DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.22.22) – The specialty-equipment industry continues to experience strong growth and demand as the U.S. puts COVID-19 in the rearview mirror. According to the new “State of the Industry–Spring 2022” report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), 75% of manufacturers, 68% of distributors, and 53% of retailers/installers report that sales are currently above where they were prior to the pandemic, and consumer demand continues to remain robust for most companies.
However, despite strong industry growth, concerns remain due to ongoing supply chain issues, inflation, economic uncertainty, and the war in Ukraine.
The report, which includes 70 pages of new industry data, helps companies make better business decisions by highlighting current industry trends, business metrics, and estimates on how sales have changed over the last year, and it highlights the ongoing supply chain disruptions many organizations are being challenged with. It also provides a pulse check on consumers as they navigate economic uncertainty and deal with significant price increases on many of the products and services that they buy.
Additional key findings from the report include:
More than half of companies expect sales to continue to grow in the coming year.
Supply chain issues remain a challenge for over 90% of the industry, and most don’t see things returning to normal until at least 2023.
The current inflation rate of 8.5% is the highest it has been in 40 years, yet consumers continue to spend.
Despite gas prices being up over 40% on average from where they were last year, 80% of Americans still plan to take a road trip this summer.
Amid record consumer demand, 70% of manufacturers, 56% of distributors, and 45% of retail installers have had difficulty filling open positions due to a shortage of qualified applicants to hire.
The complete “State of the Industry—Spring 2022” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.21.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the 2022 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in booth E1 from Friday, April 29 to Saturday, April 30 where they will unveil exciting new vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep driver.
Featuring the latest in Jeep-specific dash and sound system offerings from Alpine, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler will be on-site for product demonstrations. Jeep Beach attendees will be the first to experience the new High-Resolution i509-WRA-JL with a High-Definition, Weather-Resistant 9-inch screen and wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The i509-WRA-JL was intentionally designed with the Jeep driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep interior and retain the features Jeep drivers use the most. New to this display is High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) that can stream music from popular Hi-Res streaming platforms or directly from a smartphone for incredible music detail and high-precision music reproduction.
To demonstrate the head unit integration capabilities, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will also feature a premium night vision DVR-C320R Dash Camera with built-in drive assist and impact recording. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.
Alpine’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep-specific solutions designed for older Jeep Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.
“Switchback,” Alpine’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator, will also be on-site with a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorized Bluetooth speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.
The Alpine Event Truck and Trailer will be open to visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned lounge area located in the trailer.
All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine Authorized Retailer Roco 4×4 will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep.
STILLWATER, OK (04.20.22) – KICKER Marine Audio travels from Oklahoma to join its distributors, dealers and fans at the 25th anniversary of the Lake Havasu Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout – April 21-23.
As the title sponsor of the popular and currently sold-out (but not to fans and viewers!) Desert Storm for years, KICKER Marine Audio will have an impressive presence at the Thursday Street Festival where its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) will bring a travel edition of its famous headquarters’ “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street. Millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats will be on display from 1-9 PM, including new boats from Rod Voegele of California-based Gatorwraps, also located in Lake Havasu and Jeff Cuvelier of Elite Audio of Havasu. Both boaters and businessmen are big KICKER Marine Audio fans as Gatorwraps adds the visuals to many KICKER-equipped customer boats. Cuvelier has been an installer of KMA for years and will now do so under his new company, Elite Audio, specializing in marine audio systems.
Voegele recently became a catamaran fan after riding in a friend’s DCB and was convinced by the ride of the company’s F32 that he bought one and customized it, wrapping it in his logo and signature bright green, highlighted with electric blue. “I’ve never been in anything like it!” Voegele says of the DCB, “Nothing rides like this!” And can we add, SOUNDS like this!
