LONG BEACH, CA (05.01.23) – KENWOOD USA is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Christie as the new Western Region Sales Manager, effective May 1st. In this role, Christie will oversee sales and business development in the Western 1/3 of the United States.
Christie brings over 30 years of experience in sales and management in the consumer electronics industry, specifically representing sales of KENWOOD products for the past 15 years. With a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building strong relationships with key clients, Christie is a valuable addition to the KENWOOD mobile electronics team.
Ryan Christie
“We are excited to have Ryan join our team and lead our sales efforts in the Western region,” said John Lucas, Vice President of Sales at KENWOOD. “With Ryan’s extensive experience and industry knowledge, we are confident that he will help us achieve our goals and continue to grow our business in this important market.”
Ryan Christie
As Western Region Sales Manager, Christie will work closely with the KENWOOD mobile electronics sales team and dealer network to drive sales growth and expand the company’s footprint in the region. Christie’s appointment reflects KENWOOD’s commitment to providing customers with the best possible products and service.
CAMARILLO, CA (05.01.23) – ORCA Design and Manufacturing announced it is shipping the Focal Inside P60 Limited Edition, an exclusive speaker upgrade kit made for Porsche. The plug-and-play, drop-in speaker collection is designed specifically for late-model Porsche 911, Panamera, Cayenne and Taycan vehicles. Only 911 of the kits will be manufactured for worldwide distribution.
To create the P60 Limited Edition kit, Focal employed the technologies of its legacy Utopia component series: Beryllium tweeters, “W” sandwich composite woofer cone and the iconic speckled gray coloring. The drivers are enclosed in Zamak backets designed to fit into the factory-cut speaker openings on Porsche vehicles.
“We are honored to receive and make the commemorative P60 Limited Edition car kits available to retailers and automotive enthusiasts in North America,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for Orca. “Focal has always taken the approach of building for perfect sound without compromise. The company’s collaboration with Porsche, centered on the iconic 911, represents the perfect synergy of two brands that share the same mission.”
Each P60 Limited Edition kit consists of a pair of three-driver components (woofer, midrange and tweeter) plus an additional midrange for center-channel applications. The set comes in a beautiful walnut and leather made to fit perfectly into the trunk of a Porsche 911.
For more information, please visit mwi.re/focalp60. Retailers may contact their authorized Focal representative to order. Customers and clients can experience the P60 kit at their nearest authorized Focal Retailer.
NEW YORK, NY (04.28.23) – NASCAR and SiriusXM have announced a multi-year renewal of their broadcasting agreement. SiriusXM will continue to deliver 24/7 NASCAR content to its subscribers, including live broadcasts of every race, plus daily NASCAR talk and interviews with voices across the industry through its exclusive SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel.
“SiriusXM has delivered exciting and insightful live event and talk programming to NASCAR fans for more than two decades,” said Nick Skipper, NASCAR Managing Director of Media Strategy. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with SiriusXM, a trusted source that provides NASCAR fans across the country smart, accurate and entertaining coverage of the sport.”
“NASCAR’s passionate fans have enjoyed hearing their sport on SiriusXM for more than 20 years, and we are proud to continue to deliver the excitement of live races and the home to hear the latest news, analysis and top voices on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio,” said Eric Spitz, VP of Sports Programming for SiriusXM. “As NASCAR celebrates its historic 75th Anniversary season, we look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best audio platform for fans of the sport to grow closer to their favorite drivers and personalities.”
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the track this weekend with the Würth 400, live from Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 30, on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio is available to subscribers nationwide in their cars (channel 90) and on the SXM App at https://siriusxm.us/2nIBgyp. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio airs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and delivers in-depth racing coverage and access to NASCAR news, including live broadcasts of every NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. Fans can call in to the channel to share their opinions and be a part of the daily discussion.
SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s roster of expert hosts features current and former drivers, crew chiefs, crew members and NASCAR insiders. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s lineup features Joey Logano, the reigning and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford. Logano hosts his exclusive SiriusXM show, Behind the Wheel with Joey Logano, select Tuesdays (9 – 10 am ET) throughout the season on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
SiriusXM NASCAR Radio also includes shows hosted by 2011 Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne; 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and 2015 Daytona 500-winning crew chief Todd Gordon, who is also serving as crew chief in 2023 for 7-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson; 2-time Champion and 1989 Daytona 500-winning former crew chief Jeff Hammond; former Daytona 500-winning crew chief Larry McReynolds; former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner; plus active and former drivers Corey LaJoie and Brendan Gaughan.
Listeners also hear from insiders like Mike Bagley, Claire B. Lang, Dave Moody, Pete Pistone, 6-time Championship winning fuel man Danny “Chocolate” Myers, Pat Patterson, Angie Skinner, Brad Gillie, Danielle Trotta, Alan Cavanna, Jeff Gluck, Dustin Long, Nate Ryan, Shannon Spake, Lee Spencer, Doug Rice, Brett McMillan, John Roberts, Kaitlyn Vincie, Jack Arute, Chris Knight, Kelly Crandall, Mojo Nixon, Jordan Bianchi and Reid Spencer.
