MONTEREY, CA (07.19.24) – Following the excitement of the initial announcement, Hemmings and Motoring Culture Club (MC2) are delighted to reveal further features of “UpShift,” an innovative event that blends the sophistication of classic cars with the dynamic history of Hip-Hop. Scheduled for August 15th at SandBox in Sand City, Calif., this event is set to be a distinctive celebration, breaking traditional boundaries and fostering connections among enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

Hemmings and MC2 are proud to announce that Complecto, a platform and agency committed to elevating and amplifying underrepresented voices in the watch industry and collecting community, has partnered with Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift. By supporting the event, Complecto and the partnering watch brands are helping to create a unique platform that honors tradition, embraces the future, and fosters connections among diverse communities. Their involvement underscores the event’s mission to transcend traditional boundaries and create a welcoming environment where enthusiasts can unite to celebrate shared passions.

“Watches and cars have long shared a rich history, with a deep cultural intersection between watch collecting and automotive enthusiasm,” says Jason Gong, Founder of Complecto. “We are thrilled to partner with watch brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova, and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift, an event celebrating the rich heritage of classic cars with the vibrant history of Hip-Hop. Through this partnership, we look forward to fostering connections and creating an experience that elevates and moves the culture forward.”

UpShift is a collaborative initiative with MC2, a platform focused on curating the future of the car community. It represents a significant milestone for Hemmings, promoting a more accessible classic car culture. This event aims to not only celebrate the profound influence of Hip-Hop on classic car culture but also actively open the doors to a broader and more diverse audience. By integrating this dynamic music genre with automotive history, UpShift seeks to create a welcoming environment that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting enthusiasts of all backgrounds to connect over shared passions.

“UpShift represents a pivotal moment for Hemmings as we continue to promote an inclusive classic car culture. This event not only highlights the influence of Hip-Hop on automotive history but also invites a broader audience to experience the joy and passion of classic cars. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where enthusiasts of all backgrounds – whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene – can come together to celebrate shared passions,” said Jonathan Shaw, President of Hemmings.

Event Highlights:

• Highlighted Cars: Attendees will be captivated by a curated collection of classic cars, meticulously assembled by Edris Ekhlas of Refresh.ERA. This company embodies the dynamic intersection of Hip Hop and automotive culture, celebrating their historical and contemporary connections. Highlights include Grammy-award-winning rapper Killer Mike’s Grand National, a tribute display honoring the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, a Maybach 57 inspired by New Orleans artist Birdman, and a ‘64 Impala lowrider, an icon of West Coast Hip Hop.
• Luxury Watch Showcase: Attendees can get hands-on with a curated collection of luxury watches from sponsor brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant
  Photography Exhibit: A captivating exhibit showcasing works sourced from artist-enthusiasts across America highlighting cars relevant to this period of Hip-Hop.
• Hip-Hop and Culture: The event will feature a virtual set by DJ Self Born blending genres from disco to classic Hip-Hop. The DJ will provide the musical backdrop to the cars and evoke the spirit of the car culture synonymous with the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
• Inclusive Experience: With a mission to open doors to the car community, UpShift is an intentionally welcoming space for enthusiasts from all walks of life, whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene.

Tickets for the event range from $75-150 and can be purchased at https://www.tixr.com/groups/upshift/events/hemmings-upshift-108159.

For further information, interested sponsors can reach out via email at events@hemmings.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.19.24) – Delivering power that’s compact. Creating sound that’s clean and pure. This is STREET MACHINE POWER. Hear your sound through higher power. Embrace playback in every song that is powered through SM innovation!

Autotek STREET MACHINE amplifiers deliver an audio experience that brings out higher sound quality with minimum distortion levels and remains much more compact with a tighter footprint in size. Small amplifier size but MEAN POWER.

Power your sound with heavier STREET MACHINE amplifier gains and get ready to feed your audio through rich and clean-filled layers of deeper listening. The entire line of STREET MACHINE (SM) amplifiers features and includes monoblock, 2-channel, and 4-channel amplifiers.

Hear the highest sound quality in audio with quality RCA materials that help prevent interference and minimize distortion in the signal path. Embrace playback that infuses more detail and power into every song with a sleeker and more innovative style and design.

