12-27-2022 – Sony Car Audio has announced the winners from the Sony Mobile ES demo car build contest, which were chosen from the pool of Top 10 candidates by industry veteran judges Bryan Schmitt (Mobile Solutions), Gary Bell (Define Concepts), Paul Trueman (SiriusXM), and Chris Cook (MEA).
The winners are:
First Place: Xtreme Auto Sound – Louisville, KY. They receive a $5,000 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (Davis Distribution), a customized plaque, shirts and wireless noise-canceling headphones for the entire crew, and a staff dinner with their Sony Field Account Manager Mike Rundel.
Second Place: Absolute Electronix, Rockville, MD. They receive a $2,500 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (DAS Companies, Inc.), a customized plaque, and shirts for the entire crew.
Third Place: Kartele Mobile Electronics – Waterbury, CT. They receive a $2,500 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (GoFast Solutions) and a customized plaque
“We were overwhelmed with the high number of retailers that stepped up to be part of this contest. Each had a great example of a vehicle they can use to sell Sony Mobile ES successfully,” said Anthony Tozzi, Sony Car Audio Distribution Accounts Manager. “Our impartial, outside group of judges spent a lot of time reviewing the Top 10 candidates to make great selections with our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. We’re very proud of our retailers and the work they are capable of.”
Sony plans to keep retailers engaged in 2023 with new contests, some of which may be tied to new car audio products that will debut throughout the next calendar year.
Contact Anthony Tozzi at Anthony.Tozzi@Sony.com for more information about Sony, the Mobile ES line, or how to connect with an authorized distributor.
SHREVEPORT LA (12.26.22) In less than a week we will say goodbye to the Year 2022. No doubt 2022 has been another year filled with continuing challenges including COVID-19 and related variants plus inflation that has impacted brick and mortar traffic. This past week, at the peak of the Christmas season, weather impacted in-store traffic and crippled holiday travel in many parts of the U.S.
The 12volt Central Studios continues to showcase positive news across the 12volt industry. Toys for Tots events during December definitely put smiles on the faces on many children. The 9th Annual Audio Concept Toys for Tots was a terrific example. During the event at the company’s Fresno location nearly 500 toys were donated during the December 17th event that was attended by 144 competitors from BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA. On December 24th and Christmas Day Ray Aragon and his wife Maria visited a number of area organizations to personally deliver toys donated at the Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event.
Ray Aragon pictured with the nearly 500 toys donated at the 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event in Fresno CA.Customers navigated snow covered streets to make it to Team Nutz for Christmas purchases.
The weather in Pittsburgh, as in many areas across the country, has been a real challenge for 12volt retailers. Team Nutz in Pittsburgh continued to charge forward with positive activities and social media posts right up to Christmas Day. Snow covered the city and roads. Ed Nuttall, and the crew, charged forward. The installation bay was packed and techs were on the cold floor making installs on vehicles with ice on the hoods and lights.
Long time customer Luke Heller, at the Christmas themed counter, drove 60 miles for more upgrades to his vehicle.
Companies also took time to have Christmas parties and dinners. Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa, made a social media post with the crew after dinner at a local Japanese restaurant.
Toys collected for local charities are packaged in Christmas sacks and ready for pickup.
As we move into 2023, in a few short days, let’s all think about highlighting positives in our day-to-day business activities. The 12voltSTP Tool certainly makes that possible. Just Snap an image and Txt it to 318 465 0844. Presto…your positive news can be in the 12volt News.
The installation bay is filled and some techs lay on the cold, wet floor to complete jobs.
2023 will certainly begin differently for many across the 12volt industry who in the past have planned to travel to Las Vegas. CES 2023 is set for January 5-8 but definitely will not look like previous CES events from the 12volt industry perspective.
Charles Stewart, 2nd L, and the Car Toys Tulsa crew just finished a company Christmas dinner at Osaka Japanese restaurant.
The Year 2022 marked the 55th Christmas Holiday Anniversary in the 12volt industry for this old guy. Let’s finish 2022 on a high note.
SHREVEPORT, LA (12.23.2022) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Season.
During this time of the year we wanted to take time to thank all across the 12volt industry for their support, encouragement and business in 2022 as we continue to work each day to showcase positives across the 12volt industry.