PLYMOUTH, MI (04.28.23) – Automotive aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under are invited to expand their network during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Networking Mixer at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. Join the Network in kicking off their second Professional Development Program, mix and mingle with industry friends, and discover resources to help up-and-coming leaders succeed in the automotive aftermarket.
ORANGE, CA (04.27.23) – The wildly popular Old Fashioned Car Audio podcast series hosted by 12 Volt Aftermarket industry veterans Gary Bell and Matt Schaeffer, is pleased to announce world-class acoustics expert and speaker designer Andrew Jones as the guest in an upcoming episode dropping on April 26, 2023.
Originally from the UK and having worked for several respected audio brands, including KEF, Infinity, ELAC, and Mobile Fidelity, Andrew Jones joined Pioneer Electronics USA in the early 1990s. He played an invaluable role in the brand’s flagship speaker development, including the highly-regarded Pioneer (Technical Audio Devices) speakers, which favorites among audiophiles for their exceptional sound quality and performance. Jones has received many awards and accolades for his meticulous attention to detail, scientific approach to speaker design and deep understanding of acoustics. He shares many ‘can’t miss’ tidbits on the podcast that align with his philosophy for delivering exceptional sound quality and an affordable price. Jones believes high-fidelity audio should be accessible to a broad audience when he considers design parameters. Matt and Gary thrive in this interview with engaging questions, some surprising facts and many other audio-centric conversations.
The Old Fashioned Car Audio podcast episode with Andrew Jones drops (Wednesday, April 26, 2023). Find it on all the popular podcast stream channels.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.26.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the 2023 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in booth 402 from Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29 where they will have vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.
Two Alpine 2018 Jeep® Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep® driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep®interior and retain the features Jeep® drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready® head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep® driver.
A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.
Alpine’s 2015 Jeep® Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep® specific solutions designed for older Jeep® Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.
Two Alpine-customized Jeeps will also be onsite to demonstrate the music-loving active weekender lifestyle of the Jeep® driver. “Hellbender,” Alpine’s 2017 Jeep® Wrangler, features a tee shirt cannon and custom-built motorized sled that pulls out from the rear of the vehicle to reveal two custom black Alpine I.C.E. Coolers.
An airconditioned Alpine Event Trailer will be parked on-site at the booth for visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology.
All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine staff and Alpine Authorized Retailer Soundwaves will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep®
TEMPE, AZ (04.26.23) – Mobile Solutions in-house training kicked off its first 2023 event with the Hot Rod Build School 4-day training this past April 15-18. The class featured many new topics that relate to the design, fabrication and finishing materials of custom vehicle interiors. Lead instructor and Mobile Solutions founder/CEO Bryan Schmitt said “Following the successful second MasterTech Expo, we wanted to highlight many of the important hands-on, close up processes that attendees specifically asked for during a more intimate class and shop setting.”
Over the four action-packed class days, nearly 25 attendees were led by a team of 5 instructors in the disciplines of metal fabrication, 3D router work, plastics, lighting, upholstery and more. The instructors included:
• Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions (@mobilesolutionsfabrication) • Chris Pate of MTI Acoustics (@mtiacoustics) • Justin Kush of MTI Acoustics (@i_am_fabzilla) • Wesley Cato of Anything Car Audio (@anything_audio_upholstery) • Doug Dobson of HKI/Tury (FB – Doug Dobson)
“We presented so many new and cutting-edge techniques in this class that even the seasoned veteran fabricators found many new and exciting tricks to elevate their projects” adds Schmitt. Justin Kush and Chris Pate built an entire trunk in two days that was separate from the class project. Doug Dobson is known as an all-around helpful team player on these projects. Wesley Cato is one of the resident guest upholstery experts at Mobile Solutions classes.
April 2023 Hot Rod Build School workshop topics included: • How to conceptualize a design and convert to something you can build • Detailed router work examples for greater precision and efficiency • Using aluminum in multiple ways for serviceable panel construction and cosmetic interest • How to seam different materials together (vinyl, suede & carpet) • New vinyl embossing techniques to personalize hot rod interior design • New diamond pattern panel technique to emulate upscale vehicle interiors • Technical vinyl wrapping examples with time-saving tools and preparation • Where to find premium OEM-grade leather, vinyl, fabric, glue and supplies
Schmitt noted what’s different about in-person training at Mobile Solutions is the diversity of ever-evolving content, the breadth of knowledge and skillsets from the guest presenters and that each attendee does hands-on work with their own take home class projects. Alan Lindgren from Speed of Sound LLC in Memphis, TN said “With custom fabrication representing such a large portion of my business, these classes are invaluable. Attendees are able to take away much more than a few new shop techniques. It’s a comprehensive overview covering business practices, effective shop setup/management and of course, advanced fab skills in many areas”
The class project for this workshop was fashioned after a muscle car or hot rod rear parcel shelf with numerous layers of detail options each attendee could personalize. “Although the project focused on a rear deck application, the techniques from design to execution all transfer to other panels or parts of the interior” said Chris Pate, guest instructor. Justin Kush also taught a session on lighting and design work in the 3D CAD program called Procreate 3D.
