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.
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.
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.
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
ENGLEWOOD, CO
(10.31.2019) – VAIS Technology presents a high-tech, innovative product for
aftermarket and OEM companies at the 2019 SEMA Show. SEER (Smart Entry Exit
Recognition) product line combines automated door locking at driver’s
departure, automated unlocking when driver is approaching, Hands Free Liftgate opening,
illuminated entry, and 4 auxiliary inputs
and outputs that are fully customizable to trigger any electronic accessory in
the vehicle – all based on driver proximity.
VAIS Technology uses LF and RF communication to determine
the driver’s proximity to the vehicle and to authenticate the user. Proprietary
software analyzes the driver’s behavior around the car. Communication to the
vehicle is done over CAN bus to execute factory door locking, unlocking, turn
headlights, dome, puddle, and sentry lights ON or OFF. SEER recognizes a
pre-programmed pattern by the power liftgate to activate factory opening or
closing without pressing any buttons.
The product requires a driver to carry a small tag on the
key chain for authentication purposes. Installation includes placing RF antennas
and a sensor behind the front and rear bumpers, then connecting it to the VAIS
ECU module placed behind a trim panel.
In addition to pre-programmed functions, SEER has 4 AUX
inputs and outputs to allow electronic accessories customization based on
driver proximity. Popular features include motorized steps, sliding side door, electronically
locking compartments & tool boxes, and much more!
SEER can work on brand new vehicles as well as vehicles
dating back decades with installed electronic accessories.
“SEER is an automotive grade device designed by our in-house
engineering team and manufactured at an automotive certified facility. We plan
to ship the product Q1 of 2020 starting at $319.99 for a version without Hands
Free Liftgate option and at $449.99 with Hands Free Liftgate option” says
Dennis Hopper, EVP at VAIS Technology.
DANIA BEACH, FL (10.30.2019) – SounDigital USA will be exhibiting new products from both SounDigital and Ground Zero during the upcoming SEMA Show on November 5th thru the 8th in North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth 12031.
“SEMA is going to be a massive event for us,” said Michael Ventura National Sales Manager. “We will be using this event as a spring board into 2020. The announcement of an entire new line up for SounDigital is going to be huge.”
The Blaze Performance Cycles – Clayton NC Harley-Davidson Road Glide will be featured in the booth.
This new line under the EVOX banner has been in development for the past several years and is currently patent pending. “The power to size ratio is incredible. Never has the market seen such small foot print making the power these new amplifiers will,” said Ventura. SounDigital and Ground Zero have partnered with Blaze Performance Cycles from Clayton, North Carolina to feature their fully customized Harley Davidson Road Glide.
The 1957 Chevy C10 truck built by Mobile Toys Inc. will be showcased in the booth.
“This bike has over of 12,800 watts of clean SounDigital power and it all fits in a tour pack! Rounded out for sound by 25 Ground Zero competition speakers including some top secret black baskets will make it one of the loudest demo vehicles on the show floor.”
The SounDigital booth will also feature a 1957 Chevy C10 truck built by Mobile Toys Inc. from College Station, Texas. This vehicle will feature Ground Zero Plutonium SQ series speakers and SQ amplifiers, as well as its Titanium high quality flat sub woofers. “This truck is going to showcase Ground Zero award winning capability,” said Ventura. “Ground Zero is a major player in the European and Asian markets and we will intent to show the US dealer why.”
SounDigital Dealers who RSVP’d, will be treated to appreciation night hosted at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip on Tuesday night. “We are looking forward to provide an amazing night to our US and International dealers,” stated CEO Diogo Iannaccone.
