DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.18.2019) – Mike and Jim Ring of Ringbrothers in Spring Green, WI, took the top prize in the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, which concluded at SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.
For the second year in a row a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro beat out nearly 300 entrants in the internationally recognized competition that has unfolded during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Top 4 finalists for 2019 came down to Jim and Mike Ring with their 1969 Chevrolet Camaro (Hot Rod), Randy Borcherding with a 1955 Chevrolet truck (Truck/Off-Road), Louie Shefchik and his 1968 Iso Rivolta (Sport Compact), and Young Guns winner Brad Swaney with his 1971 Chevrolet C-10. Each and every builder brought their A game this year and was recognized with trophies in their respective classes.
Mike and Jim Ring and their 1969 Chevrolet Camaro beat out nearly 300 entrants to win the sixth-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
The four finalists of this years’ competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special SEMA: Battle of the Builders, scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY’s DRIVE block in January 2020 (time and date to be announced).
The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition included submissions from seasoned builders as well as new customizers representing an elite group of individuals who demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, and SUVs. The Young Guns (builders 27 years and younger) category continues to evolve and expand, providing the next generation of builders with an opportunity to get their vehicles into the Battle of the Builders competition.
Industry experts RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s), Cam Miller (HS Customs), and Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers) were the competition’s judges and narrowed down the field of nearly 300 entries to the Top 10 in the remaining categories before selecting the Top 12 builds overall. The 12 finalists then took over judging duties and named the Ring brothers the overall winners.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.15.2019) – Nakamichi Car Audio has announced a successful showing a the recently completed SEMA Show held November 5-8 in Las Vegas, NV.
L to R: Guillermo Mendez, Diplomat Trading; Kiyokazu Igarashi, President Nakamichi Japan; Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager-Nakamichi Car Audio; and Sheamson Yeo, Nakamichi Director of Worldwide Sales.
Earlier this year Nakamichi Car Audio announced a return to the U.S Market through an exclusive agent, Diplomat Trading. More recently, Diplomat appointed Robin McNeal as the National Sales Manager for the U.S. Domestic Market. “Last week’s SEMA Show was the first time many of the reps and potential customers has seen the Nakamichi products in person,” noted McNeal.
Hot items included the Nakamichi NA3605 double DIN multi-media player that contains both Android Auto and Apple Car Play, NDS6120 stand-alone Digital Signal Processor and ND790 car DVR 7-inch rear view mirror monitor.
NA3605 Double DIN Touch Screen
6.8-inch capacitive screen
Android Auto voice control for Google maps
Apple CarPlay with Siri for real time directions
HD DVD media player
High power 4x50W
MSRP: $469.95
NDS6120 Stand-alone Digital Signal Processor
6-in/12-out
31-band parametric EQ
Optional Bluetooth module
Optional wired controller with 2-inch OLED screen
MSRP: $659.95
ND790 Rear View Mirror Monitor
7-inch touch screen with intuitive interface
Front and rear cameras
1080P resolution
Starlight Night Vision
MSRP: $219.95
“We had a very busy booth for 4-days and now we begin with post show follow-up,” McNeal said. “In just over 60 days we will be right back here in the North Hall for CES.”
CINCINNATI, OH (11.14.2019) – Radenso Radar has announced their new halo product “Theia,” the world’s first and only radar detector that uses artificial intelligence.
Powered by “Rai,” Radenso’s patent pending AI “electronic warfare” platform, Theia is the first detector in the world to completely eliminate false alerts from vehicle safety systems such as blind spot monitors and radar cruise control. Theia also delivers desirable features such as directional arrows, a premium metal case, WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, and another world first: the ability to specifically identify police radar guns by name.
“We are doubling-down on the radar detector category,” President and CEO Jonathan Dandrow states. “Our multi-million dollar investment in this project, including the construction of a complete microwave R&D lab in Cincinnati, demonstrates the lengths we are willing to go to create the best products and innovate in the field we are deeply passionate about. We appreciate our retailers and partners that have helped us grow, and we look forward to supporting them for the long run with this new platform and our expanded engineering capabilities.”
In addition to providing Theia with the most sensitivity of any radar detector in the world, another benefit of using artificial intelligence is rapid updates. Radenso states that if a new “false positive” radar emitter is found, the AI can be “trained” to filter it out in less than one hour. This speed of updates is revolutionary; currently humans must try to filter false alerts with complicated mathematical algorithms that take months or years to develop. Dandrow points out that this is a bonus for installing dealers, who no longer will have to worry if a car’s safety systems will interfere with the customer’s new radar detector.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (11.13.2019) – IASCA Worldwide President Paul Papadeas announced today that the Premier Sound-off Association is changing hands in ownership.
