STILLWATER, OK (06.20.24) – KICKER has added a powerful, 1,500-watt mono amplifier to the KXMA Marine lineup, as well as a new pair of 6.5-inch coaxial speakers that look and fit differently than any others in the KICKER lineup. The KXMA1500.1 Marine Mono Amplifier will be available very soon for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, the KXMA1500.1 will retail for $699.99 and will also be available for purchase online at http://www.kicker.com.

Also shipping, KM614FL Marine Thin-Profile Coaxial Speakers with two different grille looks will become available at a retail price of $209.99.

Delivering the same power at one or two Ohms, the KXMA1500.1 is an efficient Class-D marine amplifier, powerful enough to run multiple KICKER Marine subwoofers at high volume. This feature-rich amp is also equipped with KickEQ+^™ bass boost, a 24dB/octave crossover and a variable 24dB subsonic filter with adjustable frequency control. A full-range RCA pass-through is also included for easy system expansion. The amplifier also comes with a KMBLC Remote Level Control for easy customization of your sound on the fly. Now with eight options, the KXMA line also features two, four, five and eight-channel options for highly flexible system design.

KICKER has also integrated FIT2^™ (Fail-safe Integration Technology) into KXMA amps, ensuring a flexible, noise-free signal from virtually any radio – without the additional expense of a line-out converter. The DSP-controlled preamp offers superior sound quality and precise control of the signal.

All KXMA Marine Amplifiers are built specifically for the rigors of life on the water. The side-mounted acoustic controls are guarded with a gasket-sealed door for protection from the elements. In addition to heavily applied conformal coating on the circuit boards, all power connections are ABYC/NMMA compliant, per KICKER’s Real Marine™ protocol.

Same Real Marine™ durability can be attributed to the KM614FL.  They meet or exceed industry standards for environmental humidity and corrosion^** and for material degradation due to UV exposure.^*** Rust-proof, stainless-steel installation hardware is also included.

Extending only one-half-inch past any boat’s mounting surface, the KM614FL pair comes equipped with both white OE-style speaker grilles and silver with an open tweeter hole to match the theme of the craft with ease. Expandable, seven-color under-cone LEDs bathe the entire speaker in light.

Visit kicker.com for more.

BATTLE GROUND, WA (June 20, 2024) – In a strategic move to boost customer service in the Pacific Northwest, The Crossover Marketing Group proudly announces the addition of Maria Alejandra to its growing team. 

Maria’s creativity, enthusiasm for helping others, and bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish) make her a valuable new asset to the team. As a past sales agent with a diverse background as a chef, bartender, and administrator, Maria is uniquely qualified and has adept skills to handle various situations and the experience in understanding and supporting people’s needs… Now, she is ready to embark on the next chapter of her career with Crossover. 

Outside of the office, Maria is a creative soul, she enjoys crafting, designing bags and earrings, and painting. She is also furthering her education by studying architecture and the Japanese language. 

“Her dedication and passion are evident in every task we’ve given her over the past several weeks of training” said Rob Sutton, expressing his admiration for Maria’s remarkable energy and commitment. “I wanted someone who shared in my desire to really connect with people, and feel like we hit a home run here” 

As the new Client Success Manager, Maria will oversee order entry, warranty claims, and overall customer service. This strategic hire also enables Crossover to transition Sam Sutton outside the office into a new Relationship Manager role, where he will directly serve accounts alongside Rob and Paul. Maria’s appointment underscores Crossover’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering strong relationships in the territory. 

“We couldn’t be happier with Maria. She brings an energy and enthusiasm to every task, is very detailed oriented, and extremely personable, all the traits and skills that we strive for in the DNA make-up of the entire Crossover Marketing Group“ said Paul Pilat when asked about how she will fit with the team. 

Visit www.crossovermktg.com for more.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (06.19.24) – A VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholder since 2010 and one of its first Mexico-based distributors, DIREGO added its three Colombian locations to the group’s network, expanding its footprint into South America.

Two of the Colombian locations are in Bogotá and one is in Cali. DIREGO is headquartered in Saltillo, the capital of Coahuila, Mexico, and operates four distribution centers and 24 stores in that country, as well as one in Houston.

