Maximizing ROI: Why You Need to Go to the 2023 SEMA Show

Posted on April 12, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA Show.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.13.23) – Automotive specialty-equipment manufacturers are geared up and eager to connect with attendees at the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31–November 3 in Las Vegas. It’s been said that four days at the SEMA Show can deliver years of planning and development, and with exhibitor numbers expected to top 2,000 companies, buyers and media will have plenty to explore at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The commitment we’ve seen from exhibitors is a positive sign that companies are excited to reconnect face-to-face,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It’s also a sign that companies are confident that they will have new products and stories to share.”

The future of the industry at large is on display at the SEMA Show, providing the best opportunity of the year to reconnect with peers and colleagues and create new contacts. The Show features countless education sessions and council and networking events to help build your business, career and professional network.

Meanwhile, SEMA officials are finalizing new features to further evolve the Show and deepen attendee engagement. To help attendees get their best return on energy and investment, we turned to Gattuso and SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins for some behind-the-scenes insights.

Industry Exhibitors Geared Up for 2023 SEMA Show Attendees
Eager to connect with buyers and media in person, introduce new products, develop relationships and tell their company stories, the 2023 SEMA Show was on track to exceed 2,000 exhibiting companies as of press time.

An up-to-date exhibitor list of the major automakers, iconic aftermarket brands, and new, first-time exhibitors confirmed for the Show can can be viewed at http://www.SEMAShow.com/participating-manufacturers.

Advantages of Meeting Face-to-Face
The SEMA Show is driven by connections, and brings exhibitors, buyers and media from around the world together for the automotive aftermarket’s most impactful business-to-business experience. Its in-person nature delivers key advantages that other forms of connecting simply can’t match.

When you meet in person, you can read body language, see facial expressions, use context clues and better get to know someone’s personality.
The automotive aftermarket prefers to meet face-to-face, without potential distractions or technical difficulties.
It’s more effective to brainstorm, generate ideas and discuss what is working, and what is not, face-to-face.
Conducting business in person provides the opportunity to engage in purposeful small talk, deepening relationships, loyalty and trust.
Research shows face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than those sent by email, and that a physical handshake promotes cooperation and influences negotiation outcomes for the better. (MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab)
According to a Forbes Insight study, 85% of people say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person meetings and conferences.
According to a Harvard Review study, 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships.

SEMA Week Expands in Las Vegas
At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. The event will add a new dimension to SEMA Week.

Over a planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show—the specialty-equipment industry’s premier automotive trade event—at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3.

For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to register, visit http://www.SEMAShow.com.

Not to be confused with the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest will be an enthusiast-focused event open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue—the Las Vegas Festival Grounds—Friday and Saturday, November 3–4, 2023. It will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.

To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit www.SEMAFest.com.

AlloyGator Wheel Protection Systems Offer Profit Opportunities For 12volt Retailers

Posted on April 12, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Alloy Gator.

LOMITA, CA (04.13.23) – John Haynes-AlloyGator and Nayeem Khan-Smart Details Auto Spa were recently chatting up the business opportunities in wheel protection systems. Smart Details Auto Spa, in Lomita, CA, not only does professional detailing on site, they also offer mobile services in the greater Los Angeles area.

*Nayeem Khan (L) and John Haynes in the Smart Deals Auto Spa showroom in Lomita CA.*

“They love the AlloyGator product because it ties in directly with their customer base and business model plus allows them to add profit dollars to their existing business” John Haynes AlloyGator USA, related.

A scuffed rim could cost a consumer $500. The dealer cost to protect all 4 wheels with AlloyGator is $129.95 for 4 wheels. With a normal markup and installation the AlloyGator sale to an automotive enthusiast is very profitable….with a minimal investment.

Continuing “They’re a great contact for mobile electronics retailers in the area that need a wholesale connection to purchase any and all detailing supplies. Smart Details has a fully stocked showroom and offers wholesale accounts to local businesses, or shop directly from their website at SmartDetailsAutoSpa.com“.

*AlloyGator offers in-store counter displays.*

Alloygator is the #1 Wheel Protection System and is seeking supporting dealers all over the country. Contact John Haynes at 661.600.3617 or jhaynes@alloygatorus.com

JL Audio Appoints Heritage Marketing Solutions as New Representative for Illinois-Wisconsin 12-Volt Markets

Posted on April 10, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry, Industry News and tagged JL Audio.

