SHREVEPORT LA (04.24.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. CT Custom won the ZZ-2 prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 23rd.

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 124th time on Friday morning April 23rd. The Wheel landed on the ZZ-2 space. The CT Custom 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 CT Custom and Cliff Dowd was surprised and happy to hear the news. We will contact Rich DeSclafani and a cool ZZ-2 CPLAY/Android Auto interface prize will be headed to CT in Philadelphia.

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 and Just Audio in North Providence RI. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 30th.

TORONTO, CANADA (04.23.2021) – THE CMA LIVE Motorcycle Audio Episode, presented by SiriusXM on Wednesday evening April 21st, welcomed some of the biggest motorcycle audio manufacturers as they showcased their new products for the coming season. Host Ben Woo discussed some of the latest products on the market today such as direct-fit speakers, amplifier options, integration accessories and much more! The panel experts included Eric Russell of Rockford Fosgate, Joe Gross of KICKER USA, Fred Lynch of ARC AUDIO, Justin Bond of FOCAL and Tim Shell of METRA Electronics.

“CMA and SiriusXM were excited to unveil the new CMA LIVE production studio and we’re looking forward to enhancing the viewing experience for our audience. Wednesday night’s episode was further enhanced by having several key influential and innovative audio brands in the category, proving once again that great content is King” stated CMA President Frank Spezzano.

Rockford Fosgate was first out of the gate with Eric Russell and Jerry Pitts from the company’s Tempe AZ studio. A key point was the touring riders who are looking at high performance audio on the road at posted speed limits and above. Speaking rider’s language and participating in biker events was offered as a key for 12volt retailers to connect and be successful selling Rockford Fosgate’s broad offerings of motorcycle audio.

Arc Audio’s Fred Lynch participated from an area set up in the company’s Modesto CA facility. Efficiency of speakers, along with the plug and play products, were key points. Understanding the large investments many bikers make on their rides is important as 12volt retailers must stress quality and top performance to be successful in the motorcycle audio category. Did we hear DSP?

Focal was represented by Justin Bond from the BB Distribution facility in Edmonton Alberta. Focal products are manufactured in France. Speaker cone material, plus the small size of the Focal amps for bikes, were emphasized as being part of Focal’s DNA for quality sound reproduction.

Tim Small presented the Metra Electronics session from the company’s Holly Hill FL studio. Metra produces a wide variety of installation accessories, lighting and other products for the 12volt industry. Specifically for the motorcycle category Metra offers the Saddle Tramp brand. A highlight of Shell’s session was the introduction of a Harley-Davidson fairing kit that will accept a Double DIN aftermarket head unit.

KICKER was the last brand on the Wednesday evening CMA Live presentation and originated in KICKER’s UnMASKED Studio at the company’s World HQ in Stillwater OK. Kip Litsey and Joe Gross presented a broad overview of KICKER’s history and activities in the 2-Wheel sports category. From products for DIY enthusiasts to the high end Litsey and Gross covered all the KICKER options available including everything needed for a complete installation. Gross heads the OEM and MotorSports technical aspects for KICKER and is a Biker and audio enthusiast of 2 decades plus. Of special note for 12volt retailers was an emphasis on providing actual sound demos for bike enthusiasts.

The motorcycle category is growing rapidly and can contribute significantly to sales and profitability for 12volt retailers. CMA LIVE is focused on the Canadian Mobile Audio industry. That said, the brands featured on the Motorcycle Audio Episode are key brands in the US also. For that reason 12volt Central Studios staff recommends 12volt retailers across the US tune into on demand viewing options shown in the links below.

If you want to watch the Motorcycle Audio Episode on demand.. Check out the following links:

For more info, visit www.canadianmobileaudio.com/LIVE/ or facebook.com/canadianmobileaudio/videos/965728334169302

STILLWATER, OK (04.21.2021) – KICKER Marine Audio is stretching West from its Oklahoma roots to join its distributors, dealers and fans in some Spring festivities at Desert Storm – April 21-25 taking place on Lake Havasu.

Since KICKER Marine Audio has been the title sponsor of the popular Desert Storm for several years, its presence will be seen on the Thursday Street Festival where the KICKER XRV will bring a travel edition of its famous headquarters “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street, where millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats will be on display from 1-9 PM.

