POMPANO BEACH, FL (10.14.22) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration is happy to announce the release of the CP3-PCM3 interface for 2009-2012 Porsche vehicles equipped with the PCM3 radio.
Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV said about the new products being released. “I am very excited to continue bringing new products to market. I focus 100% on supporting my dealers if they need any help during the sales and installation process. Being in this industry for over 25 years I know exactly what it takes to provide the necessary support for dealers to sell and install these products without the fear they will not have support. Additionally, I make myself available in person, at shows and on the phone 24/7.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.14.22) – Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew will be at the 2022 SEMA Show, where they will entertain Showgoers with expanded stories about their inaugural television series and what it’s been like to immerse themselves into the car culture. As keynote speakers on the SEMA Show’s opening day, cast members will join television personality Chris Jacobs at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at the Paradise Event Center.
With Jacobs hosting the interview, the discussion will tap into the unique passion that unites the automotive industry. Like the MotorTrend series that chronicled their experience, the SEMA Show keynote address is about having a good time and making connections.
Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew will be the keynote speakers on opening day of the 2022 SEMA Show. The cast will discuss their inaugural television series and what it’s been like to immerse themselves into the car culture.
“Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew represents SEMA’s membership and the tremendous enthusiasm we all have for this culture,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. “Their story is driven by passion and a deep love for all things automotive. That passion shows through on the screen, and it will come through even more live on stage at the SEMA Show.”
The keynote address is part of a new component of the 2022 SEMA Show Education Program. Five keynote addresses will be held during the week, with each keynote address featuring iconic industry personalities who will educate while entertaining. Speakers will include car enthusiasts, thought leaders, innovators, and entertainers who will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to help elevate and strengthen attendees’ business and personal growth strategies.
Key members of Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew kick off the series on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith, who became a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owner last summer, anchors the week as the keynote speaker for Friday, Nov. 4. Other keynotes will be announced at a later date.
The SEMA Show is a trade-only event where manufacturers, buyers, and industry professionals go to connect and do business. The upcoming event takes place Nov. 1-4, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For details about the SEMA Show Education Program and a complete schedule of seminars available, visit www.semashow.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.13.22) – Vehicle electrification is a continuously growing automotive trend, and some states are actively pushing consumers to transition from ICE to EVs. In fact, California has recently mandated 35% zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2026 and banned all new non-ZEV sales by 2035, while Washington has set a target of 2030 to phase out the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.
With that in mind, in 2019, SEMA’s forward thinking led to the creation of a dedicated “SEMA Electrified” Show section, which highlighted the endless possibilities in the electric market. It returned with a larger presence in 2021 following the 2020 COVID-19 hiatus. Last year, electrification projects and products could also be found in virtually every hall, with conversion platforms including ’60s sedans and musclecars, early Broncos and square-body Chevys, Bonneville racers, sand rails and Baja prerunners. While still a small fraction of the hundreds of builds at the Show, their existence on the Show floor heralded the beginning of a new era in the specialty-equipment aftermarket—and one that holds great promise for aspiring builders and customizers looking to leverage this latest technology to create new revenue streams.
This year’s Show will feature an even more expanded SEMA Electrified section. Located in the North Hall, Booth #11268, the specialized exhibit area will feature the latest advancements in EV technology, including new products and solutions for EV platforms and conversions. In addition to SEMA Electrified, EV projects and products will again be displayed throughout the Show floor. Also, the SEMA Show New Products Showcase—consistently voted as the No. 1 destination by buyers and media—will add a new category for products related to EVs.
The younger generation in particular seems to be enthusiastic about EVs. In fact, 14-year-old Frances Farnam of Tinkergineering stopped by the SEMA Garage earlier this year with her ’76 Porsche 914, which she and her dad are restoring and converting to electric. It will be showcased at SEMA Electrified as an EV project in progress.
“The EV aftermarket is evolving quickly; we’re curating a unique collection of the latest products related to electric vehicles and the aftermarket,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA Electrified will help businesses see the latest trends and understand how the EV market continues to change. We have also added many new education sessions centered around the EV marketplace so visitors will gain an understanding of the advancements and opportunities for the future.”
