Alpine Welcomes Jason Hannon as New Regional Sales Manager for Western Regions

AUBURN HILLS, MI (08.17.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) welcomed Jason Hannon as the new Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States. Hannon will oversee the sales and marketing activities for the Alpine brand in the following territories: Washington, Oregon, California, northern and western areas of Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Hannon to the Alpine Aftermarket Brand Division and believe his extensive experience in the industry, as well as his strong sales and marketing skills, will bring value to our Western dealers and positive growth to the company,” said Mike Anderson, Alps Alpine North America Brand BU Executive Director.

Jason Hannon

Hannon brings over 20 years of sales and marketing experience as well as experience coordinating and attending industry events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Mobile Electronics KnowledgeFest, and more.

With experience at notable audio companies like Triton, where he supported brands like Triton Audio and Alliance Audio as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and AVA Enterprises, managing brands like BOSS Powersports, BOSS Elite, and Planet as the National Sales Manager, Hannon has a strong history of creating and executing effective sales and marketing strategies that have increased growth and brand awareness.

“As the industry continues to evolve, it is more important than ever that retailers are able to partner with a brand that understands innovation and partnership, and Alps Alpine delivers just that,” said Hannon. “I am very excited to join the Alps Alpine team and look forward to growing the Alpine Experience in the Western Region.” 

Hannon will be posted in Orange County, CA.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Alpine to Attend the Annual Ocean City Jeep Week in Maryland

AUBURN HILLS, MI (08.16.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. will attend the Ocean City Jeep Week in Ocean City, Maryland from Thursday, August 25 to Saturday, August 27 where they will have exciting new vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep driver.

Exciting Upgrades Designed for Jeep
Featuring the latest in Jeep-specific dash and sound system offerings from Alpine, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler will be on-site for product demonstrations so attendees can experience the new High-Resolution i509-WRA-JL with a High-Definition, Weather-Resistant 9-inch screen and wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The i509-WRA-JL 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. High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) can stream music from popular Hi-Res streaming platforms or directly from a smartphone for incredible music detail and high-precision music reproduction.

To demonstrate the head unit integration capabilities, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will also feature a premium night vision DVR-C320R Dash Camera with built-in drive assist and impact recording. 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.

“Switchback,” Alpine’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator, will also be on-site with a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorized Bluetooth speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.

The Alpine Event Truck and Trailer will be open to visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned lounge area located in the trailer.

All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine Authorized Retailer Proline Car Stereo 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.

Alpine will also provide three Turn1 AD-SPK1 Portable Bluetooth Speakers for the Ocean City Jeep Week raffle. Each Ocean City Jeep Week event participant will receive two raffle tickets in their registration packet, with winners announced Thursday and Friday after the Show & Shine event and mid-day Saturday from the main event stage.

Visit alpine-usa.com and oceancityjeepweek.com for more.

Register Now for SEMA Garage ’23 Toyota GR Corolla Measuring Session

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.16.22) – In partnership with Toyota, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 GR Corolla, September 13–14.

The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.

Four ’23 GR Corolla models will be featured, equipped with:

  • 300hp/273 lb.-ft. torque, 1.6L turbocharged G16E-GTS engine.
  • Exhaust composed of a three-piece muffler.
  • Six-speed manual transmission.
  • GR-Four all-wheel-drive drivetrain with user-selectable torque split.
  • Reinforced chassis for added stiffness and rigidity.
  • Available Torsen limited slip differentials (F/R).
  • Standard 8-in. touch-screen display.
  • Available eight-speaker, JBL premium sound with subwoofer.
  • Standard 18-in. wheels and 235/40R18 tires.
  • Automatic high beams.
  • Dynamic radar cruise control.
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Click here for event registration details.

Less Than 80 Days Until the 2022 SEMA Show

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.15.22) – The 2022 SEMA Show is about 12 weeks away. Here’s a rundown of key deadlines, including early-bird and advance rates available for several booth services, as well as checklists to keep you on track and on budget.

Complete Deadlines Checklist – Take advantage of Early-bird rates—order before the deadlines!
The deadlines checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and much more.

Budget Checklist – Double check your Show prep.

The budget checklist form allows you to keep track of all your costs and ensures that you are adequately prepared for your experience at the SEMA Show.

Upcoming Exhibitor Deadlines – Take advantage of discounts by acting before the deadlines.

Click here for a complete listing of 2022 SEMA Show deadlines.

More information on the 2022 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.

MasterTech Expo in Mesa, AZ – Win Trip & Registration

TORONTO, ONTARIO (08.15.22) – Enter for a chance to win the Ultimate Fab Experience! 2x lucky winners (1x from Canada, 1x from USA) will have the chance to partake in the highly anticipated 2023 Mastertech Expo in Mesa, Arizona with an all-inclusive prize package that will include flights, accommodations, meals and full-access training program. Learn from the best of the best instructors in workshop sessions and be a part of the most exclusive, professional-grade training opportunity on the planet.

