MIDDLETOWN, CT (09.20.23) – Winter Summit 2023 was an unforgettable event that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the northeastern part of the US. Held in Springfield Mass, the summit offered a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and knowledge exchange.
Dealers packed the Outlet Room when it opened to pick up great deals for Summit attendees only.
Key highlights of Winter Summit 2023 included: 20+ Level 2 Vendor trainings Live Floor demos by Solar Gard Live PPF Floor Demo conducted by GoFast Sales Team members Mike Cava & Ben Rudnick All NEW CASH BOOF – Thousands in prizes were won in the New Cash Boof! The star of the show was Brian Tedesco President/CEO of BP America showing off the new Blaupunkt e-bike
GoFast award winning sales rep Jonathan Mercado made sure the Cash Boof was working!
“The Blaupunkt e-Bikes were a tremendous hit” said Director of Sales Bob Hernandez. “I saw dozens of attendees, staff members and other vendors hopping on the e-bike & taking a spin throughout the day”. “We showed up with samples of each bike and brought home, none. All of the bikes were bought and taken home from the MassMutual Center”
Dealers enjoyed a delicious buffet between training sessions.
“The Cash Boof was an instant hit” commented Director of Merchandising Ian Worrall. “Several wives & girlfriends opted to jump in the booth instead of their counterparts. The buzz & the excitement around the Cash Boof was fun to see”
Brian Tedesco, Blaupunkt President/CEO, presents an E-Bike to a dealer.
“Putting on a successful event is hard work, getting all the manufacturer representatives together with tech trainers and coordinating with the event space, catering, entertainment etc., is challenging but our customers have come to expect and rely on our efforts to prepare themselves for the crucial 4th quarter” added Bob Hernandez. “GoFast is about more than moving boxes, our ongoing efforts to educate, train & introduce new and innovative products is our mission”. As we grow their businesses and make them more profitable, we become the value add partner they can’t do without.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.20.23) – The 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is only six weeks away, and registration is open at SEMAShow.com/register. Event management is dedicated to making the industry homecoming as cost-effective as possible. Credentials are just $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.
Registering early allows attendees to take advantage of the best rates and plan a customized SEMA Show experience. Early registration also ensures that attendees will receive their badges in the mail before this year’s event. Otherwise, attendees must pick up their badges on-site at the SEMA Show.
This year’s SEMA Show will offer an experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet, where attendees can witness thousands of the newest and most innovative automotive performance products from 2,200-plus exhibitors. Industry members can also discover the latest vehicle trends while tailoring a professional development plan with best-in-class education programs.
Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!
Download the SEMA Show App
Create a customized schedule, view the floor plan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app.
International Buyers and Attendees
International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State’s handy Visa Wizardto determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CDT.
SOUTH BEND, IN (09.20.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers expands into Indiana with a new location in South Bend.
Owned by father-son team Geza and Kyle Bruckner, Tint World South Bend introduces the national franchise’s line of premium automotive aftermarket services and accessories to drivers and enthusiasts throughout St. Joseph County. Some of the solutions offered by the location include industry leading window tinting, paint protection films, audio and video upgrades, custom wheels and tires, detailing services, security enhancements and more.
“My son Kyle and I couldn’t have found a better opportunity to establish a business together that combines our passion for cars with a respected, recognizable brand,” Geza said. “At Tint World South Bend, drivers throughout our community are able to get the aftermarket upgrades and solutions they need, all installed by a world-class team of professionals that care.”
An automotive industry veteran, Geza previously owned a muffler shop and wanted to find a lucrative franchise opportunity to share with his son.
“Tint World can now be found in over 30 states, and we’re thrilled that Geza and Kyle are leading the charge for us into Indiana,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “The Bruckners are deserving franchise owners that recognize the value and sheer potential of a proven system. Combined with their automotive experience and strong work ethic, we look forward to seeing the positive impact Tint World South Bend will have for drivers throughout the area.”
Tint World South Bend, located at 51522 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, Indiana 46637, serves the South Bend,Mishawaka, Elkhart, Granger, Notre Dame, Niles, Roseland, Osceola, Edwardsburg and Buchanan areas. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (574) 544-2324 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/in/south-bend-168/.
LAFAYETTE, LA (09.19.21) – Lafayette Custom Automotive was the place to be on Saturday September 16th as the company hosted an Alpine Status event. The Alpine Experience Tundra was under the Alpine tent in the parking lot along with more demo vehicles providing Alpine demos.