The boat is loaded with KICKER speakers and subs including 6 KM 8” speakers with RGB lighting, 2 KMFC 9” tower speakers with swivel mounts and 2 KM 9” subwoofers under the hatch. Of course, KMA head units and amplifiers “amp up” the sound, so everyone will be able to enjoy the clear sound of the Gatorwraps boat! The crowd will also hear KMA sound from the company’s Kenworth W9 Show rig, and International CXT show truck, both heavily decked with KICKER audio components and broadcasting live and loud from the Street Party and throughout the event.
Cuvelier totally updated his Rinker Flotilla boat which made its debut this year at the SEMA SPL (Sound Pressure Level) show with 4 KM 15” L7 Q subwoofers and 2 KM Comp Q 12” subs. Amid all the other KICKER Marine Audio equipment, clusters of numerous KM coaxials, 6 KMC 11” swivel tower speakers and even KICKER SeaDek flooring, do you think you can feel the bass in his music?!
Cuvelier explains his KICKER allegiance stating, “Even with KICKER being such a prominent leader in the audio world, they still manage to share that same excitement and passion for sound systems that their dealers and customers have. They bring you in like family and show support like no other.”
River Dave of River Dave’s Place boating forum, has been a supporter of Desert Storm since 2007 and just replaced the factory sound system of his 2021 Avalon Excalibur pontoon boat with KICKER Marine Audio gear, adding 6 KM 8.5” speakers, 4 KM fixed 9” tower speakers with RGB lighting, and 2 KM 10” subs in the helm. Dave also opted to substitute an L7 Q subwoofer for a refrigerator ensuring “cool” sound! His twin Mercury 400s will take this pontoon to 70 mph so he is not only livin’ fast but Livin’ Loud with KICKER! “I’ve been with KICKER Since I was 21-years old,” he says, “It’s not just the quality of products but the staff–they are more like family–and the customer support that makes the difference.”
“KICKER Marine Audio finds long-time friends and enjoys making new ones in the boating community,” says Jeremy Bale, brand manager, “Performance boaters enjoy power in their engines as well as in their sound systems so being seen and heard gives KICKER an advantage with our ‘Real Marineä’ components which are top-grade , reliable and tested in the marine environment. We’re happy to lend our support in Lake Havasu!”
All KICKER Marine Audio’s enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white, complete with LED light complements. Amps, media centers and KICKER’s signature square subwoofers are only part of the line, so when you want to “Kick” up your sound system, rely on the brand that delivers the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components—KICKER Marine Audio. www.kicker.com/marine-audio.
HOLLY HILL, FL (04.19.22) –Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics has added to their RGB and RGBW LED product lineup. Now shipping is a universal RGBW LED Underglow Lighting Kit, RGBW Bulk Wire, and RGB Bulk Wire. These products are designed to be compatible with other Heise RGB and RGBW products. They offer colorful, durable RGB and RGBW lighting solutions with less installation time and labor.
Universal RGBW LED Underglow Lighting Kit
The RGBW1-UNDGLED is a new vehicle lighting package for installers who want to add brilliant underglow lighting to a vehicle. The kit includes four sealed LED tubes, mounting hardware, and extension cables. This kit is rated IP67 and designed for both on and off-road vehicles. When set up with the Heise RGBW-CB1 controller (sold separately), users can choose from a true white color PLUS 16 million different color options using the Metra RGBW smartphone app with pre-programmed lighting transitions, flash patterns, and more. A dual connection to the controller assures maximum current and even illumination. The RGBW-CB1 controller is sold separately and required for operation, and can be synced with additional compatible Heise RGB and RGBW lighting products.
RGBW1-UNDGLED Product Specifications:
Includes (2) 48” and (2) 36” LED tubes
Dual connection to controller for maximum current and even illumination
Mounting hardware and extension cables included
Requires RGBW-CB1 controller (sold separately) that works with Metra RGBW smartphone app
RGB LEDs plus true white LED color
IP rating: IP67
Not for use on public roads
1 year limited warranty
RGBW Bulk Wire
The RGBW-250SPL Bulk Wire from Heise is designed specifically for use with our Heise RGBW lighting products. This wire features water-resistant black over-mold to protect the individual cables.This 5-in-1 OE style is easier to run and has better aesthetics than other wiring options. Red, green, blue, black and white wires are concealed within the over-mold to make this a 5-conductor wire. This bulk wire comes in a convenient 250 foot spool.
