PowerBass’ New GM Direct Fit Coaxial’s in Stock Now

ONTARIO, CA (08.05.2021) – Making any stock factory sound system sound fantastic is now a simple task with our OEM drop in replacement speakers for many Nissan and Infinity cars, trucks and SUV’s.

PowerBass OEM coaxials feature an Injection molded PP cone with a 1” silk dome tweeter, to deliver the music experience you have always wanted from your factory sound system.

The PowerBass OE-GM series 6.5″ coaxial features dual input terminal options made to work perfectly with early or late model Gm vehicles taking the worry out of which model fits your specific vehicle year.

With the PowerBass OE Series there is no need to drill holes, or cut wires thanks to our simple plug and play design that matches the factory bolt locations and plug styles for one of the fastest upgrades ever.

Upgraded OEM Replacement Co-Axial Speakers
OE652-GM – 60 Watts RMS/120 Watts Max
OE692-GM – 80 Watts RMS/160 Watts Max
Injection Molded PP Cone
Nylon OEM Speaker Adapter
1” Silk Dome Tweeter
OE652-GM – 20 oz. Magnet
OE692-GM – 35 oz. Magnet
Factory Plug and Play Wiring
OE652-GM dual input plugs
4-ohm System Impedance

Visit powerbassusa.com for more

KICKER Celebrates Employee Service in Awards Ceremony

STILLWATER, OK (08.04.2021) – KICKER celebrated the anniversaries of 55 employees on Tuesday, culminating with recognition of KICKER department heads Kim Wright and Lance Noble, both of whom are starting their fourth decade with the company.

Steve Irby

“I’m really honored,” said KICKER founder Steve Irby. “It’s rewarding to me to know somebody wants to stay here, and great to see people that are team players. I really value that.” KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s.

Held during a company-wide meeting, Irby presented the awards to each honoree. A pin with the KICKER logo was awarded for one year of service, a watch was given for three years and a ring for five years. Awards were also given to employees with 10-to-30-year anniversaries this year.

Visit kicker.com for more.

HKI USA Introduces New EVOX2 Line of Amplifiers

DANIA BEACH,FL (08.04.2021) – As technology changes, markets grow, and people make requests, HKI USA is proud to announce SounDigital’s new EVOX2 series of monoblock amplifiers.

Taking advantage of the patented designs that allowed us to make the EVOX Multichannel amps so small and the theories behind what makes the EVOPS so robust, our world as we know it has changed. We have combined these amplifier families to release a new series of full range mono amplifiers to help solve the need for massive power, small footprints, and great sound quality.

The all new 1600.1 and 3000.1 EVOX2 amplifiers, now available for pre-order, have been a long time in the making while the technology used in them has finally caught up to the demand of our retailers and their clients.

These amplifiers are just the beginning of this new series that will combine the small size and efficiency that we expect from the EVOX line of amplifiers, while offering solutions for the full range power requirements of many high output installations.

The amazing control these amplifiers have are perfect for the traditional application of mono amplifiers pulling subwoofer duty, while their design lends a hand to making sure it is one of the best sounding amplifiers in its category.

Visit hki-usa.com and soundigitalusa.com for more.

CE GUYS Headed to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021

CHICAGO, IL (08.03.2021) – CE GUYS is heading to Sturgis SD and The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021. The company’s booth is once again set up at the Ride N Rest Campground between Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle Saloon.

The CE GUYS rig is loaded and set for the 900+ mile journey from Chicagoland to Sturgis, SD.

“We increased our booth to a 10′ x 60′ this year and increased our install staff to six very talented bike audio installers. The onsite team includes Gus Rigas, Daniel Mount, Rene Enriquez, Nick Bishop, Mario Romero and myself. We anticipate doing 150 bikes this year,” Michael Foundation, CE GUYS Principle, stated.

The GE GUYS SounDigital bike was one of the first items in the trailer.

Continuing, “We will be fully stocked with SounDigital EVOX, EVOPS amps of every size plus Ground Zero speakers, 8″ and 10” mid drivers, and 10” subs. Also Nagy Rings, Diamond Audio, and Metra/Saddle Tramp lids plus lowers and accessories.”

Michael Foundation (L) and Gus Rigas pictured at the CE GUYS HQ before heading to Sturgis.

This year CE GUYS is excited to partner up with the very talented Bike Audio Specialists, Throttle Out Audio! The owner of Throttle Out is Gus Rigas who has been working rallies with the CE GUYS team for two years now. “Having Gus and his team as partners has taken our rally business to the next level in what we can do, and how many bikes we can turn out” Foundation concluded.

