BAKERSFIELD, CA (05.19.2021) – The MECA event season is ramping up in California as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Saturday, May 15th, over 80 Sound-off enthusiasts were on site at C.A.R. Soundz in Bakersfield. MECA’s California Director Richard Papasin was on site behind the meter. A Friday night C.A.R. Soundz and Soundstream BassNight preceded the Saturday event.
Team Soundstream proudly hold their 23 MECA Trophies.
Abdul Hafiz (L) and Ryan Custard with their MECA Trophies Saturday evening.
Team Soundsream had 18 members on site at the event. Solomon Bustamonte, Team Soundstream Team Captain, stated, “I have been running Soundstream gear my rides for over 15 years and the equipment rocks. We have 26 members on Team Soundstream and we compete in shows from Fresno to San Diego.”
Lady Soundstream is all smiles with her MECA trophy.
Soundstream Animal hoists a MECA trophy as competitors capped the day.
Jordan Shahriary, Epsilon Social/Marketing Manager, stated, “Working with Team Soundstream showcases our brand and products in Southern Cali. Importantly, it also helps create visibility for car audio products and excitement for the competition scene in the marketplace. Retailers like C.A.R. Soundz also generate visibility for their stores.”
Ricky Madrid and Chris Bailey are the owners of C.A.R. Soundz. Madrid related, “The MECA events definitely create excitement and business for our store. The Kern County Bassheads group comes together to provide a platform for competitors to go through the lanes and earn trophies for their hard work.”
Soundstream Hellboy holding heavy duty hardware as the MECA event in Bakersfield wrapped at C.A.R. Soundz.
Bustamonte has created many of the installations showcased on the Soundstream social media outreach plus provided information and a selection of images for this article highlighting the C.A.R. Soundz SPL Smackdown.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.19.2021) – “It’s always a great day when we can spend time at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar. Their location is fairly close to the PowerBass HQ in Ontario so we make the trip frequently to get hands on with new and upcoming vehicles before they hit the market. It’s a great perk for being a SEMA Manufacturer Member. The time Dave Myers and I just spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive,” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing stated.
During sessions at the SEMA Garage PowerBass staff has an opportunity to work with site engineers and employees of OEM’s like Nissan, Ford, Toyota, GM and More.
“Time spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive as we were working to bring the PowerBass OE Direct Fit Speakers to market,” Harbour added.
“Access to the SEMA Garage was very helpful as we developed the PowerBass Direct Fit replacement speakers like the OE652-GM 6 coaxial speakers,” Harbour stated.
Each year SEMA members introduce thousands of cutting-edge tools and accessories designed to add enjoyment to vehicle ownership. While some have universal fitments, many have model-specific applications that require significantly more research and development.
The SEMA Garage gives SEMA member businesses access to the special high-tech tools and equipment they need to get their products-whether a $10. set of wiper blades or a $10,000 engine modification-off the drawing board and into customer hands. It is the only known facility of its kind in the United States.
Covering 15,000 square feet and filled with nearly $2 million of equipment, the SEMA Garage includes all the tools specialty product developers could hope for and then some, including two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for 3D scanning, a 3D printer for fast prototyping, digital race car scales for the most precise vehicle weight and measurements, a dynamometer for precise emissions measurements and more.
WASHINGTON, DC (05.19.2021) – SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting today commended U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) for introducing H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act). The bipartisan bill includes 48 original sponsors. The RPM Act protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.
The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act prohibits a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck, or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned from 1970 until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.
“SEMA looks forward to working with Congress to enact the RPM Act and make permanent the Clean Air Act’s original intention that race vehicle conversions are legal,” said Kersting. “We thank Representatives McHenry and Ruiz for standing up for racing and the motorsports parts industry by introducing a bipartisan bill to protect racing and the businesses that produce, install, and sell the parts that enable racers to compete.”
There has already been an unprecedented outpouring of support for the RPM Act this year, with Americans sending over 1.1 million letters asking Congress to pass the legislation. It is imperative that enthusiasts and motorsports businesses keep up this momentum by reminding their lawmakers in Washington, D.C., that they must act now to protect the right to convert a motor vehicle into a racecar.
“I am proud to support automobile racing and will work to ensure motorsports enthusiasts here in North Carolina and across the country can continue the time-honored tradition of modifying stock vehicles for competitive racing,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to help ensure the RPM Act becomes law.”
“Growing up, I spent countless hours at the racetrack with my father,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz. “Racing has always been close to my heart. I am delighted to introduce the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which will keep our American tradition of vehicle racing alive and give enthusiasts and their children the same opportunity that I had to create memories at the racetrack.”
Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. Most of the vehicles raced on the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the U.S. are converted vehicles that the EPA considers to be illegal.
