NAV-TV to Exit Aftermarket Automotive Products Business

CORAL SPRINGS, FL (09.15.23) – NAV-TV CORP. today announced that it will be exiting the Aftermarket Automotive products business, which includes all aftermarket infotainment and vision products.

The OEM and Test equipment divisions are not affected.

Following a strategic review, the company determined that the Aftermarket Automotive products business was no longer positioned to sustainably meet our customers best needs. The exit from this line of business will be phased over the next 12 months.

The company is committed to ensuring a smooth exit for current commercial customers by maintaining all warranties to 12 months from date of purchase or until 9/15/2024, whichever comes first.

“This decision enables NAV-TV to focus resources on our greatest opportunities for growth and where we can deliver industry leading value to customers. It is in line with the company’s strategy to focus our resources primarily on OEM, Test Equipment, and specialty programs. We are confident in NAV-TV’s continued success and our commitment to innovate and serve.”

-Moni Melman, NAV-TV’s Chief Executive Officer

During the phase-out period, NAV-TV  will be discounting existing products and offer package deals to its aftermarket customers. Engineering, Manufacturing, and other equipment will also become available over the next 12 months as will competitively priced licensing structures for NAV-TV’s Intellectual Property.

Visit navtv.com for more.

Forge Powerful Connections in Your Auto Niche Through SEMA Show Council and Network Events

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.15.23) – Attending networking events at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is not just about expanding your contact list; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining valuable insights and accessing tailored support for your career or business.

One of the standout features of the SEMA Show is the various Council and Network events that provide specialized support for each automotive segment. Whether focused on classic hot rods and restoration, the latest truck and off-road innovations, automotive technology, automotive restyling, wheel and tire or if you’re a woman or aged 39 and under, the SEMA Show has events and resources tailored to your needs.

“SEMA council and network events are the premier venues for SEMA Show attendees to forge powerful connections with industry peers and leaders in their specialized market segment,” said Zane Clark, SEMA Vice President of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks. “The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out.”

With everything from receptions and happy hours to meetings and lunches on the calendar, attendees can expect to expand their network and connect with those who share common interests and challenges. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone–making SEMA Show council and network events a must-add to your SEMA Show itinerary this November.

Explore the event calendar at this link.

The Alpine Experience Events Continued at WOW Electronics

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI (09.14.23) – The Alpine Experience was positioned in front of the WOW Electronics location in Clinton Township MI early Saturday, September. Chris Reavis was behind the wheel of the Alpine Experience RAM. This Alpine Experience was a double doubleheader as Alpine’s Mike Schafer supported the event with his vehicle loaded with Alpine for demos.

Alpine tents and demo vehicles drew attention to the Alpine Experience at WOW Electronics.
Alpine products were stacked with specials for the day in the showroom.

JD Daniels and his team was prepared and ready to get the event started and showcase the Alpine Experience to enthusiasts in their marketplace.

“The Saturday Alpine Experience was definitely a much bigger day that a normal Saturday in terms of store traffic and sales. The Alpine RAM stayed busy with Chris doing demos. Having Mike Schafer on site with his SUV loaded with Alpine was a welcome addition as people could experience Alpine’s great sound in a rather normal setting. Alpine speakers, amps and subs were the hot items with sales during the day. We are still following with prospects days after the event” Daniels related.

Early Saturday morning Mike Schafer prepared product display and his vehicle was ready for demos.
The Alpine Experience RAM provides attendees with amazing sound demos as well as showcasing custom installation. 

Reavis commented “The event was very good with sales and traffic. As a result of Mike being on site with his vehicle an Optim8 was sold. JD was very happy with the event. In May of this year an Alpine Experience event at the WOW Electronics store in Eastpointe MI was also successful. We are talking about scheduling events in 2024 too.”

Brothers JD and Rick Daniels operate the two WOW Electronics locations.

Watch for coverage of more Alpine Experience events that are driving store traffic and sales with Alpine retailers across the U.S.

Visit alpine-usa.com and wowelectronics.com for more.

CMA EXPO Dealer Training & Networking Event Returns in 2024

TORONTO, CANADA (09.14.23) – Slated for Friday April 5th to Sunday April 7th, 2024 at the Toronto Congress Centre, CMA EXPO offers an opportunity for Canadian dealers to experience the latest industry training delivered by the top product experts. Featuring major Canadian distributors representing over 100+ of the leading mobile electronics brands, an expansion to 75 training sessions and over 30,000 ft2 of exhibit space, the 2024 CMA EXPO Training & Networking Event will be the must-attend show for retailers next spring.

“Canadian 12v retailers delivered a resounding message of support with their attendance and enthusiasm for product training, making the build-up to the 2024 EXPO highly anticipated”. Once again, next year’s event is the result of a continued collaborative effort from the leading Canadian mobile electronics distributors and their supporting manufacturers,” said Frank Spezzano, President, CMA Networks.

The 2024 CMA EXPO will represent all aspects of the mobile electronics industry including mobile audio, remote starters, telematics, ADAS and lighting systems. Attendees can look forward to special skills-based seminars covering fabrication, sales and marketing, while DSP sessions will round out the stacked weekend schedule. To enhance the overall experience, expect to see the latest product demonstrations, new product unveilings and demo vehicles on display.

