WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 2, 2024) – Responding to an active effort to convince President-elect Trump to retain the Biden-Harris Administration’s tailpipe rules and forgo a key campaign promise to halt electric vehicle mandates, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) today urged the incoming Administration to stay the course and reject widely unpopular electric vehicle mandates.
SEMA’s letter follows a New York Times report that several of the nation’s largest automakers are requesting that President-elect Trump keep the Biden-Harris Administration tailpipe emissions policy that would eliminate consumers’ vehicle choice by mandating electric vehicles.
“It is disheartening to hear that some within the automotive industry are seeking to largely keep the Biden Administration’s tailpipe rules in place,” the letter says. “On behalf of SEMA’s members, we support your stated goal of a “Day 1” end to EV mandates. As you are well aware, such mandates stifle the innovation and ingenuity that makes our nation great.”
“EV mandates are the antithesis to what drives America. Whether these mandates arrive in the form of tailpipe emissions standards that can only be achieved through the sale of EVs or waivers that enable some states to impose their own standards on other states (as is the case of California’s standards that as many as 16 states can adopt), they all destroy consumers’ freedom to choose what vehicles they want – or need – to drive. While EVs are a part of the solution for reducing carbon emissions for mobile sources, mandates rob our nation’s innovators of the opportunity to develop new technologies and solutions that meaningfully reduce emissions in a way that doesn’t hurt consumers and small automotive businesses. They harm our economy, threaten to stifle interstate commerce, and place millions of jobs at risk.”
About SEMA The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.3 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.22.24) – Feel more of your sound and embrace sharper playback innovated with Autotek STREET MACHINE technology. ALL-NEW for 2024 — Autotek STREET MACHINE speakers are designed for the true car audio enthusiast seeking both power and precision in detail within their listening session.
Delivering superior sound quality in every beat and rhythm, STREET MACHINE speakers combine deep bass, crisp midrange, and clear treble, making every drive an immersive auditory experience you’ll want to experience again and again. Featuring coaxial, shallow coaxial, and a component speaker system — every SM speaker is innovated with premium tweeter hardware, durable frames, and epoxy-infused natural fiber spiders.
The sleek design of STREET MACHINE speakers doesn’t just perform well — every speaker blends into your interior vehicle setting with a black, bold finish. Whether you’re upgrading a factory system or building a custom audio setup, they integrate seamlessly into any vehicle while providing exceptional sound.
With anti-resonant stamped-steel baskets for a minimal distortion sound and epoxy-infused natural fiber spiders allowing for flexibility while the epoxy gives strength and durability during the manufacturing process – your overall sound quality will never be the same once heard through STREET MACHINE.
Whether you’re looking for intense volume or subtle audio detail — every speaker in the STREET MACHINE series delivers a listening experience ideal for those who want their music to sound as authentic and detailed as possible.
Follow the link to Amazon HERE to see the complete line of Autotek STREET MACHINE series speakers.
FRAMINGHAM, MA (11.22.24) – Bose Corporation, a company synonymous with delivering amazing, premium audio experiences since its founding, announced the acquisition of McIntosh Group, the parent company of renowned high-performance and luxury audio brands that include McIntosh and Sonus faber. McIntosh Group manufactures the world’s finest amplifiers, speakers, turntables and other audio products, significantly expanding Bose’s portfolio.
This strategic move unites industry pioneers with more than 175 years of combined, deep technical expertise, a dedication to craftmanship and artistry, and an unwavering commitment to reaching passionate music fans around the world.
The acquisition allows Bose to infuse its industry-leading audio research and technology into the high-performance and luxury space while it continues to build on its premium solutions. From earbuds and Bluetooth speakers to the most luxurious systems possible for the home and on the road, Bose and McIntosh Group will now offer consumers a breadth of products and experiences for every listening occasion.
The combined forces of Bose and McIntosh Group also opens new opportunities in the automotive sector. By leveraging Bose’s 40-plus years of experience in automotive audio, and McIntosh Group’s legacy of performance and design, the brands will work together to expand their research and continue to engineer authentic in-car experiences that redefine automotive sound.