The year 2022 continued to be an uncertain time in the world and 12volt industry with so many changing factors at play. In many cases inventory supply issues were solved in 2022 but high inflation and gas prices impacted consumer spending on non-essentials. Many brick and mortar retailers are well stocked but are not seeing the 2021 sales spike from stimulus checks. Increases in online spending continues impact the brick and mortar 12volt marketplace as well.
Work is now underway on the grounds of the LVCC in Vegas for CES 2023. The presence of 12volt companies planning to exhibit seems to reach a new low each CES as auto manufactures have taken so much space in the North Hall with huge booths. Travel concerns also continue with recurring COVID-19 spikes and other transmittable health issues.
The above narrative is a harsh reality that each business is facing.
The Christmas tree is up at the 12volt Central Studios.
From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities…Manufacturers, Distributors, Rep Firms and Retailers alike. Let’s all work to make a bigger pie for all to share across the 12volt industry.
We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2023.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.22.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will offer a choice of three, one-hour virtual training sessions for their U.S. Authorized Dealers. These sessions will focus on newly released and upcoming Alpine products. This is the third year in a row that Alpine has offered virtual product training sessions for their dealers.
Straight from the Source What started as a necessity during the virtual environment of the pandemic has evolved into an efficient method of communicating new product introductions, marketing promotions, and detailed product training directly to partnering businesses.
“We are proud to continue offering virtual product training in an effort to streamline communication and offer important updates and announcements from Alpine in a convenient and accessible format,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “The virtual approach also allows us to deliver a pure Alpine brand experience to a wider audience in a way that equips and energizes our partnering stores.”
Led by Alpine National Trainer, Eric Brooks, the virtual training will highlight the new generation of High-Resolution sound and display audio family systems inspired by the technology and design of the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status system. The webinar will also include effective selling and marketing techniques for the 2023 Alpine Product Line.
Registrants can choose from the following days to attend:
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 noon (EST) Wednesday, January 11, 2023 3 p.m. (EST) Thursday, January 12, 2023 6 p.m. (EST)
All U.S. Alpine Authorized Dealers are encouraged to register for this free webinar by contacting their Alpine Rep.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.21.22) – One of the annual SEMA Show’s many distinctions is its weeklong display of greatness. From new products and innovations to the groundbreaking people driving the specialty aftermarket to new heights, the SEMA Show reflects the industry’s reach for excellence. Perhaps that’s the reason the Show’s award ceremonies resonate so deeply with thousands of Show participants.
“We are pleased to congratulate all the winners that we celebrated throughout numerous events and competitions during the 2022 SEMA Show Week,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “This is an industry founded on deep-seated passion and the constant enthusiasm to excel at one’s craft—and all our SEMA Show winners and honorees embody that spirit.”
SEMA Launch Pad WInner (Industry Banquet) Kevin Robinson, TRAC LLC
Sharing the Passion (Industry Banquet) James Lawrence, SEMA Chairman of the Board
The 2022 SEMA Show introduced several major updates to its traditional awards presentations. First, with e-commerce expanding and data-driven transactions becoming more routine, the SEMA Warehouse Distributor of the Year award evolved into a new Channel Partner of the Year award. The award honors the contributions of sales, distributors, retailers and e-commerce channel(s) in the industry as well as the distribution companies that support retailers.
Celebrating an Industry (Industry Banquet) Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO
Chairman’s Service Award (Industry Banquet) WD-40
In addition, the Channel Partner of the Year and the Manufacturer of the Year award presentations were moved to the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 1, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Held just before the Show’s official opening, the event was previously called the New Products Awards Breakfast. Under its new name, the 2022 event continued its tradition of honoring the Show’s best new products across numerous categories, including two new categories for electric vehicle and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) products.
Jarod DeAnda, known as the “voice of Formula Drift,” hosted the reformatted 2022 breakfast. He was joined on stage by Hoonigan driver Ken Block and Hoonigan Co-Founder Brian Scotto, who discussed “Electrikhana,” a new video featuring an all-electric Audi S1 Hoonitron that was shot on the streets of Las Vegas. “Electrikhana” is the latest video of the wildly popular “Gymkhana” series.