“We finally had the opportunity to provide an in-person training experience featuring the amazing roster of trainers we have on CMA Networks and the feedback was nothing short of overwhelming. I’m excited for the opportunity to deliver our unique brand of training and info-tainment once again to Canadian mobile electronics retailers,” stated Ben Woo, Content Director & Host, CMA Networks.

EARLY BIRD registration opens on Thursday, Oct. 12th for attendees and will feature a special rate along with an exclusive swag bag.

Featured Exhibitors include:

AAMP GLOBAL / ALPINE / AUTOMOBILITY / DIX PERFORMANCE / ERIKSON CONSUMER / FORTIN / GEMSEN / IMPORTEL / JVCKENWOOD / METRA / PIONEER / SONY / SIRIUSXM / TRENDS ELECTRONICS

For additional information on the CMA EXPO, VISIT CMAEXPO.CA or contact:
info@cmanetworks.com | Toll Free: 1.833.326.2482

Fullbay Launches Fourth Annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair Survey

PHOENIX, AZ (09.14.23) – Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, has launched its annual survey that will help formulate the company’s fourth State of Heavy-Duty Repair report. The survey allows repair shop owners and managers to anonymously provide feedback about their business operations over the past year. The survey results will be compiled into a detailed report of benchmarks and trends intended to provide transparency and insights to shop owners, fleet managers, key stakeholders and more. The final report will be available for free download in early 2024.

The survey covers topics related to inventory management, mobile repairs, finances and industry trends, as well as services offered and technician benchmarks for efficiency, hourly wages and more.

“Now in its fourth year, heavy-duty repair shops are relying on our annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report to provide them with benchmarks and trends for running their businesses,” said Patrick McKittrick, CEO of Fullbay. “With this report – the only one of its kind – we aim to support the commercial repair industry by shedding light on best practices, enabling shops to increase both revenue and efficiency.”

Survey participants will be entered to win a number of prizes including ten $100 Amazon gift cards and ten $50 gift cards to the soon to launch Fullbay online store. Additionally, one participant per day will win an exclusive Fullbay swag box.

Fullbay’s survey is found here and closes on October 13. To view last year’s 2022-2023 State of Heavy-Duty Repair report, click here.

Custom Audio Concepts Rocked Lima with a 3-Day Tent Sale

LIMA, OH (09.13.23) – The Custom Audio Concepts 3-Day Tent Sale took place Thursday through Saturday, September 7th thru 9th. The company’s store is located at a very busy intersection in Lima OH. A row of tents was positioned outside along with numerous tables stacked high with specials under tents for customers to check out. A 20’ tall Memphis Audio air dancer was waving on top of the store.

The stage was set early Thursday morning September 7th for the Tent Sale.

Mark Wallace, Custom Audio Concepts GM, who orchestrated the event offered, “We had a strong event. When others around may be slowing down we are moving forward. I have been in this industry for 25 years and seeing an event busy, busy… and making the register ring with strong sales, is the way it is supposed to be.”

Tables were filled with Tent Sale deals.
Mark Wallace (L) and the sales team drove Tent Sale business.

Continuing, Wallace added “We sold a wide variety products. Memphis Audio was especially strong with subs and speakers… lots of bike products were also sold at the event. ATG Bluetooth speakers were lot too. We may have done in 3 days what some stores may do in a couple weeks.”

“What Mark Wallace and his team are doing in the small market of Lima is astounding. It is, to me, the number one story in our Ohio Valley territory. He partners with Memphis Audio and has definitely outkicked his coverage area” Ed Dalesandro, End Result, related. 

“There were 7 store staff members working the event. We promoted the event on Facebook and Instagram with targeted ads” Wallace concluded.

Custom Audio Concepts is owned by Nate Gast and sells home and car audio plus associated automotive aftermarket products.

Visit customaudioohio.com for more.

Tint World Continues Growth with New Location in Pensacola

PENSACOLA, FL (09.13.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has expanded its service along the Gulf Coast with a new location in Pensacola, Florida.

Tint World Pensacola, owned by John and Jennifer Mitchell, delivers premium automotive aftermarket services and accessories to drivers throughout the western Panhandle area. In addition to the industry’s leading window tint solutions, Tint World offers automotive paint protection film, wheels and tires, audio and video, safety and security technology, custom lighting, detailing and more.

The comfortable showroom features multiple product displays.
The large installation bay has plenty of room to handle several vehicles.

“We meet the needs of drivers and automotive enthusiasts in every category,” said John Mitchell. “Whether you’re looking for features to keep your family safe, eye-catching exterior upgrades or a competition audio system, Tint World provides high-quality products and service along with outstanding value.”

Vehicle lifts provide the opportunity to add many automotive aftermarket upgrades.

“John and Jennifer are passionate about serving the Pensacola community, and they’ve proven their commitment to Tint World’s world-class franchise system and processes,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We offer franchisees unique support through training, technology, marketing and operations that position them for success.”

