LAS VEGAS, NV (11.08.24) – Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh, an automotive restyling shop in Pittsburgh, Pa., is the winner of the 2024 SEMA PRO Cup Challenge, a competition that raises awareness of the customization of new-model vehicles. Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh won the award for its accessory package for the 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid.

Held at the SEMA Show by the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a SEMA council, the competition challenges automotive restylers to create and install an accessory package for a new-model vehicle that appeals to a broad audience. The main driver of the program is to show fellow restylers, dealers, and accessory manufacturers the value of designing and offering a marketable package rather than a “one-time” vehicle.

The winning vehicle is voted on by a panel of judges based on four criteria: marketability, ease of reproduction, creativity, and profitability.

“The aftermarket gives the ability for people to have options, and it doesn’t have to be extremely expensive and it can be unique,” said PRO Chair Colby McLaughlin. “Classic Soft Trim created a unique package with the branding ‘northern lights’ that really carried throughout the whole build. The judges liked the overlanding aspect, but it also wasn’t so hardcore for somebody who just wants a cool look on their vehicle.”

The 2024 Toyota Rav 4 XLE Hybrid includes:
Alea Leather Interior-Northern Lights
Alea Carbon Fiber Heating Pads
Ironman 4×4 Uber Lite Rooftop Tent
Ironman 4×4 2” ATS Suspension Lift Kit
Ironman 4×4 Front Bumper Guard
Ironman 4×4 Atlas Roof Rack Cross Bars
Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Lights
Ironman 4×4 7” Scope Driving Light Covers (Amber)
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires (4)
Enkei Overlander Wheels (4)
SeatbeltPlanet Reweb Seatbelts – Lime Green
Trim Illusion Mirror & Door Handle Caps
XK Glow LED Undercar Lights
VOXX 10” Smart TV Seatback System
Llumar Driver & Passenger Front Window Tint
TSS Roof & Accents Wrap & Badges

“This award goes to my team, the vendors that helped us along the way, and the dealership that gave us this car. It’s been a blast,” said Classic Soft Trim Pittsburgh owner Ray Bedner.

Auto Trim Restyling from Ballwin, Mo, won the PRO Cup Challenge People’s Choice Award, as voted by SEMA Showgoers. Auto Trim Restyling customized a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser LC250 that showcased accessories from Avery Dennison, Method Race Wheels, Nitto, ORACLE Lighting, Rigid Industries, Westcott Designs, and WheelPros.

Additional companies that competed in the PRO Cup Challenge were Auto Trim Design of Utah (2024 Hyundai Santa Fe), Automotive Concepts (2024 Chevrolet Silverado), Keystone Styling (2024 Ford F150), and MARS of Billings (2024 Ford Bronco).

For information on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), visit SEMA.org/PRO.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.08.24) – Install Bay by Metra Electronics will display new additions to its comprehensive collection of professional installation products at SEMA, November 5th to 8th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visitors can see these new products in Metra’s main booth, #10439, in the North Hall and at its off-roading and powersports booth, #24743, in the Central Hall. The brand will debut a new 120 series SB connector kit, flush mount USB type-C charging socket, a level controller with voltmeter, extension cables, cable management clamp sets, window tint installation tools, and more.

120 Series SB Connector Kit
The SB120-G is a gray connector housing kit, ideal for use on battery or charger applications, that provides a quick disconnect for power distribution systems. It is designed using reliable SB flat-wiping
contact technology so that the contacts wipe or slide against each other during connection and disconnection, minimizing the build-up of any non-conductive deposits on the contacts themselves. The mated housings are color-matched for easy identification of plug and receptacle connectors.

Flush Mount USB Type-C Charging Socket
The IBR142 socket provides fast charging for smartphones, tablets, and other devices with a Type-C port. The PD3.0 power supply standard ensures a faster battery charge than traditional USB chargers and prevents devices from draining while in use. It can be installed by mounting it within a port in the vehicle’s dash or center console or mounting it to the dash surface with the supplied flush-mount bracket. This socket features weather-resistant components, including a protective cover and a pre-wired mini-ATC fuse holder, making it an ideal solution for marine applications.

