CAMARILLO, CA (03.17.23) – ORCA Design and Manufacturing, supplier of premium automotive audio brands and accessories, announced select products from its represented brands will be featured at the12vdashboard.com, a website that matches audio applications with the components designed for the specific vehicle. Products will include Focal’s INSIDE line of car model-optimized kits and audio products for Harley-Davidson, as well as Gladen speaker kits for BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In addition, installation professionals will be able to identify the correct plug-and-play harnesses for Tesla, Mercedes-Benz and BMW from Gladen’s new Sound Up harness line.
The12Vdashboard.com services the car audio industry as a simple lookup tool that matches a desired installation or integration application with the parts and accessories that fit, based on vehicle year, make model and sub-model. The site offers a seven-day trial for qualified users.
“Focal and Gladen produce automotive integration speakers, components and harnesses that combine premium performance with perfect fit,” said Nalaka Adikari, ORCA national sales director. “By partnering with the12vdasboard.com, we ensure industry professionals can find and offer upgrades that deliver the ultimate quality from factory locations.”
For more information on vehicle-specific products from ORCA-represented brands, visit orcadesign.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.17.23) – The SEMA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have improved the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These individuals have gone above and beyond the normal course of business to enhance the stature of the industry and/or the association’s growth.
While many well-known names are often nominated for the program, it’s important that SEMA doesn’t overlook leaders and innovators who may not be as well known. There are many unsung heroes who contribute to and impact the industry greatly—and the association needs input from members to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
Nominate an industry trailblazer who deserves the prestigious honor before March 17 at sema.org/hof
To qualify, the candidate must have been involved in the specialty-equipment automotive industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, be at least 50 years of age prior to the 2023 SEMA Show and their contributions must have extended throughout the national or international level.
Candidates who are deceased qualify for nomination at any age, as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
WENATCHEE, WA (03.16.23) – IASCA Worldwide has chosen a date and West Coast location for SPL competitors unable to attend the main SPL location for the 2023 IASCA World Finals.
The IASCA World Finals West Coast satellite event will take place on October 1st in the Pavilion at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center in Salem, Oregon. The venue offers 50% more space than last year’s event allowing for more vehicles and better traffic flow throughout the event.
Competitors gathered for a photo as the 2022 West Coast Satellite Finals event wrapped in Albany, OR.
“With the increase in West Coast membership and the desire to attend a West Coast Finals event, finding a larger venue to accommodate was very important to meet the needs of our West Coast members,” said IASCA President Travis Chin. “The Pavilion at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center was an ideal choice to meet those needs.”
The IASCA World Finals East Coast date and location will be announced in the very near future.
“We’re working on a combined East Coast Finals event with EMMA, MASQ and ISPLL.” Chin continue, “I believe it’ll be one of the strongest Finals events in recent history!”
West Coast satellite location competitors will be able to pick up their pre-registration packets and set up on September 30th.
DORAL, FL (03.16.23) – Chuck Kenney has joined Blaupunkt Car USA as the company’s National Sales Manager.
With a 30+ year career in the 12volt industry Kenney brings a new dimension to the Blaupunkt sales team.
“Job description Number One at Blaupunkt is to reach out to contacts, dealers and distributors, across the industry to let them know the tremendous product lineup Blaupunkt has in place and the opportunities offered in the marketplace,” Kenney stated.
Chuck Kenney in the well stocked Blaupunkt warehouse in Doral, FL.
Continuing, Kenney offered, “I am a Florida resident and have been spending time at the Blaupunkt facility in Doral and I’m very impressed with the amount of inventory packed into the large warehouse. I am excited and look forward to hitting the road very soon.”
Most recently Kenney was on the sales team at DS18. Previous companies on Kenney’s resume include Massive Audio-National Sales Manager, Epsilon-National Sales Manager, VOXX-Regional Sales Manager, Design Engineering-National Sales Manager and SSR Distributors are included in Kenney’s 30+ 12volt industry career.
