MEMPHIS, TN (10.28.22) – Memphis will unveil a fully custom Slingshot built for Shaquille O’Neil in the Memphis Audio booth 11039 at SEMA 2022! This custom Polaris Slingshot will feature a slew of Memphis Audio products with over 28 total SR Pro Audio speakers and over 5400W of RMS power making it one of the loudest Slingshots to ever hit the streets. The Insanely talented team at Underground Auto Styling out of Sarasota Florida custom fabricated everything on the build to make it worthy of DJ Diesel himself.
“This build is going to be wild. We’ve got four 10 inch mid’s, eight 8 inch mid’s, four 6.5’s, two 6×9’s and six tweeters integrated into this build, not to mention four 8 inch subs!” Said Jack Polubinski, owner of Underground Autostyling. Along with a plethora of speakers, the build will feature dual VIV1500.1V2 amplifiers and four VIV600.4V2 amplifiers. The entire system is controlled by an MXAZ24MC head unit and all the speakers are digitally tuned using the VIV68DSP Digital Sound Processor.
“This isn’t the first project Memphis has worked on with Shaq, we had the honor of being part of previous custom builds for him but we wanted this one to be special. Shaq aka DJ Diesel knows how to get the crowd going and we know he wanted it loud so Memphis and the guys at Underground Autostyling went with an insane SRX Pro set up to give Shaq the loudest build on the block. I have zero doubt that this will be one of the most insane builds at SEMA 2022,” Said Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio.
The DJ Diesel V2 Slingshot will be on display at SEMA 2022 in the Memphis Audio Booth #11039 in the North Hall along with a slew of new innovative product offerings from Memphis Audio.
BOCA RATON, FL (10.27.22) – Automotive Styling Centers was identified by independent research firm Franchise Business Review as one of just 80 franchise brands to be named an award-winning franchise in its 2022 report on the Top Franchises for Veterans.
Tint World is the largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coating, and installation services.
Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes rankings of the top franchises in its annualGuide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.
To identify the companies on the list of this year’s Top Franchises for Veterans, Franchise Business Review analyzed data from over 2,500 franchise owners, representing more than 300 brands, regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others.
“Veterans are a critical part of franchising’s success, and franchising needs more business owners with the leadership skills, resilience, and can-do attitude of veterans,” said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Not all franchises are created equal, but the 80 brands on our list of the Top Franchises for Veterans have satisfaction ratings by their veteran owners that are 10-30% higher on average. That’s why we do what we do … we survey thousands of franchisees every year and make those reviews available to prospective business owners to help them understand which franchises are the top opportunities based on the actual experiences and satisfaction of other veteran franchise owners.”
Tint World franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.
“Tint World is committed to honoring and supporting the brave men and women who protect our freedom and security,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Our industry-leading automotive aftermarket franchise system rewards the character, integrity, and leadership that results from military service. We also value the discipline and dedication that veterans can bring by providing extensive training, support, technology, and other resources that immediately empower franchisees to make an impact in their communities. We also express our gratitude to veterans and their families by participating in VetFran, a nationwide program that helps qualified veterans invest in franchise business opportunities with valuable and exclusive financial incentives.”
STILLWATER, OK (10.26.22) – KICKER will feature a booth filled with custom vehicles and big announcements in its return following a three-year absence at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Located in the LV Convention Center’s North Hall in booth 10709, KICKER will launch its 50th anniversary celebration with several jaw-dropping vehicles and a bevy of new products.
The company that manufactures KICKER products, Stillwater Designs and Audio, was founded in 1973 by Steve Irby and a partner, and Irby continues today as the president and drive behind KICKER award-winning audio gear. This year’s SEMA Show provides KICKER the opportunity to unveil new offerings like ST-Series Speakers and Bullet Tweeters, a PA line built to be as loud as possible while including KICKER’s dedication to sound quality.
This long-awaited line of KICKER SPL (sound pressure level) products makes its debut on the SEMA Show floor, installed in a highly customized 2021 Ford Bronco that commemorates KICKER’s long-time relationship with SPL legend Team Gates and its record-setting Bronco from the early 2000s. The newer Bronco is loaded with four pair of seven-inch ST-Series midrange drivers, eight ST-Series bullet tweeters and nine SoloX L7X 12-inch subwoofers. KICKER will also unveil nine, 3,600-watt Warhorse™ amplifiers, installed in a custom amp rack. ST-Series speakers are shipping and currently available; the other gear is expected to ship in 2023.
