SEMA Launch Pad’s Automotive Entrepreneurs and Inventors Featured on Television Special

Posted on February 1, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.02.22) – SEMA Launch Pad, the automotive industry’s product-pitching competition that has propelled inventors and entrepreneurs to successful, thriving businesses since 2013, will be featured for the first time on a nationwide television special on February 13 on the History Channel.

The 2021 competition included a record-high 200-plus competitors vying for the program’s largest grand prize ever, valued at $100,000. The program features 15 semifinalists who competed live in Las Vegas, where they pitched their products and ideas to a panel of industry experts and icons that included Chip Foose (Foose Design), Jared Hare (Addictive Desert Designs), Myles Kovacs (DUB), and Alex Parker (Redline Detection).

The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad, the automotive industry’s product-pitching competition, will be featured for the first time on a nationwide television special on February 13 on the History Channel.

“We’re excited to bring the SEMA Launch Pad to a nationwide television audience,” said Ted Wentz, SEMA Board Member and Chair of the SEMA Launch Pad Task Force. “For years, the SEMA Launch Pad has encouraged and supported product innovation and new ideas. The television program will give a new audience the opportunity to see the depth of the industry’s innovation.”

The automotive industry has been following the 2021 competition through a five-episode YouTube miniseries that generated almost half a million views. The upcoming television special includes brand-new, exclusive coverage of the finale, with the top two finalists competing in front of thousands of industry professionals at the world-renowned SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Viewers will watch as competitors both triumph and falter along the way, with judges asking hard questions and providing candid feedback.

“The Launch Pad is a competition designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs succeed and grow,” said Wentz. “To see the competition unfold on television is inspiring. We hope that it encourages others to bring new products to the marketplace as well.”

To learn more about the SEMA Launch Pad, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

TURY USA Ships First of Many New FAST Products

Posted on February 1, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged HKI USA, TURY.

DANIA BEACH, FL (02.02.2022) – TURY USA is shipping its first of many new products. FAST, a throttle response enhancement module gives the driver the boost their car needs. With 36 different levels of adjustment, FAST will be sure to make the driving experience a lot more fun!

“This is a must-have for those smaller engine cars and diesel truck owners. WIth the added anti-theft and valet modes, this throttle response kit is perfect for every application!” stated Marty Deane, National Sales Manager.

For more information, contact info@hki-usa.com

Oracle Lighting Launches 9-Inch LED Spotlight For Jeeps, Trucks, & Off-Road Vehicles

Posted on January 31, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

METAIRIE, LA (02.01.22) – Oracle Lighting has announced the launch of the 9-inch Multifunction 120-Watt LED Spotlight for Jeeps, trucks, and off-road vehicles (p/n 2917-023). The round post mount is now available with an MSRP of $289.95. Oracle’s 7-inch Multifunction 60-Watt LED Spotlight (p/n 2915-023) is also now available with an MSRP of $199.95.

“Whether you are conquering the off-road or just enjoy exploring at night, having adequate lighting is important to spot obstacles in your path,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “This new auxiliary light from Oracle Lighting is designed to offer superior illumination for any Jeep, truck, or off-road vehicle.”

Incorporating both TIR (Total Internal Reflection) and LED Reflector Facing Technology, this design creates a high-quality light output with a precision beam pattern. By combining both optic technologies, this light provides an average 30 degree beam pattern and projects up to 500 yards away.

“The integrated LED marker lights feature both white and amber LEDs which can be used for parking lights, DRL, and/or turn signals,” Hartenstein continued. “This multifunctional automotive spotlight is the perfect solution to your lighting needs. With an Ingress Protection Rating of IP68 and a heavy-duty blacked-out housing, this nine-inch spotlight is rugged enough to last through all of your adventures with an LED lifespan of 80,000+ hours.”

Additional features and specifications include:
• 4x 20w LEDs + 4x 10w LEDs
• Draw: 8.5 Amps @ 12VDC
• Raw/Effective Lumens: 12000lm / 9600lm
• Peak Intensity: 282500cd
• Input Voltage: 9V – 36V DC
• Warranty Period: 1 Year
• ETM Thermal Management Technology
• Compliant with ECE R112/R7/R10
• Heavy duty U mounting racket
• Stainless Steel 304 mounting hardware
• Under/Over voltage protection
• Reverse polarity protection

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

ORCA Ships New Auditor EVO Line for 2022

Posted on January 31, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

CAMARILLO, CA (02.01.22) – ORCA Design and Manufacturing announced it is currently shipping the latest models of its popular Focal Auditor line. Rebranded Auditor EVO, the line adds two slim versions of its 6.5-inch component and coaxial speakers as well as a redesigned tweeter.