“Over the last six decades we’ve delivered the best premium audio experiences possible; now, with McIntosh Group in our portfolio, we can unlock even more ways to bring music to life in the home, on-the-go and in the car,” said Lila Snyder, CEO of Bose Corporation. “We look forward to honouring the heritage of these brands, investing in their future and pushing the boundaries of audio innovation to bring customers experiences they’ve never heard before.”
“Bose’s dedication to research and singular focus on audio provides a tremendous opportunity to complement and enable our own pursuit of delivering inimitable, ultimate-quality audio experiences,” said Daniel Pidgeon, CEO of McIntosh Group. “Gaining access to their expertise as a pioneer in automotive audio will also help us accelerate our presence and enable us to deliver solutions that are commensurate with our reputation and performance standards.”
Bose will continue to develop products and experiences in popular categories like headphones, speakers, soundbars, and car audio while advancing critical technologies such as noise cancellation, hearing augmentation, and immersive audio. McIntosh and Sonus faber will maintain its focus on amplifiers, loudspeakers, turntables, and other high-end products. Together the brands will imagine what’s possible in the future of audio — delivering new products, bespoke offerings and unparalleled listening experiences for music lovers around the globe.
Bose acquired McIntosh Group from Highlander Partners, L.P., a Dallas-based private investment firm. Jones Day acted as Bose’s legal counsel. Additional information, including financial and other terms of the transaction, will remain confidential.
NEW YORK, NY (11.20.24) – The Consumer Technology Association has announced that SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz will deliver a keynote fireside chat at CES 2025. Witz will be joined by podcast host and audiochuck founder Ashley Flowers, to explore the evolution of audio and its future.
Witz joined SiriusXM in 2002 and has led the company since January 2021. Flowers’ show Crime Junkie reaches millions of listeners monthly. Both will also offer perspectives on challenges facing audio creators and solutions for driving innovation in the medium.
SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz
CTA CEO Gary Shapiro said, “We are thrilled to welcome SiriusXM to the keynote stage to discuss the transformative impact of audio entertainment, from satellite radio to streaming and podcasting. SiriusXM is a trailblazer, consistently introducing new media and entertainment for nearly 150 million monthly listeners. I look forward to learning more from Jennifer about how advancements in technology are changing the way stories are produced and consumed.”
Witz commented, “I’m honored to take the stage at CES to discuss the evolution of audio, the impact of technology on media consumption, and the ways that art and science can come together to move listeners around the world.”
“Audio is an incredible medium to engage listeners and build deep, meaningful connections through music and storytelling, which is crucial for brands and platforms in today’s crowded media landscape. Together with Ashley Flowers, who has built a truly passionate and engaged community with Crime Junkie and audiochuck, I’m looking forward to putting a spotlight on the power of audio today as we look toward its future.”
The talk will take place on January 7 at 11a PT in “C Space” at ARIA Las Vegas. The CES 2025 keynote lineup also includes Panasonic Holdings, NVIDIA, Accenture, Volvo Group, and Delta.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.20.24) – Take your bass game to higher levels of earth-shaking sound with HEW Elite Series subwoofers. Feel heavier-hitting bass impact innovated within a ported and tuned MDF enclosure powered by a 500-watt, Class-D amplifier. With a universal compatible vehicle fitment and push and insert-style terminals for easy installation — every HEW Powered Subwoofer System features an ELITE Series subwoofer that brings incredible bass performance.
Powered by a 500-watt, Class-D amplifier in a ported and tuned MDF enclosure — choose between 10, 8, and 6-inch powered subwoofer system models. These ELITE Series dual voice coil 4-Ohm subwoofers come in a compact enclosure powered with a built-in amplifier and deliver higher bass gains that bring consistent bumps and thumps throughout every song.
In addition, each Hifonics HEW Powered Subwoofer System features a vented high-energy motor assembly with heavy-duty magnets to increase high power handling and a universal compatible vehicle fitment for easy integration into your Hifonics car audio system or vehicle setup.
ELITE Series subwoofers create concert levels of bass-layered performance with undistorted power while maintaining clean levels of crystal-clear lower sound gains in every song. Pressure-treated, double-stitched innovated foam surround along with a dual poly cotton spider helps keep the piston motion of every ELITE subwoofer linear and distortion-free.
Heavy-duty aluminum die-cast basket allows back venting which exchanges heat with cool air – resulting in more power handling and increased reliability. Vented high-energy motor assembly with heavy-duty magnets increases power handling and deeper gains in overall sound pressure levels.