MIRAMAR, Flor., – April 11, 2023 – JL Audio, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio solutions for the mobile, marine and powersports markets, announced the appointment of Heritage Marketing Solutions to its network of sales representatives. Heritage Marketing Solutions will be responsible for promoting and selling JL Audio’s extensive lineup of premium mobile, marine and powersports audio solutions to 12-Volt retailers throughout Illinois and Wisconsin from their base in Itasca, Illinois.

Heritage Marketing Solutions principals Steve Block and Samuel Yoo have extensive experience in 12-Volt sales and marketing, having worked with top-tier audio companies throughout their careers.

“We are pleased to welcome Heritage Marketing Solutions to the JL Audio team,” said J. Todd Wilson Area Sales Director for JL Audio. “Their extensive industry experience and commitment to customer service and satisfaction align perfectly with our values and mission. We are confident that they will help us grow our business in the Illinois-Wisconsin markets, while providing exceptional service and support to our customers.”

“We are thrilled to partner with JL Audio,” said Steve Block, Principal of Heritage Marketing Solutions. “Their commitment to quality and innovation is very well established, and we are excited to help them support their retailer base and grow JL Audio’s business in the Illinois-Wisconsin markets. We look forward to working with our customers to provide them with the best audio solutions available on the market.”

About JL Audio:

Guided by a philosophy that great audio has real value, JL Audio develops innovative products that improve the audio experience on the go, in the home and in the studio. Committed to unique engineering and quality manufacturing, JL Audio operates three U.S. engineering facilities, and builds many of its home, car and marine loudspeaker products at the company’s Miramar, Florida, USA factory, with components sourced from the company’s global supply network. For more information about JL Audio, please visit www.jlaudio.com

Celsus welcomes Matthew Clarkson to UK sales team

Posted on April 10, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Celsus UK.

Celsus UK, Poole based distributor for high quality audio, electronics and noise & heat control
solutions, is thrilled to welcome Matthew Clarkson to their UK sales team in the role of National
Accounts Executive.
Matthew will report to Pete Gilmore, Celsus Head of Sales, and be responsible for growing sales for
the company’s portfolio of market leading brands. Matthew joins Celsus with a proven track record in
high ticket sales, a passion for the motor industry and experience with car audio. Matthew will
strengthen the company’s position as a service driven, value-add distributor who seek to deliver
enjoyment to their customer base and supply chain.
Commenting on the appointment Paul Baker, Celsus Managing Director said
“We are delighted to bring Matthew on board, his enthusiasm for our industry and professional sales
approach makes him a fantastic addition to the Celsus team. His experience with car audio will make
him an asset to both our company and our amazing customers”.

Matthew Clarkson added
“I am incredibly pleased to start a new chapter in my career with Celsus and to develop my skills and
knowledge in an industry I truly love. I look forward to working with Pete, the Celsus team and also
the range of customers in the coming months along.”

After a period of training Matt will be arranging visits to understand customer needs and how he can
help moving forward.
Contact: matthew.clarkson@celsusgroup.net / +44 (0) 7548 759 433 / http://www.celsusice.co.uk

JL Audio Introduces Compact and Versatile XDM Amplifiers for Land or Sea

Posted on April 6, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged JL Audio.

MIRAMAR, FL (04.07.23) – JL Audio has unveiled its new XDM series of compact amplifiers for the automotive and marine
markets. Thanks to marine-grade materials, XDM amplifiers are suitable for installation in boats, cars, trucks, and SUV’s and all models are available immediately at JL Audio authorized dealers.

“Our XD line of car amplifiers and M-series marine amplifiers have been the industry benchmarks for compact amplifiers,” said Brian Power Vice President of U.S. Retail Sales at JL Audio. “The XDM series of amplifiers is a welcome evolution to these product lines, simplifying inventory for our retail partners by working equally well in both car and marine applications.”

XDM series amplifiers are available in a wide range of configurations and power levels, offering incredible versatility for simple and complex system designs. The new XDM amplifiers feature a rugged black powder coated chassis and gasketed control cover, with JL Audio Blue accents.

Quality Sound from Start to Finish

Starting at the source, XDM series amplifiers are equipped with Differential-Balanced Inputs that combat induced cable noise and allow for the use of conventional RCA cables, while delivering many of the benefits of a true balanced connection. XDM amplifiers also feature an exclusive, selectable mode input filter for noise-free performance in boats or cars.

