PITTSBURGH, PA (02.22.24) – The Pittsburgh International Auto Show was back at the David L Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh February 16th thru 19th. The 4-Day show brought exciting new vehicles, displays, products and fun for the whole family. In all the show featured over 40 makes and models of vehicles from around the world.
Team Nutz, proactive 12volt and automotive aftermarket retailer, was once again on site. This year, the Team Nutz occupied a 8,500 square foot booth in the Convention Center. Team Nutz has been exhibiting at the Pittsburg Auto Show for over 16 years. During the show at times there were more than a dozen members of the Team Nutz crew engaged with show attendees in meaningful one-on-one conversations and demonstrations.
The Team Nutz crew connected with many of the crowd of 40,000.
The large wheel display was set for the show to open.
Team Nutz crew members demonstrated a wide variety of car paint protection activities.
For Team Nutz Ed Nuttall stated “We handed out 4000 Team Nutz bags, 2000 decals, pens lanyards, magnets and ran out of 2500 business cards. Our booth was packed with attendees to see demo vehicles, a big selection of wheels, OEM Display, a Marine display, a wide variety of product displays plus live installations of vehicle wraps, bed liner jobs, paint protection polishing, window tinting, leather Katzkin seat installations and DSP audio demos. The show was great and our phones started ringing early on Monday at the store.”
Tatiana and and Natasha (R) in the Team Nutz booth that was packed with Team Nutz gear. Over 4000 bags and many more giveaways took the Team Nutz brand out the door.
Team Nutz showcased many car care products.
Team Nutz was promoting on social media day right up to the last day.
Nuttall continued “Motorcycle and powersports displays also grabbed eyeballs and attention. With the large crowd of over 40,000 at the event over the 4 days I know we had probably more than 5000 direct conversation with attendees. With all that interaction we anticipate a considerable amount of business from the event. We definitely look forward to being back at the Pittsburgh International Auto Show in 2025” Nuttall concluded.
TEMPE, AZ (02.22.24) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce that its MasterTech Expo is continuing to grow and so it as added four additional partner hotels in order to house attendees for the upcoming event. The 2024 MasterTech Expo is scheduled for March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.
“The Expo has really taken off, and our 2023 event was amazing,” explained Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions founder/CEO/president. “As a result, our original partner hotel has already sold out for our upcoming 2024 event. Attendees have been asking about additional housing options, so we have been able to add four new partner hotels. Our commitment to a unique and hyper-focused career growth and development experience for MasterTech Expo attendees is the primary motivation in creating this event. The event’s growth year-by-year proves that both exhibitors and attendees alike are gaining invaluable knowledge as well as strengthening and making new relationships.”
To learn more and register for the event of the year, please visit www.MasterTechExpo.com.
MasterTech Expo was created as a comprehensive learning and networking event that intersects multiple disciplines in the automotive aftermarket customization and business spaces. Whether interior trimmers, car audio installation technicians, fabricators, business leaders or visionary entrepreneurs, its audience is broad-reaching, diverse, creative and talented. MasterTech’s training approach and content is unequaled, and its hand-selected exhibitor partners are the premier companies in their respective industries.
“There is no other event like this and your pathway to achieve next-level career skills and knowledge in the automotive aftermarket industry, whatever your specific discipline, is paved at MasterTech Expo,” Schmitt concluded. “Meet and network with like-minded professionals who enjoy sharing ideas, knowledge, and innovation in a professional setting while getting inspired by the diverse range of exhibitors and their incredible technology-oriented products. Come away with a new energy to elevate your skills and be the leader in your market.”
SHREVEPORT, LA (02.22.24) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staff, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.
Armando Parra conducting a Magnadyne training at A&W Distributors in Dallas Wednesday morning. A&W is the new Magnadyne/Carbine distributor for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Alan Wojtas, the area representative, was in the house and orchestrated the meeting.
Andy Vergales, CWR Distribution West FL territory Manager, is shown in the Tampa warehouse with KICKER Marine Audio products that just arrived. CWR is a national distributor for KICKER Marine products.
There will be much more to come as coverage of events and activities continue to take place.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..PRESTO.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Armando and his father Manuel Rollin (R) are pictured with the PowerBass Independent Retailer of the Year 2023 plaque. They are pictured in front of their Atlas Customs store in Santa Maria, CA.
The new Blaupunkt eBike is spotlighted in the G Sound showroom in Upland, CA.
Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
Audiopipe conducted a training session for LESCO Distributing Orange County FL on February 20th.
The first session of the SSR University took place in the company’s Houston warehouse with Paul Galanos making the presentation.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the news as 12volt industry members utilize the 12voltSTP Tool.
HOUSTON TX (02.21.24) SSR Distributors has launched the SSR University. The monthly sessions will held in the evening the last Wednesday of the month in the company’s Houston facility. The first session was Wednesday January 31st.
Paul Galanos conducting the first class of the SSRU in Houston with 40 attendees seated in the audience.
Paul Galanos, SSRU instructor related, “At SSR Distributors we understand that providing the widest selection and best terms along with pricing doesn’t encompass the entirety of what makes a next-level service provider. Providing technical education, product training, sales training and business training plus marketing training are also essential paths for which business owners must travel to become more successful.”
This tech session on the new AutoTech Alternators was conducted by Douglas Romero (L) and Paul.
SSR hosted the first SSR University session on Wednesday, January 31st. “We had a great turnout with over 40 seated in the area that was setup in the warehouse. I conducted the sales training session. Douglas Romero and I conducted the tech session with the AutoTech alternators that were recently added to our stocking lineup. Attendees were engaged and the feedback was terrific. All were smiling with their framed certificated in the group photo after the session” Galanos offered.
After the SSRU session ended attendees are all smiles as they hold their framed certificate to hang on the wall at their store.
The free monthly sessions in the Houston area for dealers and their respective staff are designed to help set them on a success-path with a steeper incline for success. The SSR University sessions will a begin in Dallas in March to assist serving dealers in the Dallas market.
At all sessions SSR provides free dinner at the close of the session. Doors are closed around 6pm to prepare for the SSR University session. Dealers are encouraged to hang their framed certificate on the wall behind the counter in their showroom.
UPLAND CA (02.21.24) G SOUND has been serving the Upland area since 2003. The family owned retailer stays on top of the latest 12volt trends and recently saw an opportunity to offer eBikes to their customers. The Blaupunkt eBike has been added to their inventory and is featured in the company’s showroom.
The Blaupunkt Henri eBike is spotlighted on the showroom floor.
JR Lopez related for G Sound “eBikes are definitely a growing category. When RPM became a Blaupunkt eBike distributor that prompted our decision to begin offering the eBike category. It’s true many consumers don’t think of shopping for eBikes at a 12volt retailer. We have a lot of repeat customers and they immediately want to know more when they see the Blaupunkt Henri on the surfboard display in the showroom.”
“We have had some customers come in who have eBikes. Soon they learned the Blaupunkt Henri has features their bike does not have like the ability to fold and place in the back of a small SUV. The eBike also has pedals like a bike that gets all going as the motor kicks plus the LED light an loud horn button. We ride our display eBike around the complex on errands ad it grabs attention.”
The well-merchandised G Sound store in Upland, CA highlighted at night.
“The RPM team warehouse being just a day away also makes stocking the eBike a way to generate profitable sales without a big inventory investment. The Blaupunkt surfboard offer with opening order was super too. Watch for more” JR related.
AVON LAKE, OHIO – Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), the foremost leader in the heat and sound control aftermarket industry, proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation – the License Plate Pad. This revolutionary product is designed to address common issues faced by vehicle owners, offering a comprehensive solution for noise reduction, paint protection and rust prevention. The License Plate Pad (#50941) is a specially engineered pad that fits seamlessly behind a metal license plate. Crafted with precision and quality materials, it effectively reduces noise and vibrations caused by the rattling of the license plate, ensuring a smoother and quieter driving experience for motorists.
In addition to its noise-reducing properties, the License Plate Pad serves as a shield for the paint behind the license plate. Its adhesive backing makes installation a breeze, providing a secure and long-lasting solution to protect the vehicle’s paint from scratches and abrasions caused by the constant movement of the license plate.
Furthermore, the License Plate Pad offers an added layer of defense against rust. By covering the bare metal behind the license plate, it helps prevent moisture from penetrating the surface and causing corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan of the vehicle’s exterior.