Embrace heavier bass gains from your Hifonics car audio system with a powered subwoofer system that adds more listening details innovated through deeper subwoofer layers powered by a 500-watt, Class-D amplifier in a ported and tuned MDF enclosure.
Your expectation of subwoofer performance will become instantly enhanced with LOUDER bass-pounding levels integrated into every song. Feel your bass like never before with ALL-NEW HEW Powered Subwoofer Systems!
Learn more details HERE on HEW Powered Subwoofer Systems.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (11.19.24) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) was awarded the 2024 Manufacturer of the Year by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award was given in recognition of the outstanding performance and dedication to the Restyling Industry.
“Alpine is honored to be recognized by the SEMA PRO group as Manufacturer of the Year,” said Gregg Thomas, Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “This award represents the dedication to quality and service demonstrated by our team members over the past five decades.”
This is Alpine’s first time receiving the award.
“SEMA PRO’s Manufacturer of the Year is awarded to manufacturers in the restyling industry who have excelled in creativity, dignity, integrity and have enhanced the stature and growth of the restyling industry,” said Josh Poulson, SEMA PRO Immediate Past Chair Member. “Alpine has proved worthy of this award with the ongoing 12-volt electronics they bring to the market including their new Tesla Sound Systems and OPTIM8 processor.”
The Professional Restylers Organization, a SEMA Council, is a community dedicated to advancing and protecting the restyling industry through education, advocacy, awareness, and engagement. For more information on SEMA PRO, visit https://www.sema.org/get-involved/councils-networks/pro.
FLOWER MOUND, TX (11.19.24) – Uniden America, a leading provider of radar and laser detection systems, is excited to announce a new partnership with Radar-Mirror.com, a premier provider of custom rearview mirror radar and display integrations. Radar-Mirror.com will now offer full support for Uniden’s latest R9w radar and laser system, providing customers with a powerful, discreet solution for radar detection and laser protection.
The Uniden R9w radar detector is designed for top-tier performance with Wi-Fi connectivity, extended range, and precise laser protection. This high-performance system provides drivers with unparalleled protection against speed enforcement, and with Radar-Mirror.com support, customers can seamlessly integrate the R9w system within custom rearview mirror displays. This option offers a clean, concealed installation that maintains the vehicle’s original design while maximizing functionality.
“Uniden is thrilled to partner with Radar-Mirror.com, enhancing the install options for R9w customers who value a discreet, customized installation,” said Ray Woolf, Director of Specialty Radar Sales for Uniden. “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering advanced radar systems that provide the highest level of protection while blending seamlessly into the vehicle.”
Radar-Mirror.com is renowned for its expertise in custom integrations, delivering solutions that uphold the aesthetic integrity of each vehicle. Now supporting Uniden R9w, Radar-Mirror.com offers drivers optimal radar and laser protection without compromising the interior design of their car.
“We’re excited to bring Uniden’s R9w radar system to our custom mirror integrations,” said Scott Wheeler, Owner of Radar-Mirror.com. “This partnership allows us to offer our customers a concealed, high-performance radar solution, combining the latest in detection technology with our commitment to a seamless design.”
The Uniden R9w is now available through Uniden’s authorized retailers, and custom integration services for the R9w are available at Radar-Mirror.com.
RENO, NV (11.18.24) – THE AMA KICKER Arenacross 2024-2025 Series kicked off in the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for the new season on Friday, November 15th, for a 2-Day run.
“It was great to get back to Reno this year. The Reno-Sparks Livestock venue is perfect for ArenaCross. The whole track area can be seen from the stands and again this year the stands were packed. Also, the lobby was very business as attendees arrived, and in between races, as KICKER dealer Nevada Auto Sound showed new products in the KICKER booth” Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media related.
Thomas and Joe, Nevada, Auto Sound, were in the KICKER booth to engage with attendees.
During the AMA KICKER ArenaCross Series pre-racing Track Walk fans had a chance to walk the track mounds and visit the pit area. “The Track Walk was a great way to give fans a fun experience. During the Pit Party fans got to meet and talk with their favorite their favorite riders and check out their bikes” Morrell added.
