Author: 12VoltNews

Tint World Announces Strategic North and South Carolina Area Development Agreement

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BOCA RATON, FL (08.11.23) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its exponential growth with six additional locations planned for development throughout North and South Carolina.

Under the agreement, Shawn McMaster, Jaysen McMaster Forman and Candi Krueger, who opened Tint World locations in Fayeteville and Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2023, will open three additional locations in North Carolina (Asheville, Weddington, Winston-Salem) and three in South Carolina (Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg) in the coming several years.

“We’re proud to set out on this journey with Shawn, Jaysen, and Candi,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Along with our other franchisees in this region, and throughout the markets we serve, they have delivered spectacular results. That’s a powerful statement about our proven franchise systems and our commitment to ensuring Tint World franchisees have every opportunity to maximize the financial and business potential in their markets.”

Tint World currently has nine locations in North Carolina and two locations in South Carolina, all of which have been among the fastest growing franchises in recent years.

“Our experience with Tint World has been nothing but rewarding,” McMaster said. “We all have different backgrounds, and that diversity allows us to deliver comprehensive high-quality service and products for every driver in our current and future markets. We’re also able to take full advantage of all the tools and benefits Tint World offers franchisees, and we’re incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead of us thanks to this agreement.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

XS Power Sponsors Electric for the dB Drag Racing World Finals Competitors

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KNOXVILLE, TN (08.11.23) – Competitors at the 26th Annual dB Drag Racing World Finals locations in Owensboro KY and Antioch CA* will receive complimentary electrical power in their pit stall thanks to XS Power. This is a huge benefit for Finals participants as electrical power usually adds $75.00 or more to the cost of participation. On behalf of all Finals competitors, the dBDRA wishes to extend our gratitude to XS Power for their generous contribution. (* Indoor pit stalls in CA are limited and on a first to register basis)

XS Power Batteries was established in 2005 and has been dominating the winner’s circles of the competition lanes from the start. With in-house testing, and the services of outside accredited labs, as well as outside experts, XS Power Batteries insures the best in their products. XS Power utilizes the highest energy density chemistry known in AGM batteries, XSP is now the battery of choice for competition car audio. With large 12V batteries as well as the 16V models, more and more records are being smashed every day with XS Power Batteries on board.

To learn more about XS Power Batteries: 4xspower.com

For booth pricing and additional sponsorship information, please contact: marketing@termpro.com

World Finals NORTH AMERICA Registration: https://rb.gy/652cl
World Finals EUROPE Registration: https://rb.gy/on9bl

PowerBass Releases New Rocker Switch Mount Soundbar Controller

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ONTARIO, CA (08.11.23) – PowerBass has released new XL-SBCONRS *Wireless Remote Control for XL-50 V2 Soundbars. Control your new XL-50 Series Soundbar from the dash with the new XL-SBCONRS.

Designed for outdoor use the XL-SBCONRS sends an RF signal to your soundbar even in direct sunlight! The XL-SBCONRS gives you the freedom to change the volume, track, fast forward/rewind, play/pause with a simple push of a button.

Hardwire the XL-SBCONRS to power up the unit, then pair wirelessly to your soundbar for total control from the comfort of the driver seat.

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

*XL-SBCONRS must be hardwired to the 12V battery source, Wireless connection will be made by pairing to the soundbar.

Alpine Returns to Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Full Force

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (08.10.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will attend the 11th annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion (GSMJCI) at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN from Thursday, August 24 to Saturday, August 26. Alpine returns to GSMJCI for the first time since 2019, this time increasing its presence with a larger booth footprint to host the official Alpine Event Trailer and an installation booth.

Alpine will join over a hundred vendors outside the LeConte Convention Center (in the Jake Thomas Parking Lot) in a 30’ x 100’ booth space stocked with the latest dash and audio solutions designed specifically for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator driver. All products will be available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing.

In addition to the vendor booth, Alpine will also have a 30’ x 80’ installation bay, powered by Tampa-based Alpine Authorized Retailer Soundwaves, so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed. The installation space will be located directly next to the Alpine booth space.

Two Alpine 2018 Jeep Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep interior and retain the features Jeep drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep driver.

A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep-specific solutions designed for older Jeep Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.

Alpine’s show vehicle “Switchback,” a 2020 Jeep Gladiator, will showcase a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorizedBluetooth speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.