2 LUCKY WINNERS WILL BE DRAWN: 1x Winner from the United States and 1x Winner from Canada

Contest is open to verified North American 12-volt industry installers and fabricators only. Not available to residents of Quebec.

Contest Duration: Friday August 5th, 2022 and runs until Wednesday November 23rd, 2022

Winners will be drawn live and announced on air during our final CMA Roundtable Episode on Wednesday November 23rd at 8pm ET. Good luck to all participants!!!

Click here to register

The PowerBass #29 Roars into the Thunder Road Harley Davidson 200 at South Boston Speedway

ONTARIO, CA (08.12.22) – The #29 Powerbass Chevrolet Camaro driven by Brian Obiedzenski rolled into South Boston VA., at the South Boston Speedway for the Thunder Road Harley Davidson 200 in the NASCAR Advanced Autoparts Weekly Series. With a 5th place finish last week Brian and the crew hoped to set the bar a little higher as Erik Harbour of PowerBass was on site for the weekends race events! 

Play the video above and check out all of the action from the track!

The sun was out early for race day on Saturday as Brian and the #29 PowerBass Camaro rolled out of the trailer to prep one last time for qualifying and the nights race. The crowd was ready for a fun night packing in the stands with well over 10,000 people in attendance. The night started with qualifying followed by a “Pit Party” for all the spectators to come down to the track and meet the drivers. Brian and the Powerbass Camaro had a great line of fans taking photos and getting autographs while listing to music played on the PowerBass BT-200 SPLT Portable Bluetooth Speaker!

2022 marks the 20th NASCAR season of competition that Obiedzenski has competed in. The Franklinton, North Carolina driver has competed across the country in multiple divisions and has claimed 48 Feature Victories in his career. Race coverage can be seen on FloRacing.com, and follow Brian and the team on their 2022 Season charge:

LIVE FROM PIT LANE in the POWERBASS GARAGE!

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spins Out a Winner Every Friday

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (08.12.22) – The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the first time almost 4 years ago. With each spin there is a happy 12volt retailer receiving a prize from a top company in the 12volt industry. Dealers that follow the 12volt News on Instagram or #12voltspin have their store’s slip placed in the jar.

The Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner 190 on August 5th, A-Plus Audio & Tinting in Newington CT, will be receiving their JBL prize via FedEx. We know Josh Cain will rock with the JBL CLUB 625SQ Speakers.

The JBL prize for Wheel Winner 190 A+ Audio & Tinting is ready to be shipped.

The Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner 189, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO received the Kenwood DVR-A301W Dash Cam on August 9th. Jared Nelson will put the prize to good use in the store.

The Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner 187, Sidexside Audio in Charleston WV, received the NavAtlas prize. Doug Bowen is excited to put the NavAtlas NHR1 Handheld radios to the test on the trail.

ZierBox won the 12volt News $100 prize on June 10th…Spin-To-Win 182. We reached out by Instagram message several times requesting an address to send the check with no reply. Hope we can reach Todd in the Dallas area to get the check in the mail.

12volt brands on the 12volt-Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, JVC, Alphasonik, DS18, JBL, PowerBass, USA Spec, KENWOOD, AIS, SiriusXM, CRUX, NavAtlas and Nakamichi. There are 12volt News spaces on the Wheel and we love sending winners a $100 check in the mail.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel was created to have some fun across the 12volt industry and rolls each Friday morning. That day we contact the winning 12volt retailers, post an image of the winning dealer’s slip along with a video of the spin.

Follow @12voltnews on Instagram for more.

MB Quart Heads to Loveland, CO for Overland Expo Mountain West 2022

LOVELAND, CO (08.11.22) – Bringing the audio and adventure to the great outdoors of Colorado, MB Quart is heading to Loveland for Overland Expo Mountain West 2022. The Overland Expo continues to be the premier Overlanding event series in the world and is shaping up to be a fun and amazing opportunity for MB Quart. Jeep Tuned Audio Kits will be taking center stage showcasing immersive audio ready to take on the conditions and handle adventure to the fullest.

Taking place over three days from August 26th through August 28th, Overland Expo Mountain West 2022 begins on Friday at 8:00 a.m. (GMT) and runs through 3:00 p.m. (GMT) on Sunday. All of the audio action and fun takes place at “The Ranch” in Loveland, Colorado. With over 250+ exhibitors specializing in Overland, outdoor, adventure travel, motorcycle gear, and equipment, the Overland Expo Mountain West 2022 is the perfect event to exhibit, inspire others, and showcase outdoor and product knowledge over three days. MB Quart is continually investing in the Overland category and industry with events as they have proven to result in crucial success for demonstrating and showcasing products.

For MB Quart, Jeep has stood as an exploration beacon for the open road, off-road, and everything in between that adventure calls upon. Purposely Engineered Jeep Tuned Audio Kits unleash exploration with a concert right in your Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT vehicle. Every Purposely Engineered Jeep Tuned Audio Kit is a direct replacement for all OEM speakers and features Plug & Play OEM fitment.