Time on the track allowed attendees to visit with their favorite riders and check out their bikes.
As soon as racers hit the track they got their rhythm as they went up a mound and easily flew over the next mound to land… 50 feet away. Between races the PA announcers let the crowd know there was a special offer inside one of the KICKER T’s being tossed into the stands to attendees. The certificate was for a KICKER Bullfrog. Once again the child of a fan came to the KICKER booth and pickup the Bullfrog prize from Lorin Morrell.
On the track riders were flying high as they went over the mounds.
This young man caught the Kicker T-shirt with a slip for a free Bullfrog and Lorin Morrell, along with Thomas from Nevada Auto Sound, presented the Bullfrog.
Thomas and Joe from KICKER Reno dealer Nevada Auto Sound talked with enthusiasts and many had questions about what KICKER products would be best for their rides. The KICKER PowerBar was once again grabbed a lot of interest in the booth. Fans from the area also had questions about KICKER products for their trucks, boats, cars, bikes and side-by-sides.
Nevada Auto Sound has served the Northern Nevada area for over 50 years and has taken pride in building not only a helpful and knowledgeable crew, but also a crew that works together as a family.
TORRANCE, CA (11.18.24) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, a leader in vehicle safety and driver awareness technology, announced the R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror at the 2024 SEMA Show. The R10-SPL package includes a high-definition Rear View Camera CM-AHD1 and a universal mounting solution at an MSRP of an affordable $199.00.
Key Features of the R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror
Display & Viewing: The 9.35-inch full mirror display has a high resolution of 1280×320 pixels, providing clear front and rear views with split-screen capability and mirror flip for ease of use.
Advanced Dual-Channel Recording, the video recorder records from two cameras simultaneously, and you can also display the image from both cameras on the screen simultaneously.
Equipped with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, the front camera handles both strong light suppression and low-light compensation, ensuring clear recordings in any light condition. Other advanced features include a G-sensor, 24-hour parking monitoring, and loop recording.
One-Wire Installation: Simplifies wiring for a neat setup.
The R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror offers a range of customizable features, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences. From changing languages to adjusting volume, using just the parking line, connecting GPS, activating sleeping mode, or formatting a Micro SD card, the R10-SPL puts you in the driver’s seat.
Packaged with a versatile removable mounting stem structure, the R10-SPL Dash Cam Mirror allows exchange with Rydeen’s available mounting systems. The standard VSM-AV is included (attaches to the mirror). Optional VSM-UNI2 is available for ball joint type original mount steams for a wide variety of applications.
Rydeen CEO Philip Maeda explains the value of the easy-to-install R10-SPL, “A car DVR is an indispensable device for every car enthusiast, ensuring your safety on the road. The R10-SPL integrates a high-performance rearview mirror with a built-in wide-angle 2MP camera with DVR capability. It records the situation in front of and behind the car, thanks to two cameras with a Full HD 1080p resolution and stabilization.
If you’re involved in an incident, the R10-SPL will record it.” For the name of local Rydeen retail outlets, call 1-310-787-7880. Check out other Rydeen Mobile products at www.rydeenmobile.com and on Rydeen social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok for the latest updates and developments. Editors: Download high-resolution R10-SPL images at https://rydeenmobile.com/product/r10-spl-9-3-streaming-mirror/
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.15.24) – The 2024 SEMA Show has officially concluded, solidifying its status as the global epicenter of automotive innovation. The event brought together over 2,400 exhibitors, including 580 first-time exhibitors, and attracted more than 160,000 attendees from 140 countries celebrating the industry at events throughout SEMA Week. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 5-8, this year’s Show encompassed 1.2 million net square feet of indoor space and acres of outdoor exhibit space and activations showcasing groundbreaking products, cutting-edge technologies, and forward-thinking custom builds. The scope, energy and passion reaffirmed the SEMA Show as the premier automotive aftermarket event shaping the future of the industry.
“SEMA 2024 was a true celebration of where the automotive aftermarket industry is headed,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA President and CEO. “This year, we saw a remarkable convergence of innovation, collaboration, and passion, with exhibitors, builders, and enthusiasts all coming together to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation was the heart of SEMA Show 2024, driving the merger of creativity and technology across the Show floor.”
