PALMYRA, PA (08.03.2021) – Cummins Inc. and DAS Companies, Inc. have entered into a licensing agreement to sell Cummins branded DAS products in retail marketplaces throughout the United States and Canada. The companies are combining the Cummins promise of innovation and dependability and DAS’ extensive portfolio of more than 12,000 products serving the on-the-go lifestyle to reach a broad retail audience. The companies expect to begin selling the Cummins-branded products in the first quarter of 2022.
This long-term agreement will cover many DAS products, including apparel, power equipment (inverters and jump starts), communications gear, safety apparel, tools and travel accessories.
According to Michael Abel, President and CEO of DAS, this will provide both companies, who have a shared focus when it comes to quality and brand building, the opportunity to leverage the wide assortment of licenses to reach broader audiences together.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for DAS,” stated Abel, “especially with a trusted global brand such as Cummins. This agreement will enable even more on-the-go consumers to try our travel products and mobile electronics – products that add safety, convenience, comfort and leisure to life on the road.”
This agreement covers both exclusive and non-exclusive categories. The DAS products in the exclusive category gives DAS exclusive rights to display the Cummins name on Cummins branded products.
“We’re thrilled about our partnership with DAS and the opportunities it provides us to expand the brand and build brand loyalty to a larger public audience,” said Carole Casto, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “DAS’ unique distribution channels enable us to more easily provide customers, fans and enthusiasts across North America with access to Cummins-branded products.”
Sales channels will include eCommerce sites in the U.S. and Canada, many of which are affiliated with truck stops/travel centers and gas stations. Additional sales channels will include home centers, automotive retailers, U.S. Military exchanges, marine suppliers and distributors, marinas and other major retailers.
CHICAGO, IL (08.03.2021) – CE GUYS is heading to Sturgis SD and The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021. The company’s booth is once again set up at the Ride N Rest Campground between Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle Saloon.
The CE GUYS rig is loaded and set for the 900+ mile journey from Chicagoland to Sturgis, SD.
“We increased our booth to a 10′ x 60′ this year and increased our install staff to six very talented bike audio installers. The onsite team includes Gus Rigas, Daniel Mount, Rene Enriquez, Nick Bishop, Mario Romero and myself. We anticipate doing 150 bikes this year,” Michael Foundation, CE GUYS Principle, stated.
The GE GUYS SounDigital bike was one of the first items in the trailer.
Continuing, “We will be fully stocked with SounDigital EVOX, EVOPS amps of every size plus Ground Zero speakers, 8″ and 10” mid drivers, and 10” subs. Also Nagy Rings, Diamond Audio, and Metra/Saddle Tramp lids plus lowers and accessories.”
Michael Foundation (L) and Gus Rigas pictured at the CE GUYS HQ before heading to Sturgis.
This year CE GUYS is excited to partner up with the very talented Bike Audio Specialists, Throttle Out Audio! The owner of Throttle Out is Gus Rigas who has been working rallies with the CE GUYS team for two years now. “Having Gus and his team as partners has taken our rally business to the next level in what we can do, and how many bikes we can turn out” Foundation concluded.
The CE GUYS Team, that will be in Sturgis Tuesday August 3rd thru Sunday August 15th, says “Come see us in Sturgis!”
LAS VEGAS, NV (08.03.2021) – The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Select Committee participated in the recent SEMA Leadership Meetings in Las Vegas. SEMA Board of Directors and Councils and SEMA staff discussed the critical initiatives the SEMA Board is focused on for our industry. SEMA will be publishing these initiatives in the very near future.
Now the SEMA HRIA select committee is heading to Louisville this week for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals hosting education days for the Hot Rod industry.
Left to Right – Kris Bluntzer-Empire Garage, Joe Kubiak-Wilwood, Tim McCarthy-Chair Elect HUSHMAT/ZyCoat, Danny Agosta-Chair Steele Rubber, Jeff Major- IPC Bed Wood, David Page-Edelbrock Group, Amy Fitzgerald-Cool Hand Customs.
LAS VEGAS, NV (08.02.2021) – On July 28-29 the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) hosted an Exhibitor Summit in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The purpose of the summit was to be a platform to ask and answer questions one-on-one, network among member peers and find the different ways to ensure a successful SEMA Show.
Pictured L-R is Robin McNeal of Nakamichi, Scott Hartwick SEMA and Joe Rock, Brand Manager of Retro Manufacturing.
The 2-Day event started with a motivating keynote address from Tom Gattuso, VP of Events for SEMA and included a series of breakout sessions, FAQ roundtable meetings and networking opportunities. The event culminated Thursday night with a mixer held at the brand-new Resorts World Casino on the Strip.
The crowd readied for the opening keynote speech from Tom Gattuso.