On Friday, drivers will be displaying their boats on parade from Thompson Bay and through the Bridgewater Channel from 11-11:30 AM. Then, the Desert Storm Poker Run will be unleashed, with card stops along the route, ending at Havasu Landing Resort & Casino. On that run, competing for the hefty purse, will be some prominent boats, including a customized Trifecta Pontoon boat, just outfitted with top-of-the-line KICKER Marine Audio gear and an 11” Tower System. This boat owned and equipped by Dan Murphy of MurfCo. Inc., KICKER Marine Audio’s Manufacturers Rep Group, emphasizes the company’s tag line of “Livin’ Loud!”

The Trifecta is one of many boats the 38-year veteran KICKER representative has outfitted for this and many other events. Murphy, who has partnered with KICKER for so long because they are “the best” also partnered with Frank Zepeda on the “Boom Toon”. The “Boom Toon” is a “vintage” 30-foot Starlight 1986 riverboat that will also be along for the ride and the fun. The boat was transformed into a runabout double decker party barge, and is now a fan favorite, complete with a slide, party poles and a KICKING, KICKER Marine Audio system. The Desert Storm event is “sold out” with 237 boats participating in its 24th year.

Also along for the ride at Desert Storm is another KICKER Marine Audio fan and partner, Rod Voegele of California-based, Gatorwraps. The company will display its specialty large-scale vehicle and vessel wraps on its 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.

Also in the event Gatorwraps will feature a 30’ Formula 302 SR-1, fully customized with 11 amps powering its over 25 speakers and subs. In addition, a Rinker Flotilla F-24 has too many KICKER Marine Audio components to list but 10, 8” Horn Coaxial speakers with LED Speaker Rings (plus 2, 6.5” Horns) and 6 11’ Horn pods, plus the appropriate number and size of amps and support gear, give some idea of the SOUND of this boat!

Says Voegele, “The clarity of KICKER Marine Audio is what sets it apart from other brands. I have a friend with a Rinker installed by Wired 4 Sound in Lake Havasu and when he pulls into a cove, everyone else shuts off their stereos because his sounds like a live concert! We get those comments all the time when we play our KICKER sound systems—the sound is that clear!”

Both MurfCo and Gatorwraps have had long-time KICKER audio affiliations including friendships with KICKER founder Steve Irby, who was a pioneer in the 12-Volt, mobile audio world.

On Saturday, Desert Storm Shootout runs from 9am – 4pm, weather permitting, with drivers running a one- mile course, starting near the Site Six Launch Ramp, heading south. Best viewing for the Shootout will be on the surrounding bluffs on the Island near Site Six to Spectator Point. For more information visit: www.stormpokerruns.com

“KICKER Marine Audio finds kindred spirits in the performance boating community,” stated Jeremy Bale, brand manager, “This group of boaters enjoys being seen and heard and KICKER certainly has all the right top-grade marine equipment to help them achieve those goals! Lake Havasu has been a good location for us with long-time dealers, distributors and installers and we enjoy getting together with Rod (Voegele) and Dan (Murphy) at these events to engage with our customers. We’re happy to lend our support!”

Visit www.kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

LAS VEGAS, NV (04.20.2021) – Lucas Lighting presented the 2020 Rep Firm of the Year Award to David Toliver’s Synergy Marketing Agency during an April 7th meeting at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

“The meeting set the stage for the balance of an exciting 2021. With virtually no in-person shows we felt it would be very beneficial to meet with two top performing rep firms. Those rep firms were Synergy Marketing, represented by David Toliver and Paragon Sales represented by Wayne Smedile and Mike Rios. Lucas Lighting’s Mike Hong, Woofer Electronics’ Sam Yoo and I conducted the meeting. Since I recently joined Lucas Lighting, as National Sales Manager, this was a great opportunity to meet, and get the lay of the land, with Synergy Marketing and Paragon Sales. We covered the Lucas Lighting product line and presented strategies for the balance of 2021. Also, it was exciting to present David Toliver the 2020 Rep Firm of the Year Award,” Steve Rogers related.

The time in Las Vegas also included time at The Las Vegas Motor Speedway for time on the track driving GT Race cars… Ferrari and Lamborghinis. The Dream Driving Experience included an orientation session, virtual driving experience and actual time behind the wheel laps on the Motor Speedway track with a professional instructor in the passenger seat.

David Toliver stated, “It was terrific to receive the 2020 Rep Firm of the Year Award. Lucas Lighting has a unique position in the rapidly growing headlight market. With safety the top concern Lucas Lighting’s top performing products should lead the category for 12volt retailers… be a profit center also.”

Continuing, Toliver offered, “My wife Michelle and I will remember the time at the track for a long time. Spending time with the Lucas Lighting and Paragon teams certainly provided new ideas for me to present to dealers in my territory. Synergy Marketing is set to light up sales with Lucas Lighting.”