Although alternative powertrains currently represent just 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks in operation on American roads, sales and interest in EVs are increasing rapidly. According to recent SEMA Market Research, the electric market includes several areas of opportunity for the aftermarket, including the development of parts and products to aid in the conversion of older internal-combustion vehicles; building and modifying new project, racing and purpose-built vehicles; and expertly accessorizing new OEM electric offerings. SEMA is dedicated to helping its member companies identify those opportunities and adapt to the growing segment of the industry.
EV Conversion Companies Exhibiting This Year
The number of EV conversion companies exhibiting this year continues to flourish, and more players will enter the space each year as consumer demand increases. Here is a sampling of some of the EV-conversion and related companies that are scheduled to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show as of press time. Visit www.SEMAShow.com for future updates.
The Atom Drive EV system from Ampere EV utilizes a homebuilt Advanced Control System to support a full compliment of EV components sourced from third parties such as Tesla and Cascadia. Customers can build their own system by choosing from a range of batteries, chargers, wiring options and LED screens. (888-984-7601, www.ampereev.com)
APP EV Systems, a division of Advanced Performance Parts, designs, builds and sells turnkey EV conversion kits for classic cars that are engineered to OE specifications. Applications for Porsche 911s, BMW E9s and Chevrolet C2 Corvettes, among others, are available later this year and early 2023. (360-935-1228, ppevsystems.com)
Autel Energy now offers the MaxiCharger home 40- and 50-amp AC plug-in wallbox Level 2 EV chargers, smart chargers that are compatible with all EV and hybrid plug-in vehicles. The chargers offer adjustable charging up to 40–50 amps, depending on model. (855-288-3587, www.autelenergyus.com)
Electric GT offers turnkey E-Crate conversion systems to replace four-, six, or eight-cylinder ICE vehicles. (619-717-6009, www.electricgt.com)
Hypercraft USA offers turnkey electric drive systems for everything from one-off builds to scaled commercial production. (208-670-7289, www.hypercraftusa.com)
Legacy EV has an EV conversion kit for virtually any gas-powered vehicle manufactured since 1900. Legacy also offers a variety of individual components for EV conversions, and educational programs for technicians as well. (602-518-3223, legacyev.com)
Motorcadd specializes in EV conversions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and vans. (352-223-1723, www.motorcadd.com)
Scorpion EV converts Mk4 roadsters from Factory Five Racing to full EV power using a Tesla Model S drivetrain. All the customer needs to do, the company says, is select their roadster’s color, and Scorpion will handle the rest. (www.scorpion-ev.com).
EV-Related Education Sessions at the Show
The 2022 SEMA Show will feature more than 70 education sessions, some of which will focus on vehicle electrification. Examples include:
TROY, MI (10.13.22) – Over 60 people from area 12volt retailers attended R&D Distribution’s DEI training Tuesday night October 11th at the Holiday Inn Express in Troy, Michigan. Justin Gear and Chad Arthur from VOXX/DEI were on hand to present DEI’s latest products, firmware updates and a recently updated Direct Tech website.
The meet and greet opportunity before the training session was an opportunity for dealers to catch up and network.
All eyes are on the screen as Justin Gear makes o point.
Dealers came from as far away as Saginaw and Ann Arbor to listen, learn and ask questions about DEI’s current product offerings. A pre-training “meet and great” allowed dealers to discuss current industry market trends and what possibly to expect for the upcoming holiday selling season.
Justin Gear (L) and Chad Arthur covered DEI’s latest products, firmware updates and the recently updated DEI Direct Tech website.
Justin Gear and Chad Arthur were up front conducting the training DEI Training Session
“It’s always good to see distributors and their manufacturer partners work together to help strengthen the industry” stated Mike Poulson from R&D. From the strong attendance it seems as though the greater Metro Detroit area 12 volt dealers agree.
R&D set a second DEI training Wednesday October 12th at their Kentwood location.
BATESVILLE, IN (10.13.22) – “October 11th was the 20th anniversary of my company BEI Inc. After 32 years in the workplace as an employee, I decided to live my dream. At that time I began as a consultant, entered the manufacturer rep arena and continued by founding a distribution company. Today I am continuing in the rep arena and consulting,” Mike Beyersdoerfer related from behind the wheel of his Honda Ridgeline in front of a Hampton Inn in Batesville, IN. Beyersdoerfer had just dropped off Ceasar Olaes after a day making MTX Audio sales calls in the area.