All GSMJCI visitors are encouraged to visit the Alpine booth and take advantage of the special, event-only deals and on-site installation services during the three-day event.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Fullbay to Host Shop Owner Roundtable Focused on Recruiting and Retention on August 22

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PHOENIX, AZ (08.10.23) – Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, will host a shop owner roundtable on August 22 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET. The webinar will focus on recruiting and retention within shops with special topics to be covered including tips for hiring top talent and the benefit and importance of apprentice programs.

Fullbay CEO Patrick McKittrick and COO Chris O’Brien will be joined by Mike Schwarz, Co-Owner of JE-CO Truck and Trailer as well as Ian Matje, Diesel/Automotive Technology Instructor to host the panel-style webinar.

“Fullbay is looking forward to hosting another shop owner roundtable and continuing to build connections with industry partners and fellow shop owners,” said McKittrick. “These roundtable discussions, which are a part of the company’s series of free webinars, are designed to pick the brains of industry veterans and peers alike to identify and solve the shop owner’s most pressing issues for the advancement of shops across the country.”

Registered attendees will be able to submit questions to be answered live during the event. To register or to submit a question for the webinar, click here. For more information on Fullbay, visit fullbay.com.

ZZ-2 Intros Apple Carplay and Android Auto Solution for 2015-2019 Mercedes Benz

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BOCA RATON, FL (08.10.23) – Find out more about our Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto solutions available for Mercedes Benz vehicles equipped with the NTG5 system from 2015 onwards.

With our IT3-NTG5, customers are able to add the most desired features to their factory systems without compromising other factory features. It retains the factory microphone and utilizes the factory Bluetooth to handle all audio from CarPlay/Android Auto (audio streaming and Bluetooth phone calls). Siri and Google Assistant voice commands are also supported. In addition to to those feature the NTG5 unit offers front and rear camera inputs, USB playback, and smartphone mirroring as well.

With the IT3-NTG5 installed, consumers will have much smoother integration when using CarPlay/Android Auto since the audio source will be through the factory BLUETOOTH instead of AUX/MEDIA INTERFACE 2.

The IT3-NTG5 is available for purchase at a retail price of $850 and comes with a standard ZZ2 warranty of 3 years.

To learn more about ZZ2 solutions or to become an authorized dealer, you can contact our sales team at 929-220-1212 or email them at sales@zz-2.com.

The Audiofrog Volvo C30 Demo Car Is on the Road at Tier One Motoring

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WEST CHESTER, PA (08.09.23) The Audiofrog demo car is on the road with Jacob Wehmeyer, Customer Experience Manager, behind the wheel of the Volvo C30.

“If you’ve never heard an Audiofrog system now is your chance. The new Audiofrog Volvo C30 demo car is on the road making stops at Audiofrog dealers across the US” Wehmeyer related.

The first stop on this tour leg was at Tier One Motoring in West Chester PA on Tuesday, August 8th. Wehmeyer, along with Bruce Orr-Gemini Advantage Marketing, arrived early. As the Volvo was set up in front of the Tier One location Wehmeyer spent time with staff members covering the Audiofrog lineup and providing demos for staff members in the Volvo C30 which was designed and installed in-house at the Audiofrog HQ in California.

The Audiofrog Volvo C30 set for demos at Tier One Motoring on Tuesday, August 8th.
Jason Levy-VP, Brian Cocher-Lead Technician, Colby Brenner-Sales, Jacob Wehmeyer-Audiofrog, Bruce Orr-Principal Gemini-Advantage Marketing and Ron Hoser-Tier One Motoring-President (LtoR) are ready for the Audiofrog Demo Day.

“The day at Tier One Motoring was very good. We did many demos and each of the staff members were definitely impressed with the demo in the C30. There are pending sales also from customers” Wehmeyer stated.

The system in the Audiofrog demo includes 18 GB Series speakers and subwoofers, 7 Audiofrog HiFi Class-D amplifiers and the company’s prototype immersive Multiseat DSP.

Ron Hoser behind the wheel with his hand on the control during an Audiofrog demo with Jacob Wehmeyer.

On this leg of the Audiofrog tour there are 8 more stops before August 17th.

The previous tour leg was July 21-26 with John Gray-Real Performance Marketing with 5 stops in Virginia. One of those stops was at Sound Wave Customs in Virginia Beach VA. Sound Wave Customs made social media posts to promote the Audiofrog day at their store.