“KICKER is the originator of big bass,” said Drew Jones, owner of Bassahaulic Productions and designer of the Bronco’s 4th-order enclosure. “They’re going to be surprised at how good it will sound, and how long it will play. This is how systems should be installed and set up. With KICKER getting back into SPL competition, it will also help make the sport more approachable.”
A 1973 Chevy C10 created by Hills Hot Rods and JD Glassworks will also be featured in the booth, sporting a powerful yet compact sound system not found in the truck 50 years ago on the showroom floor. A KICKER KEY amplifier powers artfully integrated KS-Series Speakers, while a CX-Series amplifier provides signal to a single CompRT thin 10-inch sub, all hidden behind custom mesh grilles.
Owned by offroad legend Robby Gordon, SpeedUTV will add the limited-edition “El Jefe” UTV to the floor mix this year. This race-ready UTV is integrated with original equipment from KICKER – the new PX-Series five-channel powersports amplifier with a CompRT subwoofer and KM-Series all-weather speakers.
Expanding to its third brand in the booth, KICKER will also show its 100-watt MultiPro™ Tailgate System which can now be found as OE on the GMC Hummer EV. The Hummer joins the Sierra and the Canyon utilizing KICKER audio in its truck tailgates.
Full event details are available on the SEMA Show web page at www.semashow.com.
RINGWOOD, IL (10.25.22) – Race Sport Lighting will be releasing their brand new Patented and Made in USA Bolt-On Hitch Bar Light Solution for HD Series Ford, GMC, Chevy, and Dodge Trucks. SEMA Attendees will get the first look at this amazing lighting solution at booth #11416 in the Mobile Electronics section of the North Hall. Race Sport Lighting Staff will be available in the booth all week to answer any questions. There will be a standing display replicating how the product bolts on to OEM Hitch Receivers on the back of any HD Series truck.
This Hitch Bar Lighting System takes 1-2 hours for retailers to install in their bays and comes with all required wiring and bolt hardware in the kit. There is no drilling or modifications required to install this light system. There are no other lighting options on the market today that offer an OEM look while meeting the demands of Heavy-Duty Trucks. The lighting systems will be manufactured right in Northern Illinois and kept 100% American Made. You can view these products at racesportinc.com/hitch-bar-light-kits.html
“This product is going to be extremely profitable for our distributing and retail partners in 2023. Consumers are looking for unique and patented solutions like this one to add to their trucks and get the job done. This product will appeal to many different industries we serve beyond Truck Accessory market. We are already fitting up the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and Ford Bronco just to name a few.” says Steven Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.
The Race Sport Lighting booth in Las Vegas will also feature also feature an eye-catching display of their flagship Chasing Style LED Wheel Light Kits and the patented wireless solar cab light systems that have swept the nation in 2022. Race Sport Lighting has been a SEMA Manufacturing Member for 10+ years now and this will their 7th years exhibiting in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is their first year back to the show since the global pandemic.
PRESCOTT, AZ (10.24.22) – The AMA EnduroCross Round 4 event took place at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Saturday evening, October 22nd. EnduroCross riders faced a dirt track filled with boulders, logs, large tires and ramps on their bikes.
The seats were packed in the Finlay Toyota Center.
This image from above shows the obstacles on the track that riders faced.
Members of the crowd saw a wide selection of KICKER products under the tent in the lobby.
KICKER, a series sponsor, was on site with tables filled with products under a large tent in the lobby area. The KICKER RZR was Livin’Loud by the tent and ready for demos. To set up the KICKER display Lorin Morrell rolled in with KICKER pickup and trailer on Friday.
KICKER was set up in the lobby area with the RZR set for Livin’Loud demos.
Morrell, who orchestrates KICKER’s presence at AMA EnduroCross events, related “Attendance was strong at the event and an awesome crowd filled the stands. Showing the wide selection of products we had on display directly to consumers was a great way to drive brand awareness and future car audio, marine, powersports, motorcycle and lifestyle business for KICKER. Pickups are very popular in Arizona and many checked out the KICKER PowerBars, enclosures and amplifiers.
