Industry

MasterTech Expo to Feature Bitchin’ Rides’ Dave Kindig

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World-famous vehicle customizer to talk with attendees and conduct live design session.

TEMPE, ARIZ., October 8, 2021 – Mobile Solutions announced that Dave Kindig, renowned vehicle designer and star of Motortrend TV’s Bitchin’ Rides, will join the first annual MasterTech Expo, scheduled March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Kindig will sign autographs for automotive aftermarket attendees, but more importantly, he will conduct a live design session and share his creative process with attendees.

Dave Kindig is the co-founder and designer of Kindig It Design, a custom car fabrication shop in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kindig It Design reimagines vehicles with full body transformative capability that starts with pencil and paper under Kindig’s hand. The shop is also the subject of the Motortrend TV show Bitchin’ Rides, which chronicles the design, build and delivery of some of the world’s most creative cars and trucks. With Co-founder Charity Kindig, Shop Foreman Kevin Schiele and a hyper-creative team of automotive professionals, the Kindig It Design brand enjoys worldwide popularity among automotive enthusiasts.

At MasterTech Expo, Kindig will provide attendees a unique and immersive look into his methodology. As part of his presentation, one of his shop’s most recent builds will be on display at the show. Kindig will take the audience through the intricacies of the design elements, providing thought processes, tips and techniques that are typically valued as a designer’s trade secrets.

In addition, Kindig will take the stage on the exhibit floor and talk the audience through a series of live designs, with cameras displaying his work on overhead screens. The session is scheduled separate from class and exhibit times and therefore open to all attendees and exhibitors.

“With MasterTech Expo, we are committed to embracing the entire automotive aftermarket community,” said Bryan Schmitt, show founder and owner of parent company Mobile Solutions. “Our objective is to bring tremendous value to our attendees with brands, classes, tools and products from every segment of the industry. In talking with Dave, we were thrilled to find that he is aligned with our vision and is excited to join us at MasterTech Expo and share his knowledge with other professionals.”

For more information, or to register for MasterTech Expo, please visit mastertechexpo.com.

Metra Ships New Dash Panel Kits Designed for Older Model Ford, Lincoln, and Dodge Ram Trucks

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Holly Hill, Fla. 10/08/2021 – Metra Electronics, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive solutions, is now shipping two new dashboard panel kits designed to upgrade older model SUVs and trucks with a larger Double-DIN radio. These new solutions give installers an easier way to fit a larger aftermarket radio into the dashboard without labor-intensive custom fabrication, bringing modern technology to older vehicles.

DP-5859 for Ford and Lincoln

Metra’s DP-5859 replacement dashboard panel is custom textured and includes multiple trim panels and brackets to cover different vehicle options and trim levels. It is designed to fit 1997 to 2004 Ford and Lincoln SUVs and trucks. Metra suggests that installers paint the factory vents black to match the new panel. An installation video is available at https://youtu.be/1PJpgXl86tE.

DP-5859 Specifications

●     Replacement dash panel for Double-DIN radio

●     Designed to fit:

○     Ford Expedition 1997-2002

○     Ford F-150 1997-2003

○     Ford F-150 Heritage 2004

○     Ford F-250 1998

○     Lincoln Blackwood 2002

○     Lincoln Navigator 1997-2002

DP-6551 for Dodge Ram

The DP-6551 replacement dashboard panel is custom textured and designed to fit select 1998 to 2002 Dodge Ram trucks. Is it not designed for 1998 models with a single knob headlamp switch or 12volt power in the upper right corner of the dashboard*. A product video is available at https://youtu.be/2Yq3fasSS98.

DP-6551 Specifications

●     Replacement dash panel for Double-DIN radio

●     Designed to fit*:

○     Dodge Ram 1500 1998-2001

○     Dodge Ram 2500 1998-2002

○     Dodge Ram 3500 1998-2002

These two new dashboard panel kits are in stock and available now.
*See MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information and additional fitment details.

SSV Works Offers Industry’s Only In-Stock Polaris RZR Pro XP Audio Solutions

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OXNARD, CA (10.07.2021) – SSV Works (www.ssvworks.com), the market leader in powersports and off-road audio systems, is proud to announce that it currently offers the industry’s only in-stock weatherproof Polaris RZR Pro XP full aftermarket audio solutions for both Ride Command and non-Ride Command equipped vehicles.

“With full kits available as well as front and rear-door 6.5-inch speaker pods and a 10-inch subwoofer sold individually specifically for Ride Command-equipped Polaris Pro XPs, SSV Works offers the ideal add-on solutions for dealers improving factory-equipped systems,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO.

SSV Works’ easy-to-install, plug-&-play weatherproof Polaris RZR Pro XP full aftermarket audio solutions for both Ride Command and non-Ride Command equipped vehicles include 2-, 4-, 5-, and 7-speaker kits.

