SHREVEPORT LA (03.026.22)  WTF…Win This Friday. Cutting Edge Audio won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 171 on Friday morning, March 25th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 4.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 171st time on Friday morning March 25th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the Cutting Edge Audio slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA and spoke with Ronnie. He was excited and very happy to hear a NavAtlas prize will be heading his way. “That’s great news on a Friday morning. Look forward to receiving the NavAtlas prize” he said.

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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 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, 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, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL and 12volt Specialist in Newark DE. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 1st.

CHARLEROI, PA (03.25.22) – SEMA is continuing its partnership with the 10 high school auto shop programs into the 2021-2022 school year, as they were affected by COVID-19 mandated school closures. The 10 builds, that began in January 0f 2020, are to be completed late this spring and be auctioned off through the program partner.

On Thursday, March 24th, Todd Ramsey visited the Mon Valley Career & Technical Center. Students at the high school auto tech program are customizing a 2002 Jeep Wrangler TJ SEMA Build vehicle.

“We met with Chris Mance, the Automotive Instructor, and 12 students in the shop area. In discussions with the students they were very engaged and asked questions about careers continuing in the automotive field after graduation. Chris is a very driven instructor and what they are doing in their shop is pretty damn fantastic,” Ramsey related to the 12volt Central Studios.

Mance related, “The meeting Thursday morning with Todd was absolutely terrific. It was an opportunity for him to see the SEMA Build program in action. His in-person presence in the shop at our school really grabbed the attention of our entire shop class. In addition he has arranged the delivery of some parts, bumpers and hood scoop, that we needed for the Jeep.”

Mance continued, “To have Ed Nuttall at the meeting was such a bonus as members of the shop class got real world answers about career opportunities in aftermarket tech world.”

Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz Pittsburgh 12volt retailer, accompanied Todd to the meeting. “Our business is only about 40 miles from the Mon Valley Center and this was a great opportunity for me to get some insight into the possibility for future employees. It’s no secret that the 12volt industry has been dealing with a shortage of quality techs in our shops for some time. Seeing the top quality approach being taken by Chris with his students was very encouraging. Also seeing that SEMA is working to encourage students to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry was tremendous,” Nuttall related to the 12volt Central Studios.

Team Nutz is a very proactive 12volt retailer in the area that regularly exhibits at the Pittsburg International Auto Show and other large automotive consumer shows. At those events the company connects with annual high school sponsored student tours. Many Mon Valley shop students were familiar with the Team Nutz store in Pittsburgh.

Todd Ramsey, Ramsey Consulting, has been contracted since September 2021 to manage the SEMA Hight School Build initiative. For more see ramseyconsultinggroup.com or email Byron Bergman at SEMA Member Services – byronb@sema.org

Automotive Technology at Mon Valley Career and Technology Center provides students with a comprehensive, 3-year program designed to prepare students to confidently enter the automotive industry. Faculty and staff strives to exceed the needs and expectations of the industry by teaching core skills and techniques along with the soft skills needed to excel in the automotive setting.

FT. WORTH, TX (03.24.22) – The Progressive American Flat Track 18-round schedule for the 2022 season made its second stop at the Texas Motor Speedway for the Texas Half Mile in Ft Worth TX on Saturday March 19th. The American Flat Track 2022 season is set to bring the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series to new venues in new markets as well as a return to the major motorcycle rallies.

KICKER was on site in the entryway underneath the stands with Lorin Morrell and an expanded event presence as the 2022 season rolls forward. KICKER is the Official Audio Sponsor for 2022 and the Presenting Sponsor of the AFT Singles Category.

“We had the 10×20 KICKER tent set up with 4 tables featuring a wide variety of KICKER products on display. Also at this event area KICKER Rep Pete Daley, Marketing Pros, was in the house and arranged for local KICKER dealer Expert Car Audio to be in the booth. Store owner Jim Constantin showed off his Street Glide with Full Kicker system. The loaded Street Glide was Livin’ Loud and really turned heads,” Morrell related.