Riders had to clear boulders and rocks to navigate the track.
Log ramps added to challenges riders faced.
Two cities remain on the Six event AMA EnduroCross Series schedule for 2022…Boise ID-November 5th and Reno NV November 19th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.21.22) – As vehicle electrification increases, this year’s SEMA Show will include more features and activities to help Showgoers learn about the opportunities that the emerging technology offers the automotive aftermarket. In addition to SEMA Electrified – a 21,000-sq.-ft. area at the SEMA Show that is dedicated to solutions for electric vehicles (EV) platforms and conversions, the four-day annual B2B event will include EV-related seminars, programs, and activities throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Representing a small percentage of all vehicles on the road, electric vehicles represent a fast-growing market with huge potential for the aftermarket.
The 2022 SEMA Show will feature electric vehicle (EV)-related seminars, programs, and activities, including SEMA Electrified, a 21,000-sq.-ft. area dedicated to solutions for EV platforms and conversions
Collectively, SEMA Electrified (North Hall, Booth 11268) will feature more than 35 vehicles and close to 60 different exhibits. On display will be OEM vehicles, conversion components, late-model EV accessories, charging solutions, EV safety and service equipment, and education and training stages. In addition to seminars and training taking place in SEMA Electrified, there are EV-related seminars offered through the official SEMA Show Education program. With more than 70 sessions, the SEMA Show Education program includes a dedicated EV track that will help Showgoers learn about the U.S. infrastructure needed to support widespread adoption of EVs, the intricacies of converting classic cars to electric power, and where the growth opportunities are for the aftermarket.
Since debuting at the 2019 SEMA Show, SEMA Electrified has served as a place for EV-related businesses to connect and collaborate. The section has grown significantly, going from 2,500-sq.-ft. in 2019, to 21,000-sq-ft. this year.
“Everything about EV in the aftermarket is growing: Participation, interest, advancements,” said Luis Morales, SEMA director of vehicle technology. “This year’s SEMA Show will have more EV-related products and activities than ever before.”
A new Electric Vehicle category in the New Products Showcase will make it easy for attendees to find new EV-related products. For the first time, the best products in the electric vehicle category will also be recognized with SEMA Best New Product Awards, presented Tuesday morning, Nov. 1, at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast. Additionally, an automaker will be awarded the first-ever SEMA Award for Electric Vehicle of the Year on Monday, Oct. 31.
“The SEMA Show is where you’ll be able to see a wide collection of EV products for the aftermarket, learn about the technology, and network with pioneers who are shaping the electric vehicle market,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “If you’re in the EV aftermarket, or simply thinking about it, you’ll want to be at the SEMA Show.”
To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show, including a list of exhibitors, seminars, and special events, visit www.semashow.com.
MESA, AZ (10.20.22) – Mobile Solutions announces early bird registration for the 2023 MasterTech Expo event located at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona, March 5-8, 2023. Created for Automotive Fabricators Trimmers, Designers, 12V Technicians and Business Owners, MasterTech Expo is a unique event combining professional education of aftermarket automotive professionals, peer-to-peer networking and a showcase of engaged exhibitors that provide specific value to the attendee audience.
Registration at the MasterTech Expo website opens at 12:00pm EDT on Thursday October 20, 2022 and early-bird discounted rates of $799 (regularly $849) will be available until November 18, 2022 with the coupon code EB2023.
New for the 2023 MasterTech Expo are numerous elements that make this another event not to be missed. For professional learning sessions, attendees can select one main education workshop track and, completely separate, two elective blocks of training. These electives can be complimentary to the workshop track, or something completely different to broaden the range of learning during the event. New presenters have been added, as well as a theme for the fabrication and design/automation tracks that carry through the entire 3 days of the MasterTech Expo experience.