Level Controller with Voltmeter
The IBR143 is a level controller with a built-in voltmeter that prevents damage to a vehicle’s audio equipment. It combines a power switch, bass knob, and voltmeter, making it easy to adjust the bass level and consistently monitor amplifier voltage to avoid drops or spikes. This unit offers remote gain control, a
rotary pushable ON/OFF switch, and a digital voltmeter display.

Flush Mount USB 4.0 Type-C Extension Cables
Available in 1-meter (IBR144) or 1-foot (IBR145) lengths, Install Bay’s new USB 4.0 Type-C extension cables can be installed by feeding through a port in the dash or by mounting beneath the dash with the supplied flush-mount bracket to easily connect USB-C devices. USB 4.0 is the latest specification of USB, offering data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps to ensure reliable CarPlay and Android™ audio performance.

100-Piece Modular Cable Management Clamp Sets
The Install Bay has two new modular cable management clamp sets in 8GA to 4GA (IBCTKIT75) or 4GA to 1/0GA (IBCTKIT100). These cable clamp sets make it easy for installers to secure and organize wiring for show-quality audio installations. The included cable clamps feature a unique dovetail click-lock design that attaches single or bundled wires to surfaces and allows multiple clamps to be assembled in creative configurations, keeping wires evenly spaced in straight runs or around corners.

Window Tint, PPF, Vinyl, and Film Installation Tools
New hard cards and specialized scrubbing tools for tint and film installers will be at SEMA. The cherry suede blade tool (GT2097-4) and lemon suede blade tool (GT2096-4) are multipurpose card-shaped installation tools with both hard and soft edges. They each offer their own level of flexibility and contour to surfaces to smooth bumps and bubbles from materials. The GT2003PLT is a platinum easy-reach hard card designed to reach difficult corners. The tint installer’s scrubber tool, the GT209, has a 15-inch handle that extends its scrub pad, allowing installers to scrub the lower windshield and other hard-to-reach areas. The scrub-it blue pad (GT2120B) is an ergonomic scrubbing tool that attaches to an installer’s hand with an included hook-and-loop style strap for easier scrubbing of stubborn glue and contaminants.

The Install Bay’s new products also include UV-stable interior protection tape, bulk roll black speaker acoustic grille cloth ideal for custom fabrication and speaker grille repair, and more. Additional product information is available at theInstallBay.com

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.07.24) – QA1 was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Keystone Automotive was named SEMA Channel Partner of the Year at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Both companies were recognized at today’s SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, which celebrated their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry over the past year.

“We are proud to honor QA1 and Keystone Automotive for their relentless dedication to advancing the industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “It takes hard work to drive meaningful change, and these companies have exemplified the teamwork, innovation, and service needed to propel the industry forward.”

QA1 is an industry leader in high-performance suspension and driveline for the automotive aftermarket. From individual shock absorbers to suspension systems for entire vehicles, they are dedicated to designing and producing high-quality, cost-effective solutions across several markets. QA1’s commitment to providing customers with high-quality product data, a passion for pushing boundaries and setting new standards, and investing in their employees through professional development opportunities are what made them the ideal recipient of this year’s award. Visit them and learn more about their products at the SEMA Show in Central Hall, booth #21357.

Keystone Automotive is a leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories, serving the diverse interests and needs of auto enthusiasts. With eight warehouses and multiple cross docks supported by their own fleet of trucks, their distribution network is second to none. The Channel Partner of the Year Award recognizes Keystone’s ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, embracing new technologies and trends, and investing in cutting-edge logistics and inventory management systems that have revolutionized the way aftermarket parts are distributed, ensuring that customers receive timely and accurate deliveries. Visit them at the SEMA Show in Central Hall, booth #21249.

QA1 and Keystone Automotive are among the more than 2,400 exhibiting companies at the 2024 SEMA Show. Taking place Nov. 5-8, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show is the ultimate trade show for aftermarket professionals to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills.

For more information, visit SEMAShow.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.07.24) – Axxess by Metra Electronics will introduce new vehicle-specific audio integration interfaces that utilize Bluetooth wireless technology for personalization settings at this year’s SEMA Show. These new products are designed for use when installing aftermarket radios and include two interfaces that retain OnStar, three new options from Axxess’s Total Control series, and more. These new audio integrations will be displayed from November 5th to 8th at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s main booth, #10439, in the North Hall.