Constantin offered to The 12volt Central Studios, “The event was a great way for my shop to connect with bike enthusiast and show our work with the Street Glide. The KICKER saddle bags really got a lot of attention. Pete and I talked with so many people and passed out lots business cards…..KICKER lanyards too. Sunday morning I checked my email and had 3 people want to talk about jobs.

Concluding, Morrell stated, “Spending time with so many was an opportunity to get a lot of insight from enthusiasts about systems on their bikes and opportunity to put KICKER products in their family vehicles.”

Ideally balanced in its March-October dates, coast-to-coast locations, and blend of eight Half-Miles, five Miles, two TTs, and three Short Tracks, the ‘22 slate is set to establish Progressive AFT as a highlight attraction at some of the world’s biggest motorcycling events.

The circuit continues with Progressive AFT rounds reinstated as key components of the massively popular Laconia Motorcycle Week and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Finally, the 2022 Grand National Championship battle will come full circle with a return visit to Daytona Beach during Biketoberfest for the Volusia Half-Mile III season finale. In addition, several other events will have a similarly celebratory feel with high-profile showdowns on holiday weekends including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

The annual legendary Midwest events, the Springfield Mile doubleheader, Peoria TT and Lima Half-Mile, all return on the same weekends while four events will move to new weekends in 2022. After a rain-out in 2021, the Texas Half-Mile moves to a new date in March to be a part of IndyCar weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The New York Short Track and Port Royal Half-Mile will both move to new weekends in July, and Cal Expo will play host to the Sacramento Mile in August.

A number of fan and rider favorite venues are back following temporary absences. The Red Mile, Laconia Short Track and Black Hills Half-Mile last took place in 2019 and are set to make their triumphant return to the calendar in 2022.

The Castle Rock TT, meanwhile, is back following a lengthier pause. The ‘22 edition will mark the 28th inclusion of the adrenaline-fueled race on the Progressive AFT schedule and a return to the Pacific Northwest for the first time since 2014. The event is sure to be one of the most unique events on the tour thanks to a collaboration with Thor Drake, renowned for his ability to curate motorcycle art, racing and culture and deliver highly entertaining events such as The One Moto Show and The Wild One.

There will also be two new additions to the slate: I-70 Half-Mile in Odessa, Missouri, and the Cedar Lake Short Track in New Richmond, Wisconsin. The stop in Odessa is Progressive American Flat Track’s first in Missouri since 2005 while the race in New Richmond will be the series’ first in Wisconsin since 2003.

The complete 2022 Progressive American Flat Track schedule follows:

1. March 10, 2022 – Volusia Half-Mile I, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
2. March 11, 2022 – Volusia Half-Mile II, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
3. March 19, 2022 – Texas Half-Mile, Texas Motor Speedway, Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
4. April 23, 2022 – I-70 Half-Mile, I-70 Motorsports Park, Odessa, MO
5. May 28, 2022 – Red Mile I, The Red Mile, Lexington, KY
6. May 29, 2022 – Red Mile II, The Red Mile, Lexington, KY
7. June 11, 2022 – Laconia Short Track, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH
8. June 25, 2022 – Lima Half-Mile, Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
9. July 2, 2022 – New York Short Track, Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
10. July 16, 2022 – Port Royal Half-Mile, Port Royal Speedway, Port Royal, PA
11. July 30, 2022 – Peoria TT, Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
12. August 6, 2022 – Black Hills Half-Mile, Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
13. August 13, 2022 – Castle Rock TT, Castle Rock Race Park, Castle Rock, WA
14. August 20, 2022 – Sacramento Mile, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
15. September 3, 2022 – Springfield Mile I, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
16. September 4, 2022 – Springfield Mile II, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
17. September 24, 2022 – Cedar Lake Short Track, Cedar Lake Speedway & Arena, New Richmond, WI
18. October 15, 2022 – Volusia Half-Mile III, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL

Online ticket sales for all rounds will be available in the coming weeks on AmericanFlatTrack.coms. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit the official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com.