Much time was devoted to the convention center’s new West Hall and how the additional exhibit area will allow the trade show’s 13 category sections to be better grouped together and also provide wider aisles plus improve attendee traffic on the show floor. The impressive new West Hall comprises over 1.4-million total sq ft of which 600,000 sq ft is devoted to exhibit space.
A good time was had by all Thursday night at the Dawg House inside Resorts World.
“I have been to several SEMA Exhibitor Summits”, commented Robin McNeal of Nakamichi Car Audio, “but this was the best so far because it went into detail of the new opportunities afforded by the expansion of the convention center. The new West Hall is absolutely gorgeous!”
New LVCC West Hall
12 Volt companies participating in the SEMA Exhibitor Summit included:
Nakamichi Mobile Audio: Full line car audio—Booth 12469 North Hall PCA Enclosures: A start up offering custom enclosures—Booth 12073 North Hall Retro Manufacturing: Modern sound for classic cars—Booth 24389 Central Hall Vugera USA: A dash cam company just entering the U.S. market—Booth 12178 North Hall
The 4-Day SEMA Show is scheduled November 2-5, 2021. Registration for the trade show is open now at www.semashow.com
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (08.02.2021) – “With rumors flying, I’d like to announce the sale of MECA, Inc to the Ballinger family, Bud, Shannon, and Salena, from Louisville, KY. We have a buy-out agreement in place that will take effect November 1, 2021. This includes the entire properties of MECA, Inc., including Sound Quality League, Sound Pressure League, Show & Shine, Ride the Light, MECA Kids, and all intellectual properties, i.e. trademarks, logos, Rule Books, etc.”
“I will complete the 2021 season and carry out all my responsibilities throughout both SPL and SQL Finals, and then turn over the business to the Ballingers.”
Salena, Bud and Shannon Ballinger (L to R) pictured at a previous MECA event.
“The excitement and vitality they will bring to our MECA club, contests and trade association will be important assets for our events and our industry. They have competed and judged as a family for many years, with State Championships and World Championships to their credit. Knowing the ropes as competitors, judges, and event directors gives them a unique and experienced insight into what MECA does and what MECA can do, with their vision and guidance.”
“For 23 years, since 1999, MECA has endeavored to be a family friendly, fun, and worthwhile organization for our varied members and the mobile electronics industry. Bud, Shannon, and Salena know the mission statements and goals MECA stands for and are dedicated to keeping the spirit and purposes of MECA strong, relevant and consistent with our founding principles.”
MECA Commish Steve Stern in the MECA office.
“I’d like to thank those who have supported my efforts to develop and maintain a meaningful organization. There are so many people who have contributed through-out the years and made MECA a viable business and organization. My appreciation and respect for these MECA friends are boundless. We have shared many memorable moments together, in the lanes and in our lives. MECA is about people, music, the gear and our vehicles. That’s not going to change.”
“Please welcome and support the Ballingers as they take on the responsibilites of MECA for you and the organization. We are very fortunate that they have embraced the excellence and longivity of our club and contests.”
More info and details to be announced as they unfold. Hope to see you at either the SPL or SQL Finals.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.02.2021) – SEMA has announced the hiring of Benjamin Kaminsky as the new Detroit operations manager. Earlier this year, SEMA announced the purchase of a 45,000-sq.-ft. building in Detroit to be used as a second SEMA Garage. Kaminsky will be responsible for the overall management of SEMA Garage Detroit services and facilities to assist members with new product development and integration.
“Benjamin Kaminsky will be a great addition to our SEMA Garage team,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of OEM & product development programs. “He comes to SEMA with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry as an engineering and project manager having worked at both automakers and tier-one suppliers.”
Benjamin Kaminsky
Kaminsky will work closely with domestic and import OEMs, along with tier-level suppliers and testing facilities to ensure flow of information essential to the industry’s accurate development of new and innovative products. They will also collaborate to develop opportunities that will benefit SEMA-member manufacturers. Kaminsky’s experience will allow him to cultivate these relationships. Prior to joining SEMA, Kaminsky worked at General Motors as a senior design and release engineer. He oversaw the design, development, validation and release of Chevrolet Performance air intakes, exhausts and components for use in performance applications. He also worked closely with GM emissions compliance and legal groups to ensure engineering hardware development and release processes consistently delivered products that met and exceeded regulatory requirements.
Prior to GM, Kaminsky worked at Bosch Motorsport in a variety of roles, from senior technical engineer to hardware development manager. He managed a department of engineers to develop hardware components for the professional racing industry.
“With his experience and solid OEM and tier supplier relationships, Ben will help the SEMA Garage Detroit best serve our manufacturer members,” shared Spagnola.
The SEMA Garage Detroit will offer manufacturers access to advanced product-development tools and equipment, a state-of-the-art emissions testing lab, an ADAS research and development center and expert technicians who will help bring products to market at the SEMA Garage Detroit. The Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers. In addition to exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab and a modern training center, the Detroit facility will include expanded services and offer new SEMA benefits through the ADAS Research and Development Center.