• Lexus/Toyota 2002-2019 SWC/wireless Total Control interface (AXTC-TY1BT)
• Toyota 2018-2024 SWC/wireless Total Control interface (AXTC-TY2BT)
• Mazda 2007-2015 SWC/wireless Total Control interface (AXTC-MZ1BT)
• GM 2014-2020 SWC/wireless OnStar radio interface (AXDIS-GMLN9BT)
• GM 2016-2020 SWC/wireless OnStar radio interface (AXDIS-GMLN10BT)
• Hyundai/Kia 2017-up* SWC/wireless radio replacement interface (AXDIS-HK3BT)

These new products feature simple installation, retain audio controls on the vehicle’s steering wheel, and balance and fade. They also provide NAV outputs, including parking brake, reverse, speed sense, and 12-volt 10-amp accessory power. They offer adjustment of personalization options for locks, security, lights, chimes, audio settings, and more via Bluetooth wireless technology when used with the free downloadable Axxess Custom BT app for smartphones and tablets.

The Axxess Total Control Series is a universal solution designed to work with all major radio brands, utilizing patented auto-detect technology that automatically detects the vehicle type, radio connection, and preset controls while allowing the ability to dual-assign steering wheel controls. These interfaces provide wires for multimedia radios (parking brake, reverse, and speed sense), accessory power, a 12-volt illumination output, and retain R.A.P., and balance and fade. Memory settings are retained even after battery disconnection or interface removal.

Product experts will be on-site to meet with SEMA show attendees and provide more information, and more details are available at AxxessInterfaces.com.

*Visit the Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific information.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.05.24) – Axxess by Metra Electronics is unveiling new vehicle-specific amplifier integration interfaces at this year’s SEMA Show. These innovative solutions make it easy to add aftermarket amplifiers while keeping the factory radio, offering audio installers more flexibility for improving the sound quality of an audio system than ever before. With a streamlined plug-n-play design and no programming required, these interfaces are perfect for efficient audio system upgrades. These new integrations are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, including select 2007-up* Chrysler, select 2006-up* Ford, and select 2003-up* Toyota/Lexus/Scion. They will be displayed from November 5th to 8th at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s main booth, #10439, in the North Hall.

Many amplified and non-amplified vehicle applications will be available. They include external bass knobs for additional audio output level adjustments, dual-colored LED displays, and more. These integrations provide 6 channels of 5-volt RMS audio and feature simple plug-n-play installation behind the radio with no programming required.

Product experts will be on-site to meet with SEMA show attendees and provide more information, and details are also available at AxxessInterfaces.com. *Visit the Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific information.

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.05.24)– In the North Hall Booth 10531 Cerwin Vega and Damond Audio will showcase spectacular innovation, technology and automotive excellence. Attendees will experience the latest audio solutions firsthand with cutting edge technology designed to enhance sound quality and performance which is perfect for car audio enthusiasts and professionals alike.

New premium Diamond Audio radios for Harley Davidson featuring seamless integration and superior sound with Bluetooth plug-and-play or full systems will be spotlighted. Also, the Cerwin Vega CVPX Series of Cerwin Vega Pro Drivers will be spotlighted in addition to 3 Full Range Horn Loaded Drivers plus 1 Horn Loaded Bullet Tweeter.

Throughout the event there will be special promotions available only to attendees in the booth..

Make sure to put a scheduled stop on your SEMA Show schedule to interact with John Catalano, Director of Product Development, and Team Members to learn more about what Cerwin Vega and Diamond Audio have to offer for the rest of 2024 and beyond.

For more see cerwinvega.com.

BATTLE GROUND, WA (11.04.24) – Crossover Marketing Group is pleased to announce a strategic partnership between the newly established Crossover Marketing Group Southeast and the rebranded Crossover Marketing Group Northwest (formerly Crossover Marketing Group). This partnership will soon extend Crossover’s coverage across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, with the Southeast division under the leadership of industry veteran Shawn Simpson.
As the majority ownership partner for the Southeast territory, Shawn brings a distinguished background of more than 34 years in the business as both a Manufacturer’s Representative and a former Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Wet Sounds and Sundown Audio. His extensive industry experience aligns seamlessly with Crossover’s approach, which leverages a wealth of industry knowledge to deliver exceptional value to dealers and manufacturers.