Long time IASCA competitor, Certified Judge, Judge Trainer and Event Producer Travis Chin assumes the mantle as leader of the car audio marketing organization formed in 1987.
Travis Chin
“Travis has been a competitor since 1994, and is an IASCA Certified Judge and Judge Trainer, participating and producing events nationally and traveling, training IASCA Judges internationally,” said Papadeas. “He has demonstrated the posture of a leader and a professional, befitting of the industry’s premier Sound-off organization, and is well respected among his peers.”
“Having been involved with IASCA for close to 20 years and in the last decade as its Director, the feeling is bittersweet, but I’m very excited for the future of the organization under Travis’ leadership” said Moe Sabourin, Director of Operations for IASCA Worldwide. “I’m quite confident that Travis, along with IASCA’s group of colleagues nationwide and internationally, will keep the IASCA mission moving forward. We at the current IASCA office will work closely with Travis and his team to make the transition as seamless as possible.”
“I’m excited to take over the IASCA mission” said Travis Chin, “it’s been one of my passions for a long time. Over the next several weeks, I plan to work with Moe and Kim Sabourin to become acclimated. I look forward to upholding the principles and traditions that IASCA has established over the last 32 years. I will also enjoy connecting with industry leaders and work with the other associations to further the promotional efforts that are most important to the industry.”
Papadeas commented, “Throughout the last three decades, industry has benefitted in many ways from Sound-off events; they are the best grass roots efforts to promote consumer exposure and are worthy of manufacturer support. At this phase of my career after close to 50 years, I feel it important to pass the association on to a new generation, to a person as passionate about our industry as I have been; Travis is that person. I personally implore all car audio manufacturers and enthusiasts to support Travis in IASCA’s continuing mission.”
“I would like to thank all the competitor, dealer and industry supporters, as well as our international affiliate nations, for their commitment to IASCA during our tenure” Papadeas continued to say, “It has been an honor to serve you for close to 20 years.”
Official transfer of IASCA ownership will take place December 1st, 2019.
(11.12.2019) – The 2019 dB Drag Racing Australian Championship will take place 23-24 November 2019 in Albion Park Rail, NSW. Competitors from all around Australia will compete in this invitational event hosted by Frankie’s Auto Electrics and Car Audio. There is an opportunity to compete in 4 different formats of competition including: dB Drag Racing, Bass Race, Psychlone and Top Dog for a total of 19 classes available. Trophies will be awarded to the 1st – 3rd place winners in each class, along with Championship Rings for 1st place winners.
The 2019 Australian Championship will be officiated by a team of Australian judges along with Wayne Harris (USA) and Ray Choy (Canada). The event sponsors include: Frankie’s Auto Electrics and Car Audio (Event Host and Trophy Sponsor), Pioneer (Ring sponsor), DD Audio, Sony, Aerpro, Hertz, Audison, Vibe, Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate.
2019 Australian Championship: Frankie’s Auto Electrics and Car Audio 69 Princes Highway Albion Park Rail, NSW 2527
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.11.2019) – SEMA 2019 was once again an amazing experience for all the DS18 team and everyone who attended this very exciting yearly event. Sasha Susterman (CEO) was attendance with the strong DS18 Team that consisted of some of the company’s most experienced staff to help the large crowd with info about the newest tech from DS18. The large new booth was a spectacle to behold with Rob Ferro’s Big Bad Wolf Jeep taking center stage. The Big Bad Woof was filled with a plethora of DS18’s newest and best-selling products.
Owner (Middle) Sasha Susterman, with the DS18 Team Rob, Diego, Luis, Kenny, Jason, and Hery. Photo by Rob Ubilla.
Large 4k TVs spanned throughout the booth showing videos, music, and DS18 gatherings to bring perspective to all the passers by to experience why DS18’s motto is “We Like It Loud!”
The DS18 booth was a highlight on the North Hall floor at SEMA 2019.
Many vehicles throughout SEMA, in various booths, had DS18 gear to show off and bring even more glamour to their builds. DS18 representative’s Hery’s Intruder Jeep, which features more than 30 large speakers, was a sight to see while the crowds gathered outside to hear what exactly this monster could do for a large audience. Diego Narvarro’s Red Mustang was a sight to see and was one of the most photo friendly tuner cars on the lot with its aggressive stance, DS18 Red paint and full custom DS18 sound system.