It is important that members of Congress hear from the racing and automotive enthusiast communities about the importance of passing the RPM Act into law in 2021. To write a letter to your members of Congress, visit www.sema.org/rpm.
OXNARD, CA (05.18.2021) – SCOSCHE Industries has announced their support of Michele Abbate in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race on May 22, 2021 in Austin, Texas.
Michele, an inspiring and hard-working Scosche ambassador since 2016, and dedicated professional race car driver at GRR Racing in Las Vegas, Nev., will be realizing her dream of driving NASCAR. She will make her NASCAR debut driving the Scosche #30 On Point Motorsports Toyota Tundra truck.
“We are so excited for Michele at GRR Racing to reach a hard earned entry into the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Michele has great passion, experience and talent for racing and very much deserves to be there. We wish her the best of luck in her Scosche #30 race truck and dream come true debut at her first ever NASCAR race. We are Fans!” – Kas Alves, Co-President, Scosche Industries
“There is nothing more rewarding than when hard work pays off. I couldn’t be more grateful and proud to make my NASCAR debut with my long-time partner, Scosche. Together we will share this amazing experience on the COTA road course where I made history with my second place finish in the ultra competitive TA2 category with the Trans Am West Coast finale. Scosche has helped me follow, and achieve, my dreams and I look forward to continuing to take my Scosche accessories along for the ride!” – Michele Abbate, GRR Racing
The May 22 race will be broadcast live, nationally on FOX Sports 1 and on Motor Racing Network. Join us in cheering Michele on.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.18.2021) – Following SEMA’s recent market research on the changing vehicle landscape, SEMA released a research report dedicated solely to the light-truck market. The 99-page study includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.
The new Light-Truck Market Snapshot from SEMA Market Research shows that in 2020 more than 90% of U.S. Ford, GM, and Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles sold were light trucks. Pickups remain a large part of the specialty automotive aftermarket and accounted for more than 30% of specialty-equipment part sales in 2019.
SEMA’s new Light-Truck Market Snapshot report includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.
CUVs have not been fully embraced by specialty-equipment consumers and businesses but remain a big part of the overall light-truck market. They have become the fastest-selling vehicle segment in the United States, and also a very fragmented one with more than 170 CUV models projected to be sold from 2021-2028.
The report helps businesses understand the overall truck market and includes a snapshot of trends for the light-truck, off-road, overland, outdoor recreation, powertrain, and technology segments.
“Light trucks are used for a wide variety of activities and continue to be shaped by trends in vehicle sales, technology, and consumer behavior,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “We anticipate this growth to continue over the next decade as vehicle manufacturers prioritize their light-truck models.”
Trends in powertrains and vehicle technology are also shaping the light-truck market:
Engines are getting smaller overall: 52% of pre-1990 light trucks have a 5L or larger engine, compared with 22% of 2010 and newer trucks
Forced induction is becoming more common, especially on smaller engines. Less than 1% of pre-1990 light trucks have a turbocharger or supercharger, but 22% of 2010 and newer trucks come with some sort of forced induction
Alternative fuels like hybrid or electric powertrains have been slower to catch on with trucks than with cars, but they are coming — several electric trucks have been announced in recent years, including an all-electric Jeep Wrangler and several electric pickups
New-vehicle technologies like ADAS are also becoming more common and may affect how specialty truck parts are designed, produced, and installed
To learn more about the evolving diversity of the light-truck market and find insights that can help your business succeed, download the SEMA Light-Truck Market Snapshot for free today at www.sema.org/research
SHREVEPORT, LA (05.18.2021) – No doubt we are all living in an increasingly stressful world. COVID Shot or No COVID shot. Mask or No Mask. Polarized National media fueling stress. Shortages in supermarkets with rising prices. Pipeline interruption from cyber attack further driving fuel increases. The price of lumber up nearly 300%. We all know the story in our ’Screen Focused’ World.
The 12volt industry has unique issues driving up the the stress level. Product shortages due to high demand. Product shortages taken to the next level due to chip plant fires and shortages. The cost of shipping product has gone through the roof. Travel or can’t travel. Need installers. Companies need employees but many people are receiving stimulus payments equal or exceeding a normal salary.
The 12volt Central Studios staff works each day to deliver positive industry news. See 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook. Each business day morning, we post News Today which delivers fresh industry news in less than a minute. The 12voltBeat newsletter is emailed early Monday and Thursday mornings to over 5,000 industry members. On Saturdays, we post HiLites from the Week on social media. On Sundays we wish friends having Birthdays in the coming week Happy Birthday.
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In addition, we make additional posts with companies working to get their ‘Shine On’. Check out the short video presentation above featuring SSV Works at The Rally on the Rocks in Moab UT May 12-15.
As an industry-vendors, reps, distributors and retailers- let’s all work to highlight positives.
Let’s remember the world is about people. ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On!’
