LAS VEGAS, NV (11.09.23) – Nakamichi Car Audio wrapped up a successful week in Las Vegas during last week’s SEMA Show. The week started with a National Sales Meeting held on Monday evening with management and sales reps. Nakamichi president Kiyokazu Igarashi was in attendance flying in from Japan for the meeting and the show.

The next four days were busy for the Nakamichi crew meeting with dealers and distributors. One of the highlights on display in the booth was a new Digital Signal Processor. The Nakamichi NDST550A is a High Res amplified DSP with 10 inputs and 12 outputs. The unit boasts 10 amplified channels: 4 x 50W + 4 x 80W +2 x 160W (bridgeable to 1 x 300W) and 31-bands of equalization. The unit is scheduled for release in early Spring 2024.

“We had a busy four days,” stated Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio, “I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of foot traffic… even on Friday.” Nakamichi also received a strong international turnout with distributors visiting from around the globe.

This was Nakamichi’s fourth straight SEMA Show appearance and plans are already underway for next year’s event.

For more information visit www.nakamichcaraudio.com

HOUSTON, TX (11.08.23) – Sunday, November 12th, is a landmark day for SSR Distributors. Sunday November 12th is the date for the SSR Distributors 25th Anniversary Dealer Show in Houston.

Amir Dhanani related “Response has been very strong from dealers across our territory. Over 20 of our top 12volt vendors and manufacturers will be displaying products with representatives on site. We are set to offer crazy deals on select products at the event. Also, there will be training classes through the day plus prizes and giveaways.”

The SSR Dealer Show is a family friendly event with activities for kids along with food and refreshments.

Nina Conteras, SiriusXM’s Western Sales representative, is set to be in the house. John Velez will fly in from SoCal to show the latest Massive Audio products while Jeremy Foss, Jensen Western Division Sales Manager, is traveling in from CoCal for the SSR Show to talk hot CarPlay and Android Auto features on the Jensen headunit line.

Area rep firms scheduled to be in the house include Momentum Marketing, Team Sales, SMS Marketing, Southwest Sales and Marketing, Jonathon Brothers with Metra and Don Butler with Memphis Audio plus David Toliver, Synergy Marketing, will be in the house representing Reikken Battery.

Make your plans for this Sunday to attend the SSR Distributors Dealer Show in Houston at 5725 Hartsdale Drive Houston TX 77036. 713-783-3973.

Click here to reserve a spot.

View the hotel block here.

Visit ssrdistributors.com for more.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (11.07.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. has announced that it was named Stellantis’ North American Supplier of the Year during the Company’s third annual Global Supplier Awards ceremony at the Conner Center in Detroit.

Alps Alpine was recognized for their collaboration and partnership in creating industry-leading products, including Premium Audio Systems, as well as for their innovation and technology in new products. This is the second Supplier of the Year award Alps Alpine has received from Stellantis.

“We are honored to be recognized by Stellantis as the top supplier in North America,” said Robert Hill, President and CEO of Alps Alpine North America. “This award recognizes the superior efforts and dedication of the entire Alps Alpine team that supports our Stellantis business and programs.”

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s ‘Supplier of the Year’ winners whose dedication and impeccable standards have helped us navigate challenges and achieve new heights,” said Maxime Picat, Chief Purchasing and Supply Chain Officer, Stellantis. “Their collaborative spirit, exceptional performance, uncompromising quality, and timely delivery of parts and services have been integral to our achievements.”

The 2023 Global Supplier Awards recognized 40 suppliers around the world for their outstanding commitment, performance, quality, and operational excellence in 2022. Suppliers were selected by cross-functional leadership teams at Stellantis to receive the “Supplier of the Year” award.

Visit alpsalpine.com for more.

SHREVEPORT LA (11.04.23)  WTF…Win This Friday. Nappo Car Audio won the KING BOXES prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 244 on Friday morning, November 3rd.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 244th time on Friday morning  November 3rd. The Wheel landed on the KING BOXES space and the Nappo Car Audio slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in Katy TX. Francesco Nappo was actually in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show was was thrilled to hear the news. He had actually been to the KING BOXES booth in the North Hall and met with the owner Jaysam Odeh. More to come on this 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

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, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA,  Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting  Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ and Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA.

Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 245 on Friday, November 10th. 

METAIRIE, LA (11.03.23) – ORACLE Lighting, the market leader in innovative LED solutions and high-quality automotive lighting products, announces Melissa Parker-Boudreaux has won the annual She is SEMA Woman of the Year award from the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). The award was announced at the SBN banquet during the 2023 SEMA Show and recognizes the recipient’s outstanding achievements and contributions in the automotive aftermarket industry.

The SBN is a dynamic group of professionals representing the women of SEMA that provides mentoring, networking, resources and more to women in the aftermarket industry. Melissa has been a proactive volunteer and contributor with SBN for the past several years, providing unwavering advocacy and support of SBN programs. As current co-chair of the SBN volunteer committee, Melissa has provided invaluable support to key initiatives, such as the all-female Bronco build, moderating and creating material for educational sessions and much more.

“Melissa’s enthusiasm for supporting women in the industry has shone through her remarkable dedication and volunteer work for SBN,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, ORACLE Lighting’s CEO and co-founder. “That dedication and the great strides she has made in her own career make her highly deserving of this honor.”

Melissa serves as senior sales and marketing manager at ORACLE Lighting, overseeing sales and distribution channels, as well as leading the company’s marketing efforts.

For more information on ORACLE Lighting and its complete product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776 or email info@oraclelights.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.02.23) – Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile connected car solutions, was awarded SEMA Best New Product for the upcoming Drone XC Dash Camera. Firstech’s 1st place win was announced at SEMA’s Kickoff Breakfast, along with winners in seventeen other automotive categories.

Firstech will be showing the DroneMobile XC Dash Camera along with the company’s security and remote start product lines at SEMA in the North Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center in booth #10339.

DroneMobile XC is the first-to-market dash camera to integrate with an aftermarket remote start and security system – giving drivers full visibility, control, and monitoring over their vehicle from virtually anywhere in the world. All of these capabilities will be available in a new update to the DroneMobile App for iPhone and Android smartphones. The retail price of the DroneMobile XC (part number: XC-LTE) will be $379.99 MSRP.

While an exact shipping date has not been announced, Firstech shares that DroneMobile XC will be available some time this Winter 2023.

To learn more about DroneMobile XC, please visit www.dronemobile.com/xc-lte-dash-cam.
For questions, contact Firstech marketing director Justin Lee at justinlee@compustar.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.01.23) The 2023 SEMA Show is set to be the largest automotive aftermarket trade event to date. The addition of The SEMA FEST is designed to excite and engage enthusiasts and thus further increasing car culture. With a reported 2200 exhibitors the 2023 SEMA Show will definitely be a record setting trade show.

The 12volt Central Studios and The 12voltBeat are woking to showcase the mobile electronics segment of the automotive aftermarket industry at the 2023 SEMA Show. 12volt vendors are concentrated in the LVCC North Hall. The SEMA Show runs Tuesday October 31st through Friday November 3rd.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews the 12volt Central Studios staff, with the help of friends and industry members, are making posts showcasing exhibitor activity and will continue making posts throughout the event and beyond. These posts are designed to increase exhibitors’ visibility and encourage dealers, reps and distributors to check out the latest products on display. See action from the SEMA Show floor on Instagam #12vnn_sema2023.

The 12voltSTP Tool makes it very easy for all to showcase their actiities at SEMA 2023. With the smartphone in your pocket snap and txt an image to 318 469 2526. Dealers, reps and distributors can snap images they can utilize once back at their offices. Dealers can showcase SEMA news to their followers to drive store traffic. Reps and distributors can do the same to let customers in their respective territories know the latest from their brands from SEMA 2023.

Let’s all work to extend the SEMA 2023 ROI for all across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easy. Snap and Txt an image to 318-469-2526. Presto your activities could be in the 12voltnews.com.

CLEARWATER, FL (10.31.23) – AAMP Global announced today that it will be rebranding the company to Stinger. Starting as an old-school aftermarket parts distributor, to now a leading Global automotive solutions provider, Stinger has undergone an exciting transformation reflecting their expanded integration, infotainment, car audio, safety, fleet services, and lighting categories. The rebrand to Stinger aims to better align the company’s identity with its hunger for continuous innovation, capturing the enthusiasm the team feels about the company.