The CE GUYS Team, that will be in Sturgis Tuesday August 3rd thru Sunday August 15th, says “Come see us in Sturgis!”

Visit ceguys.com for more.

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Select Committee Participated in SEMA Leadership Meetings

LAS VEGAS, NV (08.03.2021) – The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Select Committee participated in the recent SEMA Leadership Meetings in Las Vegas. SEMA Board of Directors and Councils and SEMA staff discussed the critical initiatives the SEMA Board is focused on for our industry. SEMA will be publishing these initiatives in the very near future.

Now the SEMA HRIA select committee is heading to Louisville this week for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals hosting education days for the Hot Rod industry.

Left to Right – Kris Bluntzer-Empire Garage, Joe Kubiak-Wilwood, Tim McCarthy-Chair Elect HUSHMAT/ZyCoat, Danny Agosta-Chair Steele Rubber, Jeff Major- IPC Bed Wood, David Page-Edelbrock Group, Amy Fitzgerald-Cool Hand Customs.

Visit sema.org for more.

Steve Stern Announces Major MECA News

GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (08.02.2021) – “With rumors flying, I’d like to announce the sale of MECA, Inc to the Ballinger family, Bud, Shannon, and Salena, from Louisville, KY. We have a buy-out agreement in place that will take effect November 1, 2021. This includes the entire properties of MECA, Inc., including Sound Quality League, Sound Pressure League, Show & Shine, Ride the Light, MECA Kids, and all intellectual properties, i.e. trademarks, logos, Rule Books, etc.”

“I will complete the 2021 season and carry out all my responsibilities throughout both SPL and SQL Finals, and then turn over the business to the Ballingers.”

Salena, Bud and Shannon Ballinger (L to R) pictured at a previous MECA event.

“The excitement and vitality they will bring to our MECA club, contests and trade association will be important assets for our events and our industry. They have competed and judged as a family for many years, with State Championships and World Championships to their credit. Knowing the ropes as competitors, judges, and event directors gives them a unique and experienced insight into what MECA does and what MECA can do, with their vision and guidance.”

“For 23 years, since 1999, MECA has endeavored to be a family friendly, fun, and worthwhile organization for our varied members and the mobile electronics industry. Bud, Shannon, and Salena know the mission statements and goals MECA stands for and are dedicated to keeping the spirit and purposes of MECA strong, relevant and consistent with our founding principles.”

MECA Commish Steve Stern in the MECA office.

“I’d like to thank those who have supported my efforts to develop and maintain a meaningful organization. There are so many people who have contributed through-out the years and made MECA a viable business and organization. My appreciation and respect for these MECA friends are boundless. We have shared many memorable moments together, in the lanes and in our lives. MECA is about people, music, the gear and our vehicles. That’s not going to change.”

“Please welcome and support the Ballingers as they take on the responsibilites of MECA for you and the organization. We are very fortunate that they have embraced the excellence and longivity of our club and contests.”

More info and details to be announced as they unfold. Hope to see you at either the SPL or SQL Finals.

Visit mecacaraudio.com for more.

Words from MECA Commish Steve Stern.

SEMA Solidifies Detroit Presence; Selects Benjamin Kaminsky as Detroit Operations Manager

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.02.2021) – SEMA has announced the hiring of Benjamin Kaminsky as the new Detroit operations manager. Earlier this year, SEMA announced the purchase of a 45,000-sq.-ft. building in Detroit to be used as a second SEMA Garage. Kaminsky will be responsible for the overall management of SEMA Garage Detroit services and facilities to assist members with new product development and integration.

“Benjamin Kaminsky will be a great addition to our SEMA Garage team,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of OEM & product development programs. “He comes to SEMA with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry as an engineering and project manager having worked at both automakers and tier-one suppliers.”

Benjamin Kaminsky

Kaminsky will work closely with domestic and import OEMs, along with tier-level suppliers and testing facilities to ensure flow of information essential to the industry’s accurate development of new and innovative products. They will also collaborate to develop opportunities that will benefit SEMA-member manufacturers. Kaminsky’s experience will allow him to cultivate these relationships. Prior to joining SEMA, Kaminsky worked at General Motors as a senior design and release engineer. He oversaw the design, development, validation and release of Chevrolet Performance air intakes, exhausts and components for use in performance applications. He also worked closely with GM emissions compliance and legal groups to ensure engineering hardware development and release processes consistently delivered products that met and exceeded regulatory requirements.