For more information, visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

2021 SEMA Award Finalists Announced

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.07.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a member-organization dedicated to advancing the automotive and automotive aftermarket industries, announced finalists for the 2021 SEMA Award, a recognition presented to new vehicle models that provide the aftermarket with the best platforms for customization. Voted on by SEMA Show exhibitors, winners will be announced at the annual trade-only event on November 2-5, in Las Vegas, Nev.

This year’s award program includes a new category for mid-size trucks. Other categories include car, full-size truck, 4×4/SUV, and sport compact. Exhibitors identified the top three finalists in each category that best showcase their products and accessories.

The top three finalists in each category are (in alphabetical order):

SEMA Car of the Year
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Ford Mustang
• Nissan GT-R

SEMA Mid-Size Truck of the Year
• Ford Ranger
• Stellantis Jeep Gladiator
• Toyota Tacoma

SEMA Full-Size Truck of the Year
• Chevrolet Silverado
• Ford F Series
• Stellantis Ram

SEMA 4×4/SUV of the Year
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Ford Bronco
• Stellantis Jeep Wrangler

SEMA Sport Compact of the Year
• Honda Civic
• Nissan Sentra
• Toyota Supra

These vehicles represent today’s most popular models based on their potential for customization. Aftermarket manufacturers are investing in the vehicles for their ability to have upgraded performance, styling, comfort, convenience, and safety. The program creates awareness for aftermarket products and highlights the ongoing collaboration between SEMA, automakers, and aftermarket manufacturers to bring quality products to market. SEMA also helps aftermarket manufacturers with product development through the SEMA Garage, measuring sessions, 3-D printing, technology transfer, and more.

For additional information about the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

Kicker Sponsors the 7th Annual Car Audio Championships

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STILLWATER, OK (10.06.2021) – Kicker returns to co-sponsor the 2021 Car Audio Championships, held at the North Alabama State Fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals October 8-9, and then again at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville, AR, October 23-24.

The SPL portion of the Championships will take place in Muscle Shoals, coinciding with some additional West-Coast locations. The Sound-Quality Finals will take place in Bentonville two weeks later. KICKER is a sponsor for both events.

“The Championships represent the elite of the competition world, both for SPL and sound quality,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER’s Marketing Director. “KICKER believes in the importance of competition, which is why we’ve supported the sport for so many years. A passion for audio drives these competitors. That same passion pushes us and our products to evolve. It’s a kindred spirit.”

MECA, dB Drag Racing, IASCA and EMMA USA are all partners in producing the Car Audio Championships. Competitors have accrued points throughout the season to gain an invitation to the SQ and SPL championship events. With hundreds of vehicles participating in multiple locations and thousands of spectators, the event will be a destination for all things audio, as local audio retailers are promoting it around the area.

The dB Drag Racing competitors will have the option to compete from Muscle Shoals, or a the Sacramento, CA site. Web-enabled competition will allow any competitor to go head-to-head in either location and still be part of one large event.

Open triple-point events will also be held at the same time as the invitation-only Championships, allowing local can national competitors to have an opportunity to kick off the 2022 competition season with a high-point event.

Both Championships will run on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm.

Visit CarAudioChampionship.com, dbdragracing.com, iasca.com, and mecacaraudio.com for more.

Race Sport Lighting to Reveal Patented Technologies at KnowledgeFest Trainings

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RINGWOOD, IL (10.06.2021) – Every year, Race Sport Lighting partners with Knowledge Fest to exhibit at a booth and train dealers, installers and counter salespeople at shows around the country. This week at Indianapolis is no exception, as Race Sport Lighting will be conducting two dealer-focused trainings on Friday and Saturday in Room #109. The main goal of the trainings will be to discuss their new lighting technologies and solution-based products to make sales and installs easier on newer vehicles.

Race Sport Lighting will also be exhibiting in their 10’x30’ booth for dealers to visit and learn about new lighting technologies. Staff will be available in the booth all weekend to answer any questions. The booth will feature a custom UTV loaded with their new L8 Series RGB a la carte system including a 40” light bar, (4) L8 auxiliary cubes and a rock light kit. Race Sport Lighting will also have on display their nationwide best-selling Terminator LED Kits, the fast-growing DRIVE Series V2 LED kits and their USPTO patented GEN4 LED system launching in November of 2021.

“This K-Fest booth is going to light up the hall! Dealers are going to have a ton of great training resources to learn about and see in person. We will have a team communicating in the booth all weekend. We are going to make a clear statement that when it comes to the lighting category, we are the leader. We are the preferred vendor for a reason with 15 years of pioneering the lighting category as we continue to release exclusive patented technologies.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting

Visit www.racesportinc.com for more.

PowerBass Rocked the World’s Biggest Sand Sports Expo

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ONTARIO, CA (10.05.2021) – PowerBass headed out to the 2021 Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa CA. for the first public event in over 2 years! The show was packed with over 60,000 people in attendance from all over the USA as this is the premier Sand Sports event in the country!