Key features of the License Plate Pad include:
-Closed cell foam – will not absorb water/fluids -Advanced noise reduction technology for a quieter ride -Paint protection to safeguard against scratches and abrasions -Rust prevention to prolong the life of the vehicle’s exterior -Adhesive backing for easy installation -Sized to fit standard license plate dimensions -Packaged as a convenient two-pack
“As a company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for vehicle enthusiasts, we are thrilled to introduce the License Plate Pad to our product lineup,” said Mike Buca, Brand Manager of Design Engineering, Inc. “With its unparalleled performance and ease of installation, we believe it will quickly become an essential accessory for every vehicle owner.”
STILLWATER, USA – KICKER ® and the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) head to south Texas for the first big show of the year at the 2024 Lone Star Throwdown, showing off several SEMA Show-quality custom trucks in a viewing area filled with fun.
Mississippi-based KICKER dealer Pro Audio Center (Richland) will bring a gleaming black F-250 ® , featuring a massive 20,000-watt KICKER system built entirely in-house loaded with ST-Series midranges and bullet tweeters, powerful amplifiers, and imposing SoloX ® subwoofers.
Featured in KICKER’s 2023 SEMA Show booth and recent Gauge Magazine cover vehicle, Randy Frederick’s 1991 Toyota ® pickup is packed with classic KICKER gear, and Outlaw Grafiks is also bringing a dropped Silverado ® to the booth, emblazoned with the KICKER logo and sporting a wall of eight Solo-Baric ® L7S subs.
KICKER Special Projects Manager Tim Smith will haul his custom ’94 Chevy ® C1500 filled with a KICKER KMC4 Media Center, a KEY ® Smart Amplifier, and a KS-Series front stage. A CX-Series 1200-watt amplifier and a pair of super-thin, eight-inch Solo-Baric L7T subs deliver the bass from an MTI Acoustics™ custom enclosure.
The sprawling event fills more than 30 acres of Conroe’s Lone Star Convention and Expo Center. Two thousand show cars have pre-registered for the show, with every spot taken more than a month in advance. LST officials anticipate attendance exceeding 15,000 people, with Top-100 and best-of-show awards being presented along with several cash prizes.
Clearwater, FL (February 19, 2024) – Stinger, a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle aftermarket solutions, announces the appointment of Gary Bell as the new Director of Audio. With over thirty years of expertise in consumer audio and new product development, Bell has been instrumental in shaping industry standards and enhancing audio experiences in collaboration with leading companies. In his new role, Bell will oversee Stinger’s Integrated audio team, reporting to Kevin Kuenzie, Vice President of Research and Development. Bell will be responsible for Stinger’s overall audio strategy for consumer audio products and the research of innovative new audio solutions.
Kevin Kuenzie remarked, “Bringing Gary into the fold as Director of Audio underlines his unparalleled expertise and the innovation he embodies. His pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to auditory perfection are in lockstep with Stinger’s ethos and our pursuit to redefine the frontiers of vehicle solutions.”
“I’m excited to join the Stinger team and look forward to guiding our team into the next generation of seamlessly integrated mobile audio experiences,” said Bell.
With Bell’s appointment, Stinger reaffirms itself as an industry-leading audio innovator and positions itself for continued growth in the audio space, increasing its overall market footprint.
NEW YORK, NY – February 20, 2024 – AdsWizz Inc., the technology engine powering the monetization of audio content around the world and a subsidiary of SiriusXM, announced today that Synthetic Voice Ads are available on AudioGO, AdsWizz’s self-serve platform for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). This is the first tool to launch in a suite of offerings that AdsWizz calls AdsWizz’s AI Ad Tools. The tool is available now in AudioGO’s Ad Creative Suite. The new suite of offerings is expected to complement AdsWizz’s broader ad offering by delivering cost-effective and efficient solutions to advertisers, with an initial focus on lowering the barrier for entry into the world of audio advertising for SMBs.
“As part of our vision to shape the future of audio, we’re excited to thoughtfully explore the ways AI can extend the power of our audio portfolio to new audiences and help us deliver smarter solutions for audio advertisers,” said Chris Record, Senior Vice President, Ad Product, Technology, and Operations at SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz. “With the launch of Synthetic Voice Ads on AudioGO, we are beginning to bring a wider diversity of brands into the audio advertising space. We believe we have the ability to support the next generation of entrepreneurs around the world in a unique way, breaking down barriers and allowing advertisers of any size to tap into audio in ways they might not have thought possible.”