Throughout the rebranding process, extensive research has been conducted to ensure that the vision aligns with the needs of the valued Dealer Network. “We transformed the business globally. The Stinger brand represents who we are today and where we are going in the future. The transition to the name Stinger goes beyond the aesthetic. It promises a stronger brand recognition that aims to fuel growth for our Dealers,” Scott Forst, President, and CEO, shared. And while the name has changed, the core values, teams, customer service and commitment to Dealers, Fleet, and OEM customers remain top tier and unwavering.

While Stinger will be the corporate name, the industry’s most recognizable brands such as PAC, Connects2, AudioControl, and EchoMaster. will continue to be at the forefront of our messaging.

The rebranding announcement kicks off this week at SEMA, where the Stinger booth (North Hall #10409) will feature the latest products from PAC, Connects2, Stinger, AudioControl, and EchoMaster. The neighboring Stinger Fleet (previously known as AAMP Commercial) booth (North Hall #10417) will showcase the latest technology for fleet, commercial, and OEM applications, marking the beginning of the company’s transition. With over 40 years as an innovator in the automotive industry, Stinger will continue to push cutting-edge product solutions that revolutionize the market and beyond.

Visit stingersolutions.com for more.

STILLWATER, OK (10.30.23) – KICKER will showcase a booth filled with world premieres, custom vehicles, and celebrity appearances at this year’s SEMA Show. KICKER will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, booth 10739.

The 50-year manufacturer of premium mobile-audio products will unveil a truckload of new gear on the SEMA Show floor, including the debut of the KICKER Pro Class, and an expansion of the Marine, Powersports and 12-volt product lines.  Included in that will be KICKER’s new truck-specific, Dual L7T Subwoofer Enclosures. A perfect form-fitting, under-back-seat solution for select versions of the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and RAM, two L7T ultra-thin square subwoofers have been placed into heavily braced MDF enclosures, delivering up to 1,200 watts (RMS) of bass.

The brand’s big-power offering has grown, leading to the formation of KICKER Pro Class.  The Pro Class features KICKER’s new competition-grade products – SoloX Subwoofers, ST-Series Speakers, and Warhorse Amplifiers.  The perfect complement to the Warhorse 3,600-watt Mono Amplifier that will begin shipping this year, KICKER’s new Warhorse WXA1000.4 Four-Channel Competition Amplifier is a full-range powerhouse, rated at 250×4 at four Ohms, 450×4 at 2 Ohms and features 8 AWG speaker outputs. This amp is more than ready to run a massive, multi-speaker door set up in even the loudest competition vehicles.

The remaining sizes of the behemoth SoloX L7X Subwoofer line, the 10- and 15-inch, will both begin shipping this year, along with the previously released L7X12.

KICKER audiophile-grade KSS-Series 3-Way Component Systems also debut as a high-fidelity, drop-in upgrade solution, compatible with select models of GM, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and more.  Two model sizes will be available.

Several heavily customized vehicles will be displayed in the KICKER booth:  a 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide touring bike and Polaris RZR will both be packed with the newest KICKER Powersports products. A custom-wrapped GMC Sierra will sport four 15-inch SoloX Subwoofers in a powerful 8,000-watt system. The truck will tour across the country in 2024, attending shows and inspiring KICKER dealers from coast to coast.

In a tribute to SPL legend Alma Gates, KICKER’s 2021 Ford Bronco returns to the SEMA booth this year, loaded with nine SoloX 12-inch Subwoofers and as many Warhorse 3600-watt Mono Amplifiers. A trio of seven-inch ST-Series midrange drivers are installed in each custom door panel, as are four one-inch ST bullet tweeters.

To complete the SEMA Show experience, KICKER is excited to have NHRA legend Cruz Pedregon visiting fans in the booth on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. to shake hands and sign autographs. The hosts of Motor Trend TV’s Ride of Your Life, co-hosts Bryan Fuller and Courtney Hansen, stop by Thursday at 3 p.m. to meet their fans and talk cars.

More information on KICKER new products can be found at www.kicker.com/sema2023.