Under the new structure, Crossover Marketing Group Southeast will immediately benefit from streamlined processes, access to customer service resources, and shared tools from the Northwest division, empowering the Southeast team to replicate and expand on the success achieved in the Northwest.

“We are thrilled to extend our footprint and create a new hub of growth with our Southeast counterparts,” said Paul Pilat of Crossover Marketing Group Northwest. “By sharing the tools, resources, and insights that have fueled our progress, we’re poised to see significant growth across both territories and bring meaningful advantages to new markets.”

With the Northwest group’s efficiency and top-tier tools in place, Shawn will quickly build strong new partnerships with dealers and create opportunities for our manufacturer partners.

“I see enormous potential in uniting with Crossover Marketing Group Northwest,” shared Shawn Simpson, Managing Partner of Crossover Marketing Group Southeast. “Together, we are positioned to make an even more substantial impact and drive growth across our territories.”

As Crossover Marketing Group Southeast and Northwest work collaboratively within this new partnership model, both divisions will be committed to delivering excellence in service and tailored marketing solutions to meet the evolving needs of their mutual territories.

“Shawn was one of the top reps in the country when we worked together at Kenwood, and our friendship only grew as he moved to the factory side in recent years,” said Rob Sutton, co-founder of Crossover Marketing Group Northwest. “He’s a perfect fit for the management style Paul and I have cultivated, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with one of the finest people I’ve known.”

Upcoming SEMA Show Attendance:
Rob, Paul, and Shawn will be attending the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 5–8 reviewing opportunities with manufacturing partners. To arrange a meeting, please contact Shawn Simpson directly at (832) 594-4040 or shawns@crossovermktg.com.

JACKSONVILLE FL (11.04.24) – Several Industry veterans have launched ALPHA SALES GROUP, a new 12-volt representative company on the East Coast. This company aims to assist manufacturers throughout the East Coast territories. With over 150 years of combined experience, the team at ALPHA SALES GROUP is set to redefine traditional representative firms through their innovative go-to-market strategy and extensive knowledge.

“Additional team members will be added as the territory matures into a well-known entity”, says Lance Diehr President of ALPHA SALES GROUP. We assembled a great team with years of talent to become a viable option for Manufacturers to bring a clear message to the dealer base from Florida to Maine.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.01.24) –  Metra Electronics is launching an assortment of new audio installation solutions at the 2024 SEMA Show. These products fit a wide range of vehicles, making aftermarket sound system upgrades easy. Metra will introduce a collection of new dash kits, including a combined TurboTactile™ and TurboTouch^® kit, two kits designed specifically for select Pioneer^® Modular Solutions receivers, a new amplifier bypass harness, and an antenna adapter. Metra’s new vehicle-specific dash kits are designed to fit the following vehicles:

• 2011-2018.5 Jeep^® Wrangler JK (DP-6511-JK)
• 2018-2024 GMC Terrain (95-3315B)
• 2015-2022 Ford F-Series trucks with single zone climate controls (95-5869CH)               
• 2015-2022 Ford F-Series trucks with single zone climate controls (95-5870CH)
• 2012-2018 Ford Focus (95-5871B)
• 2020-Up* Mitsubishi Outlander with factory 8″ screen smartphone-link display audio (95-7022HG)
• 2011-2016 Honda CRZ with factory navigation (95-7822)
• 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma (95-8275B)
• 2004-2007 BMW 5-Series (95-9328B)
• 2008-2012 Toyota Highlander with factory NAV (99-8274B/99-8274BR)

Combined TurboTactile™ and TurboTouch^®

• 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder (95-7643)

Designed to fit Pioneer^® Modular Solutions receivers

• 2011-2024 Select Ford Models equipped with the factory 8″ screen (107-FD11)
• 2022-2024 Ford Maverick (107-FD12)

Metra’s new dash kit for the 2011-2018.5 Jeep^® Wrangler JK, the DP-6511-JK, includes a replacement dashboard panel engineered to help install a 4” tall (Double-DIN) aftermarket radio in a dash that does not typically accommodate a modern Double-DIN radio. The replacement panel allows installers to upgrade the radio without complex or labor-intensive custom fabrication. It is textured to match the original look and feel of the vehicle’s dashboard.