“We are very pleased to continue growing our partnership with VIPAR Heavy Duty. Bringing our Colombian locations into the network strengthens our ability to serve customers in that region and positions us for further growth,” said Alejandro “Alex” Garcia Pérez, DIREGO’s commercial director. “Our reputation is built on exceptional service and providing truck and trailer parts of the highest quality from the industry’s most trusted brands. We are eager, in conjunction with VIPAR Heavy Duty, to strengthen that reputation among our Colombian customers and communities.”

Garcia, who joined DIREGO’s management team in 2013, serves on the VIPAR Heavy Duty Board of Directors. During his time with DIREGO, the distributorship has experienced significant growth. They also became a subsidiary of ZOR Capital Group, which is focused on Latin American transportation, manufacturing and distribution for automobiles and commercial vehicles.

“DIREGO and Alex have been essential to VIPAR Heavy Duty’s success and growth in Latin America where we have more than 100 locations and 15 years of experience,” said VIPAR Heavy Duty President and CEO Chris Baer. “Alex’s aftermarket expertise and market knowledge are great assets as we execute our strategy to further strengthen our presence throughout Latin America. We are proud to have the strongest and most progressive network of independent aftermarket distributors throughout the Americas – now serving end-user customer needs on two continents.

“It’s a great time to be in the heavy duty truck parts business!”

DIREGO was founded in 1994 and has steadily expanded its footprint through the years. They provide parts for all makes and models of trucks, trailers and buses.

“DIREGO is a top VIPAR Heavy Duty distributor, excelling in all areas,” said Jim Pennig, VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ vice president of business development. “They are an outstanding ambassador of VIPAR Heavy Duty’s brand and principles, and we welcome their Colombian locations to our growing Latin American network.”

For more information on DIREGO, visit dirego.com.mx. For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or email: info@vipar.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.19.24) – Take on the thrill of the open waters and abundant sunshine by upgrading your Marine speaker game to the NH2 LEVEL! Creating a soundscape for every on-the-water listening experience, MB Quart Nautic compression horn speakers and Nautic compression horn tower speakers bring out the best in Nautic performance. Get ready to embrace more of summer adventures!

Four models are included in this Nautic speaker line – NH2-120, NH2-116,
NHT2-120, and NHT2-116, as each speaker set projects audio that is loud so
it can be heard from miles away. But just being loud on the open waters is not enough – every speaker model creates audio that is clean, sharp, and detailed, with sound displayed in crisp playback.

Showcasing audio and design in a customizable appearance, each set of Nautic compression horn/horn tower speakers will include interchangeable grills (Black, Silver, and White) allowing you to match your boat or audio system installation as desired. Hear sound that is customizable to every install!

HEAR CLEANER DETAIL THROUGH NH2

Both the NH2-120 and NH2-116 make clean clarity in every beat upscaling your sound to the maximum performance in audio delivery. In addition – both compression horn models have been LIFE SHIELD tested to the highest Marine and Motorsports standards that include protection against sun fade, fresh/salt water spray, dust, and even sand.

Creating steady mids, higher-in-detail trebles, and overall a richer layer of Marine speaker playback – both NH2-120 and NH2-116 compression horns have been innovated with UHS (Ultra-High Sensitivity) Technology and wavelength transparent acoustic lenses with a polypropylene cone – so sound is heard in top-notch detail. Take on MORE SOUND in MORE DETAIL.

Learn more details HERE on both the NH2-120 and NH2-116
Nautic compression horn speakers.

TAKE ON LOUDER SOUND WITH NHT2

Creating LOUDER VOLUME while maintaining incredible detail – both the
NHT2-120 and NHT2-116 come designed in a reinforced compact enclosure.
With mounting hardware included and packaged in pairs, natural Butyl rubber surround remains responsive in all weather conditions. A heavy-duty injection-molded ABS cast enclosure provides strength and improved bass response in any genre of music.

A woven fiber composite spider helps stabilize the cone and voice coil in all musical situations creating a clear sound that projects an immersive layer into every song. Front and rear venting allow air passage through the spider and back plate to exchange air over the voice coil.