DANIA BEACH, FL (03.15.23) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and Tury Vehicle Enhancement products, announced new distribution channels for the Mid-Atlantic Territory.
Davis Distribution Systems, and long time member of the HKI USA family, was asked to take on a new roll as the distribution partner for the Mid-Atlantic Territory.
“I look forward to working with all the Davis Distribution Team and above all supporting all our Retail Partners with our HKI USA Brands,” stated Elias Ventura, Territory Manager for the Mid-Atlantic.
This addition expands Davis’ coverage to include MD, VA, DC, DE & East PA, from the existing WV, OH, TN, KY and West PA territory
As part of this expansion, Davis has also started working with Tury Automotive Enhancement Products from HKI USA, giving their dealers access to some cool new security and convenience products.
ENGLEWOOD, CO (03.15.23) – VAIS Technology has released new satellite radio integrated solutions specifically designed for 2022-23 VW Atlas, Atlas Sport, Tiguan, Taos, Jetta, and Golf vehicles. This solution allows owners of these models to add SiriusXM satellite radio to their existing factory stereo, without compromising factory functionality.
“Since 2003, VAIS Technology have been developing satellite radio adapters for vehicles that aren’t equipped from the factory with SiriusXM tuners,” stated Dennis Hopper, EVP. “While satellite radio is more popular than ever, many new OEM vehicles still don’t come equipped from the factory with satellite tuners. For 2023 several more OEM’s have removed satellite tuners from their platforms. Over the last few years Ford, Honda, Kia, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, and other have removed satellite tuners from their base model vehicles. VAIS Technology develops simple, easy to install integrated solutions that add satellite radio, but preserve factory functions.”
The new kits provide coverage for new VW models. Also, all these models are compatible with the GSR-UV01 (universal unit) which can be flashed using online software. This allows dealers to only stock one unit to do almost all applications. This adapter connects directly to the original factory radio and allows the vehicle owner to listen to satellite radio through the existing factory system. The VAIS integrated solution also allows for full control of satellite radio functions – changing stations, setting presets, steering wheel functions, etc.
GSR-VW02 and GSR-UV01 is available for order now. Retail price is $349.99 with SXV300 tuner included.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.14.23) – The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), a subset network of the Specialty Equipment Market Association that supports and raises awareness of women in the automotive industry, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.
The network, which encourages and supports women pursuing careers in the automotive field, represents over 700 female and male members spanning across various occupations and markets in the aftermarket industry.
Since 1993, the SBN has developed and managed industry-focused programs for women, including networking and recognition opportunities. Most recently, it completed its second all-female vehicle build, hosted its second annual Women’s Leadership Forum, and continues to spotlight the stories and careers of women in the automotive industry though its #SheIsSEMA campaign.
“SBN’s history is one of ambition and progress, and we couldn’t be more excited for the community that we have created,” said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “It’s a network where all women are recognized and supported for their contributions to this thriving industry.”
To celebrate the milestone, the SBN launched a campaign to highlight the stories and members of the network throughout SEMA and SBN communication channels. The campaign will run throughout 2023 and culminate at the SBN 30th Anniversary Reception and Party at the SEMA Show in November.
“There is no better time than now to reflect on what the SBN has achieved,” added Bradle. “Looking to the future, we aspire to further foster growth, support, and community for women.”
To learn more about the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, visit www.sema.org/sbn.
NEW YORK, NY (03.14.23) – SiriusXM will offer listeners nationwide extensive coverage of NCAA® March Madness® – a favorite time of year for sports fans – carrying play-by-play of the entire 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, as well as play-by-play coverage of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. In addition to tournament game broadcasts, listeners will also get the most in-depth expert analysis leading up to and throughout the tournament on SiriusXM’s exclusive 24/7 college sports talk channels.
From the First Four on March 14-15 in Dayton, Ohio through the Men’s Final Four® and National Championship game on April 1 and 3 in Houston, SiriusXM will air every game – from the tip to the final buzzer – of the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.