RINGWOOD, IL (05.17.2021) – Race Sport Lighting has announced that Team Progressive has been named their manufacturer rep firm for the northern territory covering Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Team Progressive will oversee the current Race Sport Lighting business already established in these five key states, as well as growing the company’s footprint in the territory with more dealers and increased distribution in the power sport and motorcycle industries. Team Progressive will begin introducing the line to their ever-growing dealer/distributor base starting in May.
“We are so excited to have Team Progressive join our team in the northern territory. Mike Tang (ND, SD and MN) and Steve Warren (IL and WI) bring a wealth of experience and an unprecedented network of dealers and distributors to the table. Race Sport Lighting is excited to get Steve and Mike up and running immediately to promote and train the dealers on the lighting category in their territory.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting
“I am excited to be able to enter into a relationship with Race Sport Lighting. Their expansive mix of products will be a great addition to our customers in the upper Midwest territory, especially in the continually growing power sports and motorcycle segments.” – Mike Tang, The Progressive Group
“As business and our customer needs are ever-changing, we like to bring new categories and opportunities to help them grow their business. I am glad to be teaming up with Race Sport Lighting to offer another source of revenue in a category, that for most 12-volt dealers within Illinois and Wisconsin, is plus business.” – Steve Warren, The Progressive Group
PHOENIX, AZ (05.17.2021) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing that pre-order is now available for their new audio kits and components for select Can-Am Maverick X3 model vehicles.
All new complete plug and play packages will be available in three, five, six or eight speaker layouts and all will incorporate 1000-watts of RMS amplifier power to drive them. They will be packaged with everything needed for installation including integrated audio and power harnesses as well as all necessary hardware. Installation of the kits requires minimal vehicle modification, and comprehensive installation videos are also available for step-by step guided instruction showing the entire process, start to finish.
Additionally, new components are also available for pre-order and consist of a low-profile dash mounting kit that works with our AWMC3 media receiver, fully assembled front upper and separate lower speaker enclosures as well as available driver and passenger loaded subwoofer enclosures.
“Consumer expectations have risen and it’s not just about power and the number of speakers anymore. Consumers need to trust that the product sounds just as good with helmets on and the throttle pinned as it does while hanging around camp.” said Director of Sales and Marketing, Jason Fickas.
“The level of thought and detail that has gone into these kits is unmatched in the industry both in performance and integration, and we’re anxious for our customers to see the results of combining the ground-up resources of MTX with a talented development team who just happen to be passionate enthusiasts as well.”
The new Can-Am X3 kits and components are slotted to start shipping in mid-June and more details can be found at MTX.com.
BOCA RATON, FL (06.17.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently hired Madison Belfour as the new digital marketing analyst for the franchise.
A recent graduate of the University of Florida, Belfour holds degrees in both business administration and journalism. She is responsible for creating marketing campaigns that benefit both the franchise owners individually, as well as overall growth of the franchise.
Belfour’s keen attention to detail and passion for marketing is essential for continually optimizing campaign performance while helping to generate greater overall revenue for the franchise’s 80-plus locations currently open.
Madison Belfour, Digital Marketing Analyst
“Madison is a wonderful addition to our corporate team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “We strive to have the best people in place. Her experience will help our franchisees grow their businesses, while supporting the continued success and growth of our overall franchise.”
Belfour spent the first three years of her career working for local marketing agencies in the South Florida area. Following a series of conversations with Bonfiglio, Madison picked up on his immense passion for franchising and was immediately motivated to put her skills to work for the growing franchise.
Belfour said one of her favorite parts of working at Tint World has been the seamless transition. One of the first projects Belfour took on was the Tint World 2021 International Franchise Convention. Unlike any prior annual convention, the event was held virtually due to the pandemic – presenting its own unique adaptations. Proactive and detail-oriented, Belfour saw the opportunity to step in and contribute value to help make the event a success.
As time has gone on, Belfour has continued sharpening her relationships with franchise owners – understanding their needs and offering tailored campaign solutions to reach their objectives. With new trends emerging constantly, she stays diligent to help keep Tint World’s fingers on the pulse.
“Since day one, I instantly felt like I was a part of the Tint World family. It feels great to be part of such a passionate team and I look forward to continuing to grow within this growing franchise,” Belfour said.
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more.
SHREVEPORT LA (05.15.21) WTF…Win This Friday. DG Motorsportz won the JBLPrize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, May 14th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 127th time on Friday morning May 14th. The Wheel landed on the JBL Space. The DG Motorsportz 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 to DG Motorsportz in High Point NC and AJ was happy to hear the news that A JBL CLIP 3 portable speaker will be headed that way.
A number of the JBL products for prizes were sent to the 12volt Central Studios by Shawn Spedding for Wheel winners. We will send a JBL CLIP 3 to AJ.
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, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, 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. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, May 21st.
12VoltNews.com 