It all started for BEI Inc in Wertheim Germany with K&M as Beyersdoerfer met with owner Herr Koenig.
The following are industries in which Beyersdoerfer has worked and has enjoyed….Consumer Electronics, Automotive Aftermarket, Motorcycle, RV, Liquor, and Musical Instruments. All of these industries also align with Beyersdoerfer’s hobbies.
Beyersdoerfer checking out a classic custom RV during a show at the RV Museum in Elkhart IN.
Below is a list some of Beyersdoerfer’s current companies and clients through the years as a Consultant, Representative and Distributor in no particular order.
After wrapping up Wednesday on the road Beyersdoerfer gives a smiling thumbs up from behind the wheel of his Honda Ridgeline.
K&M Musical Instrument stands in Wertheim Germany (my first client) Gibson Guitar Nashville, TN Yamano- Tokyo Japan Manhattan Oil- Texas, Harley Davidson Dealers-29 states Tom Tom- Amsterdam, Nerterlands Meguiar’s -California 3M- Minnesota 12 Volt dealers in 10 Rocky Mountain and Ohio Valley states Epsilon California CRUX-California Race Sport- Illinois Vision X- Washington Diamond & Cerwin Vega- California Massive -California MTX -Arizona & Illinois DEI – Ohio Big Fat Pastor Spirits- Colorado THOR RV- Indiana Colorado Custom Wheels- Colorado and California Hotchkis – California
“A big thanks to my clients and customers from around the world… and I am still having fun,” Beyersdoerfer concluded.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (10.12.22) – The first of the 3-Series Compustar trainings, hosted by Opus Marketing, took place at Top Golf in Philadelphia the evening of Monday, October 10th.
The Top Golf locations provide a terrific venue for the Compustar trainings.
There were 90 people in attendance from Opus Marketing dealers in the area.
“The turnout was terrific with 90 people from area dealers attending. So many across our industry have missed in-person events over the last couple years. Attending a Compustar training to prepare for the season, at a Top Golf facility, was a great formula. Jason Ewing’s presentations on remote start, Maestro and DroneMobile definitely covered the bases. After the training and dinner attendees stayed to network and hit some golf balls on the range too,” Jamie White related.
Jason Ewing, Bruno Berg and Chuck Ottati paused for a quick image with the Top Golf range in the background Monday night.
After the training and dinner many attendees relaxed by the Top Golf driving range.
Bruno Berg and Chuck Ottati connected with dealers throughout the evening. Berg related, “This was such a great way to get the remote starter season going. Seeing the tables full and dealers standing in the meeting area was terrific to see.”
Opus Marketing dealers attending the Compustar training enjoyed dinner and dessert after the training. Many stayed to hit some balls on the range.
There are 2 more Compustar trainings this week at area Top Golf locations. Oxon Hill MD on Wednesday the 12th and Richmond VA on Thursday the 13th. The trainings begin at 6pm with dinner at 7:30. Chuck Ottati and Todd Ess are looking forward to seeing dealers at these Compustar training sessions.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (10.12.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its successful expansion with the opening of its new store in Springfield, Pennsylvania, serving Delaware County.
Tint World Springfield, owned by Brad Lloyd, offers a wide range of high-quality automotive aftermarket accessories and services, including window tint, mobile electronics, audio and video equipment, paint protection film, and more. Tint World Springfield also provides the Philadelphia area’s top home and commercial window film products and services.
Brad Lloyd pictured out front with the grand opening ribbon cutting scissors in hand.
“Tint World’s unmatched selection of products from the leading brands and its commitment to outstanding service have made it the premier automotive styling franchise,” Lloyd said. “The company’s proven, predictable franchise model offers franchisees powerful ongoing support and training that set it apart from the rest of the industry and equip owners with the tools they need to deliver incredible value in their service areas.”
Brad Lloyd (L) with staff members Lei Grice-sales and Richie Hess-tint tech ready to make the cash register ring.
The large installation area is ready.
Tint World Springfield, located at 674 Baltimore Pike, #2, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064, serves all of Springfield and the Media, Drexel Hill, Newtown Square, West Philadelphia, West Chester, Ridley Park, Wayne, Folcroft, Ardmore, and Broomall communities.