A high-energy pulse-width modulated power supply in every Autotek STREET MACHINE amplifier ensures more power is delivered with minimal impact or distortion throughout any song while remaining compact through an innovative smaller footprint.

Nickel-plated brass connection terminals allow for secure connections while resisting erosion. Sound Shield™ Technology assures additional mass in the heat sink and keeps every SM amplifier running cool while shielding audio from distortions that can be caused by heat.

Car audio deserves power that is clean, LOUD, and transcends your playback expectation with higher quality impact and sound. Your sound will perform with the highest playback quality while bringing out BIGGER POWER in every song.

Take down the streets with POWERED AUDIO through STREET MACHINE!
Learn more HERE about the entire line of STREET MACHINE amplifiers.

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (07.17.24) – From the SQ Sounds office in the Eastern Caribbean Island Tiffany and Triston Parris operate a business that facilitates product deliveries plus conducting sound-off competitions with a focus on DB Drag Racing events. Custom in-vehicle installation is also included in the company’s daily activities.

SQ Soundz has been turning heads and pumping up the vibe in the car audio scene! They kicked off their summer tour with a bang at a Father’s Day event in Barbados, bringing the dB Drag formats to the island.

Partnering with Sound Clash Frideee and Bragging Rights, SQ Soundz and the dB Drag crew turned the “Father’s World” event into a sonic spectacle, collaborating with promoters to provide expert judging for the local Sound Clash format. It was an all-day party for the patrons, complete with car audio competitions, weightlifting challenges, the fastest tire change contests, and live performances by local guest artistes gearing up for the Crop Over carnival in August.

Then, it was wheels up as SQ Soundz jetted off to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. They were part of the official judging crew for the summer auto show hosted by VI International Auto. This show was a two-day pop-up extravaganza featuring the island’s unique 360 format and MECA’s SPL. It was a massive hit, with the car audio community showing up in full force.And there’s more to come!

SQ Soundz has been receiving more invites to judge at other events across the Caribbean this year. They’ll be sharing what’s coming soon, so stay tuned like an amplifier for more high-dB action and competitions

.As Triston, the owner of SQ Soundz, said, “We’re all about bringing that Caribbean vibe, high-energy, and professionalism to every car audio event. Whether it’s Barbados, St. Thomas, or any other of the Caribbean islands, we’re here to make some noise, keep the party going, and continue making our mark in the audio competition world. Thank you to everyone for your support and trust.

“Linton Rabsatt, event promoter of VI International Auto, added, “VI International & Massive Vibes Entertainment would like to thank SQ Soundz and the entire judging team for their assistance and support in every way needed to make our annual audio shows a success

NEW YORK, NY (07.18.24) – SiriusXM announced that Subaru has expanded the installation of SiriusXM to make the audio entertainment offering a standard feature beginning with its entire model year 2025 vehicle lineup in the United States.

“We are excited to continue expanding our relationship with Subaru by making SiriusXM a standard feature across their entire lineup of vehicles,” said Gail Berger, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM. “Every Subaru customer will now have the opportunity to experience and enjoy SiriusXM’s extensive lineup of ad-free music channels, plus live sports, news, entertainment and comedy programming in their new vehicle.”

SiriusXM’s standard availability in Subaru follows the introduction of SiriusXM with 360L to Subaru’s vehicle lineup earlier this year. SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, which provides drivers and their passengers with more content, better discovery, and a more personalized listening experience. For more information about SiriusXM with 360L in Subaru, click here. 

Newly purchased or leased Subaru vehicles in the United States receive a four-month trial subscription to SiriusXM that delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied content, plus access at home and on the go through the SiriusXM app on connected devices and speakers. 

For more information on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways subscribers can listen, visit SiriusXM.com.

PHOENIX, AZ (07.15.24) – MTX, a MiTek Electronics and Communications company is proud to announce the entire lineup of new Terminator amplifiers are now available for purchase and are shipping to customers now! For decades the Terminator series has maintained a stellar reputation of quality and affordability, and this new lineup is no exception.