Metra’s new solutions for Pioneer^® modular solutions receivers are exclusively manufactured to install Pioneer’s 6.8-inch modular receivers into the dash, like the DMH-WC5700NEX and the DMH-C2500NEX†. These kits will also accommodate most shallow-mount 4” tall (Double-DIN) aftermarket radios. They feature ABS trim panels to match the aftermarket radios’ finish.

The new 95-7643 dash kit designed to fit the 2013-2020 Nissan Pathfinder combines the best of what Metra’s TurboTouch and TurboTactile kits offer. This kit features easy-to-use rotary knobs that allow for the control of climate functions along with a 7” touchscreen that retains most of the features typically lost when replacing the factory radio. Additional factory-style hard buttons have laser-etched graphics for access to vehicle personalization menus. Metra’s built-in patented interface technology retains climate control, safety, and steering wheel control features. The vehicle’s hazard button and passenger airbag indicator have also been integrated into the kit, which is painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish and includes installation parts needed for a Double-DIN aftermarket radio installation.

Metra is also introducing an amplifier bypass harness (70-5526) that fits select 2004-2006 Lincoln vehicles with THX^® and an antenna adapter that fits select 2022-2024 Toyota vehicles (40-TY12). The amplifier bypass harness aids in installing a new car radio faster by plugging right into the vehicle’s connectors, allowing installers to hook up the radio to the vehicle’s electrical system. On one side, the wiring harness is color-coded with wires that connect or solder into the aftermarket radio/receiver. The other side has a vehicle-specific adapter that connects directly to the original radio connectors for a quicker installation without having to cut each of the wires. The antenna cable adapter ensures installers can continue using a vehicle’s factory antenna when replacing the radio.

These new products will be showcased from November 5th to 8th in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s main SEMA Show booth, #10439. Contact your Metra Electronics sales representative or visit MetraOnline.com for more information.

*Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle specific information. † Refer to the radio manufacturer for the most up-to-date information and current models. 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (11.01.24) – DD AUDIO ⁱs proud to introduce the SS4.3000, a four channel amplifier designed to power the biggest and best mids and highs, and replace the insanely popular SS4b.

At this point in late 2024, it should be abundantly clear to anyone paying attention that DD AUDIO is on a mission to reinvigorate product lines and redefine standards. The legendary equipment on which the DD brand was built is reaching unthinkable heights with each revision and replacement. For subwoofers, you have massive performance upgrades in the USA Made line and “f” revisions of the 600/700/800 Series. For speakers, it’s the fast expansion of the Voice Optimized series with new models to satisfy more power levels and frequency bandwidths. For amplifiers, there’s no better example than the SS Series, which has long been a favorite for their “Super Small” footprints, top shelf components, and value for power.

While the SS Series has grown to have many monoblock and multi-channel amps this year, there was one classic SS amp that hadn’t yet been properly replaced, that is, until now. The SS4b was a discrete circuit, full range, class D, 4 channel amplifier capable of producing as much as 1500 watts from a chassis measuring only 6.875” wide by 11.81” long. What could be better? One that’s smaller, with at least twice the power, and for a better price: enter the SS4.3000.

When the question is “how do you replace a legend?”, the answer has to be “with a titan!” The SS4.3000 was originally designed to produce 750 watts per channel, but final testing shows it can reasonably produce up to 1000 watts per channel at 2 Ohms continuous. It uses the latest high speed class D devices coupled to a robust power supply designed for high signal to noise ratio, high channel separation, and low THD+N. The high efficiency, low noise, twin toroidal circuit design is housed in the streamlined DD style heatsink with more thermal mass and heatsink fin area than industry norms, because DD knows that play time is often in extreme conditions. The preamp section is easily configurable with separate low pass and high pass sections, along with bandpass capability. Packing in all of this full range potential was done to complement DD’s VO Series pro audio speakers to perfectly match listener’s big bass systems with loud and clear mids and highs at every level. Measuring in at just 11.25 x 7.3 x 2.4 this powerful little amp currently retails for just $579.

Get yours today at a local dealer or online.