To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about Tint World Springfield’s products and services, call (610) 214-2083 or visit tintworld.com/locations/pa/springfield-097/
“Brad’s dedication and hard work have paid off and will be the foundation of his future success as a Tint World franchisee,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “He’s committed himself to Tint World’s franchise systems and processes, so the residents of Springfield and Delaware County can have confidence that he and his team will exceed their expectations for quality and reliability.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.12.22) – Mothers Polishes has been named the presenting sponsor of the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition featuring customizers who have a vehicle on display at the world-renown SEMA Show.
With exhibitors relying on the builds at the annual trade-only event to showcase their hottest parts and accessories, the vehicles at the SEMA Show are carefully curated and represents the best in the industry.
Mothers Polishes has been named presenting sponsor of the 2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition held annually during the SEMA Show.
“It’s not a casual decision that an exhibitor makes when selecting what vehicle to showcase at the SEMA Show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The vehicle they ultimately choose and the builder they choose are the best of the best. It really is the Top Gun of the industry.”
Deadline for builders to enter this year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders sponsored by Mothers Polishes is Oct. 14. Top builders will be recognized in four categories as Class Champions – Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns – before one Grand Champion winner is named on the final day of the SEMA Show, Friday, Nov. 4.
The competition will unfold throughout the week, with the Top 40 announced on Tuesday, Nov. 1, and the Top 12 announced on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The decorated dozen will examine and critique each other’s vehicles at the Show on Thursday, Nov. 3, as they become the final judges and select the ultimate winner.
Throughout the entire competition, camera crews will follow the action for a television special that will air on the HISTORY Channel in January 2023. For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders, sponsored by Mothers, visit www.semashow.com/botb.
STILLWATER, OK (10.11.22) – KICKER Marine Audio is heading to Lake Havasu City, AZ to join its local dealers and fans for the Anderson Toyota Lake Havasu Classic Outboard Championships October 14-17, which features two days of high-horsepower racing excitement in three classes: Formula 1, Tri Hull and Formula Lite division. The race is sanctioned by the American Powerboat Association (APBA) and draws international powerboat racing stars.
KICKER Marine Audio is the presenting sponsor for the October 14 Friday Night Pit Party Meet & Greet from 4-8 pm at the Nautical Beachfront Resort. Fans get to mingle with the drivers and crews in the cold pit area to learn more about the racers and their equipment. Great music will be broadcast through the KICKER Marine Audio system while fans enjoy a vintage boat display, food, beverages and vendors. This special event is free and open to the public.
The Classic Outboard Championships have become a Lake Havasu tradition, drawing competitors from every corner of the globe for high stakes cash and prizes. Racing action begins on Saturday October 15 with testing and qualifying races in all three divisions, followed by the Championship Grand Finale on Sunday, October 16. The races start at 11 AM MST and will live stream on the F1 Powerboat Championship Facebook and YouTube channels. Race headquarters at the Nautical Beachfront Resort, 1000 McCulloch Boulevard N, overlooking Thompson Bay offers FREE front and center racecourse viewing on the beach front. The exclusive Mercury Racing Rooster Tail VIP Experience on the resort’s lakeside terrace offers another exclusive tier of fan excitement.
KICKER Marine Audio will also co-sponsor the Formula 1 Race Ride Experience, an opportunity for select, lucky fans who enter the Facebook or Instagram contest to get the thrill of riding in a specially built 2-seat Formula 1 boat that is used as the series pace boat for the races. The company is also a sponsor of the Kids on the Colorado River Program – Racing Edition Educational Pod that will take place at Thunderbolt Middle School on Monday, October 17, before the Championship awards dinner.
KICKER Marine Audio, and its local dealers (Wired 4 Sound and Ron’s In Your Ear Audio), and vendors have long been active in Lake Havasu through the performance boating Annual Desert Storm Poker Run and rally. The Classic Outboard Championships event, promoted by the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Series, gives KICKER Marine Audio and music fans the opportunity to mix high-octane sound with high-speed racing action.