The new Terminator amplifier lineup consists of six Class-D models in various configurations including a highly anticipated 5-channel version. These Class-D amplifiers are more efficient and compact than their predecessors, making them a simple yet powerful solution for any installation. Chock-full of features such as high and low-level input, variable crossovers, updated direct-Insert terminals, protection indicators and short, thermal, and under/over-voltage protection, these amplifiers are certain to gain popularity quickly.

Of course, the mono-block models also include Bass Boost technology along with a Subsonic filter and the Remote Bass Control knob is now included providing an even greater value overall. Lastly, each Terminator amplifier now includes a distinct birth certificate where you’re sure to find power ratings that consistently exceed those listed on the box.

“Given the economic challenges consumers continue to face, our timing couldn’t be better in providing a broad range of stout yet cost-effective amplifiers to our dealers and consumers. Whatever the genre and whatever the volume, music can be therapeutic, and we want everyone to have the chance to enjoy it without breaking the bank” said Jason Fickas, VP of MTX.

Visit mtx.com for more.

TEMPE, AZ (07.15.24) – Mobile Solutions, a leader in creating the tools and training needed for custom automotive electronics, audio, and interior installations, is proud to announce its MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training, scheduled August 9-12 at Mobile Solutions headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. During the event, attendees will learn from the best in the business and enhance their shop’s capabilities by utilizing Mobile Solutions’ comprehensive training program that will reveal the secrets to mastering CAD design automation, 3D fabrication, upholstery, and high-end automotive finishes.

The MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training offers in-depth examples of three real-world design projects, executed to the highest level. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from Bryan Schmitt and special guest, the acclaimed automotive designer and master fabricator, Tom Miller.

What to expect from the MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training:

• Hands-On Class: Participate in a hands-on class project that walks you through the entire design process from ideation to execution.
• Finding Inspiration: Get tips on how to find inspiration and navigate through the ideation phase.
• Efficient Planning: Improve your efficiency and elevate your design game with a fully realized plan, making it easier to start new projects and pitch ideas to clients.
• Collaborative Learning Environment: Engage in a collaborative environment where you can share ideas and get feedback from peers and instructors.
• Boost Your Business: Develop skills to effectively pitch your ideas and present your designs to potential clients.
• Master Advanced Techniques: Develop a deeper understanding of cutting-edge processes and technologies.

“Everything starts with a plan,” said Miller. “In our Door Panel Fabrication Class, you’ll learn how to turn your idea into a compelling, executable plan. We’ll cover finding inspiration, ideation, sketching on paper, digital rendering, and 3D modeling. Starting a new project or pitching an idea can be tough, often leaving us stuck. This class will boost your design skills and efficiency, helping you create a fully realized plan.”

Schmitt concluded, “This is your chance to elevate your craftsmanship and stay ahead in the competitive automotive industry. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and ensure your place among the elite in fabrication.”

Class time is 8:15am – 5:30pm each day.

Visit mobilesolutions-usa.com/doorpanelclass for more information and lodging opportunities during the training.

For additional information, visit www.MobileSolutions-usa.com.

POMPANO BEACH, FL (07.12.24) – ZZ2 is excited to introduce their latest innovation, Bike2Play – a revolutionary multimedia solution designed specifically for motorcycles and motorsport vehicles. This advanced system integrates CarPlay & Android Auto to provide riders with an unparalleled connected experience.

Why Bike2Play?

Seamless Integration: Easily attaches to the dashboard or handlebars of motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs, mopeds, electric bikes, and more.

Smart Connectivity: Access maps, messaging, and calling apps via CarPlay & Android Auto for safer and more convenient journeys.

Durability: Built to withstand rain and high temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in all conditions.

Safety First: Reduce distractions, prevent device theft, and avoid falls by keeping your phone securely in your pocket.

Added Security: The Bike2Play version with a DVR front & rear view camera includes a memory card slot, allowing you to record your journeys for extra peace of mind for your whole trip.

Bluetooth Connectivity: Stay connected without the need for wires, enhancing both convenience and safety.

One-Year Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive warranty.

Visit zz-2.com for more.

POWERZONE PZ2 amplifiers move the set bar forward for audio and Crunch amplifier technology all in one compact package. PZ2 amplifiers are designed and innovated for compact spaces while creating higher levels of BIG POWER in every beat of any song. HEAR MORE DETAILS from power with PZ2!