RGBW-250SPL Product Specifications:
Length: 250 feet
Gauge: 22 Gauge
Wire colors: R/G/B/BL/W
Water-resistant black over-mold
Works exclusively with Heise RGBW lighting products
1 year limited warranty
RGB Bulk Wire
The RGB-250SPL Bulk Wire from Heise is designed specifically for use with our Heise RGB lighting products. This wire features water-resistant black over-mold to protect the individual cables. This 4-in-1 OE style is easier to run and has better aesthetics than other wiring options. Red, green, blue and black wires are concealed within the over-mold to make this a 4-conductor wire. This bulk wire comes in a convenient 250 foot spool.
RGB-250SPL Product Specifications:
Length: 250 feet
Gauge: 22 Gauge
Wire colors: R/G/B/BL
Water-resistant black over-mold
Works exclusively with Heise RGB lighting products
1 year limited warranty
These products are in stock and shipping now. Visit MetraOnline.com for more information.
EAST WENATCHEE, WA (04.18.22) – The 2022 IASCA World Finals will take place in three locations, one for SQ and two for SPL, in conjunction with MECA and EMMA.
“We’re looking forward to working with MECA and EMMA again on hosting combined finals events. Every year, we keep improving what we offer to competitors to give back for supporting the organizations,” said IASCA President Travis Chin.
Travis Chin
SQ Finals will take place on Oct 8 th and 9 th , 2022 at the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon, Missouri, in conjunction with MECA and EMMA. The event will be located in the Center’s Exhibition Hall which boasts 34,000 square feet of space to house up to 170 sound quality vehicles.
The Cowan Civic Center, site of the IASCA SQ Finals October 8th and 9th in Lebanon, MO.
SPL Finals East will be held on November 12th and 13th , 2022 at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center Lebanon, Tennessee, minutes away from Nashville, in the main Exhibit Hall boasting 45,000 square feet of room for up to 200 cars.
The Farm Bureau Exposition Center, site of SPL Finals East November 12th and 13th in Lebanon, TN.
West Coast IASCA SPL Finals will be held near the end of October, as venues are currently under review. Scores from the West Coast Finals will be combined with scores from the East to determine the World Champions at the SPL Finals East event.
“This year’s events are competitor focused and we’re getting some really exciting things lined up for the shows,” Chin continued. “Final details are still being worked out regarding logistics and accommodations for each event. We will notify everyone as those details are finalized.”
Invitations for qualified competitors will begin to be sent out via email early September. Qualified competitors must accrue 75 C.A.P. points (Competition Award Points) in their format to qualify for an invitation to their respective event. For those wanting to view their point standings, the list is available on https://iasca.com/downloads/ under CAP.
For more information on IASCA Worldwide and the IASCA World Finals, visit iasca.com or contact President Travis Chin at travis@iasca.com.
SEATTLE, WA (04.15.22) – The PNWCEE 2022 Mobile Electronics Expo, featuring Mobile Electronics, is set for May 9th-11th at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA.
This year the event will kick off with a special Monday evening launch event themed ‘Harley Davidson Audio Install Deconstruction’ presented by Sam Walker and Ryan Klein as they deconstruct a Harley Davidson Road Glide with a premium aftermarket audio system build on the bike.
Sam Walker’s Harley Davidson Road Glide will be deconstructed during the Monday evening session.
“My Harley Road Glide is loaded with Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega products. Lighting and other aftermarket products also. During the session that Ryan Klein and I host we will cover best practices, along with the ins and outs of motorcycle audio, while deconstructing the bike and putting it back together.” The session will also cover amp tuning plus DSP integration.