The Big Bad Wolf, Rob Ferro’s Jeep, loaded with DS18 lights up the night outside the North Hall.
“We would like to thank all our dealers and fans for dropping by and hanging out while we updated them on all the awesome products just released and with much more to come in the coming years” Susterman offered.
Rob Ferro’s Big Bad Wolf was featured in a SEMA Show publication.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.08.2019) — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the Top 12 finalists in the sixth annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, the event that determines the builder the aftermarket community considers best.
The 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition began with nearly 300 vehicles entered into the annual competition by vehicle builders and car customizers from across the United States. These builders represent an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The 2019 Battle of the Builders Top 12 finalists are:
HOT ROD Eric Peratt — 1936 Ford roadster Gary Corkell — 1932 Ford Phantom Jim & Mike Ring — 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
SPORT COMPACT Edison Sarkisyan — 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder Louie Shefchik — 1968 Iso Rivolta TJ Russell — 1991 Porsche 911
TRUCK/OFF-ROAD Darin Smith — 1972 Chevrolet C-10 shortbed Erik Barnlund — 1972 Ford Bronco Randy Borcherding — 1955 Chevrolet truck
YOUNG GUNS Brad Swaney — 1971 Chevrolet C-10 Kyle Ray — 1988 BMW E30 Luke Merrill — 1940 Chevrolet two-door sedan
Industry experts narrowed the field to select the Top 12 finalists, who will now judge one another on Friday at the SEMA Show and vote to determine who will be named the Ultimate Builder of the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
The SEMA Battle of the Builders winner will be announced at SEMA Ignited, taking place after the trade-only SEMA Show closes, on Friday, November 8, from 3-10 pm , in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Platinum Lot, located on the east side of LVCC (on Swenson Street, between Desert Inn Road and Sierra Vista Drive). Hundreds of vehicles will exit the Las Vegas Convention Center after the SEMA Show for the SEMA Cruise and make their way to SEMA Ignited. Formula Drift demonstrations, exhibitors, products and celebrities from the SEMA Show will be on-hand along with food trucks, music and entertainment.
SEMA Ignited is open to the public and allows enthusiasts a chance to see many of the industry’s latest in automotive accessories on many of the 2019 SEMA Show vehicles that were on display during the 2019 SEMA Show.
LAS VEGAS, NV – AAMP Global was named Best New Mobile Electronics Product Runner-up in the 2019 SEMA Show New Product Awards for the Ford Third Brake Light Camera with Cargo and Side Blind Spot Views.
This industry first solution uses one camera to provide three viewing angles – cargo and side blind spot views. The left and right blind spot views will automatically activate when using your turn signal. The ultra-low LUX video sensor provides superior day and night use.
The Third Brake Light Camera with Cargo and Side Blind Spot Views is currently available for select Ford, General Motors, and RAM trucks:
PCAM-CHMSL2-FD99 1999 – 2016 Ford Super Duty Trucks
PCAM-CHMSL2-FD15 2015 – 2019 Ford F-150 and 2017 – 2019 Super Duty Trucks
PCAM-CHMSL2-GM14 2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.06.2019) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced its Best New Products Award winners this morning at the 2019 SEMA Show. These awards are given to the most innovative and cutting-edge automotive aftermarket products that will be consumable in 2020.
SEMA’s annual New Product Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive specialty-equipment market at the SEMA Show. Products are judged in 16 award categories, and each category has one winner and two runners-up.
SSV Works was named The SEMA New Product Award Winner for Powersports Product. SSV Works CEO Trevor Kaplan is pictured with the award in the Company’s SEMA booth. The winning product was the SSV Works overhead weatherproof audio solution for Polaris RZR 2 and 4 seat vehicles. See SSV Works at SEMA Booth S38011.
Nearly 3,000 products were entered into the 16 different Showcase categories to be considered for a SEMA New Product Awards this year. Winners were selected based on a variety of factors that included superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability, and more.