Tint World Pensacola, located at 6254 N. W St., Pensacola, Florida 32505, serves the Pensacola, Pace, Cantonment, Gulf Breeze, Avalon, Tiger Point, Bellview, Goulding and Lillian areas. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (850) 786-2627 or visit tintworld.com/locations/fl/pensacola-161/.

SEMA Battle of the Builders Celebrates 10 Years of Competition

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.13.23) – Celebrating its 10-year anniversary at the SEMA Show, the 2023 SEMA Battle Of The BuildersBOTB is proud to announce that Mothers Polish is returning as the competition’s presenting sponsor!

The SEMA Battle Of The Builders (BOTB) Presented by Mothers Polish has been the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition for 10 amazing years. Highlighting custom builders at the forefront of innovation, BOTB continues to champion the spirit of competition, the passion of the automotive aftermarket and the innovation of the builder community.

“For the last decade, SEMA’s Battle Of The Builders has provided vehicle builders a special platform to showcase their imagination, ingenuity and craftsmanship while also fueling the love for competition and pride of accomplishment,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “SEMA Show exhibitors are tremendously selective with the vehicles they choose to showcase their products, capture attention and drive traffic to their booths. BOTB not only offers an additional avenue for further exposure by featuring the top builders and brands that exhibit at the SEMA Show but also provides a chance for top builders from different genres to learn from each other building meaningful connections as they judge each other’s builds in the final round.”

The 2023 competition is revving up to be one of the most exciting competitions to date. Featuring more innovative builders that represent the best in the industry, it’s an event not to be missed.

“Battle Of The Builders embraces everything that makes the automotive aftermarket great–the passion, drive, determination and creativity that defines our industry. And at Mothers, we’re truly grateful to be so closely connected with this distinguished competition,” said Mothers Polish CEO Dennis Holloway.

Think you’ve got what it takes to compete with some of the best builders in the world? If you want to get in on the action, it’s not too late! Builders can still sign up to compete until Friday, October 13. Top builders will be recognized in four categories: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns. An overall champion will be named on the final day of the SEMA Show from the four class winners.

The competition will take place throughout the week of the Show, with the Top 40 announced on Tuesday, November 1, and the Top 12 celebrated on Wednesday, November 2. The decorated dozen will examine and critique each others’ vehicles at the Show on Thursday, November 3, as they become the final judges. Four class winners will be decided on Thursday as judging concludes, and the 2023 SEMA Battle of Builders overall champion will be announced on Friday, November 4.

Throughout the competition, camera crews will follow the action for a television special that will air on The History Network, while daily behind-the-scenes videos will be posted on SEMA Show’s social profiles. For more information about the SEMA Battle Of The Builders Presented by Mothers, visit semashow.com/botb.

KICKER Returns to the Sand Sports Super Show

STILLWATER, OK (09.12.23) – KICKERPerformance Audio will be showcasing an army of UTVs at the world’s biggest sand show – the Sand Sports Super Show. The Orange County (Calif.) Fair & Event Center hosts the colossal event September 15-17. KICKER’s area will be booth 9008-LI, by the East entrance of the events grounds.

Several vehicles will be 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 will also host multiple vehicles from Hoppe in the booth as well for a complete rolling force of KICKER-filled side-by-sides.

“This will be Hoppe’s first time out on the West Coast,” said Rachel Rodriguez, Hoppe’s Marketing Director. “We want attendees to pick our brains and hear what we’ve got to offer, but we’re 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 will also be featured in multiple booths around the show. Brands like SSV Works (booth 2035-GG) will have KICKER-equipped UTVs on hand, as well as Gatorwraps next door to the KICKER area. Several KICKER authorized dealers will show 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).

For more information, visit kicker.com and sandsportssupershow.com.

Meyer Distributing Announces New Partnership with Cerwin-Vega, The LOUD Music Company

JASPER, IN (09.12.23) – Meyer Distributing is proud to announce that it will now carry products by Cerwin-Vega, a company dedicated to enhancing the music experience of listeners everywhere, wherever they go. Through specialized acoustic research and technical excellence, they have been able to produce amplifiers and loudspeakers with uniquely low levels of distortion, high efficiency, and extended bass response. The result: patented innovations like the Stroker™ Dual Spider Woofer that revolutionize audio experiences in homes, cars, motorcycles, powersports vehicles, watercrafts, and more.

“We are really excited to announce the partnership with Cerwin-Vega,” states Cody White, the 12V, Upholstery, Detail, and Tint Category Sales Manager at Meyer Distributing. “Cerwin-Vega has been a pioneer in the 12-volt industry for many years, and their wide range of products will provide our customers with many desirable options to choose from.”

“With Meyer Distributing’s expansive reach in the marketplace and their top-notch logistics and fulfillment capabilities, Cerwin Vega is in very good hands as we continue our growth curve,” expresses Bob Chanthavongsa, VP of Sales & Marketing for Cerwin-Vega. “The partnership with Meyer will bring forth new opportunities to benefit both of our companies. We are delighted to be included in their 12V brand portfolio.”

Meyer Distributing is a complete wholesale distributor. With 94 locations nationwide and over 2,750,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer Distributing has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

Visit mymeyer.com and cerwinvega.com for more.