Learn more details HERE on both the NHT2-120 and NHT2-116 Nautic compression horn tower speakers.

LITTLETON, CO (06.17.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues to build its footprint in Colorado with its fourth location in the state.

Owned and operated by George Boudouris, Tint World Littleton offers comprehensive automotive styling, performance and safety services, including window tint, paint protection film, ceramic coatings, and professional detailing, to drivers in the southern Denver metropolitan area.

“We’re proud to expand the Tint World brand in Colorado and to introduce the leading automotive service and products to the Littleton area,” Boudouris said. “Tint World has a proven record of success. Their reputation for quality and value enhances the powerful franchise systems and support that drive the company’s fast growth in a highly competitive industry.”

Tint World Littleton is located at 151 West Country Line Road, Littleton, CO 80129. To book an appointment, request a quote or learn more about Tint World Littleton, call (303) 300-8747 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/co/littleton-101/.

“George is a welcome addition to the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He has the commitment and passion we look for, and we know Tint World Littleton will have a positive impact on its customers while helping us continue to elevate our brand globally.”

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.17.24) – SEMA — the Specialty Equipment Market Association — is deeply disappointed that California’s Senate Bill (SB) 301, legislation aimed at incentivizing the conversion of gas and diesel-powered cars into Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), was vetoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino, SB 301 sought to establish the groundbreaking Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP) under the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Despite being lauded as a “Job Creator” by the California Chamber of Commerce and receiving unanimous support from lawmakers, the bill faced a veto at the Governor’s desk. This program would have provided rebates of up to $4,000 to California residents undertaking the conversion of eligible used vehicles, with stringent guidelines ensuring compliance with safety, range, and affordability criteria.

This missed opportunity is glaring, especially as California boasts several programs promoting new ZEV purchases but lacks support for ZEV conversions of existing gas-powered vehicles. This setback hinders the rollout of a program that bolsters cleaner air, reduces carbon emissions, and fuels job growth and economic prosperity statewide.

California’s reputation as an innovation hub rings hollow with this veto. SB301 was poised to be a catalyst for progress. With over 149,000 jobs and a significant $40 billion economic impact, the specialty automotive aftermarket stands as a vital contributor to California’s economy. This bill represented a chance to supercharge the industry, aligning seamlessly with the Governor’s stated priority of advancing cleaner vehicles.

“SEMA is profoundly disappointed by Governor Newsom’s lack of foresight in vetoing SB 301,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA’s president and CEO. “This legislation would have advanced environmental sustainability and leveled the playing field for aftermarket conversions while fostering innovation, supporting small businesses, and providing consumers with affordable and sustainable transportation options.”

SEMA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies that promote innovation and sustainability within the automotive industry. While SB 301 may not have secured the Governor’s signature this time, SEMA will continue collaborating with lawmakers, stakeholders, and the community to advance initiatives that drive innovation.

For inquiries or further information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

DALLAS, TX (06.14.24) – SSRU 1.3, entitled Acoustics & Tuning, took place at the Dallas office where local 12-volt specialists & their staff were in attendance and all but overcrowded the lavish SSR Dallas training facilities. Hosting the event as usual was VP of Sales & Operations, Tracy Farr & his stellar sales staff.

“Company Director of Marketing & Dealer Outreach, Paul Galanos, delivered a compelling seminar in grand fashion,” stated Farr.

From simple acoustic theory to an introductory exploration into the world of digital sound processing, Galanos explained how to plan and execute a stellar install based on simple acoustic fundamentals and attacking any lingering deficiencies with active sound processing.

“Attendees interacted with one another to share knowledge and experience and worked together to develop an understanding of new concepts meant to help propel them into the next generation of install, tuning, and staying up to date on new tech” Galanos related.

SSR University will return in one month’s time to the DFW area for installment 1.4 entitled “Sound Processing 101” – AND in the meantime will be kicking off another Houston installment; details to be released soon!

Stay tuned for more SSR University updates.

Visit ssrdistributors.com for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.13.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is preparing for a momentous event this year. More than 2,400 brands will exhibit at the 2024 SEMA Show, including hundreds of new companies revealing their products and services.