The 2022 Auditor EVO line consists of six coaxial kits ranging from 4 inches to 6×9 inches, along with three component kits in five-inch and 6.5-inch sizes. The inverted-dome tweeter in each has been redesigned with the stylish Focal logo in black and the component versions come with surface mount cups and flush-mount bezels.

The 6.5-inch ACX 165 coaxial and ASE 165 component set gain slimmer counterparts in the ACX 165S and ASE165S. The speaker depth is reduced by 25 percent thanks to a redesigned basket and magnet structure. The resulting technology maintains quality midbass performance while enabling fit into doors and panels with limited depth.

“Auditor has been a great addition to the Focal line, especially as more customers opt to perform value-focused upgrades to their factory systems,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for ORCA. “We’ve worked closely with Focal to bring new options to our retailers that fit more applications. The addition of shallow drivers let more drivers experience Focal’s superior audio performance.”

All models of the 2022 Auditor EVO line are currently shipping to authorized Focal retailers. For more information, visit focal-america.com.

Nakamichi Year-End Wrap Up

Posted on January 30, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Nakamichi.

MIAMI, FL (01.31.22) – Last month, Diplomat Trading hosted Robin McNeal and Jason Proios at their Miami headquarters for several days of meetings. The meetings were capped by a video conference with the sales and marketing staff from Nakamichi Asia which featured virtually remote representatives from Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

Pictured left to right are Jason Proios, Robin McNeal and David Bradman in the Nakamichi showroom.

Topics of discussion included new models, market trends, sales projections and of course product availability. Production schedules were finalized for products that would ship before the Lunar New Year. “I feel better now about Q1 inventory,” noted Robin McNeal, National Sales manager for Nakamichi Car Audio. “To date we have introduced five new 2022 head units; two Double DIN (one with CarPlay and Android Auto) and three single DIN models. We should have several new CarPlay-Android Auto units to show at the February KnowlegdeFest in Las Vegas.”

Award for an Outstanding Job was presented to Robin McNeal.

During the trip McNeal was presented with a special award For an Outstanding Job in 2021. “I am very honored to receive this recognition and want to thank everyone involved that helped grow the Nakamichi business,” stated McNeal. ”A special thank you goes to David Bradman at Diplomat for giving me this opportunity.”

Since returning to the U.S market in 2020, Nakamichi Car Audio has expanded its dealer network both direct and through select distribution to car audio retailers in all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii.

For more information about Nakamichi Car Audio visit www.nakamichicaraudio.com

MTX Audio Announces New Polaris RZR Audio Kits and Components Available for Pre-Order

Posted on January 30, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged MTX, Polaris.

PHOENIX, AZ (01.31.22) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing pre-order for their new audio kits and components for Polaris RZR Pro XP Side-by-side vehicles is now available through their website and authorized dealers. The new products are compatible with all 2020 and newer models.

The four main Thunder audio kits consist of three and five speaker options with power coming in at a thundering 1000 watts RMS for vehicles equipped with and without the Polaris Ride Command system. These complete audio solutions feature all wiring and hardware needed to quickly get you behind the wheel enjoying the industry-leading sound quality and trail tested durability you’ve come to expect from MTX Audio.

In addition to these, MTX is also offering two OE add-on audio kits that can expand or improve an existing factory audio system. First is the add-on subwoofer kit that comes complete with a loaded 10” ported subwoofer enclosure, 600-watt monobloc amplifier, amplifier mounting system and complete plug and play wiring. The second is the rear speaker kit to add a set of 6 1⁄2” coaxial cage mount speakers with integrated RGB lighting. This kit includes the speakers, mounting hardware, RGB lighting controller, plug and play harness and OE interface.

Also available for pre-order are the new PROXP-20-FS front component speakers with integrated RGB lighting and the PROXP-20-SW subwoofer enclosure for the same series of vehicles. The front speaker system features an all-weather 6 1⁄2” midrange driver preinstalled in a rotationally molded enclosure that mounts in the factory location beneath the dash. Combined with that is a high output, soft dome tweeter that mounts in the existing housing on the top of the dash. These components have been engineered to maximize your audio experience without sacrificing legroom or sound quality while riding. The PROXP-20-SW features a high output 10-inch subwoofer in a high mounted, ported design that installs in the dash. The enclosure is intended to be coupled with the MUD600-1 mono-block amplifier and features a front firing design to maximize bass output. The port allows it to produce deep vibrating bass while the high mount placement prevents water intrusion in most riding applications.