The PowerBass booth stayed busy all weekend with our staff on hand to answer questions and help our consumer customers get the best set up for their UTV’s and other off-road vehicles. Of course a great PowerBass event wouldn’t be complete without the lovely ladies of PB this weekend we had the Sarah’s duo in the booth and the show goers were met with smiles as they entered the booth to check out all of the amazing products on display.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and big thanks to those that took home some great PowerBass gear for their rides! Special thanks to all of our dealers in attendance and those selling at the show, customers said they were seeing PowerBass from the front of the show to the back! The XL-50 V2 series sound bars were the hit of the show with the XL-1250 and XL-850 being the #1 sellers amongst all audio products at the show! We hope you all had a successful year at this years event and thank you for your support!

Check out our newest video for highlights from the show as we can’t wait for next years event that is sure to be bigger and better than ever!

Visit

2021 SEMA Show Mobile App Now Available for Download

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.05.2021) – The official 2021 SEMA Show mobile app is now available for download from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or via the QR code below.

A great tool to maximize your time at the Show, the official SEMA Show app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. This year, the SEMA Show app will feature a scanning function that will allow attendees to quickly capture product and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display throughout the Show as well as the ability to scan and save products from the New Products Showcase. The app puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket.

2021 SEMA Show mobile app features include:

Scan the QR to download the app
  • Interactivity: Users can receive detailed information about feature vehicles displayed throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center. By simply scanning a vehicle’s QR code, located on a feature vehicle sticker attached to the vehicle during check-in, the app will display the vehicle’s year, make and model; information on the exhibitor displaying the vehicle; and a list of products used on the vehicle. The app also allows users to access a list of exhibitors from 2019 and any saved product information.
  • Turn-By-Turn Directions: Find the quickest route from one place to another without the need of a GPS or data service. Simply enter an exhibitor name or room nearest to you and where you want to go, and the app will provide directions.
  • My Schedule: Create a schedule to keep track of the events you wish to attend.
  • New Products Showcase: View all of the products entered into the New Products Showcase, complete with detailed information and photos, exactly where within the Showcase the product is displayed, and directions to the exhibitor’s booth on the Show floor.
  • Product Scanner: Use your smartphone as a scanner at the New Products Showcase to create a list and map of the scanned products.
  • Maps: View floorplans of all SEMA Show halls and how/where they connect to make passage from hall to hall as easy as possible.
    Exhibitors: Look up all 2021 SEMA Show exhibitors by name, Show section or product category.
  • Events, Celebrity Appearances and Speakers: See lists of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers, including day, time and location.
  • Social Media: Keep up with the feeds of the official SEMA Show social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
  • Ground Transportation: Find the best way to arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Obtain information on the Las Vegas Monorail, rideshare and hotel shuttles, including pickup locations.
  • SEMA eNews: Stay up to date with the latest news before, during and after the Show.

For more information about the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com.

Trent Partners & Associates New Hire Announcement

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY (10.04.2021) – See the following announcement from Matt Gonzales of Trent Partners & Associates:

“I would like to formally announce that Trent Partners & Associates has come to an agreement with Ralph Luce to become our newest account executive in the New York market. Ralph comes to Trent Partners & Associates with an extensive work history at the retail level with both sales & installation.”

Ralph Luce

“Having personally worked with Ralph in the past on special projects and at shows I am extremely confident that Ralph will not only succeed in the manufacturer rep sector but become a rising star. His knowledge of the retail business in the mobile electronic category along with the local marine / powersport business will quickly become an asset to Trent Partners and its vendors.”

Trent Partners represents Kicker, VOXX including Directed, JVC Mobile, Orca brands (Focal & Mosconi), AudioControl Diamond/Cerwin Vega and DD Audio.

Ralph will be working the New York market with myself growing / servicing accounts in Brooklyn, Queens & Long Island. The first day in the field will be on October 4th… so please join me in welcoming Ralph to the Trent Partner family!

Visit trentpartners.com for more.

HKI USA Adds Another Member to Its Growing Team

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DANIA BEACH, FL (10.04.2021) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and the new HKI Mini DSP, is proud to announce another member to its growing family.

As 2021 starts to wind down, HKI is expanding upon its staff of Territory Managers, once again, with the addition of the new kid on the block, Daniel Mount. Dan will be taking the reins for Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas allowing HKI to expand its presence in this territory, and focus on representing their extensive line of car audio and powersports products.

Daniel Mount

“We fell Dan is going to be an amazing addition to our team,” stated Jacob Brown, Director of Operations for HKI-USA. “Due to his knowledge and love for our products and his experience and reputation in the territory as both a rep and retail owner, we are excited to see him work with our team of managers and partnered rep firms to continue to build and support our network of retailers.”

“I’m excited to grow the territory with HKI, and meet all the existing dealers in the territory,” explained Mount. “But, to be honest, I am excited to work for a great company, and even more excited to be working with an amazing group of people.”

For more information about our brand(s) and our growing family, visit hki-usa.com or e-mail info@hki-usa.com