SiriusXM will air NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship games, including live play-by-play of every game from the Sweet 16 through the Women’s Final Four and National Championship game on March 31 and April 2 in Dallas, plus select early round matchups.
All of the Men’s NCAA Tournament game broadcasts, and the Women’s NCAA Tournament game broadcasts from the Sweet 16 through the National Championship, are provided to SiriusXM by Westwood One, the official network radio partner of the NCAA.
Tournament matchups and SiriusXM channel assignments will be available at siriusxm.com/sports starting Monday, March 13.
On Selection Sunday®, March 12, SiriusXM listeners will get up-to-the-moment coverage as tournament teams and first round matchups are announced:
On Mad Dog Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 82), Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and Steve Torre will host special Selection Sunday coverage live from 5 – 9 pm ET.
SiriusXM College Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 84) will air Selection Sunday specials from 5 – 11 pm ET. At 5 pm ET, Kris Budden and Sean Farnham will host coverage of the men’s bracket reveal, then Chris Plank and Nicole Auerbach will take over as the women’s bracket is announced at 8 pm ET.
The official NCAA Tournament Selection Show produced by Westwood One will air on CBS Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 158) from 6 – 9 pm ET. Hosts Jason Horowitz, PJ Carlesimo and Debbie Antonelli will cover the reveal of both the men’s and women’s tournament brackets.
These shows will feature interviews with special guests, including team coaches as well as NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee Chair Chris Reynolds and NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee Chair Lisa Peterson.
Hall of Famer and five-time national champion former head coach of the Duke Blue Devils Mike Krzyzewski will expand his presence on SiriusXM throughout the tournament. Basketball and Beyond with Coach K, which Krzyzewski has hosted weekly on SiriusXM since 2005, will air twice weekly on SiriusXM College Sports Radio for the next three weeks of tournament play. Fans will hear Coach K preview games and react to performances by players and teams, as well as Coach’s compelling one-on-one interviews with guests that listeners enjoy every week.
SiriusXM’s exclusive, dedicated college sports channels – SiriusXM College Sports Radio, SiriusXM ACC Radio, SiriusXM Big 12 Radio, SiriusXM Big Ten Radio, SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio and SiriusXM SEC Radio – will offer daily expert analysis throughout the tournament from former players, coaches and other college sports insiders. These channels will be a place for fans to call in and discuss the performances of their favorite teams and conferences.
Men’s and Women’s Tournament games, as well as SiriusXM’s exclusive 24/7 college sports talk channels, are available to subscribers nationwide in their cars and on the SXM App.
DANIA BEACH, FL (03.13.23) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and Tury Vehicle Enhancement products, announced a new Representative for New England and New York.
As brands grow, building a team that can support the passion and love for the products and this industry is important. Who better to grow a brand than MEA’s 2022 Rep Firm of the Year, The 12Volt Specialist.
The addition of Lord Phil Chartier brings some new excitement to the territory, with a deep rooted member of this industry. “I look forward to helping the existing HKI dealers with any of their needs, and have a positive outlook that new dealers will be successful and profitable with the HKI brands in both New England and NY” says Lord Phil as he takes the reins of the newly combined territory for HKI USA.
POMPANO BEACH, FL (03.13.23) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration is proud to release the first of its kind Radio Replacement for the 2007-2017 Maserati GranTurismo the MAS-SCREEN. There are 3 sku’s for the 3 different radio trim options MAS-SCREEN (Gloss Black / Matte Black / REAL Carbon Fiber) This radio with all 3 available trims are shipping now! In stock!
Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV said about the new radio “This new radio is a game changer! Until now it was extremely complicated to change the radio in the Maserati GT. This new plug n play radio is a massive upgrade to the vehicle as it also incorporates digital climate controls. I have worked hard to ensure that this radio is fast, stable, and reliable. The hardware used is the best available and the result is a truly impressive product. I stand behind my products 100% and these radios have a 3 year warranty. I will also be releasing a radio for Bentley and Infiniti shortly.”
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