Owner Martin Branch and Shane Douet, along with the crew, had the showroom stacked with Alpine products and specials. The custom ‘No Bed Sled’ demo, with amazing graphics, draws customers like a magnet and gets customers taking.
Branch related, “Store traffic was strong and started when we opened the doors. The Alpine Tundra and tent along our busy street definitely got attention. Demos going on in the Tundra and other demos in our parking lot drew even more attention to the event. Alpine speakers and amps plus Status gear were sold during the day. An Alpine Bluetooth portable speaker was the prize and brought a smile to the winner’s face.”
Branch added, “Our customers also mentioned it was terrific to speak with Jimmy Chauffe and Dan Greenwood during the event. Having them on site and doing demos certainly adds to the event.”
Alpine specials were stacked on the floor and around the ‘No Bed Sled’
Chauffe related, “The event got off to a fast start and we did more than 10 demos in the Tundra before noon. Consumers spent time in the showroom checking out the specials and listening to the unique “No Bed Sled.” This demo, decked out with Alpine, is a pickup with no bed. Having Dan Greenwood join us for the event worked out very well.”
The event team gathered for an image. “Jedi”, Dan, Shane, Jessi, Martin with Alpine’s Jimmy Chauffe and Dan Greenwood (L to R).
LCA serves the area with a wide variety of automotive products and services. The company has beeen providing quality work in the Lafayette area for over 40 years and the team is committed to providing the best possible experience for their customers.
A big 12volt News thank you to Jimmy Chauffe for utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool to send event images.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.19.23) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced a special new award that will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.
The award aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty equipment industry and places a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle’s design and engineering.
“While vehicle aesthetics have always played a crucial role in the automotive aftermarket, this award recognizes the intricate engineering that transforms a vehicle into a masterpiece of design and functionality,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “It also sheds light on the technical brilliance behind the build and provides a platform for engineers to showcase their transformative innovations.”
To be considered for the award, builders must upload a photo, video, description of the engineering content included in the build, and the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show into their submission. Entries are being accepted until October 25 at this link.
The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the 2023 SEMA Show.
JASPER, IN (09.19.23) – Meyer Distributing, Inc., a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, has announced the addition of its Alexandria, LA crossdock. The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Arlington, TX distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, 4×4/Off-Road parts, and RV parts in the region.
“Meyer has expanded inventory significantly in 4×4, Off-Road, Overland, and Jeep/Bronco parts,” states Jamin Hochgesang, Meyer’s 4×4/Off-Road Sales Manager. “Having larger inventory available next day now throughout the South has been very well received by our customers. Whether it’s suspension, winches, tires, lockers, or any other Jeep/Bronco accessory, Meyer has it. Call our dedicated 4×4/Off-Road sales team today at 800-347-8939!”
“The Alexandria, LA dock will significantly improve deliveries to central Louisiana,” states Jeff Braun, CEO of Meyer. “We continue to expand our offerings organically and via acquisition in adjacent industries that allow us to grow and logistically better serve our customers. Any wholesale only distribution company that might be interested in entertaining an offer should reach out to acquisitions@meyerdistributing.com.”
COSTA MESA, CA (09.18.23) – KICKER Performance Audio showcased an army of UTVs at the world’s biggest sand show – the Sand Sports Super Show. The Orange County (Calif.) Fair & Event Center hosted the colossal event September 15th-17th on the Center’s 150 acre grounds. KICKER’s area was booth 9008-LI, by the East entrance of the events grounds.
Several vehicles were featured in the KICKER booth, including the brand’s own audio-infused Polaris RZR, KICKER sales rep Murfco’s radical Can-Am X3, Gatorwraps’ Can-Am Defender, and California Sound’s (San Bernardino, Calif.) amazing Maverick R. KICKER also hosted multiple vehicles from Hoppe in the booth as well for a complete rolling force of KICKER-filled side-by-sides.
Jeremy Wynn, KICKER Events & Promotions Manager, related “It was another great year at the Sand Sports Super Show. Traffic in the booth was up from previous years, which resulted in a lot of good customer interactions.The temp was in the 70’s, although overcast, made the show days very enjoyable. I am extremely grateful for Hoppe joining us in the KICKER booth to show off our products along with theirs. Also, we thank our reps with Murfco for the sales support in the booth and getting us a few demo vehicles to show off and help fill the booth up with eye and ear candy. Overall, it was truly a great event as we continue to grow the KICKER brand in the Powersports community.”
“This was Hoppe’s first time out on the West Coast,” said Rachel Rodriguez, Hoppe’s Marketing Director. “We wanted attendees to pick our brains and hear what we’ve got to offer, but we were also pumped to engage with this side of the industry and its customers so we can better engineer our products around the ways they live and breathe off-road.”