Portions of the above text was edited from the original 2022 Progressive American Flat Track Scheduled press announcement.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (03.23.22) – Slamology President Donnie Babb announced today that the event will feature two Title Sponsors and one Title Co-Sponsor for the Slamology 2022 event being held at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 11^th and 12^th, 2022.

“We’re very excited to have Sky High Car Audio and Kicker Performance Audio on board for 2022, as well as all of our sponsors; almost every sponsor and vendor has signed back up for this year’s event and we’ve even added a number of new vendors and sponsors” Said Donnie Babb, President of GaugeMagazine.com and Slamology “In these uncertain times, many are looking for an outlet to bring back some level of normalcy to this crazy world and Slamology offers that.” 

Slamology, now in its 19^th year, was conceived by GaugeMagazine.com President Donnie Babb as a way to connect with their followers at an event that brought them all together. 

Gauge Magazine is an e-magazine devoted to all levels of car culture, from mini trucks to lowriders, imports, 4X4s, hot rods, classics, customs and more. Created in 1999, GaugeMagazine.com followers have grown to over 3 million and continues to grow, adding new categories to its magazine and event annually. 

Since its inception, Title Sponsor Sky High Car Audio has offered its customers the best deals on its own brand of power cables, accessories and much more. The company’s website also offers the sale of various car audio brands and has supported Slamology for a number of years as a vendor; this their first year as a Title Sponsor.

“Since we first started going to Slamology, we knew this was the event to support” said Jon Rabe, President of Sky High Car Audio “We’ve been patiently waiting for the Title Sponsor opportunity to open up so we could be an integral part of the show. Having it happen this year was a huge plus; now that we’re the top sponsor of the show, it’s our goal to make Slamology 2022 the best one yet!”

“There’s a lot to be said about the relationship that Sky High and Slamology have built” Rabe continued to say, “I can only see it growing even stronger in the future.”

Co-Sponsor Kicker Performance Audio has been a supporter of Slamology virtually since the show has been around. The company’s forward-thinking vision of promoting their products at non-endemic events has proven to be very successful for the brand and Slamology has proven to be one of the more viable events to showcase their products.

“Slamology is more than one of the biggest soundoffs of the year to us,” said Kevin Campbell, Director of Global Marketing at Kicker. “At Kicker, we are driven by our passions. This show personifies every aspect of that passion: incredible show cars, thunderous bass, and concert-level sound quality – all in one place. Even better is the chance to share that passion with the thousands of people we meet, and the friendships we re-kindle. Even though we are based in Oklahoma, Slamology almost feels like a homecoming.”

“Slamology and GaugeMagazine.com’s reach is quite broad, and we offer access to a variety of demographics” Babb continued to say “There’s value in endemic and non-endemic markets with our event and that’s a powerful tool for all types of manufacturers who are automotive related in any form.”

For more information on Slamology, contact Donnie Babb at donnie@slamology.com. For more info on the sponsors, contact info@skyhighcaraudio.com and questions@kicker.com or visit their websites at skyhighcaraudio.com and kicker.com.

HOUSTON, TX (03.22.22) – Thursday March 15th, 2022, saw the resumption of in-person training for Alpine Electronics in Texas. The location was Electronic Custom Distributors (ECD) in Houston, TX. Alpine invited both ECD Alpine Dealers & Direct Alpine Dealers to the event.

The training was conducted by Alpine’s Texas based Brand Specialist Dan Greenwood and Andy Allen, Alpine Brand Representative, in the well equipped ECD training room. Greenwood also brought the Alpine Ford F-150 Demo Truck equipped with all the new gear for 2022, including Alpine’s brand-new Halo Truck Subwoofer Enclosure.

This unique truck subwoofer enclosure uses dual 8” woofers in a uniquely ported enclosure for optimal output and low frequency response. But the truly unique thing about this new enclosure is the adjustability. This one enclosure can be adjusted to fit RAM1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado, Nissan Titan plus Jeep Wrangler JK/JL and Jeep Gladiator models.