For the Audiofrog Demo Day at Sound Waves Customs in Virginia Beach the crew is ready. Owner Ethan Blau is on the right and AudioFrog’s Jacob Wehmeyer is third from the right. John Gray, RPM, was behind the camera.

Ethan Blau, Sound Wave Customs, related “It was terrific to have the Audiofrog demo car at our store. It was a super day as we had at least 20 people come in for a demo and we sold a couple big tickets. Jacob and John spent time covering the line with our staff and customers. Seeing Audiofrog make the investment to put a top quaity demo car on the road is really good for the industry.”

This graphic, along with videos, was posted on Sound Wave Customs social media accounts.

Upcoming stops on this leg of the Audiofrog tour include Precision Autosport-New Britian PA August 9, On The Spot Audio-Pennsauken PA- August 10, Bumper To Bimper -Freehold Township NJ-August 11, D&L Auto Accessories-Lancaster PA -August 14th, Depot Autosound-White Plains NY-August 15th, Sound FX-Harriman NY-August 16th and GilliN Custom Design-Middletown NY-August 17th.

Visit audiofrog.com for more.

SEMA Show PRO Cup Challenge Showcases Craftsmanship of Automotive Restylers

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.09.23) – The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will celebrate the talents and craftsmanship of automotive restylers at the 2023 SEMA Show through its PRO Cup Challenge.

Now in its fourth year, the challenge promotes the accessorization of new cars and trucks by having six automotive restylers feature an accessory package for a new-model vehicle in the PRO Booth during the week of the SEMA Show. Restylers benefit from gaining exposure for their company and skills by developing a build that is profitable and easy to replicate. The essence of the program is to inspire and motivate others–including consumers, dealers and restylers–to customize their vehicles.

“The PRO Cup Challenge is the ultimate competition where restylers get to showcase the art of what they do every day and have it displayed in a high-profile location at the industry’s premier aftermarket trade show,” said SEMA Council Director and PRO Liaison Denise Waddingham. “Competing is a great way for restylers to get their name and business out there and share their unique take on how a new-model vehicle can be transformed.”   

Judges will select a PRO Cup Challenge-winning vehicle based on mass appeal, ease to replicate and potential profitability. SEMA Showgoers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite accessory package and recognize it with the People’s Choice Award.

Applications are due Friday, August 11. To view the build criteria and submit your application, visit the PRO Cup Challenge website.

SEMA Show Online Media Center Open for Exhibitor Submissions

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.09.23) – The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to submit SEMA Show-related press releases to be included on the SEMA Show website. 

Exhibitors can post press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness, as well as possible inclusion in association publications and promotion to media attendees. 

With thousands of media in attendance, exhibiting companies will benefit by spotlighting their newest and most innovative products to direct media to their booths. The Online Media Center is designed specifically for journalists to find Show-related news and announcements.

Below are a couple of announcements you will find in the Online Media Center: 

 Here are a few press release tips: 

  • Use a strong, short headline that catches the attention of the reader. 
  • Keep the press release brief. Readers want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning. 
  • Include a photo when you can. Many editors use only releases that have photos. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300 dpi) image format. 
  • Always include your booth number and contact information. 

To learn more about press conferences, the online media center, or other PR resources available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.

Garmin Signs Purchase Agreement to Acquire JL Audio

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OLATHE, KS (08.08.23) – Garmin Ltd. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire JL Audio, a privately-held U.S. company that designs and manufactures audio solutions for marine, aftermarket automotive, powersports, home and RV customers.

“JL Audio’s extensive audio experience will create new opportunities to provide premium audio features across a broad range of our markets and products. The JL Audio brand is known around the world for offering a premium audio experience which is made possible by their talented and dedicated associates. We look forward to welcoming the JL Audio team into the Garmin family.” –Cliff Pemble, Garmin President and CEO

With over four decades of experience, JL Audio offers premium audio products and accessories, including speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and other audio components.

“JL Audio shares Garmin’s vision to deliver unique technology solutions, supported by meaningful R&D and engineering. We are thrilled at the opportunity to integrate into Garmin’s product ecosystem. JL Audio will contribute audio knowledge and engineering expertise to create great audio products for many years to come.” –Lucio Proni, JL Audio Founder and CEO

JL Audio is headquartered in Miramar, Fla., and employs more than 600 associates. The completion of this acquisition is expected to occur by the end of 2023 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. All existing JL Audio products will continue to be supported post-closing, and customers can expect to continue receiving the same great customer service. Financial terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Visit garmin.com and jlaudio.com for more.