A friction point in audio buying, especially for SMBs, is the lack of a self-service creative platform to quickly and easily launch customizable audio ads. Display advertising, by comparison, has long benefited from automated, self-service tools. The latest advancements can help unlock this growth in audio by removing this barrier to entry, encouraging new advertisers into the audio space and giving SMBs the opportunity to create and customize compelling, engaging audio campaigns generated by AI.
Synthetic Voice Ads, available now on AudioGO, is a cost-effective creative tool that is expected to allow brands to select from a variety of artificial voices when creating an ad. With multiple voices to choose from (and more languages and voice options to come), Synthetic Voice Ads allow advertisers to create attention-grabbing, and persuasive voiceovers in seconds. Unlike most voice ads, which would require re-records or expert editing to alter once recorded, with Synthetic Voice Ads, it’s easy to do unlimited retakes or script rewrites and still publish without delay.
Synthetic Voice Ads is the most recent example of SiriusXM’s continued investment in innovative audio ad technology and solutions across AdsWizz and SiriusXM Media, the Company’s advertising arm. Additional Ad Tools based on artificial intelligence solutions are currently being researched and developed by AdsWizz, and future iterations of AdsWizz’s AI Ad Tools may come to life across the broader AdsWizz platform.
Dallas, TX (2/19/2024) Founded in 1979 by Naser Awad, A&W Distributors, a leader in the 12-volt industry, proudly celebrates its 45th anniversary, marking four and a half decades of unwavering commitment to excellence. Since 1979, A&W has been at the forefront, supplying top-tier brands to dealers nationwide, with a primary focus on Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Nestled conveniently on Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas TX, A&W Distributors remains a beacon of quality and reliability. With a dedicated team of 14 professionals operating from a 25,000 square foot facility which include a showroom, offices, and an expansive warehouse, A&W ensures that dealers receive nothing short of exceptional service.
Members of the A&W Team in front of the company’s HQ on Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas.
At the helm of this illustrious enterprise stand brothers, Maher Awad, celebrating 35 years with A&W, and his brother Maged, celebrating 29 years. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping A&W into the trusted name it is today.
Maged Awad (L) is celebrating 29 years at A&W while Maher Awad is celebrating 35 years at A&W pictured in their HQ office.
Reflecting on the journey, Maher Awad, CEO of A&W, remarked, “Our commitment to excellence and customer service is unwavering. We continuously update our inventory with the latest innovations in mobile video, marine, speakers, amplifiers, window film, LED, enclosures and many more cutting-edge products to keep our customers ahead of the curve.”
What sets A&W apart is not just its wide selection of product, but its unparalleled commitment to customer convenience and service. With options for quick pickups, will call services, and free delivery within the DFW metroplex, A&W ensures that dealers can access their products swiftly and seamlessly. For customers beyond this region, A&W extends various shipping methods, carefully selecting the most cost-effective options to optimize savings.
In celebration of our 45th year Anniversary, A&W will have free shipping on any UPS order for the next 45 days. (some restrictions may apply)
Moreover, the Awad brothers are eternally grateful to the sales team for their years of loyalty, trustworthiness, and dedication to A&W. Kane 22 years, Raul 22 years, Miguel 31 years and Ala (Andres) 15 years, boasting decades of collective experience, are primed to assist customers with any inquiries or technical support they may require. This dedicated team exemplifies A&W’s customer-focused service.
A&W Sales Team (LtoR) Raul Camargo-23 years at A&W, Miguel Hernandez-31 years at A&W, Ala Omari-15 years at A&W and Kane Naghwai-22 years at A&W pictured in their HQ sales office.
Over the span of 45 years, A&W has garnered a reputation as ‘A Partner You Can Trust,’ viewing dealers not merely as customers but as valued business partners. Every decision is anchored in the collective interest of fostering mutual prosperity and success. As Maher and Maged affirm, “Our mission is simple: to empower our partners in the 12-volt industry. From the brands we stock to the specials we offer; every endeavor is geared towards enhancing the businesses of those we serve.”
A&W is now offering free delivery in the DFW metroplex with the newest member of the family, Sabino, behind the wheel.
In closing, Maher and Maged extend heartfelt gratitude to their Dealers, affirming, “Thank You! We are immensely grateful for your continued support. As we embark on the next chapter, we look forward to forging enduring partnerships and propelling the 12-volt industry to new heights. For inquiries on becoming an A&W preferred dealer, we encourage you to reach out to us via phone or email. Together, let’s illuminate the path to success.”
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