KICKER’s powersports audio gear was also featured in multiple booths around the show. Brands like SSV Works (booth 2035-GG) had KICKER-equipped UTVs on hand, as well as Gatorwraps next door to the KICKER area. Several KICKER authorized dealers showed UTVs on-site, including UTV Stereo (Mesa, Ariz., booth 9101-LI), Temecula Motorsports (Murrieta, Calif., booth 1811), and Bert’s Mega Mall (Covina, Calif., in its pavilion).
SPRINGFIELD, MA (09.18.23) – The GoFast Winter Summit took place on Wednesday September 13th at the MassMutual Center in Springfield MA. Area 12volt Retailers Sanford Sound and Voltz Auto Truck closed their stores and headed to the GoFast Winter Summit to connect with manufacturers to see new products, attend trainings and network with fellow industry members. Both retailers report they traveled back to their stores with the feeling of a productive day.
Jack Bogard, Sanford Sound owner, and his team loaded into the company van at 6AM for the 170 mile trip from Sanford ME to Springfield MA. The team returned to home at 6 PM.
“It was a long day for sure. Connor, Kevin, Justin, Jack and I drove together in the company van for the 170 mile trip. Spending time with the team going to the event was a chance to discuss every day business in the store and personal lives. Also we talked about what we would learn at the Summit,” Bogard related.
The Sanford Sound team in the lobby at the GoFast Winter Summit. Connor, Kevin, Jack Bogard- owner, Justin and Jay (L to R).
The graphic on the screen revealed big things to come soon from Compustar and DroneMobile.
“At the Summit it was very nice to see some new products and talk directly to factory and tech-support staffs. The remote starter season is on the horizon and it was very good to get the natest news from Compustar and VOXX . We attended training sessions and connected with other dealers during the lunch buffet. As much as it is hard to close your shop for a day, the trainings and conversations at the Summit and in the van with the team, the day was very valuable for Sanford Sound. A big thank you to GoFast for putting the Winter Summit together,” Bogard concluded.
LUCAS Lighting showcased the company’s lineup and presented a well received training session by Josh White. Pictured above Steve Rogers-Vice President, Phil Cartier 12volt Specialist rep firm Principal and Josh White Technical Director (LtoR).
Juan Zambrano runs Voltz Auto Truck in Bridgeport CT. “I closed the shop and made the 90 mile trip to the Summit in the Super Duty. Seeing new products and attending trainings was on my plan. Meeting the Lucas Lighting staff and learning about their products was very positive. Josh White conducted a very informative tech training session. Also the Metra training provided info on how the navigate their website for installation info and pointers. Looking forward to the big news coming from Compustar and DroneMobile for the remote starter season that is right around the corner,” Zambrano related.
The GoFast Winter Summit was a very positive event for dealers in their marketplace.
SHREVEPORT, LA (09.18.23) – The 12voltBeat newsletter delivers fresh, positive industry twice weekly. The 12voltBeat is emailed early Monday and Thursday mornings and recaps fresh, positive industry news from the previous days.
The 12volt Central Studios posts a wide variety of industry news each business day. News reporters are on the ‘beat’. In the 12volt car audio industry ‘beat’ also refers to music. Combining the two describes the activities of the 12voltBeat.
Today’s digital universe, along with the 12voltSTP Tool, provides a vehicle for the 12volt Central to post fresh industry from coast to coast. Recently from South Africa, too. We appreciate the efforts of industry members who share images and information from their activities to showcase to the 12volt industry.
This past week posts from the GoFast Winter Summit in Sringfield MA, BIKE FEST in Salisbury MD, Alpine Experiences in Aurora IL plus Lake Charles and Lafayette LA along with the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa demonstrates the amount of fresh, positive news delivered by the 12volt Central Studios.
Check out multiple daily post @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook along with the website 12voltnews.com.
Be sure to checkout fresh, positive news in the 12voltBeat early Monday and Thursday mornings.
SHREVEPORT LA (09.02.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Victory Lap Auto Restyling won the 12volt News prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 237 on Friday morning, September 15th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 237th time on Friday morning September 15th. The Wheel landed on the 12voltBeat space and the Victory Lap Auto Restyling slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in East Moline IL to let them know a $100. check prize will be headed their way. Some confusion resulted waiting to speak with the owner. After a 8 minute onhold their phone hung up. We will continue to contact he winning retailer.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC and Limelight Automotive in Webster NY.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 22nd.
12VoltNews.com 