Whether it was the unveiling of next-gen products like the Revv ADAS Plus, Milltek Forge Motorsport E-DV electronic diverter valve solution, or innovative designs like the Kia EV9 ADVNTR Concept, the event demonstrated that SEMA is not just a trade show—it’s a catalyst for industry evolution.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS
The 2024 SEMA Show was packed with visionary products and builds that underscore the continuous advancement of the aftermarket industry:
Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept: A nod to 90s rally heritage, this build merges modern day performance with vintage rally design, embodying Toyota’s commitment to motorsports innovation.
Ram REV & Dodge Charger Banshee Concept: Electrification meets performance in these two bold concept vehicles, showcasing the growing trend of electric performance vehicles in the aftermarket space.
SEMA Battle of the Builders: The category champions for the 2024 Battle of the Builders—including overall champion Noah Alexander’s ’68 Dodge Charger (Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck), Bruce Yarnell’s ’65 Aston Martin DB5 (Sport Compact/Import Performance), Connor McElvain’s ’69 Datsun 2000 Roadster (Young Guns), and Rob Lindsay’s ’49 Willys Pickup (Off-Road)—demonstrated the artistry, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking approaches of the industry’s best custom builders.
Custom Autosound’s USA-850 DigaDial™: The virtual screen radio allows user a choice of four distinct, one-of-a kind displays, from a classic analog look to all-digital RDS display, as well as improved audio refinements.
FutureTech Studio: A highlight of the 2024 show, the FutureTech Studio presented next-generation technologies that are transforming the automotive world. From advanced EV innovations to autonomous driving systems, this space provided a glimpse into the future of the industry.
SEMA SHOW CELEBRITIES: STARS BEHIND THE WHEEL A staple for celebrity appearances and star-powered moments, the 2024 SEMA Show attracted major attention from both the entertainment and motorsports worlds. Among the most anticipated reveals was country music sensation Kane Brown’s custom F250 King Ranch. Displayed at the American Force Wheels booth, the stunning build had crowds buzzing as fans lined up for a glimpse of the star’s personalized ride.
Chip Foose, legendary designer, brought his unmistakable touch to a number of custom builds, and Akira Nakai (known for his work with RAUH-Welt Begriff or RWB) created a one-of-a-kind Porsche 997—a milestone as his first-ever build at the SEMA Show, continuing his legacy of perfection and influence in the world of custom cars.
SEMA FEST & CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT: CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY WITH FANS SEMA Fest expanded the Show’s reach by offering the public a chance to engage with cutting-edge automotive designs, live music, and motorsports. Featuring performances from bands like Cage the Elephant and Sublime, SEMA Fest brought together music, motorsports, and automotive culture for an unforgettable experience.
The SEMA Cruise was another crowd-pleaser, with more than 1,200 vehicles parading down Convention Center Drive, giving attendees a final chance to see some of the most innovative and jaw-dropping builds up close.
SEMA also opened its doors, literally and digitally, through the Friday Enthusiast Experience, an opportunity for the public to experience the Show on its final day, and SEMA Live, the Show’s first ever livestream, which attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers from around the world, giving the SEMA Show a true global audience.
SEMA SHOW 2024: MORE THAN JUST A TRADE SHOW The 2024 SEMA Show was more than just a celebration of the latest products—it was an exploration of the future. The event served its role as the industry’s innovation epicenter, where attendees engaged in 80+ seminars, hands-on workshops, and networking events designed to keep them ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
SEMA’s advocacy efforts were also front and center, underscoring the importance of collaboration across the industry. With initiatives like the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC), SEMA continues to advocate for policies that protect and promote the automotive aftermarket, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sector.
THE ROAD AHEAD: A GLOBAL INDUSTRY POWERED BY INNOVATION The SEMA Show 2024 closed with an electrifying sense of optimism. As the global leader in automotive innovation, SEMA once again demonstrated how the aftermarket industry is evolving.
By championing collaboration, sustainability, and next-gen technologies, the show remains the essential destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts eager to shape the future of automotive culture.
“We’re excited by the groundbreaking innovations showcased at SEMA 2024,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “The future of the automotive aftermarket has never been brighter, and SEMA is where it all begins.”
For more information and show highlights, visit SEMA Show 2024.
12VoltNews.com 