Dan Murphy of MurfCo. Inc. KICKER Marine Audio’s long-time Manufacturers Rep Group that coordinates distributor and dealer representation in the southwest region, is teaming up with Lake Havasu’s custom installers Wired 4 Sound and Elite Audio’s Jeff Cuvelier at the event. Murphy and partner Frank Zepeda’s “Boom Toon,” a “vintage” 30-foot Starlight 1986 riverboat that was transformed into a runabout double decker party barge complete with a slide and party poles, will be at the docks. The Boom Toon will join Jeff’s Rinker Flotilla Deckboat, both featuring top-of-the-line KICKER Marine Audio speakers, subwoofers, amps and more, emphasizing the company’s tagline, “Livin’ Loud!“ Murphy will be joined at the booth by Liam Carney and Lorin Morrell and available for questions. MurfCo and local dealers have long-time KICKER audio affiliations including friendships with KICKER founder Steve Irby, who was a pioneer in the 12-Volt, mobile audio world.
“KICKER Marine Audio enjoys bringing our high-performance sound to those who love high-performance boating,” said Jeremy Bale, KICKER brand manager. “Many racers, their fans and powerboaters already know KICKER from its decades as a mobile audio leader and probably use our components in their tow vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles. We have long-time dealers, distributors and installers in the Lake Havasu area so the races are a great opportunity for us to see old friends and make new ones.”
All KICKER Marine Audio’s can enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white to complement a boat’s color scheme, complete with LED lights and accessories. Horn-Loaded Tower Systems, speakers, subwoofers, amps and media centers are only part of the line, so when you are ready to “KICK” up your sound system, rely on KICKER Marine Audio to deliver the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components. www.kicker.com/marine-audio.
For Additional Information on the Lake Havasu Classic Outboard Championships visit www.f1powerboatchampionship.com or the f1powerboat championship Facebook page. Online VIP Tickets, RV Spots – seeboldsports.com/shop
HOUSTON, TX (10.11.22) – Synergy Marketing Agency has announced the addition of two veteran 12volt industry members to the firm’s in the field staff. David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Agency Principal, related “We cover Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. That is geographically large area and the time was right to have more direct representation in the territory for the vendors we represent. Toby Lewis is onboard as the Regional Territory Director in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Elliot Winter is onboard as the Regional Territory for Central and South Texas.”
Toby Lewis Regional Territory Director in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Toby Lewis is a veteran in the mobile electronics industry with over 30 years of experience. His 12volt journey began at Mad Jacks Audio Video in the late 80s. Mad Jack’s Audio Video was a 7-store chain in the San Diego area that specialized in car and home audio and video. Toby’s career led him to Directed Electronics and Kicker Car Audio but most recently managed trade shows for Extron Electronics, a California based commercial AV company. Toby decided to return to Oklahoma where he has been working on classic vehicle restoration projects.
Based in Tulsa OK Toby is excited to join Synergy Marketing and bring some of the best brands in the industry to Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Contact Toby at toby@synergyagency.net.
Elliot Winter Regional Territory Director for Central and South Texas.
Elliot Winter, based out of Austin, has worked in the consumer electronics sphere for over two decades now and has an absolute passion for the industry. As a former manager of Best Buy, Circuit City, Ultimate Electronics, Audio Express, Custom Sounds and various small high end shops he has an extensive product knowledge spreading across multiple brands. Furthermore as a former SQ and SPL competitor plus SQ judge he has first hand experience designing systems for a variety of applications. Over the past two decades he has also been heavily involved in the Custom Car world including extensive knowledge relating to builds on rat rods, hot rods and muscle cars thanks to his personal experience and the mentorship of his father long time Street Rod enthusiast, former American Hot Rod Association president, and more. To date his builds and designs have included multiple magazine publications, best of show winners, and more.
David Toliver with his custom Avalanche demo vehicle.
Past his practical experience Elliot comes to Synergy Marketing with a Master’s in Media Communications with focuses including live sound and recording arts. His experience with live sound and recording gives him unique perspective on how music should sound and how to deliver that experience to customers in addition to the ability to think outside the box when it comes to system design. He is a passionate, creative and driven individual always willing to go above and beyond for his customers. Working with him not only means getting the best price for the gear you need but ensures that you will have a passionate and extremely knowledgeable resource for creative ideas, build designs and more. Contact Elliot at elliot@synergyagency.net.
David Toliver covers Louisiana and Mississippi in his white Chevrolet Avalanche demo vehicle. Contact David at david@synergyagency.net.
Synergy Marketing Agency represents Audiomobile, Dynamat, Gemini Acoustics, Lucas Lighting, Morel, MTX Audio, Musway, Polk Audio. Rhino Box, Rydeen, Reikken, SoundCubed, SQL Audio and Tru Technology.
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