XDM amplifiers feature JL Audio’s high-performance NexD™ switching technology, allowing these compact amplifiers to deliver powerful, audiophile-grade sound quality with very high efficiency and reduced demands from the vehicle or vessel’s charging system and batteries.

XDM amplifiers feature a variety of studio-grade filter options. Each subwoofer amplifier/sub channel features a low-pass filter with a filter range of 50Hz to 500Hz and 12 or 24 dB/octave filter slope options. Full-range amplifiers/channels feature a high-pass filter with a 50Hz to 5KHz filter range, and some also add a bandpass filter option. Both high-pass and bandpass filters offer a 12 dB/octave filter slope. To further dial in the listening experience, XDM amps feature a remote level control port, and can be paired with optional JL Audio HD-RLC and MHD-RLC amplifier remote level controls.

Keeps The Music Playing When Things Get Hot

For those days where tunes need to be cranked at full blast, XDM amplifiers are designed to prevent annoying shut down events. With JL Audio’s exclusive Advanced Rollback Protection technology, should XDM amplifiers approach an unsafe operating temperature, a special circuit lowers peak power output, without changing gain, until the amplifier cools down. Once the amplifier cools down, the circuit restores full peak power output.

To find your nearest JL Audio authorized dealer, click here.

SoCal Students Connect with Local Businesses at ETTN, SAE Event

Posted on April 6, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

More than 200 top university students met and connected with industry professionals at the recent SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair, held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.

The students, who are members of formula and Baja SAE competition teams, are among top prospects who have been challenged to design, fabricate and compete with Formula-style race cars. They had an opportunity to network, get a close-up look at resources available through the SEMA Garage and meet with established companies to discuss potential career opportunities. Students also gained feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations in advance of the forthcoming SAE competitions.

SEMA-member companies in attendance included Acceler8, Antigravity Batteries, Automotive Testing and Development Services, Battle Motors, California Air Resources Board, Closed Loop Engineering, Denso, Hellwig Products, High Expectations, Moog Aircraft, Motivo, Performance Machine, Rail Propulsion Systems, Redline Detection, Scorpion EV, Steamericas, Toyota and 4 Wheel Parts.

Participating schools included Cal Baptist, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State University Northridge, Long Beach State, USC, University of San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Merced, Chico State, Loyola Marymount University, Caltech and five high schools.

ETTN and SAE will host a second event on April 29 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. SEMA-member manufacturers in the area are invited to sign up their companies to participate in the career fair, where they will help students explore career opportunities and inspire them in their career paths.

Click here to sign up your company.

The CMA EXPO Scored Big on the Event Floor and in Packed Training Sessions

Posted on April 5, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

TORONTO, CANADA (04.06.23) – From Friday, March 24th, through Sunday, March 26th, over 300 mobile enhancement experts from retailers across Canada assembled in Toronto to attend the first-ever CMA Expo dealer training and networking event. The CMA EXPO was a collaborative effort to connect retailers, distributors and leading top Industry trainers. The team at CMA Networks executed the event which showcased booths and training seminars from the leading Canadian 12v distributors which featured over 80 brands, making it a unique offering in the Mobile Electronics Industry.

What made the event unique was the ability for dealers to work with their sales representatives to place booking orders and kick off the 2023 season with some serious momentum and knowledge. The success of the CMA EXPO can be attributed to the unwavering support of Canadian retailers, the tireless efforts of the industry leading trainers, the incredible participation of the exhibiting distributors and their partnering brands. In addition, each company had access to classroom-style training rooms to provide in-person education sessions on product features and applications.

*Attendees waiting for the opening bell*

*Over 80 brands were featured on the event floor.*

Frank Spezzano, the President and Executive Producer of CMA Networks, noted, “being able to provide retailers across Canada with an event that was custom-tailored to our country’s unique business model worked perfectly to launch the 2023 season. The support from all the companies and retailers involved was remarkable.. We are honoured to have been chosen to facilitate this distinguished gathering of professionals.

” Ben Woo, Content Director and Webcast Host for CMA Networks added, “I think the appetite for the Canadian 12V industry to get back to the in-person experience that only a live event can deliver was definitely long overdue. There’s still a buzz about the ‘Delivering the Best Car Audio Systems’ and ‘The A to Z of Car Audio Retailer Marketing’ presentations from Friday and Saturday evening.”