Also included with in the 2023 MasterTech Expo enhancements are:
Welcome Reception and Live Concert at Mesa Amphitheater
More Training Rooms and Workshops
Enhanced Build-Off Competition
Clean Wire Challenge
Lighting Competition
All-New Demo Vehicles
Special Celebrity Guests
Onsite Meals Included
Partner Hotel Rates
“We listened to feedback from our attendees, presenters and exhibitors at our 2022 event and made additional investments in the enhancements that the 2023 MasterTech Expo will feature” explains event founder and host Bryan Schmitt. “Having an included breakfast, lunch and dinner for the event is a measure of added reassurance that once you’re at the event, you have everything you need for all day attendance. In addition, we’re working with the partner hotels to provide transportation to and from the Mesa Convention Center so it saves on on-the-ground transportation costs. We are proud to announce that we did not increase attendee registration costs in all of the process of implementing these enhancements” he continued.
Like the 2022 event, attendance is limited and will sell out well in advance. Do not miss this opportunity to secure your spot at the 2023 MasterTech Expo by registering with your early-bird discount today!
For questions or further information on the 2023 MasterTech Expo on March 5-8, 2023 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona, please email info@mastertechexpo.com or call 480 968-2074.
Watch MasterTech Expo’s Facebook, Instagram and website for ongoing updates, announcements of presenters and guests, as well as other important event details.
TAMPA, FL (10.19.22) – DOW Technologies has donated a percentage of their sales to the Hurricane Ian relief effort. DOW’s donation, in excess of $25,000, went to the Florida Disaster Fund.
As Hurricane Ian’s destruction had wide ranging impacts on the state of Florida, DOW wanted to provide assistance to those in need. DOW put together a plan to donate a percentage of sales which created an opportunity for its customers around the country to be involved. DOW announced that a percentage of sales from September 30th to October 4th would be donated on the behalf of participating customers. DOW’s customers can be confident that part of each purchase is going towards those impacted by the storm.
“We recognize that our support for local, independent businesses extends to supporting local communities” stated DOW’s president & ceo, John Yodzis. “Our customers have great impacts on the communities they live in both professionally and personally, and we wanted a way to bring that support from customers across the country to help those affected. We’re very happy to have made the donation on behalf of all of our customers that participated.”
To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.18.22) – The record-high sales growth over the past two years for the automotive specialty-equipment industry is beginning to level off or subside, according to the newest SEMA market research report. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues, and rising costs, companies remain optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.
“Businesses experienced record-high growth the past two years,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research. “We saw growth that was above the industry’s norm, so it makes sense that we’re returning to more normal levels. It’s great to see that most companies are up from 2019 levels.”
Conducted every six months since 2021, the “SEMA State of the Industry” studies are designed to give companies clarity about the overall market during an uncertain time. The disruption from the pandemic made it difficult for members to understand what the market was going through and nearly impossible to forecast. Based on data from the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the reports give readers a barometer to gauge how they are currently doing and make predictions about what’s to come.
The newest Fall 2022 version finds that 47% of manufacturers, 48% of distributors, and 44% of retailers expect sales to increase in the coming year. Additional findings include:
Supply-chain issues continue to be disruptive for the industry. Over 90% of companies say that they are having a moderate or significant impact on operations.
Inflation and the supply-chain issues are resulting in higher costs for businesses. More than 90% of companies reported an increase in supplier or production costs; most (around 80%) are compensating for the high costs by increasing their prices. Despite this, consumer demand and revenue remain strong.
Ongoing supply-chain issues and high prices are slowing new vehicle sales. Sales are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 or 2025. Sales for 2022 are expected to fall about a million vehicles short of 2021, at 13.9 million total units. The average price of a new vehicle reached $48,301 in August 2022, a record high. The average price of an electric is even higher, at over $66,000.
The complete “State of the Industry—Fall 2022” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research, and it will be discussed in depth during the SEMA Show seminar “State of the Specialty-Equipment Industry: Trends and Directions,” on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 11:00 a.m. in Room N254.
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (10.17.22) – KICKER Marine Audio headed to Lake Havasu City, AZ and joined its local dealer and fans for the Lake Havasu Formula 1 Classic Outboard Championships October 14-17, which featured two days of high-horsepower racing excitement in three classes: Formula 1, Tri Hull and Formula Lite division. The race was sanctioned by the American Powerboat Association (APBA) and draws international powerboat racing stars.