Prior to GM, Kaminsky worked at Bosch Motorsport in a variety of roles, from senior technical engineer to hardware development manager. He managed a department of engineers to develop hardware components for the professional racing industry.

“With his experience and solid OEM and tier supplier relationships, Ben will help the SEMA Garage Detroit best serve our manufacturer members,” shared Spagnola.

The SEMA Garage Detroit will offer manufacturers access to advanced product-development tools and equipment, a state-of-the-art emissions testing lab, an ADAS research and development center and expert technicians who will help bring products to market at the SEMA Garage Detroit. The Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers. In addition to exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab and a modern training center, the Detroit facility will include expanded services and offer new SEMA benefits through the ADAS Research and Development Center.

“Being part of SEMA Garage provides me the opportunity to combine my engineering background, project management skills and relationships to make a difference in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry,” said Benjamin Kaminksy. “I look forward to working with SEMA manufacturer members and continuing my relationships with OEMs and tier suppliers.”

The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022. For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.

This article was written by Della Domingo for sema.org

Kleinn Air Horns Equip Jeep JT to Be Loud

TUSCON, AZ (07.30.2021) – The JT-OBA Onboard Air system was designed to perform under the most extreme conditions. Each system is 100% Bolt-On and features the heavy-duty Kleinn model 6450RC WATERPROOF air compressor with a 2.8-gallon air tank mounted on a superior custom designed mounting bracket. NO Cutting, NO Drilling or Modifications are necessary. These Direct Fit systems include all the necessary air line, hardware, fittings and wiring kit with 30-amp relay.

The JT-OBA is built rugged with a steel cage and integral skid plate for protection with no loss of ground clearance. The 6450RC compressor is fully submersible so water crossings are no problem.

The JT-OBA is capable of inflating 37” tires with ease. System provides an air source for air lockers, small air tools and of course, your Kleinn Air Horn. Each JT-OBA includes a remote mount tire inflator with locking air chuck with digital gauge, pressure relief and storage bag.

Visit kleinn.com for more.

Axxess Ships New Interface Designed to Retain Ford F-150 and Fusion A2B Amplifiers

HOLLY HILL, FL (07.30.2021) – Axxess by Metra Electronics has a new interface, the AXA2B-FD1, designed to retain the A2B amplifier in Ford’s 2018-up* F-150 and 2017-up* Fusion models. This add-on amplifier interface is used when replacing the factory radio with Metra’s 99-5834CH and 99-5841B TurboTouch dash kits, which are sold separately.

This solution retains the Bang & Olufsen amplifier with an A2B input in Ford’s F-150 and retains the Sony amplifier with an A2B input in Ford Fusion. This Axxess interface also retains the balance audio feature when replacing the factory radio and is Micro “B” USB updatable.

AXA2B-FD1 Product Specifications:

  • Add-on interface for Metra’s 99-5834CH & 99-5841B dash kits
  • Allows the amplifier to keep working when replacing the original factory radio
  • Retains the Bang and Olufsen amplifier with an A2B input in Ford F-150
  • Retains the Sony amplifier with an A2B input in Ford Fusion
  • Retains balance
  • Includes a vehicle-specific harness
  • Micro “B” USB updatable

Visit AxxessInterfaces.com and MetraOnline.com for more.

Tri-State Enterprises Announces Addition of New Facility

ARLINGTON, TX (07.29.2021) – Tri-State Enterprises, a wholesale distributor of automotive parts, automotive paint, mobile audio/electronics, and truck accessories, is proud to announce the addition of a 492,000 sq ft warehouse in Arlington, TX. This will be the largest facility for Tri-State Enterprises.

Tri-State has designated this space to their growth in the Texas market along with surrounding states. The general manager of the Arlington warehouse is to be Junior Calvert who has more than 30 years in the industry. The assistant general manager is to be Scott Covelli. Scott has been in the industry for 25 years. These two gentlemen, along with a host of other long-time industry team members, are ready to take Tri-State forward in several key areas and categories. Along with this new building, Tri-State is adding new and innovative technologies to increase efficiencies along with expanding its current line offering in all divisions of the company to better serve their customer base.

“We are very excited about our new location in Arlington. With this new facility and the combination of the WM Automotive and Tri-State Texas teams, we feel like we are in a great position to continue to take Tri-State to the next level in the Texas market. Our goal is to offer the best service along with a large inventory to better serve our growing customer base in the great state of Texas. We will have many additions both in categories and personnel over the next few months. Please stay tuned for additional announcements in the very near future. ” – Tri-State owner, Tristan Taylor.

Visit www.etristate.com for more.