The New Product Award Winners are:
Collision Repair & Refinish Product Winner: Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning – Blueprint Optimization Tool Runner-up: GUNIWHEEL, GUNIWHEEL Runner-up: Spray Booth Services, AirFlow = CashFlow Remote Spray Booth Monitoring System
Engineered New Product Winner: Modern Driveline, 1994-2004 Mustang Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Conversion Kit Runner-up: AutoMeter, InVision 1973-1987 Chevy C-10 Direct Fit Digital Dash System Runner-up: GSI Machine & Fabrication, 1988-1998 Complete Air Ride Chassis
Exterior Accessory Product Winner: CURT Group: CURT, ARIES, LUVERNE, UWS; BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense™ Technology Runner-up: Dee Zee, Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator Roof Rack Runner-up: RSI SmartCap, SmartCap EVO
Interior Accessory Product Winner: AutoMeter, InVision Digital Dash Runner-up: Speed Dawg Shift Knobs, Jeep JL Shift Knobs and Adapters Set Runner-up: Coverking, Topliner by Coverking
Merchandising Display Winner: Dee Zee, Hex Series Counter Display Runner-up: Stoner Car Care, Invisible Glass Clean & Repel Washer Fluid Additive Runner-up: Hypertech, Hypertech PowerSports
Mobile Electronics Product Winner: VAIS Technology, SEER (Smart Entry Exit Recognition) Runner-up: AAMP Global, Ford Third Brake Light Camera with Cargo and Side Blind Spot Views Runner-up: Sony Car Audio, XAV-AX8000
Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Winner: ICON Vehicle Dynamics, 2020-UP Jeep Gladiator (JT) 2.5″ Suspension System Runner-up: Dana Incorporated, Ultimate Dana 60 Axles for the Jeep Gladiator JT Runner-up: HaulGauge/Garage Smart, Garage Smart Lifter and Storage System
Packaging Design Winner: Anest Iwata USA, Iwata Vault TH2 Runner-up: inurZONE, NEATO Runner-up: Drake Automotive Group, Heavy Duty E-Coated Track Bar
Performance-Racing Product Winner: Turbosmart, Gen-V eWG60 Power-Gate 60 Electronic Runner-up: Nitrous Express, Boost Cooler Ring Runner-up: Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, DI High Flow Check Valve
Performance-Street Product Winner: Aeromotive Inc., Aeromotive Variable Speed 5.0gpm Brushless Fuel Pump Runner-up: Tire Stickers, Cerebrum Smart Tire Sensor Runner-up: US Gear, Ford 9″ Stealth Series Ring & Pinion
Powersports Product Winner: SSV Works, Overhead Weatherproof Audio Solution for Polaris RZR 2 and 4 Seat Vehicles Runner-up: Hypertech, Hypertech Harness/Seatbelt Runner-up: TSI Products Inc., Stratos Climate 5″ Multi-Fit Under Dash Heater Kit
Street Rod/Custom Car Product Winner: Dakota Digital, RTX-32F-X 1932 Ford Retrotech Instruments Runner-up: Speedway Motors, Deluxe LS Swap Fuel Filter/Regulator Runner-up: Lokar Inc., LS Classic LS Distributor and Plug Wire Set
Tire and Related Product Winner: Yokohama Tire, GEOLANDAR X-AT Runner-up: Yokohama Tire, ADVAN APEX Runner-up: Yokohama Tire, GEOLANDAR X-CV
Tools & Equipment Product Winner: TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart, TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart Runner-up: Badass Workbench, 2BAY Badass Workbench Runner-up: MAKEiT Inc., MAKEiT 2×4 Large Format 3D Printer
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.05.2019) – The MXAMCAPP Headless Unit is an innovative iOS or Android app controlled media center that provides the full functionality of a traditional head unit in a hide away box. This unit is unlike anything else on the market and is far more than a simple Bluetooth receiver.
The MXAMCAPP is a fully functional source unit with AM/FM radio, AUX, Bluetooth, and weather band, adjustable EQ settings and even RGB LED control. The unit features an onboard 50w x 4 channel amplifier which is powerful enough to push a 4-speaker system. It also includes front/rear/subwoofer RCA outputs to expand your system into any desired configuration. The Memphis app allows you to adjust EQ settings, fade/balance, adjust RGB lighting options, set your preset radio settings and more.
Users can have the full functionality of a traditional radio without having to alter their vehicles dash in any way. Memphis has included a 6-button wired remote which can be installed into a standard rocker switch knock out location which can be installed if desired. The unit and the remote are IP66 certified making them ideal for powersports and marine applications. The MXAMCAPP allows users to retain the factory look of their vehicle or watercraft while enjoying the full functionality of a traditional head unit making this unit the perfect solution for boats, side-by-sides, hot rods, custom cars or any other special application.
This is more than just a stand along headunit replacement, this powerful app controlled technology has also recently been integrated into the Memphis Audio MXA46SB28 soundbar. The powerful 300w 8 speaker soundbar can be used as the hub for any powersports sound system and controlled with the Memphis App radio technology. Visitors of SEMA can demo these units live at the Memphis Audio SEMA North Hall booth 11671, visitors will also be entered to win a FREE audio system courtesy of Memphis Audio.
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