IASCA Enters a New Chapter with Travis Chin at the Helm

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.

For more info on IASCA Worldwide, contact Travis Chin at travis@iasca.com, Moe Sabourin at moe@iasca.com or Kim Sabourin at memberservices@iasca.com

2019 dB Drag Racing Australian Championship – Nov 23-24

(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

For more information regarding the event, contact marketing@termpro.com

DS18 at SEMA 2019… “We Like It Loud”

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.

Visit ds18.com for more.

SEMA Announces Battle of the Builders Top 12 Finalists

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.

To secure a ticket or more information about SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com. For more information on the competition, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

AAMP Global Runner-Up for Best New Mobile Electronics Product at SEMA

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

PCAM-CHMSL2-DR08
2008 – 2018 RAM Trucks and 2019 RAM Truck Classic

For more information on the new Third Brake Light Cameras, visit EchoMaster.com or contact your AAMP Sales Representative.

SEMA Announces New Product Award Winners

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

Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
Winner: RSI SmartCap SmartCap, EVO
Runner-up: Bestop Premium Accessories Group, Jeep Gladiator Bedside Storage Lockboxes
Runner-up: BuiltRight Industries, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Bedside Rack Storage System

Wheel and Related Product
Winner: Topline Products, VR16 – Raid
Runner-up: The Wheel Group/ Wheel-1, Cali Offroad Gemini Polished / Milled
Runner-up: The Wheel Group/ Wheel-1, Mayhem Wheels Voyager Dark Bronze

Visit semashow.com for more.

Fully App Controlled Radios and Soundbars Arrive at Memphis Audio Booth

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.

For more info, visit www.memphiscaraudio.com or call 800-489-2300

SEMA 2019 Shaping Up to Be the Best Ever

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.04.2019) – The SEMA Show 2019 is shaping up to be the best ever. The event runs from Tuesday November 5th through Friday the 8th. There are reports that attendance may top 150,000.

On Sunday afternoon, 12volt exhibitors in the North Hall we’re working to get booths set up.

Construction around the Las Vegas Convention Center has eliminated some large parking lots.

If you are headed to SEMA 2019 be sure to ‘PACK YOUR PATIENCE!!’

The Badgerland Offroad Jeep Gladiator will be featured in the Race Sport Lighting North Hall booth.

The North Hall, Central Hall, both levels of the South Hall and the Pavilion will be wall to wall exhibitors from across the automotive aftermarket. Areas out front will be filled with exhibits to the monorail. The West Gate exhibit area will be max’ed s will be several Hotels Ballrooms. Hotel room rates have spiraled up 3 and 4 times the normal rates. Some exhibitors have been working on booth setup for the past week. Wonder how much those hotel bills will be.

Carl Huntington (R) just arrived in Las Vegas from London and PowerBass EU. Erik Harbour welcomed Carl on Sunday afternoon and then both got back to work setting up the North Hall Booth 11971.

The 12volt news will be covering SEMA 2019 from the 12volt Central Studios in Shreveport. Already we have made over 3 dozen SEMA posts on Instagram #12vnn_sema2019. This time next week the total posts will far exceed last years 104 posts.

SEMA Show updates from Vegas throughout the 2019 event. See Instagram #12vnn_sema2019

With today’s technology, and my bad back, covering the SEMA Show and showcasing the activities of exhibitors and friends this had to be the way. I will miss seeing friends, the one-on-one plus the excitement of the show atmosphere.

With the 12volt News STP we can be very quick to market. STP… Snap… Text… Presto. We can post your activities from the SEMA Show 2019.

Let’s have a safe and very productive SEMA Show 2019.

Visit semashow.com for more.

Custom Cars and Celebrities at the 2019 SEMA Show KICKER Booth

STILLWATER, OK (11.03.2019) – KICKER has announced a booth filled with custom vehicles and celebrity appearances at the 2019 SEMA Show, November 5-8. KICKER will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall, booth #11861, and will play host to three groups of prominent racers from Discovery Channel’s “STREET OUTLAWS” hit television series.

To make KICKER’s SEMA experience even more exciting, the 46-year audio brand has packed the booth with several celebrity signings. On Tuesday from 11-12 p.m., True Fire airbrush artist Mike Lavallee stops by the KICKER booth to meet fans and show off his recent custom build.

KICKER’s Joe Gross outlines the 2019 GMC truck, KICKER audio system, including the popular MultiPro™ Tailgate System featuring KICKER audio.

On Wednesday from 1-3 p.m., the stars of “STREET OUTLAWS” and the “405” brandwill be at the KICKER booth. Chuck “Death Trap” Seitsinger, Ryan “Fireball” Martin and Jeff Lutz will meet fans and sign autographs.

On Thursday, more “STREET OUTLAWS” set up, beginning with Farmtruck and AZN from 10-11 a.m., followed at 1-3 p.m. by Justin “Big Chief” Shearer, Shawn “Murder Nova” Ellington and “Daddy Dave” Comstock signing autographs and meeting showgoers.