“Being part of SEMA Garage provides me the opportunity to combine my engineering background, project management skills and relationships to make a difference in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry,” said Benjamin Kaminksy. “I look forward to working with SEMA manufacturer members and continuing my relationships with OEMs and tier suppliers.”
The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022. For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.
This article was written by Della Domingo for sema.org
SHREVEPORT LA (07.31.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Electronics Deport Car Audio won the Kenwood Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, July 30th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eight months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 138th time on Friday morning July 30th. The Wheel landed on the Kenwood space. The Electronics Depot Car 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 Greg Ivazian at the retailer’s store in Altamonte Springs FL. We let Greg know that the Kenwood Qi Wireless Charging Car Mount would be sent his 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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, August 6th.
LOVELAND, CO (07.30.2021) – MB Quart is heading out to Loveland, Colorado for the Overland Expo/Mountain West 2021 event. The Overland Expo continues to be the premier Overlanding event series in the entire world and is shaping up to be a fun opportunity for MB Quart to showcase some of the newest product lines, including the ALL-NEW for 2021 Jeep Tuned Audio Kits.
Taking place over the span of three days from August 27th through the 29th, the Overland Expo/Mountain West 2021 begins on Friday at 9:00 a.m. (GMT) and runs through 3:00 p.m. (GMT) on Sunday. All of the action takes place at “The Ranch,” at 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, Colorado 80538. 250+ exhibitors specializing in overland, outdoor, adventure travel, and motorcycle gear and equipment will be present exhibiting, inspiring others, and showcasing knowledge over the three days.
MB Quart is continually investing in the Overland category and events as they have proven to result in crucial success for demonstrating and showcasing products as the turnout and traffic of consumers have shown incredible interest and returning profit.
Building on the excitement of returning to Overland Expo/Mountain West 2021, Rob Anderson, Marketing & Creative Director, said, “The team at MB Quart and Maxxsonics USA are going all-in on Off-road and Overlanding. We see significant growth and potential in this segment and are very excited to be investing and a part of this industry.The team personally loves the Overlanding lifestyle as we want to bring the audio lifestyle to every adventure.”
MB Quart will be exhibiting at the event, featuring the ALL-NEW lineup of Jeep Tuned Audio Kits. Unleashing exploration with a concert right in your Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT vehicle, Jeep Tuned Audio Kits bring concert levels of LOUD while remaining completely undistorted on every adventure.
Every purposely engineered Jeep Tuned Audio Kit is a direct replacement for all OEM speakers and features Plug & Play OEM fitment. With 11 different audio kits to choose from, including a Stage 6, 6 speaker, 800-watt stereo speaker upgrade kit that integrates with the OEM source unit, exclusively for the Gladiator JT there is an add-on subwoofer kit that includes 2, 8-inch subwoofers and a 400-watt mono amplifier. The subwoofer enclosure is under the rear passenger seats and will truly make it feel like the concert is happening right there in the back seat.
TUSCON, AZ (07.30.2021) – The JT-OBA Onboard Air system was designed to perform under the most extreme conditions. Each system is 100% Bolt-On and features the heavy-duty Kleinn model 6450RC WATERPROOF air compressor with a 2.8-gallon air tank mounted on a superior custom designed mounting bracket. NO Cutting, NO Drilling or Modifications are necessary. These Direct Fit systems include all the necessary air line, hardware, fittings and wiring kit with 30-amp relay.
The JT-OBA is built rugged with a steel cage and integral skid plate for protection with no loss of ground clearance. The 6450RC compressor is fully submersible so water crossings are no problem.
The JT-OBA is capable of inflating 37” tires with ease. System provides an air source for air lockers, small air tools and of course, your Kleinn Air Horn. Each JT-OBA includes a remote mount tire inflator with locking air chuck with digital gauge, pressure relief and storage bag.
HOLLY HILL, FL (07.30.2021) – Axxess by Metra Electronics has a new interface, the AXA2B-FD1, designed to retain the A2B amplifier in Ford’s 2018-up* F-150 and 2017-up* Fusion models. This add-on amplifier interface is used when replacing the factory radio with Metra’s 99-5834CH and 99-5841B TurboTouch dash kits, which are sold separately.
This solution retains the Bang & Olufsen amplifier with an A2B input in Ford’s F-150 and retains the Sony amplifier with an A2B input in Ford Fusion. This Axxess interface also retains the balance audio feature when replacing the factory radio and is Micro “B” USB updatable.
AXA2B-FD1 Product Specifications:
Add-on interface for Metra’s 99-5834CH & 99-5841B dash kits
Allows the amplifier to keep working when replacing the original factory radio
Retains the Bang and Olufsen amplifier with an A2B input in Ford F-150
Retains the Sony amplifier with an A2B input in Ford Fusion
12VoltNews.com 