NC Carpet and Apex Leather stepped in to support the Hot Rod Build School class with sewing machines and upholstery supplies & materials to ensure all projects were finished to a high degree of quality. Each attendee of course takes their project home to display their new capabilities to their clientele.
Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2024 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 3-6, 2024 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.
AVON LAKE, OH (04.26.23) – Design Engineering Inc., (DEI) will be the official heat-and-sound control sponsor of the Triple Crown of Rodding, a new premier event for hot rods and trucks, at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon Tenn., September 8 and 9, 2023. The Triple Crown of Rodding showcases hot rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 and American-made trucks through 1998.
The Triple Crown of Rodding event was inspired by Shades of the Past, an event that was held for more than 40 years the weekend after Labor Day in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. When that show ended in 2022, Bobby Alloway of Alloway’s Rod Shop teamed up with Gary Case of Stylin’ Concepts and the Sport Truck Nationals to create an automotive event unlike any other, the Triple Crown of Rodding.
“The Triple Crown of Rodding is going to be a one-of-a-kind event. It is going to take you back to the days when car shows were really big events. Not just a show to bring your car to. That’s why we just had to be involved. With the star power of the best builders, the very best of the best vehicles in the country, and all of the DEI customers that showcase our products in their builds in one location, we just had to be a part of it,” said Steve Garrett, Creative Director, DEI. “This is going to be a good one for years to come.”
The Triple Crown of Rodding will feature an elite-level awards program with more than 40 state-of-the-art trophies including the Triple Crown Winners: Best Street Rod, Best Street Machine, Best Street Cruiser, Best Truck (up to ’72) Best Truck (’73-’87) and Best Truck (’88-’98). A brand new 2023 Chevrolet Pickup Hot Rodded by Alloway’s Rod Shop will be given away by luck-of-the-draw to one lucky registered participant.
And if you want star power, there is a long list of A+ builders that will be there that use DEI products, doing meet-and-greets, showcasing their builds, and choosing their favorite vehicles for their very own custom award and trophy. Meet celebrity builders like Phil and Jeremy Gerber (Roadster Shop), Jonathan Goolsby (Goolsby Customs), Jesse Greening (Greening Auto Company), Alan Johnson (Johnson’s Hot Rods), and many more top line builders and celebrities.
HICKSVILLE, OH (04.25.23) – The Wholesale House (TWH) is extremely excited to add Deaf Bonce Car Audio to its already impressive lineup of 12-volt products. TWH and Deaf Bonce worked together through numerous emails and conversations, with TWH’s Jason Wisecup (Purchasing) securing the line for TWH.
“We are excited to add such a quality line of amplifiers, subwoofers and speakers. Deaf Bonce is a brand that a lot of our customers have been asking for and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” stated Wisecup. He continues with “TWH has been searching for the right partner to fill some big opportunities and we did just that!” The Wholesale House became an authorized distributor April 13th and after receiving our first truckload we are ecstatic to see it flying off the racks.
Check out the new lineup of Deaf Bonce at TWH. Call your sales rep or see the full line at www.twhouse.com
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.25.23) – Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show opens May 1 at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade event taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry.
By bringing together all segments of the industry – including racing and performance, mobile electronics, hot rod and restoration, restyling and car care, collision repair, trucks, offroad, powersports, overlanding, and wheels and tires – the SEMA Show is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great.
Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show opens May 1 at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade event will take place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“With the worldwide automotive industry gathered together in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show gives attendees the once-a-year opportunity to connect as a global community,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA VP of Events. “Attendees build meaningful relationships, develop trust, and strengthen bonds that lead to partnerships and real results. They are engaging on a level that doesn’t compare to anything else.”
Registration of only $40 per person is open to buyers and attendees who sign up between May 1-June 30. Early registration also ensures that applicants will receive important news and updates about the SEMA Show in advance, including actual badges in the mail before the event in November.
“The most successful attendees at the SEMA Show are those who secure their badges early,” said Gattuso. “In addition to saving money, Showgoers who register early benefit by learning about special events, opportunities, and discounts.”
Upon registering, attendees will be guided on exclusive discounts for hotels, best practices for connecting with exhibitors, links to sign up for free educational seminars, details about networking events and activities, tips for navigating the Las Vegas Convention Center, the ability to request a travel visa, and more.
SEMA Show registration is offered in three primary categories – attendee, exhibitor, and media – and everyone must qualify to attend. For more information about qualifying documents and the 2023 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
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