Visit www.lucas-lighting.com and www.synergyagency.net for more.

SHREVEPORT, LA (04.17.2021) – WTF…Win This Friday. Just Audio won the PowerBass prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 16th.

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 123rd time on Friday morning April 16th. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass Space. The Just 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 to Just Audio in North Providence RI and Justin Roberts had already seen the post. He was surprised and happy to hear the news on the phone call. We will contact Erik Harbour at PowerBass and a cool PowerBass prize will be headed to Justin at Just Audio.

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 and Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 23rd.

SHREVEPORT LA (04.17.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Just Audio won the PowerBass prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, April 16th.

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 123rd time on Friday morning April 16th. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass Space. The Just 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 to Just Audio in North Providence RI and Justin Roberts had already seen the post. He was surprised and happy to hear the news on the phone call. We will contact Erik Harbour at PowerBass and a cool PowerBass prize will be headed to Justin at Just Audio.

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 and Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 23rd.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.16.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) purchased a 45,000-square-foot building in the Detroit, Mich., area to be used as a second SEMA Garage where manufacturers will have 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.

Like the high-tech SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, Calif., 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. The ADAS Center represents a new venture for SEMA, where manufacturers will be able to obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras). With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, manufacturers will be able to easily troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles, as well as work on dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities.

“The SEMA Garage Detroit facility opens up new doors and opportunities,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM relations and product development. “We will be able to take our current offerings to a whole new level by making the services accessible to new members, incorporating new technology, and collaborating with key partners in the area.”

Located in Plymouth, Mich., less than 30 miles from the heart of Detroit, the SEMA Garage Detroit facility is ideally located near several major automakers and is in close proximity to many Tier One suppliers, SEMA member companies, test tracks, automotive technology, and aftermarket suppliers. The Detroit facility is three times larger than the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, which opened in 2013 and has provided more than 1,000 SEMA manufacturers exclusive access to new vehicles and CAD files, facilitated rapid prototyping, and assisted in obtaining CARB EOs.

SEMA Garage Detroit will undergo extensive facilities improvements and include new equipment, such as emissions and horsepower testing for all-wheel-drive and diesel vehicles, vehicle lifts, full sets of tools, fabrication equipment, an alignment rack, 3D scanning tools, and engineering software. The lab will be purpose-built to accommodate a 48-inch all-wheel-drive chassis dynamometer and include a new emissions test bench. With equipment that meets CARB’s new 1066 testing requirement standards, SEMA Garage Detroit will be able to perform all required CARB and EPA test procedures.

“The SEMA Garage is a game changer for manufacturers,” said Spagnola. “By utilizing the tools and resources in the SEMA Garage, manufacturers no longer rely on trial and error for their product development. They are also able to navigate the complex process of obtaining required certifications and meet compliance.”

Through the SEMA Garage’s resources, manufacturers are often able to develop fully functional prototypes in as little as two weeks, and obtain CARB EOs in as little as 12 weeks. The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022.

For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.

HOUSTON, TX (04.15.2021) -The Sling Experience 2021, the 3rd Annual event showcasing Slingshots, took place at the Marriott Westchase in Houston April 8th through 11th. There was a detailed schedule of events each of the four days

Literally hundreds of Slingshots filled the hotel grounds along with vendors tents, competitions and food booths too. Competitions, entertainment, demo rides, group rides and kids activities kept all busy throughout the event.

House of Sound was back at the event for the third year. Alex Restrepo related, “The Sling Experience is an amazing event. There is so much energy fueled by the great installations, music, competitions and activities. The rides at night, with so many Slingshots decked with lights, is a sight to behold.”

This year arrangements were made by event organizers for onsite installations and detailing services.

Continuing, Restrepo offered, “We took a team to do onsite installations for Slingshot owner from Louisiana, Nebraska, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama who knew of our work and wanted to travel to Houston for the Sling Experience 2021. Last year we had 33 customers show their rides and this year there were even more. DS18, Beyma, Ground Zero and SounDigital were big brands for onsite installations.”

The House of Sound also sponsored the Slingshot Audio Competition. The sound competition was managed by Banger Audio Sound Series and trophies were awarded for First and Second place in four different classes.

Houston-based Sound Evoluton was onsite as a Gold Sponsor and had many customers onsite showcasing the company’s installations on their rides.

A very big 12volt News hat’s off to Mark Mallet for his vision of The Sling Experience and orchestrating such a well organized The Sling Experience 2021.

Visit facebook.com/theslingexperience for more.