GEN-III Innovator of the Year (Industry Banquet) Mike Burns, ValvoMax
Influencer of the Year (Industry Banquet) Larry Chen, Photographer/Videographer
“Combining the Channel Partner of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and New Product Awards into one event early in the week enabled winners to promote their honors throughout Show Week,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “We were also very honored and excited to have Ken Block and Brian Scotto at the event. They are inspirational, and the ‘Gymkhana’ series and cars represent what our industry is all about.”
Person of the Year (Industry Banquet) Josh Poulson, Auto Additions Inc.
Industry Icons (Kickoff Breakfast) Jarod DeAnda, Brian Scotto, Ken Block
Meanwhile, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, the traditional Thursday-night venue for major awards, also got a dynamic makeover, which included a novel center stage and a streamlined run time. Themed “Further. Faster. Together.,” the event featured the SEMA Person of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year awards, along with the first-ever SEMA Influencer of the Year award designed to honor content creators who make a positive industry impact across social-media channels. The evening also included a tribute to industry icons Walker Evans, Jack Roush and Robert Eugene “Gene” Winfield, who were named to the SEMA Hall of Fame in the summer of 2022.
The banquet further made headlines with the announcement that the SEMA Show is going citywide in Las Vegas, starting this year. Another high point came with the audience of about 3,000 casting the deciding votes via text to name Kevin Robinson, inventor of the TRAC Tire Jack, as the ultimate winner of the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition. Winnowed from a field of five Show finalists, he and runner-up Susan Pieper, DMOS Collective CEO, got to pitch their product ideas before panelists Chip Foose, Jared Hare, Myles Kovacs and Alex Parker just before the audience vote.
Channel Partner of the Year (Kickoff Breakfast) Turn 14 Distribution Inc.
Manufacturer of the Year (Kickoff Breakfast) Baja Designs Inc.
“There were many changes to our Show’s recognition programs for 2022,” observed Gattuso. “All our awards and recognitions represent an extremely dynamic industry, so as our industry has evolved, we’ve been pleased to evolve with it.”
The photos above capture the winning moments and highlights of the Show’s many award presentations at the Kickoff Breakfast and the Industry Awards Banquet.
LOS ANGELES, CA (12.19.22) – The Microsoft Theater was packed on Friday night for the Metallica Concert. The Helping Hands Auction will be completed this coming week. PowerBass was proud to partner with friends at T-FRESH / TIMMY FRESH BRAND custom bicycles and their Metallica Themed Charity Auction Bike!
Metallica fans headed into the Microsoft Theater in LA on Friday, December 16th.
Erik Harbour holds his VIP Pass as the heads into the Metallica concert.
The Timmy Fresh Metallica bike was added as a charity raffle item for the All Within My Hands Foundation to be auctioned at the Helping Hands Concert & Auction in Los Angeles December 16th! A PowerBass BT-200 was added to Timmy Fresh Custom Bike and added to the value of that auction item.
Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, was instrumental in arranging the BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker and attended the concert. “The Microsoft Theater was packed and Metallica did not disappoint. Their performance was Emmy winning and the presentation on stage was second to none. The Helping Hands Auction will happen in a couple days and the top bid on the Tommy Fresh bike is over $2500. The auction winner will certainly enjoy the PowerBass BT-200 Bluetooth” Harbour related.
Erik Harbour in the lobby with Lars Ulrich (R) is best known as a Danish musician, drummer and co-founder of the heavy metal band Metallica.
Metallica in concert with an amazing backdrop on the stage.
All Within My Hands is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.
The Timmy Fresh Brand Bike in the PowerBass booth at SEMA with the PowerBass BT-200 strapped to the lower bike frame.
The Metallica Auction Bike was featured on display in the PowerBass Booth at SEMA and spotlighted the new Timmy Fresh Bike mounts for the PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT Portable Bluetooth Speaker which keeps the rider’s music secure so the ride keeps on rocking!
AUSTIN, TX (12.16.22) – The dB Drag Racing Association is pleased to participate in the 75th Anniversary Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program! The program collects new toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
The stockpile of toys collected at the dB’s For Toys event in Sacramento, CA.
When the dB’s for Toys event wrapped at Tune Time Stereo and Alarm in Redlands, CA on December 3rd all gathered for a group image with the Toys for Tots donations.
As an incentive to retailers and promoters that have hosted dB Drag Racing events during the 2022 season, the dBDRA will waive the listing fee for qualifying 1X events that are scheduled during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The entry fee for the competitors must be a new unwrapped toy. There is no limit on the amount of toys that can be donated, however, the minimum suggested toy should be $20+.