Dealers from as far away as Slidell, LA learned valuable information about all the new Head Units, Speakers, Subs and Amps Alpine has planned for 2022.

Alpine’s Houston-based Andy Allen related to 12Volt News, “The turn out for our first in-person training in over 2 years was amazing! Every dealer I spoke with at this event was excited about new products and grateful to Alpine and ECD for putting on the event.”

Continuing, Allen offered, “Our thanks go out to Larry Treibel and the entire Staff at ECD for providing their excellent training facility to host this event. The room was packed! Dealers were able to not just learn about the new product, but hear it installed in the F-150. 2022 is going to be a great year for Alpine dealers!”

Treibel, ECD Sales Manager, stated to the 12volt Central Studios, “Dan Greenwood made a terrific presentation. In all there were over 40 people attending the Alpine training session. We distribute Alpine across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Alpine line will be strong in 2022 throughout our territory.”

Alpine Sr Manager Marco Bregenzer commented, “The feedback we have received from across the country on the new Halo Truck Subwoofer Enclosure has been amazing. The timing of the training at ECD is perfect as this new product is now shipping.”

Alpine is set to offer a series of Online Product and Sales Training Sessions for Authorized dealers. The trainings are April 4th, 5th and 6th. Please contact your Alpine representative for more information.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

TEMPE, AZ (03.21.22) – The premier MasterTech EXPO took place March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. The combination tradeshow and tech training event welcomed hundreds of automotive aftermarket industry professionals to learn new fabrication and build strategies as well as experience products from exhibiting vendors. MasterTech EXPO will be back in the same location in 2023, spanning four days beginning March 5.

“Our first EXPO exceeded our expectations in every facet,” said Bryan Schmitt, event founder and producer. “We surpassed our audience and exhibitor targets while maintaining the unique learning and networking environment we wanted for everyone. We’re especially grateful to the staff at the Mesa Convention Center and the Delta Hotel for accommodating our needs due to expanded participation from the automotive aftermarket industry. Most importantly, we’ve built a new blueprint for process-driven, large-scale technical training unlike anything the industry has experienced.”

The 2023 MasterTech EXPO event will add more diverse exhibitors and hands-on activities for education workshop attendees. Since the workshop format is based on what one would find at a university, the 2023 curriculum will continue that direction by adding electives, so an attendee can choose an additional class outside of his or her selected core workshops. In addition, attendees will have more opportunity to use tools and emulate the steps and techniques taught by expert instructors.

In conjunction with the annual show, MasterTech-branded events will continue to educate professional technicians and fabricators. The monthly School of Fab series on YouTube, featuring Bryan Schmitt and Mark from the popular Car Audio Fabrication series, will continue on first Thursday of each month. Schmitt will also announce 2022 dates for the return of specialty training classes at the Mobile Solutions facility in Tempe, Ariz., under the MasterTech brand. Each in-house MasterTech session at Mobile Solutions will comprise more intimate, project-focused versions of the School of Fab and Master Design courses taught at MasterTech EXPO.

“For 2023 and beyond, we are committed to providing our attendees a broader range of technical expertise and exhibitors,” added Schmitt. “What we offer as an experience has to reflect the changes in the automotive aftermarket. Shops are diversifying to provide a single source of expanded services to their clientele. We want to continue to fuel that change with access to top-notch companies and focused education.”

For more information, visit MasterTechEXPO.com.

SHREVEPORT LA (03.019.22)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Specialist won the CRUX prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 170 on Friday morning, March 18th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 4.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 170th time on Friday morning March 18th. The Wheel landed on the CRUX space and the 12volt Specialist slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to the 12volt Specialist in Newark DE and spoke with John Cataldi. He was excited and very happy to hear a CRUX prize will be heading his way. “That’s super. My birthday was last week and business is rocking. All is great” said.

