampionship.com, dbdragracing.com, iasca.com, and mecacaraudio.com for more.

Race Sport Lighting to Reveal Patented Technologies at KnowledgeFest Trainings

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

RINGWOOD, IL (10.06.2021) – Every year, Race Sport Lighting partners with Knowledge Fest to exhibit at a booth and train dealers, installers and counter salespeople at shows around the country. This week at Indianapolis is no exception, as Race Sport Lighting will be conducting two dealer-focused trainings on Friday and Saturday in Room #109. The main goal of the trainings will be to discuss their new lighting technologies and solution-based products to make sales and installs easier on newer vehicles.

Race Sport Lighting will also be exhibiting in their 10’x30’ booth for dealers to visit and learn about new lighting technologies. Staff will be available in the booth all weekend to answer any questions. The booth will feature a custom UTV loaded with their new L8 Series RGB a la carte system including a 40” light bar, (4) L8 auxiliary cubes and a rock light kit. Race Sport Lighting will also have on display their nationwide best-selling Terminator LED Kits, the fast-growing DRIVE Series V2 LED kits and their USPTO patented GEN4 LED system launching in November of 2021.

“This K-Fest booth is going to light up the hall! Dealers are going to have a ton of great training resources to learn about and see in person. We will have a team communicating in the booth all weekend. We are going to make a clear statement that when it comes to the lighting category, we are the leader. We are the preferred vendor for a reason with 15 years of pioneering the lighting category as we continue to release exclusive patented technologies.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting

Visit www.racesportinc.com for more.

SEMA Debuts New Web Series for Annual Launch Pad Competition

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.05..2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has debuted the first episode in its new five-episode streaming series chronicling the ninth year of its Launch Pad competition. The series showcases the ingenuity of rising entrepreneurs in the automotive industry as they pitch their new product or service to a panel of industry experts.

Fifteen individuals have been selected out of a record number of applicants last spring to advance to the semi-final round. From there, five of them will be chosen to compete for cash and prizes at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., where the series finale will be filmed before it airs on the History Channel on a future date.

From left, Jared Hare, Chip Foose, Alex Parker, and Myles Kovacs are judges of the 2021 SEMA Launch Pad competition, which is being chronicled on the SEMA YouTube Channel and on the History Channel on a future date.

One winner will be selected to win the grand-prize package valued at $92,000, which includes $75,000 to help launch their innovative new product. The remaining 14 semi-finalists will also receive prizes that will help them in their entrepreneurial journey.

The semi-finalists are:

  • Cameron Crummie – Owner, MDV
  • Adam Gruener – CEO, Off Road In Mind
  • Jonathan Hurley – Owner, ToolBox Widget
  • Monika Kalenski – President and CEO, MEK Magnet
  • Brendan McGrath – CEO, Dyme Performance Systems Inc.
  • Robert McKeirnan – President and Managing Partner, Stratos Meccanica LLC
  • D.J. Potter – CEO, Sawtooth
  • Alan Reyes – Co-founder and President, Xtrusion Designs LLC
  • Kevin Robinson – President, TRAC LLC
  • Paul Rooprai – CEO, AutoBio LLC
  • Michael Ruhs – Co-founder and CEO, TailHand
  • Tom Sawarynski – Owner, Off-Road Research
  • Michael Sullivan – Owner, Fox Products LLC
  • Edward Tansingco – President, Thinskinz
  • Dustin Woolf – Owner, Woolfpack Racing

“It’s a highlight every year to give up-and-coming entrepreneurs the chance of a lifetime,” says Nathan Ridnouer, VP of Councils and Membership. “This year, we’re even more excited to bring audiences a more comprehensive and personal look at our annual competition; it’s like Shark Tank for the automotive aftermarket industry.”

Past winners of SEMA Launch Pad include Roland Hence of FrontLane, Inc. (2020); Reid Lunde of Kaizen Speed (2019); and Matt Beenen of Builtright Industries (2018).

Click to visit the SEMA YouTube page

The first episode of “2021 SEMA Launch Pad” is available for viewing now on the SEMA Show YouTube channel, with the remaining episodes debuting on each Tuesday from Oct. 5-26. For more information about the 9th annual SEMA Launch Pad Competition, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.