With an expected shipment time of mid-March, you won’t want to delay in getting yours secured today and be the first in your group to show off the next best audio solution in UTV audio systems. For more information and to find an MTX dealer near you visit them at www.mtx.com.

PowerBass Shipping The New BT-50 SoundCube

Posted on January 27, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged PowerBass.

ONTARIO, CA (01.28.22) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes when not in your car than with PowerBass’ new BT-50 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This portable speaker has built-in 1200 man Li-ion battery for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied USB charge cord and let the music play!

The new BT-50 portable Bluetooth speaker features FM radio, SD card, is true wireless stereo and waterproof design IPX7.

Packed with great features such as bluetooth, FM radio, SD card, and hands-free calling, the BT-50 also comes equipped with TWS pairing for True Wireless Stereo playback. Connect 2 separate BT-50 Sound Cubes together for an immersive stereo sound experience or share your tunes with a friend while out on a hike. The adventures never have to end with your PowerBass Sound Cube!

The BT-50 PowerBass Sound Cube is bluetooth-ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android and more. It provides a hands-free microphone so you can also take calls while enjoying tunes.

Do you want to listen to your favorite local radio station or catch the big game while relaxing at the pool? The BT-50 has a built-in FM radio tuner! If you are hosting a party with a playlist, this device has you covered as well. Simply slide your SD card into the BT-50 and let your playlist roll!

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

PowerBass Shipping New BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Posted on January 26, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged PowerBass.

ONTARIO, CA (01.27.22) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes when you are not in your car than with PowerBass’ new BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This portable speaker has dual built-in 1500 man Li-ion batteries for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied dual USB-A to USB-C charge cord and let the music play!

“This new BT-200 is pretty darn cool and sounds great,” stated David Holland, Shiflet and Dickson GM, pictured in the Gastonia NC showroom.

The PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT takes TWS True Wireless Stereo to a new level when you remove the rubber bumper protector and SPLIT your BT-200 into two speakers! Place them across the room or on each side of your pool or anywhere within 30 feet to completely surround yourself and your friends with this new modular stereo sound.

The BT-200 splits into two pieces for stereo and features passive radiators for enhanced bass.

The BT-200 PowerBass SPLIT is bluetooth-ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android, and more.

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

SEMA Offers Exclusive Professional Development Training for Future Leaders

Posted on January 26, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.27.22) – A new Professional Development Program launched by the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN, formerly Young Executives Network, YEN) is helping aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket reach greater levels of success. Sponsored by FLN in partnership with Dale Carnegie, the two-day, in-person program focuses on improving individual and business performance and is available exclusively to FLN members at a significant discount.

“The SEMA Future Leaders Network is committed to helping aspiring leaders advance in the industry,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso. “Partnering with a world-class organization such as Dale Carnegie is just one example of what we are doing to invest in the membership. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to participate in the Dale Carnegie Training, and I’m excited that other FLN members will have access to the program as well.”

While Caloroso’s employer, Driven Lighting Group, supported his participation in the Dale Carnegie Training, most aspiring leaders in the industry do not have such opportunities. To make the training attainable for all employees, including junior level executives and those from small businesses, FLN is subsidizing 50 percent of the cost of the training, plus offering free hotel and meals for two days, two nights to a limited number of members.

“It’s important to invest in training, and the Dale Carnegie Program is among the best that is available,” said Brian Reese, current CEO of T Sportline and Caloroso’s employer at Driven Lighting Group at the time of the training. “Nick has always been a terrific leader and team member, but the Dale Carnegie program has given him greater skills and knowledge to become an even better leader. He’s learned strategies and tactics that many seasoned professionals have yet to learn.”

The program, which will take place in March 2022 in Diamond Bar, California, will teach participants to:

Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations
Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions, and listening
Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios
Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward
Use emotional controls to sustain success

The program is available at half of Dale Carnegie’s regular fee and includes complimentary meals and hotel accommodations for two nights. (Cost for the program is $1,600 direct from Dale Carnegie.) Participants will also need to arrange their own travel to the event.

The program is limited to 25 FLN members, but any SEMA member company employee aged 40 and under can apply for FLN membership at no cost. Individuals interested in learning more can visit pages.message.sema.org/FLN-Profession-Development/ or contact Denise Waddingham, FLN Director, at deniselw@sema.org

Nominations Open for 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame

Posted on January 25, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.26.22) – Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open at www.sema.org/hof

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

March 18 is the deadline to submit nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA VP of Councils and Membership. “Our industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”