Exclusively available for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT, there are 11 different audio kits to choose from, including a Stage 6, 6-speaker, 800-watt stereo speaker upgrade kit that integrates with the OEM source unit. Exclusively for the Gladiator JT, there is an add-on subwoofer kit that includes two 8-inch subwoofers and a 400-watt mono amplifier. The subwoofer enclosure is under the rear passenger seats and will make it feel like the concert is happening right there in the back seat. Take on the journey ahead with a sound that produces concert levels of performance while remaining completely undistorted on every hill or sharp turn on the trail.

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “We are extremely excited to continually attend Overland Expos as we have found incredible success from them in the past. The Overland category places audio in the middle of the great outdoors, and MB Quart has solutions that can enhance and transform every outdoor adventure into something more. I am excited to see what Overland Expo Mountain West 2022 will hold!”

Building on the excitement of returning to Overland Expo/Mountain West 2022, Rob Anderson, Marketing and Creative Director, said, “The team at MB Quart and Maxxsonics are going all-in on Off-road and Overlanding. We continue to see huge growth in this segment, and with the team personally loving the Overlanding lifestyle, we want to bring the audio experience to every outdoor adventure.”

After already having a hugely successful Overland Expo Pacific Pacific Northwest 2022 event, MB Quart is looking for similar growth and success at Loveland, Colorado, for Overland Expo Mountain West 2022.

For a breakdown on what Jeep Tuned Audio Kit is perfect for your vehicle installation, head to the MB Quart website at https://mbquart.com/shop/products/mobile/mobile-vehicle-kits/.

For complete event/show details on Overland Expo Mountain West 2022, follow the link at https://www.overlandexpo.com/mtn-west/.

Restylers: Master Your Craft at PRO’s Installer Training on August 18

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.11.22) – Technicians, installers, shop management and shop owners still have time to sign up for a one-day installer training and general membership meeting, hosted by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).

Taking place at Auto Image in Plainwell, Michigan, August 18, 2022, the training is the only program of its kind where technicians and shop owners connect directly with accessory manufacturers and get educated on industry standards and installation best practices.

This year’s event will include trainings from Katzkin, Llumar, Brandmotion, Voxx and Champion Auto.

If you are a shop owner or installer, you are invited to sign up for the free event to:    

  • Get facetime with accessory manufacturers in an intimate setting.
  • Level up your product knowledge and invest in your team.
  • Learn tricks of the trade from manufacturers to get a competitive edge.
  • Network and learn in a real shop environment instead of your typical trade show.
  • Explore revenue opportunities and get introduced to products you may not know.
  • Meet and learn from other shop owners and sales personal throughout the area.

All attendees are also invited to attend a PRO networking event at Old Burdick’s in Kalamazoo from 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. the same evening, as well as attend a Cars and Coffee at the SEMA Garage Detroit on August 19 and stay for the Woodward Dream Cruise on August 20. Auto Image is a two-hour drive from SEMA Garage Detroit and the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Don’t wait. Save your seat by clicking here

NavAtlas Introduces Universal Rear-View Mirror Command Center

BREA, CA (08.10.22) – The NavAtlas NA82M is the world’s first SXS Smart Rear-view Mirror Command Center. The NA82M features a IP66 rated 8.1” 1600 x 480px touchscreen, built-in off-road navigation and Bluetooth Audio Steaming from any smart device or media source. The digitally enhanced audio tuner delivers superior sound quality when connected to any audio system.

“The new NA82M is in stock and we are shipping” Patrick Brooks, National Sales Manager, stated.

Patrick Brooks proudly presents the new NA82M in the NavAtlas Studio at the Brea CA HQ.

The easy to mount NA82M has 3-point mounting holes in the rear of the mirror to directly mount to a
stock CanAm X3 cage rear-view mirror location. The NA82M also comes with a universal cage mounting bracket giving it the freedom to mount to any vehicle regardless of model, make or year.

The new NavAtlas NA82M IP66 8.1 Universal Rear-View Mirror Command Center is shipping.

Additional features include IP66 Rated that protects against dust and water, 8.1” 1600x 480pxl Hi-Res TFT LCD Touch Screen LCD Brightness (800nit), Built-in Off-Road Navigation (United States Loaded), Built-in Bluetooth (Supports A2DP Music Streaming), Audio/Video Playback via USB No FM Tuner, (Stream Stations from Smart Device via Bluetooth), (1080p Video and Hi-def Audio Support), 4V Preamp output (Front/Rear/Sub), Shock Proof 10G Vibration Tested, UV Resistant Conformal Coated PCB, Universal Rocker Switch (To power down the device when the Vehicle is stored for any length of time), Direct Mount to CanAm X3 stock Roll cage Rear-view Mirror location with Universal Cage mount included that will Mount to any Vehicle.

“The new NavAtlas definitely raises the bar for off road performance” Brooks concluded.

Visit navatlas.com for more.