According to Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA. “Our goal is to provide dB Drag Racing competitors and retailers the opportunity to get involved with their local communities by providing shiny new toys to children who otherwise might have gone without.”
Toys donated at the dBs For Toys displayed at the Crossfire event in Irving, TX.
Chris Gregory gives a big thumbs showing toys collected at the Toys For Tots event in Nashville.
To participate in the Toys for Tots competition series, retailers and promoters will need to contact the dB Drag Racing Association. Auto sound manufacturers are also welcome to participate.
While the Toys for Tots program is a US based program, many of the international dBDRA affiliates will be offering similar toy drives in their respective countries as well.
METAIRIE, LA (12.15.22) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the successful launch of its new 5900 Series Multifunction Reflector-Facing Technology LED Light Bars. Debuted at the recent 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. that garnered great attention and interest during the show, the new LED light bar system is now shipping with models starting at just $169.95 MSRP.
Featuring high-performance 8W LEDs and utilizing the latest RFT (Reflector Facing Technology) optics, which provide an impressive 95 percent light transmittance, optimize LED efficacy to maximize light coverage. The patent-pending design features an ultra-slim body (less than two inches tall) and standard dual heavy-duty mounting brackets to provide the user with options to mount these bars in a variety of applications where other LED light bars may not work. Other technology such as Electronic Thermal Management (ETM) is an onboard module that monitors PCB temperatures and regulates current if the LEDs to prevent possibility of LED overheating. This combined with over/under voltage protection, wide voltage input range (9V-36V), reverse polarity protection, high-current Deutsch DT Connectors, and IP68/9 Ingress Protection make this a very robust and high-quality system with long term reliability.
The unique design of the 5900 Series also features integrated multifunction marker lights with selectable colors. These Amber and White LED “Clearance Lights” enable the user to use the White for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and the Amber as a Marker Light (Parking Light) for increased functionality. These marker lights can also be left disconnected if the user prefers not the utilize this standard 5900 Series feature.
“We had a tremendous amount of booth traffic during the recent SEMA Show, and our new 5900 Series LED light bars were one of our most popular featured products,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Using our new advanced optics to optimize LED efficacy, these new LED Light Bars perform well in a very crowded market space. It is hard to stand out with a new light bar considering they are all relatively made of the same components, a lens, a LED array, and a housing that doubles as s heat sink. We are happy to bring another option to market that provides the user with some functional features that makes this product stand out.”
Additional features and specifications include:
Available sizes: 14in., 20in., 30in., 50in.
Electronic Thermal Management (ETM)
ECE R10 CE and RoHS certifications
4-pin Deutsch waterproof connector
Beam angle: 40 degree driving beam
Color temperature: 5500K – 6000K
Advanced Optic design for optimal visibility
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
Did you feel the energy? A juggernaut hit Las Vegas this past November 1–4 when the annual SEMA Show roared back into the city’s convention center. And it was clear the specialty-automotive industry was ready for business.
Reflecting a rapidly changing aftermarket, the Show greatly revamped its education, networking and event programs. There were also new exhibitions, features, vehicle displays, and plenty of interactive thrills seen, felt and shared throughout the 1-million sq. ft. trade event—not to mention thousands of new products for attendees to discover. Plus, there was an exciting announcement of new things to come, with SEMA undertaking a citywide expansion of the Show, beginning November 2023.
Chip Foose takes a photo with fans.
“SEMA wishes extend a huge thanks to our 2022 Show exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and partners for making the event such an outstanding success,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “Across the board, participation far exceeded expectations, and the industry’s support and energy were everywhere to be seen. This Show will be remembered as among the best our association has ever produced, and demonstrates again why the SEMA Show remains the world’s number-one automotive trade event.”
After its successful return as a live event in 2021, the 2022 Show proved beyond a doubt that the specialty automotive industry is revved up and leaving the pandemic behind. Nearly 3,000 exhibitors and approximately 130,000 attendees flooded the 2022 Show halls, representing 30% growth over 2021.
The 2022 SEMA Show officially opens.