STREET OUTLAWS sign autographs in the KICKER booth.

KICKER’s hottest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) offering to date, the sound system in GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate is a GM exclusive and will be demonstrated, featuring a 100-watt amplifier, 4-inch weatherproof coaxial speakers, and Bluetooth streaming with 3.5mm audio jack and charging USB plug.

The MultiPro Tailgate System will be shown on a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, which will also feature KICKER’s VSS (Vehicle-Specific Solutions) audio system inside the truck. The VSS system is a plug-and-play kit that includes a powered subwoofer, low power-draw amplifiers with digital signal processing (DSP) and a unique sound signature, all in factory mounting locations with no modifications to the vehicle’s interior.

Returning to the KICKER booth for 2019, Goodguys (Rod and Custom Association) Gold Award-winning shop SicChops will bring a 1951 Oldsmobile Club Coupe, dubbed “Silvia.” Wrapped in upholstery by legendary interior artist Ron Mangus, the ‘51 Olds has a full complement of KICKER’s premier Q-Class audio equipment including an L7QB8 loaded aluminum subwoofer enclosure.

Next to Silvia, Lavallee’s 1951 Mercury will be on display, also sporting a full KICKER Q-Class audio system. The “Dead Sled” will feature four 10-inch, Q-Class subs providing the bass, while four sets of Q-Class component speakers deliver the mid and high range.

Showcasing its powersports business, KICKER will also bring a 2017 Polaris GENERAL to the booth. Using a KICKER/SSV Works Phase 5 audio kit for the front stage, the GENERAL will also include a trio of KICKER TB10 tube subwoofers, four KMTC 9-inch Horn-Loaded Tower Systems, and 2,400 additional watts of KXM-Series all-weather amplification.

More than 30 elite builders throughout the show will use KICKER gear as their audio partner of choice. Classic Car Studio, RMD Garage and the Ring Brothers are among the world-class fabricators that feature KICKER audio products in their builds this year.

Full event details are available on the SEMA Show web page at www.semashow.com.

Visit kicker.com for more.

SEMA Show Education Expands to the Show Floor, Rewards Power Users

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.01.2019) – The 2019 SEMA Show Education program includes more than 100 seminars designed to help business owners and industry professionals be more competitive and knowledgeable about how to succeed in the $45 billion automotive aftermarket. Back by popular demand are free professional headshots for all Showgoers and Power User cards that reward those attending three or more seminars. A new feature is the SEMA Education STAGE, where Showgoers will be able to hear from leading experts without leaving the Show floor.

DUB co-founder and entrepreneur Myles Kovacs will conduct interviews on the SEMA Education STAGE, a new 2019 SEMA Show feature where Showgoers will be able to hear from leading experts.

“SEMA Showgoers and their business will benefit from hearing unfiltered, candid insights from business experts and their peers in the industry,” said Zane Clark, SEMA Senior Director of Education. “The seminars are a great resource in helping Show attendees translate the innovation found on the trade show floor to success back in the office.”

Among the features of this year’s SEMA Show Education program:

  • The STAGE, featuring DUB Co-Founder and entrepreneur Myles Kovacs. With interviews hosted multiple times daily, Kovacs will join top industry professionals and personalities as they participate in intimate conversations that will inspire, motivate and cultivate. Produced in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will address topics such as wheel and tire trends, best practices, marketing and sales.
  • Free professional headshots to all attendees and exhibitors. Headshots will be taken Nov. 5-8. At the STAGE, where Showgoers will have the opportunity to quickly touch up their photo and have it emailed to them right away. It’s recommended that participants come prepared and dress professionally.
  • The QUAD. At the QUAD, across from the SEMA Members Lounge – North (N251), Showgoers can pick up their Power User Card, earn free SEMA swag, attend educational seminars and learn about career opportunities. To become an Education Power User, Showgoers are required to attend three seminars, where they will receive a card-hole punch from a room ambassador. Once all three seminars are attended, they can return to the QUAD to pick up their limited-edition SEMA swag.
  • New retail learning track: Retail Next. Focusing on the market segment’s critical and ever-evolving role in the automotive distribution channel, Retail Next seminars will provide attendees with practical solutions addressing increased competition, financial management and the path to purchase.
  • Women Driven learning track. Powered by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), the seminars are aimed at building a community of female professionals and allies who can learn from one another’s experiences by highlighting issues that women currently face in their careers and the skills critical for their success.

Also available are learning tracks on tires and collision repair that are created through a partnership with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

“The SEMA Show is the only place where can you take part in such a valuable and comprehensive learning experience, taught by industry leaders and business experts from all over the world,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “The seminars are open to all Showgoers with credentials, and most education seminars are available free of charge.”

To view the entire 2019 SEMA Show Education program, which begins the day before the official opening of the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com/education