DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.12.2021) – Automotive is the single biggest retail segment in the U.S., accounting for 20% (more than $1.2 trillion) of retail spending in 2020, according to the new Retail Trends Report from SEMA Market Research.
The report highlights U.S. retail spending and includes new findings on the retail side of the specialty-equipment market, including specialty-automotive shopping behavior and trends.
Retail is a huge part of the U.S. economy, representing more than $6.2 trillion in 2020. While online sales are growing, it is a small slice of the total – growing to roughly 14% of total retail sales, up from 11% in 2019.
Automotive accounted for more than $1.2 trillion of retail spending in 2020, according to the new SEMA Retail Trends Report.
To help businesses understand automotive aftermarket retail trends by product and retail channel, as well as consumer and shopping behavior, the SEMA report contains additional findings, including:
The specialty-automotive aftermarket is ahead of the curve on online sales, with just over half of the $47.89 billion spent on specialty parts in 2020 going through online retail channels. SEMA expects that the share of online retail sales will level off, then return to its historical trend of gradual growth over the next couple years.
In the longer term, retailers should keep an eye on how the vehicle population evolves. Light trucks like pickups, SUVs, and CUVs are expected to represent 80% of new vehicles sold through 2028.
Alternative-fuel vehicles (e.g., hybrid and electric) are a small but growing share of new vehicles sold, expected to account for 25% of new vehicle sales by 2028 and 45% by 2035.
In recent years, specialty-automotive consumers have most-commonly bought parts in a “mixed-mode” fashion – i.e., buying both in-person and online, with smaller portions favoring exclusively in-person or exclusively online.
For many consumers, high-performance chemicals along with specialty wheels and tires represent the “gateway drugs” that can lead to more ambitious modifications to the vehicle’s appearance, performance, and handling.
For more data on the state of U.S retail and retail in the automotive specialty-equipment market, download the 2021 SEMA Retail Trends Report for free today at www.sema.org/research.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (10.12.2021) – MB Quart strengthens partnership with CFMOTO as the UFORCE600 launches with the MB Quart U6 audio system. Previously, MB Quart has worked with CFMOTO with the Universal Overhead System, and this ALL-NEW U6 audio system cements the growing relationship.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “This growing partnership with CFMOTO represents a magnitude of future opportunities for more vehicle-specific kits. We are extremely proud and satisfied with the release of the ALL-NEW UFORCE600 showcasing audio that’s loud with the included 6.5-inch coaxial speakers and a high contrast 160-watt LCD source unit. Bringing audio with adventure on every outdoor journey is what sets Music. Defined. apart from the rest. With LIFE SHIELD/IPX-rated, you’ll be able to take on any element that the condition brings.”
Purposely engineered for the UFORCE600 (U6), this MB Quart U6 audio system fits MY21/22 U600 vehicles and includes a high contrast 160-watt LCD source unit, 6.5-inch coaxial speakers, high-impact HDPE composite enclosure, and LIFE SHIELD/IPX-rated.
Rest assured that for any adventure that demands rough conditions faced along the way, your audio will remain durable while lasting against the elements.
Bring Music. Defined. audio on every adventure with the ALL-NEW UFORCE600 and get ready to tackle any element along the way with audio that’s high quality and produces undistorted levels of listening in any song.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (10.12.2021) – The all-new for 2022 TERYX KRX 1000 SPECIAL EDITION chases down adventure with undistorted and untamed levels of POWER FROM THE GODS. Hifonics continues its growing partnership with Kawasaki vehicles in this explosive and vibrant audio package that brings out ultimate adventure-seeking adrenaline. Creating a concert sphere of immersion right in your 2022 TERYX KRX 1000 SPECIAL EDITION, audio transcends with levels of detail and clarity in every beat.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “Continuing this crucial partnership with Kawasaki has been such an important relationship and value to Hifonics. We love bringing high-quality sound that’s detailed and loud that makes every outdoor adventure worth embarking on. I know how critical it is to hear every small detail from my favorite songs and playlists through any condition and element that the outdoor adventure may bring.”
The 2022 TERYX KRX 1000 SPECIAL EDITION comes complete with 6.5-inch door speakers, a 12-inch subwoofer, a high-grade Hifonics Bluetooth/AM/FM source unit, and a 600-watt, 5-channel amplifier. Giving the dash an interior centerpiece to the vehicle, the high-contrast color LED screen of the source unit is built into the center console. Apple Control enables compatible Apple devices controlled by the stereo through the integrated USB plug in the top dash compartment.
A pair of 6.5-inch coaxial 2-way speakers are built into the doors as their composite midrange cones create deep and accurate mid-bass, all while being paired with 0.75-inch titanium dome tweeters for a crystal-clear high-frequency performance. The 12-inch subwoofer was specially designed for the 2022 TERYX KRX 1000 SPECIAL EDITION and mounts directly behind the seats.
Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics USA, commented, “This continued partnership between Kawasaki and Hifonics has continued to grow as newer vehicles become announced. We are extremely proud of bringing POWER FROM THE GODS audio into the 2022 TERYX KRX 1000 SPECIAL EDITION. Not only will audio expectation be met with superior performance, but also being protected against the elements provides a safe measure of durability and longevity.”