PZ2 amplifiers are available in mono, 2-channel, 4-channel, and 5-channel configurations and feature undistorted BIG POWER in a smaller space that takes audio to new levels for richer listening. The PZ2-4030.1D brings a MASSIVE 4000 watts of PZ2 power while the PZ2-2030.4D delivers 2000 watts of clean and undistorted power to your audio setup.

With an included electronic equalizer, control of every PZ2 amplifier output with onboard electronic crossover tailors specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers. Hear your audio in clean levels of PZ2 playback!

Maximizing vehicle space – whether in the trunk, backseat, underseat, or anywhere in the vehicle, is what makes the POWERZONE PZ2 line stand out from any other Crunch amplifier. PZ2 amplifiers remain compact in size and deliver higher sound quality in every aspect. Every audio install connected to any PZ2 amplifier will receive an instant upgrade in sound quality.

Exclusive Crunch SPEED-FET MOSFET components maximize power efficiency while improving sound quality and minimizing distortion. Get ready to monitor overload and speaker-short protection with illuminated indicators on PZ2 amplifier end panels. QTD (Quick Thermal Dispersion) Technology
assures every PZ2 amplifier makes HUGE POWER while running cool with nearly undetectable musical distortions.

PZ2-2030.5D POWERZONE PZ2 amplifier bass remote (shown above)
The perfect addition to any Crunch audio install, POWERZONE PZ2 amplifiers create space and opportunity in the tightest and smallest areas. These amplifiers bring out an “in-car” concert experience with any genre of music with sharper details, richer playback, and immersive listening that transforms installations into clean and smooth audio.

Learn more HERE about the line of Crunch POWERZONE PZ2 amplifiers.

LONG BEACH, CA (07.11.24) – JVCKENWOOD is excited to announce the addition of Mark Dombrosky to our team, marking an inspiring return to the industry after a decade-long hiatus. With a wealth of experience and a renewed passion, Mark is eager to hit the ground running with the JVCKENWOOD family.

Mark’s journey in the industry is distinguished by his career spanning over two decades. He has held significant roles, including 10 years as a regional manager with VOXX and 10 years with Panasonic, where he served as the Car Stereo Regional Manager before advancing to National Accounts. Additionally, Mark has been the General Manager of a six-store retail chain and a buyer for a three-store chain.

Taking a break from the industry has only strengthened Mark’s commitment and passion for his work. As a lifelong audio enthusiast, he brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our team and the industry as a whole.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the JVCKENWOOD family and return to the field I love,” said Mark. “The past ten years have been a journey of growth, and I am excited to bring my renewed energy and insights to our team and customers.”

As Mark steps into his new role, JVCKENWOOD looks forward to the innovative contributions and positive influence he will bring to the team. This addition not only highlights the strength of the individual but also the supportive environment fostered within our company.

Join us in welcoming Mark Dombrosky and celebrating this exciting addition to our team. We are confident that he will continue to drive excellence and inspire others with his story of perseverance and passion.

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit www.us.jvc.com/car.

JASPER, IN (07.11.24) – Meyer Distributing, Inc., a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, announces the addition of its Covington, Louisiana crossdock. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Arlington, TX distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4×4/Off-Road, and RV parts in the region.

“Meyer has expanded inventories significantly in crash and collision parts in the last year,” states Rick Stenftenagel, Meyer’s Crash and Collision Category Sales Manager. “We are adding customers throughout this region at a fast clip as they look for alternate sources for hard-to-find products and volume movers alike. Look for us on the estimating systems or give our dedicated body shop sales team a call at 800.345.9487. Spanish customers can give us a ring at 866.662.2776. We also encourage customers to download our app and sign up online for instant access to inventory, orders, and returns!”

“The Covington, Louisiana dock will significantly improve deliveries to a stretch of I10 we’ve always struggled a bit to get to logistically,” states Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “We’re now well-positioned to provide top notch delivery service and frequency to the customer base. Meyer continues to invest organically and via acquisitions to bring the best brands to market for our customers. Any wholesale only distribution company that might be interested in entertaining an offer should reach out to acquisitions@meyerdistributing.com.”