KICKER Marine Audio was the presenting sponsor for the October 14 Friday Night Pit Party Meet & Greet from 4-8 pm at the Nautical Beachfront Resort. Fans got to mingle with the drivers and crews in the cold pit area to learn more about the racers and their equipment. Great music was broadcast through the KICKER Marine Audio system while fans enjoyed a vintage boat display, food, beverages and vendors. This special event was free and open to the public.
When fans arrived they had a chance to experience a wide variety of KICKER products including car, powersports, motorcycle, life style and marine.
The Classic Outboard Championships have become a Lake Havasu tradition, drawing competitors from every corner of the globe for high stakes cash and prizes. Racing action began on Saturday October 15 with testing and qualifying races in all three divisions, followed by the Championship Grand Finale on Sunday, October 16. The races started at 11 AM MST and were live streamed on the F1 Powerboat Championship Facebook and YouTube channels. Race headquarters at the Nautical Beachfront Resort, 1000 McCulloch Boulevard N, overlooking Thompson Bay offered FREE front and center racecourse viewing on the beach front. The exclusive Mercury Racing Rooster Tail VIP Experience on the resort’s lakeside terrace offered another exclusive tier of fan excitement.
When racing got underway fans sitting on top of the KICKER BoomToon had ringside seats.
KICKER Marine Audio also co-sponsored the Formula 1 Race Ride Experience, an opportunity for select, lucky fans who entered the Facebook or Instagram contest to get the thrill of riding in a specially built 2-seat Formula 1 boat that was used as the series pace boat for the races. The company was also a sponsor of the Kids on the Colorado River Program – Racing Edition Educational Pod place at Thunderbolt Middle School on Monday, October 17, before the Championship awards dinner.
KICKER Marine Audio, and its local dealers Elite Audio, and vendors have long been active in Lake Havasu through the performance boating Annual Desert Storm Poker Run and rally. The Classic Outboard Championships event, promoted by the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Series, gave KICKER Marine Audio and music fans the opportunity to mix high-octane sound with high-speed racing action.
Fans could sign up on Instagram and Facebook hit the lake in this specially built 2-seat Formula 1 boat that was also the pace boat for the races.
Dan Murphy of MurfCo. Inc. KICKER Marine Audio’s long-time Manufacturers Rep Group that coordinates distributor and dealer representation in the southwest region, teamed up with Lake Havasu’s custom installers Elite Audio’s Jeff Cuvelier at the event. Murphy and partner Frank Zepeda’s “Boom Toon,” a “vintage” 30-foot Starlight 1986 riverboat that was transformed into a runabout double decker party barge complete with a slide and party poles, was at the docks. The Boom Toon will join Jeff’s Rinker Flotilla Deckboat, both featuring top-of-the-line KICKER Marine Audio speakers, subwoofers, amps and more, emphasizing the company’s tagline, “Livin’ Loud!“ Murphy was joined at the booth by Liam Carney and Lorin Morrell who were available for questions. MurfCo and local dealers have long-time KICKER audio affiliations including friendships with KICKER founder Steve Irby, who was a pioneer in the 12-Volt, mobile audio world.
The specially built 2-seat Formula 1 boat making a big wake.
“KICKER Marine Audio enjoys bringing our high-performance sound to those who love high-performance boating,” stated Jeremy Bale, KICKER brand manager. “Many racers, their fans and powerboaters already know KICKER from its decades as a mobile audio leader and probably use our components in their tow vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles. We have long-time dealers, distributors and installers in the Lake Havasu area so the races are a great opportunity for us to see old friends and make new ones.”
The Elite Audio boat was available for fans to check out…in the KICKER booth during set up on Friday.
All KICKER Marine Audio’s can enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white to complement a boat’s color scheme, complete with LED lights and accessories. Horn-Loaded Tower Systems, speakers, subwoofers, amps and media centers are only part of the line, so when you are ready to “KICK” up your sound system, rely on KICKER Marine Audio to deliver the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components. www.kicker.com/marine-audio.
For Additional Information on the Lake Havasu Classic Outboard Championships visit f1powerboatchampionship.com or the f1powerboat championship Facebook page. Online VIP Tickets, RV Spots – seeboldsports.com/shop
A big 12volt Central Studio’s THANK YOU to Lorin Morrell for input and images covering the KICKER Marine Audio event at Lake Havasu.
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