“Trade events like the SEMA Show are meant to both highlight and energize industry trends and innovation, and throughout the Show it was evident that SEMA-member companies are ready to seize the future,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “It’s no exaggeration to say the 2022 Show was a historic milestone. From the moment you arrived at the Las Vegas Convention Center, you could feel the energy and momentum.”
“The 2022 event was very forward-focused,” added Gattuso. “We increased the size and scope of our SEMA Electrified section and added the new SEMA ADAS Showcase to demonstrate recalibration of modified vehicles for compliance with advanced driver-assistance systems, and attendee interest in both was notably high.”
SEMA Show Overland Experience.
“Also, there were more equipment manufacturers and electric-vehicle [EV] conversion companies for attendees to connect with as well as live demonstrations of products and procedures. We additionally expanded our educational seminars addressing vehicle electrification and other emerging technologies, and the many new opportunities they’re providing our industry businesses.”
Other key features included the popular SEMA Overland Experience, the Chip Foose Experience, and an eBay Motors Experience featuring the Hoonigan Burnyard, drift ride-alongs and a stunning collection of unique vehicles. An expanded OPTIMA Village played host to Ultimate Street Car Invitational events, numerous demos and celebrity appearances, and lots of tire smoke.
Moreover, the Show exuded industry diversity in every sense of the word. There were bed-dancing mini trucks, truck drifting, and lowrider hopping, courtesy TIS Off-Road and urban-car-scene veteran Myles Kovacs. Donk vehicles stood proudly alongside the traditional performance and street racers, trucks and off-road vehicles, hot rods and classic show cars. The Motorcycle Industry Council “Ride With Us” activation feature even taught new enthusiasts how to ride.
Special Keynote appearance by Emmitt Smith.
Meanwhile, the Show’s “Still I Race” exhibition paid tribute to African American Racing Association legends, and a SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Ford Bronco Wildtrak showcased the growing contributions of female builders. Headline celebrities further appealed to a broad range of interests. They included keynote appearances by football great and now NASCAR team owner Emmitt Smith, NHRA champion Anton Brown, and Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew, among others.
2022 SEMA Show Cruise.
The annual Monday-night Exhibitor Appreciation Party featuring the SEMA Awards, the Tuesday-morning Kickoff Breakfast, and the Thursday-evening Industry Awards Banquet all saw updated formats. Likewise, rules changes to the SEMA Battle of the Builders and Launch Pad competitions broadened their appeal, and the Show’s Friday Experience for qualified consumer attendees was expanded. Open to the public, the annual SEMA Cruise and SEMA Ignited after-party further amped public enthusiasm for car culture.
Ringbrothers
Ultimately, words can’t capture the scope and excitement of the 2022 SEMA Show. But you can get a feel for it all in these photos. And make your plans now: SEMA Week 2023 promises an even greater impact starting this November.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.13.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) has released new Alpine Status speakers: the HDZ-653S 6.5” OEM-Fit 3-Way Component Speaker Set, HDZ-65CS 6.5” OEM-Fit 2-Way Component Speaker Set, and HDZ-65 6.5” OEM-Fit Coaxial Speaker Set.
Exceptional Build Quality Drawing inspiration from the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status system, the Alpine Status speakers feature a unified carbon composite cone construction throughout the speaker components for a unified timbre identity. Alpine Proprietary Double Gathered Edge Surround technology gives the speakers ultra-low distortion and linear diaphragm movement that reproduces music true to the artist’s original intentions.
Custom developed for Hi-Res Audio Playback, the speakers have an ultra-wide bandwidth of 55Hz – 40kHz, which is perfectly suited for accurate reproduction of even the highest quality of studio recordings. Each speaker component is designed to cover a wider range of the playback spectrum, providing a wider range of adjustability.
Flexible Installation Options The HDZ-653S, HDZ-65CS, and HDZ-65 are factory-fit speaker models that are intentionally designed to fit into most factory speaker openings without custom work. The HDZ-653S includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver, a 3.5” midrange driver, and a 1” slim-fit, high-range driver. The HDZ-65CS includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver and a 1” slim-fit, high-range driver. The HDZ-65 includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver and 1” coaxial tweeter.
When used as a complete system, Alpine Status achieves the highest in-class audio performance only second to the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status.
The HDZ-653S, HDZ-65CS, and HDZ-65 are the latest components to release from the Alpine Status line and are now available at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
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