Sam Walker is the owner of Walker Audio Design in Nampa ID and a 19 year veteran of the 12volt industry. He is an avid rider and specializes in Harley Davidson Audio.
Ryan Klein is the West Coast Manager with CVDA and very active in the Motorcycle/PowerSports category. As a company that has been in the category for many years, Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega have been on the leading edge of high-performance audio products and solutions.
Tuesday and Wednesday will feature factory and industry training events that begin at 9 AM in rooms off the show floor. The Expo Showroom opens at 10AM both days with an amazing number of vendors displaying their latest products.
On Wednesday Travis Chin, from IASCA, will be on site. Dealers and their customers are invited for a TEST THE BEST event outside and Travis will judge the entries and 3 top winners will receive awards. The Doubletree has provided a large outdoor space for this activity.
As an added benefit for attendees the Doubletree has agreed to offer suites at a discounted rate and that will include a complimentary breakfast for 2 people per room.
Sam Walker, on his Harley, is an avid rider, 19 year 12volt industry veteran and owner of Walker Audio Design.
“With the addition of the larger outdoor area we will have the opportunity to have even more show cars at the 2022 event. May 9th-11th, Monday through Wednesday, are the dates and we look forward to seeing a record turnout at the upcoming 2022 event. So far there is a real buzz in the Pacific Northwest for the 2022 event. Several dealers have indicated they will close their stores and bring the crew” Mark Giovannetti-Pacific Rim Marketing and Dan McMillan-InPhase Marketing, who are spearheading the event, related.
SEATTLE, WA (04.14.22) – The PNWCEE 2022 Mobile Electronics Expo, featuring Mobile Electronics, is set for May 9th-11th at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA.
Mark Giovannetti and Dan McMillan, who spearhead the event, related “It’s been over two years, and now it’s time to get together again with leading mobile electronics vendors, their representatives and trainers for an event designed for 12volt specialists to grow their businesses. Feedback from the field has been very strong as all think that the time is now right.”
This year the event will kick off with a special Monday evening launch event themed ‘Harley Davidson Audio Install Deconstruction’ presented by Sam Walker and Ryan Klein as they deconstruct a Harley Davidson Road Glide premium after market audio system build on the bike. In the process they will cover the ‘Best Practices’ of motorcycle audio installation using the newest products plus plug & play solutions on the market today. Installation tips will be made and then the vehicle will be put back together and ready roll.
Tuesday and Wednesday will feature factory and industry training events that begin at 9 AM in rooms off the show floor. The Expo Showroom opens at 10AM both days with an amazing number of vendors displaying their latest products.
On Wednesday Travis Chin, from IASCA, will be on site. Dealers and their customers are invited for a TEST THE BEST event outside and Travis will judge the entries and 3 top winners will receive awards. The Doubletree has provided a large outdoor space for this activity.
As an added benefit for attendees the Doubletree has agreed to offer suites at a discounted rate and that will include a complimentary breakfast for 2 people per room.
“With the addition of the larger outdoor area we will have the opportunity to have even more show cars at the 2022 event. May 9th-11th, Monday through Wednesday, are the dates and we look forward to seeing a record turnout at the upcoming 2022 event. So far there is a real buzz in the Pacific Northwest for the 2022 event. Giovannetti concluded.
STILLWATER, OK (04.13.22) – KICKER bids a heartfelt farewell to industry veteran and 18-year Director of Global Marketing, Kevin Campbell.
Since joining KICKER in 2004, Campbell has guided the company’s “Livin’ Loud” message by creating experiences that embody the music that car-audio fans crave.
“It’s been 18 years of total fun,” Campbell said. “I’ve always admired the (KICKER) brand and the way they do business. People talk about KICKER being family; it really has that feel. The kind of place where we all have to work hard, but there’s an atmosphere – a social feeling that is genuine and caring that comes from the top.”