*Rick De Sclafani showcased his RDV products in expansive Importel Ltd area.*

*CMA EXPO training sessions were packed.*

Hot on the heels of this event’s success, planning is underway for next years CMA EXPO. Information will be available at www.cmaexpo.ca.

CMA Networks would like to send a special thank you to all our exhibiting partners for making the inaugural CMA EXPO a huge success.

KICKER Marine Audio Heads West to Bring KICKING Sound to Sponsored Boating Events

Posted on April 4, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Kicker Marine.

STILLWATER, OK (04.05.23) – KICKER Marine Audio brings premium sound to two large powerboating events on Lake Havasu, Arizona–Desert Storm April 19-23 and Super Cat Fest West, April 26-29. The two events take place on back-to-back weekends of boating action to bring performance boat enthusiasts to Lake Havasu City, a boating Mecca for the country’s West Coast.

KICKER Marine Audio again joins the new owners of Desert Storm for this 25th Anniversary event. KICKER is especially visible as presenting sponsor for the annual Street Party on Thursday, April 20. Jim Russell, an event producer for 30 years, co-owned the event with its founder, Jim Nichols, Sr., who several years ago, sold it to his daughter-in-law and son, Christina and Jim Nichols, Jr. After several years under their operation, Russell and Lake Havasu realtor and community leader Steve Tichnor wanted to ensure that the event stayed in Havasu, so they invested in buying it back.

Says Russell, “Thanks to the wonderful long-term sponsorship of KICKER Marine Audio, joining with new title sponsor, Anderson Powersports, we were able to acquire the event and make minor changes, making sure it stays in Lake Havasu. We are boating enthusiasts and this event has a place in the hearts of everyone in Havasu—it deserves to stay here and grow!”

KICKER Marine Audio has traditionally brought its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle), a travel edition of its famous headquarters’ “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street for the “Eye of the Storm” Street Party. KICKER’s Real Marine sound equipment will also be seen on many of the millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats that will be displayed from 1-9 PM, including boats like the DCB owned by Rod Voegele of California-based Gatorwraps, also located in Lake Havasu, and the Rinker Flotilla owned by Jeff Cuvelier of Elite Audio of Havasu. Both boaters and businessmen are big KICKER Marine Audio fans as Gatorwraps adds the visuals to many KICKER-equipped customer boats, while Cuvelier has installed KMA products for years.

“Jeff provides an excellent example of what KICKER can bring to the party,” says Jeremy Bale, KICKER Marine Audio brand manager, “His own Rinker boat and his customers can attest to the top-sound quality of KICKER and its excellent performance in the marine environment. We are pleased to add our continued support to this anniversary event.”

*Eliminator’s new Speedster with KICKER Marine Audio and Jeff Cuvelier’s Rinker loaded with KICKER gear!*

Jake Fraleigh of Eliminator Boats is also planning to bring a new Ferrari Red 27 Speedster with twin Mercury 400 engines loaded with KICKER sound equipment to the event. Fraleigh calls the open-bow boat “a perfect example of the company’s dedication to lifestyle, functionality and performance—both with speed and sound.”

The event is moving this year to Havasu State Park where the white sandy beaches of “Windsor 4” will serve as VIP headquarters. On Friday, April 21, the Parade of Power will travel from Thompson Bay to the Bridgewater Channel, passing under the London Bridge. Then, a Poker Run where Russell says “the waters will boil” with over 100 participants, led by the area’s First Responders and a KICKER Boat, will round out the day and end with a party for all participants.

On Saturday, April 22, the Sugrue’s Shoot Out event will run from 9 AM- 4 PM from the Site Six Launch Ramp. The ¾-mile closed course Shoot Out is being organized by Russ Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises and promises to be an exciting event with the best fan viewing from the park’s surrounding bluffs. The King and Queen of the Desert top speed title awards will be presented at the party that evening with record breaking speeds expected.

Preceding the performance events on Wednesday, April 19 is the annual Kruisin’ for a Kause as volunteer powerboaters with big engines and big hearts take area residents with special needs on boat rides, culminating in a BBQ lunch with karaoke entertainment at Lake Havasu State Park.