“The industry continues to innovate, creating new solutions to shape the future of automotive. In turn this has fueled demand and increased sales, and the tremendous support for this year’s SEMA Show is a reflection of the growth and energy of the marketplace,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The industry is eager to come together, conduct business, and make connections that will result in future success.”

Among the more than 2,400 companies exhibiting at the Nov. 5-8 event in Las Vegas are iconic brands such as Flaming River, Katzkin, Kia, McLeod, Mopar/Stellantis, Snap-on, and Truck Hero.

“There are many line items in Katzkin’s marketing expenses, and nothing comes close to the investment we make in attending the SEMA Show every year, but in our experience, the returns far exceed the investment,” said Katzkin Creative Director Miles Hubbard. “SEMA provides a venue unlike any other where we can launch new products, demonstrate our existing capabilities, speak face-to-face with thousands of people who work in our industry exclusively, and just show off.”

Automaker Kia is returning to the SEMA Show after a brief hiatus. “Kia has been a fan of SEMA and the larger tuner community for many years,” said Kia Vice President of Marketing Russell Wager. “This event has provided the backdrop for many of our most iconic vehicle programs, including concept versions of Stinger, Forte, and Soul. We look forward to shaking things up and sharing ‘electrifying’ news once again in 2024.”

Simple Green, a global market leader in environmentally safer cleaning products, is among the hundreds of first-time exhibitors at this year’s SEMA Show. “SEMA show attendees represent the full spectrum of auto professionals – you’ll find media, manufacturers, buyers, retailers, exhibitors, detailers, fabricators, and more. This mix of tradition and experience, coupled with youthful enthusiasm and innovation, makes the SEMA show such an attractive place for brands like Simple Green,” said Simple Green Content Marketing Manager Selena Nutter. “This is an audience that is hungry for high-performance, innovative aftermarket products, which makes it the ideal place for any brand to showcase products designed for people that love vehicles both inside and out.”

In addition to connecting with thousands of leading brands, SEMA Show attendees will experience the world’s largest display of new automotive aftermarket products at the New Products Showcase, the latest vehicle builds, and new activations and areas dedicated to future technology. Show goers can also participate in world-class education tracks and seminars, unique events, and SEMA Fest, a celebration of music and car culture.

Attendees are encouraged to register early to maximize their ROI; registration is only $40 for qualified attendees who register by June 28. Participants can also make hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.

“With the latest products, leading brands, immersive experiences, and thought leaders from every facet of the industry, this is a can’t miss event,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “We’re dedicated to providing attendees with an unparalleled experience that will help their business and professional career grow.”

Spaces are still available for companies who would like to exhibit and connect with tens of thousands of qualified buyers at the 2024 SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

For information about the 2024 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com. To view this year’s floorplan, log on to www.semashow.com/floorplan.

ITASCA, IL (06.13.24) – Lucas Lighting, a Chicago based company, announces additional growth plans with the addition of automotive batteries as well as Jim Warren joining the executive team.

Mike Hong, Lucas ’president and founder said, “Lucas Lighting has really resonated with our
customers in North America. The reliability of our products combined with solid profitability
has been a very successful formula. We now have opportunities to expand outside of North
America as well as in our home markets.”

Jim Warren joins Lucas as Executive Director and will be leading many of these growth initiatives in tandem with the executive team, which also includes industry veteran Ken Wiseman, who continues as National Sales Manager. For the past seven years, Jim has led the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA). Prior to EDA, Jim was Vice President of Merchandising at Car Toys (Seattle) and SVP Sales and Marketing at Harman International.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim over the last three years in his prior position. His leadership and experience with national, international, major and key accounts will be a tremendous asset to our group and business partners as he takes on this new role. He has been fantastic to interact with both on business and personal levels,” states Steve Rogers, now Vice President over all of Lucas YH holdings.

Jim commented, “For the past several years I’ve watched Lucas Lighting’s leadership in the
rapidly growing lighting category. Lucas Lighting is the premium brand with unparalleled
performance. It’s super exciting to have the opportunity to help grow the brand both here in the
United States and worldwide.”

Find out more at www.lucas-lighting.com.