When untamed adventure calls, bring undistorted levels of playback into every quest for adrenaline this fall season with the Hifonics audio package. From booming bass that creates immersive dimension to every song, from speakers that transcend quality with undistorted quality of listening into every genre of music – your music will come alive on every outdoor adventure.
POWER FROM THE GODS meets the pursuit and demand for a louder listening experience in the ALL-NEW Kawasaki 2022 TERYX KRX 1000 SPECIAL EDITION.
(10-11-2021) – Memphis Audio will be attending SEMA 2021 live and in person and is excited to showcase all the new and innovative powersports and car audio products and are looking forward to seeing dealers and audio fans in the North Hall at booth 12455.
“Memphis has invested a great deal of time over time researching and developing products that will continue to help our dealers succeed in business. We are excited to get back out in front of the public and showcase all the innovative products we gave o offer. We are also looking forward to having fun in the North Hall with live demos of our custom RZR outfitted with the latest and greatest Memphis gear. We don’t know what to expect from this year’s SEMA show given the nature of everything going on in the world, but we’ve committed to being there in person to spend time with our awesome dealer base who keeps this industry thriving,” said Nick LoMonaco president of Memphis Audio.
Memphis Audio will be offering live product demo from a custom one-of-a-kind Polaris RZR featuring the latest and greatest OEM Direct Fit powersports kits. These kits are designed for a vehicle specific fit in most major side-by-side models. “We wanted to give dealers an opportunity to hear how well these custom tuned direct fit kits perform in a machine. The pods are custom tuned for a high-performance audio experience and come with everything a dealer needs to add an impressive audio experience to most models of side-by-sides without any custom fabrication required. The best part is that these kits are in stock and available to ship which we know is great news for store owners. We also wired up a secondary system which is sure to please the SEMA crowd with more speakers than we can count and enough bass to keep the north shaking.” said LoMonaco.
Memphis will also be exhibiting a new Digital Sound Processor and conduct live training on how to maximize the potential of your audio system using this new piece. In addition to demos, there will be plenty of swag and giveaways so stop by booth 12455 and visit the most handsome crew the 12-volt Industry has to offer!
Phoenix, AZ, October 11,2021 – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing that they have expanded their sales team with two new additions, Steven Abdelahad as a power sports regional sales manager and Ceasar Olaes as a 12-volt regional sales manager.
Steven comes from a rich history in the 12-volt and power sports industry and brings with him a wealth of knowledge. Having started with the Good Guys in 1999 in retail sales, he’s gone on to own his own business and most recently was with Tucker Power Sports. “I’m truly passionate about building relationships and challenging myself with technical projects.”, says Steven. “Having focused on business management in college before running my own business has allowed me to fine-tune my sales skills in the off-road industry for the last five years.” Steven will be focusing on developing areas in the Southwest, upper Midwest, and east coast territories power sports growth along with managing our rep firms in those states.
Ceasar brings a strong aftermarket background with over 30+ years’ experience in the industry having worked for companies like SPAL Automotive, Vision Tech America, Race Sport Lighting and Epsilon Electronics. “It’s great to be working for a brand that I have long admired and followed and I’m looking forward to traveling into the territories, getting to know all of the great dealers that we have in the 12- volt market as well as expanding our dealer base.”, said Ceasar. Ceasar’s focus will be on the southern states from California to Florida as well as working with our rep firms in those areas to continue expanding the brand.
“We’re really excited to have Steven and Ceasar joining our team and are looking forward to their dedicated efforts in supporting our reps and dealers.”, said Director of Sales and Marketing, Jason Fickas. “Their diverse history and unique skill sets will make an immediate and positive impact and also aligns well with our long-term strategy.”
DEI’s newest heat control kit snugly fits Polaris two-seaters.
AVON LAKE, OHIO (10-11-2021) – Keep your hot new Polaris RZR from getting too hot with a Heat Control Kit from Design Engineering, Inc.
Designed to snugly fit the contours of ’19-’21 Polaris RZR XP 1000 & XP Turbo (including S model), the kit keeps the center console area and seats cool thanks to DEI’s heat-blocking blend of materials.
“Using Extreme Heat Barrier to shield heat in the center console and our Black Extreme Heat Barrier to insulate behind the seats blocking engine heat, this new Heat Control Kit provides a comfortable ride on any excursion,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Plus, detailed instructions, along with our DEI support team, makes installation a breeze.”
DEI’s Extreme Heat Barrier withstands temperatures up 1,750 degrees F to keep the driver and passenger areas protected. The materials are non water absorbent, self adhesive, and have superior insulating properties. The Heat Control Kits are available in Behind-the-Seats and Center-Console options, as well as a Combination kit that covers it all.
For more information about DEI’s Heat Control Kits for Polaris RZR XP 1000 & XP Turbo (including S model) applications and the company’s full line of thermal and sound control products, visit http://www.designengineering.com
SHREVEPORT LA (10.09.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Trail Star Audio won the Silencer Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, October 8th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Nine months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 148th time on Friday morning October 8th. The Wheel landed on the Silencer space. The Trail Star Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out by phone and talked with Chuck Holey at the store in Eagan MN.. He was very happy to hear a Silencer prize would be heading 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, Silencer, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and Magnadyne. 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 and 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 and Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham Al. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, October 15th.
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.
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.
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.
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