The next weekend, Super Cat Fest West takes the annual Lake of the Ozarks event to Lake Havasu, thanks to event producer Alvin Heathman, joined by sponsor River Dave of River Dave’s Place. This boaters’ event boasts Title Sponsors KICKER Marine Audio, Eliminator Boats, Franko’s DLA-M44, Gatorwraps and Dixxon Flannel, the latter which will show its Dixxon Eliminator 28’ Fundeck, and new Eliminator 27’ Speedster. Other sponsors include Elite Sound; Ilmor Marine who will unveil a new power package; Horizon Motorsports, a local boat dealer sponsoring the Saturday night party; Hamilton Marine Finance; Detail Specialties; and Barrett Custom Marine. Private sponsors will also bring notable boats, like DCB and Mauricio & Angie Vivanco with their DLA-M44 DCB, Kenny Gonzales and his well-known 48 MTI, “Wave Adios” and many other high-performance cats.

Heathman says they are looking to get the town “more involved” as the event draws boats from across the country to explore Lake Havasu, which he sees as a similar boat culture to Lake of the Ozarks, “just with different scenery and smaller—but more concentrated. Lake Havasu is amazing in its own way—there is always something performance going on here—it’s a giant playground and I think it is the perfect setting,” he adds.

Since Heathman found logistics a bit more challenging in Havasu, he engaged a new development, Havasu Riviera Marina, to host the event. The marina has a new dock, boat ramp, well over 100 boat slips and can accommodate the many visiting boats and trailers for a three-day street party with food trucks, vendors and entertainment. “It will be like an offshore racers’ village,” says Heathman. He also plans a two-day fun run on land or water where people can explore on their own, visiting local businesses and bringing back receipts to turn in for poker hands. “It will be more casual—come and go as you please,” he says. The Friday and Saturday night parties include the popular Boom Bandits Entertainment group, along with awards, hot rods and boats—including the KICKER-outfitted “Boom Toon.”

The Saturday fun run and evening party will feature an auction for $5,000 in KICKER Marine Audio sound equipment for Super Cat Fest for Kids. The event benefits the “forgotten kids” of Lake Havasu and will give money directly to local schools for lunch programs that some underprivileged kids’ families cannot afford.

For more information visit Desert Storm or Super Cat Fest West and watch for social media posts from all involved.

DOW Technologies Wins Three Quest for Quality Awards

Posted on April 4, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged DOW Technologies.

TAMPA, FL (04.05.23) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, was recently awarded three Quest for Quality Awards in CE Pro’s 13th annual competition. DOW has received awards in the competition each of the past three years.

CE Pro’s Quest for Quality Awards recognize the services offered by distributors and manufacturers that supply custom integrators. The Awards are open to distributors across the nation with winners determined by votes from CE Pro’s readers. This year, over 18,000 votes were cast in this prestigious competition.

DOW Technologies received the Platinum Award for the Best Customer Service category. This is the second year in a row that DOW received the top prize in the category. DOW was awarded silver in the Best Technical Support and Best Shipping Policies categories.

“I am so proud of the team’s effort to retain the Best Customer Service Platinum award,” stated Eric Friedman, custom integration strategic sales manager. “We put a lot of focus on ensuring our customers have the best experience on every interaction, anywhere from complex system designs to easy product returns.”

“We feel honored to have been recognized in the Quest for Quality awards again, and are thankful for the support of our customers,” added director of sales Drew Fischer. “Awards like this are representative of the strong company culture that puts customers first. Whether it’s our shipping policy that continues to provide customers new benefits, or the way we work with vendors to make returns easy, every employee at DOW is focused on the best customer experience.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900. To read more about the CE Pro Quest for Quality Awards 2023, click here.

ZZ2 Announces a New Addition to the Lexus ZZPLAY Family

Posted on April 2, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged ZZ-2.

PALM BEACH, FL (04.03.23) – ZZ2 has announced another great addition to the Lexus ZZPLAY family. The new ITZ-GX-A is compatible with Lexus GX460 with factory navigation from 2014-2021.

The ITZ-GX-A provides a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto solution for most Lexus GX460, fully integrated with the factory touchscreen. The new GX kit allows the customer to use the factory mic, Bluetooth (for phone calls), retaining the factory audio quality during phone calls. It also supports Siri and Google assistant, for voice commands, and it provides a front and rear camera input, USB playback and it allows drivers to mirror their smartphone. With the ITZ-GX-A there is a solution for all Lexus models from 2013-2021.