Veteran employees and former marketing associate directors Ron Burnett and Roger Demaree with fill the position as co-directors, splitting Campbell’s duties to continue the department rolling on its current path. Burnett and Demaree bring 48 years of combined industry experience to their new roles.
Kevin Campbell
For the past four decades, Campbell held pivotal roles in some of the most iconic brands in car audio, having led the sales and marketing teams for Rockford Fosgate, Precision Power, TubeDriver and Morel America prior to joining KICKER.
As KICKER searched for a marketing director in 2004, company founder Steve Irby had a desire for 12-volt industry experience and a strong background of leadership for the role.
“We were looking for someone in the industry that knew marketing, somebody that was well seasoned in the industry,” Irby said. “Kevin’s name came up immediately, and with his strong background in marketing, he took to it right away.”
During his tenure, Campbell focused on connecting the brand with consumers and the 12-volt industry in equal measure. For example, he acknowledged that attending MEA KnowledgeFest served to keep the brand connected with retailers and distributors, while participating in the HOT ROD Power Tour raised awareness for the rod and custom community. KICKER’s continued commitment to attending the annual SEMA Show served to strengthen bonds between the company’s automotive manufacturing partners and an increasingly large number of KICKER’s core dealers.
In 2020 when COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of most events, Campbell greenlit a massive in-house undertaking to broadcast a weekly, online audio-centric show dubbed “KICKER UnMasked.” Taking the brand virtual through streaming video was arguably the most significant event that KICKER marketing had completed in the past two years.
The presentation of KICKER directly connected to live music continues to be a high priority. Campbell successfully aligned the brand with artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tim Montana and Nashville label Reviver Music. Events like the KICKER Country Stampede (music festival) gave music lovers a chance to experience the same passion and performance that drives KICKER to recreate great sound in a vehicle.
“Since he came on board, we’ve evolved into a more focused marketing machine,” Irby continued. “He had strong opinions and experience in the industry that go way back. He was fair and easy to work with, with a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor. We will really miss his wisdom and experience.”
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.12.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.
The images in this article showcase Race Sport Lighting, MCS, AudioControl, RAD Audio, NavAtlas and Hertz Audison team members at work across the US.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.
HUNTSVILLE, AL (04.11.22) – A recent Instagram post grabbed attention in the 12volt Central Studios. In the SpeakerBox showroom team members were pictured with Sony TVs,Triton SoundBars and Sony Mobile speakers. The Sony TVs were 75” and 65” models. Seeing that required a phone call to the store.
Alex Stowe filled in the details. She revealed the entire Speakerbox Team of 8 went to KFest in Vegas. The store was closed while they were on the trip. While on the event floor at KFest in Vegas they spent time at the DOW Technologies Booth where a Blackjack table was set with a dealer and really cool prizes available to win.
SpeakerBox Team members at the DOW Blackjack table.
Jay Johnson, DOW Technologies Director, related “At KFest in Vegas we showcased some of our Triton Audio products. In our booth we had a Blackjack table set up where dealers could play to win prizes. If the retailer beat the Blackjack dealer they could pull a card with a prize on it. Anyone could play, even multiple dealers from a store and outside our territory. All dealers attending KFest were invited to play Blackjack at the DOW table. Our Blackjack table sponsors were Sony, Triton, Metra, Alpine, Lucas Lighting and DOW.”
Wes Powell (L) and Adam Brown in action at the DOW Blackjack table.
Johnson added “After seeing the image of the prizes with team members in the SpeakerBox showroom I was shocked to see how the shop cleaned up on the prizes DOW offered at KFest.”
From SpeakerBox and DOW Instagram posts the 12volt Studios staff located more images that were included with this article. Adam Brown posted the lead image in the showroom @speakerbox_adam.
Looks like Adam Brown drew a very special card at the DOW Blackjack Table!!
SpeakerBox began business in 2011 and the team markets a wide variety of 12volt products to members of the Huntsville community and surrounding area.
12VoltNews.com 