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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 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, 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, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX and Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, March 25th.

This article was written by Paul A. Eisenstein for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (03.18.22) – If you’re planning to cross an intersection you should be extra careful if a pickup or SUV is about to make a turn, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Drivers of big vehicles are more likely to hit pedestrians than those behind the wheel of a sedan or coupe, the new study found. With pickups and SUVs taking to the road in ever-increasing numbers, this may help explain why there has been a steady increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

“The link between these vehicle types and certain common pedestrian crashes points to another way that the increase in SUVs on the roads might be changing the crash picture,” said Jessica Cicchino, the IIHS vice president who authored the new study.

Pedestrian fatalities on the rise
The number of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle incidents has risen by more than half during the past decade. Data released by the Governors Highway Association shows 6,700 fatalities in 2020, a 5% increase despite the sharp drop in traffic due to the COVID pandemic. Adjusted for vehicle miles traveled, pedestrian fatalities rose 21 percent.

Final figures for 2021 have yet to be released but preliminary numbers suggest there was another increase.

The recent spike appears linked to a noticeable increase in vehicle speeds during the pandemic, but that’s not the only factor, the new IIHS study would demonstrate, as it focuses on pedestrian fatalities that occurred when vehicles were turning at intersections.

Turning the corner
The IIHS looked at both federal crash data and North Carolina police reports. According to the Associated Press, “pickups were 42% more likely than cars to hit pedestrians while making left turns. SUVs were 23% more likely to hit people than cars. There was no significant difference in the odds of a right turn crash for the different types of vehicles, the study showed.”

But there was a disproportionate rise in vehicle/pedestrian crashes outside of intersections, as well. Pickups showed the biggest gap, IIHS reporting they were 80% more likely to strike a pedestrian than a passenger vehicle. SUVs were 61% more likely, while minivans had a 45% increase compared to passenger cars.

The question is why? The new study cites prior research pointing to the large blind spots created by vehicle A-pillars. Federal rollover and roof crush standards have been updated over the past few decades to make it more likely passengers will survive such crashes. But that has resulted in larger pillars, particularly those framing the windshield.

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.16.22) – SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), the host of the aftermarket industry’s premier products trade event, the SEMA Show, has announced RJ de Vera as its Vice President of Marketing.

De Vera comes to SEMA after 12 years at 3M, a Fortune 100 company, including the last seven as Global Leader of Digital Marketing and Public Relations for the Meguiar’s Car Care brand. He will be developing and implementing a modernized multi-channel marketing strategy for SEMA with a digital-first focus to expand brand awareness and build customer affinity for SEMA and its members.

“RJ is an industry icon, having worked in and with the aftermarket specialty business for nearly 30 years. It’s a thrill to have him join the SEMA leadership team,” said SEMA Senior VP of Operations Bill Miller. “He will surely be an asset to our growth in the coming years, and we look forward to seeing what he will bring to the organization.”

Prior to 3M/Meguiar’s, de Vera worked with OEMs including Honda, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Scion to build corporate image vehicles. He also helped American Racing, Veilside Japan, and Vorsteiner design and market aftermarket parts and accessories, while also consulting on automotive-related marketing initiatives with numerous brands, including Pepsi Co., Valvoline, Boost Mobile, Michelin/BF Goodrich, and Microsoft/XBOX.

“I have attended every SEMA show since 1997 and have had the honor of being a judge for the SEMA Show’s Battle of Builders series for the past six years,” said de Vera. “I am honored to expand my role within the association and hope to have a positive impact on the industry and culture that I love.”

Early in his career, he was part of the team at Petersen Publishing that led the charge to popularize sport compact culture with Super Street Magazine. In addition, de Vera helped promote the first National Import Racing Association (NIRA) events and assisted Universal Studios in launching “The Fast and the Furious” movie franchise as a consultant and actor. He also served as a judge, host, and content strategist for MTV’s “Trick It Out” series.

Visit sema.org for more.