Author: 12VoltNews

Safe and Sound Essex with PowerBass at the Isle of Wight Takeover 2023

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ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND (05.26.23) – The Isle of Wight is a beautiful picturesque small island off the South Coast of England. Thousands of car audio enthusiasts from all over the mainland take the ferry for the one hour ride from Southampton each summer to attend the Isle of Wight Takeover. The Isle Of Wight Takeover 2023 took place on Sunday, May 21st.

The Safe and Sound Essex team-George, Lee and Richard with Carl (LtoR) and the PowerBass van headed to the event site.

Carl Huntington, who drives PowerBass business on the Continent, related “We were waving the PowerBass flag with Safe and Sound Essex at the Isle of Wight Takeover 2023. Lee Glover, and his team members George and Richard, were set up under a PowerBass tent installing and offering PowerBass as the audio option. During the event Safe and Sound Essex sold a selection of PowerBass products and as always the Ford OE Speakers sold like hotcakes.”

Huntington and the Safe and Sound Team arrived Thursday night so there would be ample time to get all set for the Sunday event. They stayed at an Air B&B which gave all an opportunity tp plan the event’s activities and set plans moving forward during the busy summer season. Following the Sunday event the vans were packed up for the trip back to the mainland Monday morning.

As a note of interest gasoline at the present time is running about $8.00 a gallon in the UK. Huntington’s large PowerBass van takes up a lot of space on the old narrow UK roads as he makes trips to see PowerBass dealers.

The PowerBass setup drew attention and drove sales at the Isle of Wight Takeover.
The team stayed in an Air B&B during the event and the PowerBass was loaded with inventory for the event.

Lee Glover’s Safe and Sound Essex has been onboard with PowerBass since Huntington began representing the brand on the European Continent. Over the years Glover has attended CES and toured the PowerBass HQ in Ontario CA.

“Carl and the great dealers like Lee at Safe and Sound Essex have done an amazing job with the PowerBass line across the UK. We love seeing our super partners getting out to events and helping their customers get great sounding car audio” Erik Harbour, VP Product Development & Global Marketing, stated.

Visit safeandsoundessex.co.uk and powerbassusa.com for more.

RealTruck Sales Team Finds Success Through Training at SEMA Garage

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.26.23) – RealTruck Inc.–the premier manufacturer of aftermarket truck parts and accessories–has officially rebranded all areas of its business following a training session at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. 

RealTruck sent its sales team to a three-day cross-training event at the SEMA Garage to ensure its team members are equipped to assist its customers. Participants received classroom instruction on more than 300 of RealTruck’s vast product offerings and hands-on training for the installation of several truck bed covers, including the upcoming Retrax EQ, AMP PowerSteps, BackRack headache racks, AVS LightShield Pro and more straight from the state-of-the-art facility. 

“SEMA Garage offers us a unique opportunity to train a large group of people in a comfortable, well-equipped facility. Having a garage setting that will accommodate a lot of trucks and people to experience ‘hands-on’ installations is an important and welcome resource,” said Ryan Herman, executive vice president of sales at RealTruck.  

The SEMA research and validation facility is 45,000 sq. ft., giving 7,000 SEMA-member businesses access to 3D scanning, 3D printing, ADAS testing, vehicle measuring sessions, fully equipped bays, and emissions testing and certification.

“There really isn’t a facility that can accommodate our needs as well as SEMA Garage. We brought in our entire outside sales force from around the country, and this experience has been a terrific way to teach, share and work together,” said Herman. 

RealTruck announced its rebrand from Truck Hero last July and, since then, has been working with its various departments and facilities to roll out a new brand identity and sales team. In addition, the company has transitioned its manufacturing websites and dealer locator to realtruck.com, making it easier for millions of do-it-for-me truck owners to find dealers and local resources for professional installation.

For more information, including how to sign up for the SEMA Garage services, visit SEMAGarage.com or contact garage@sema.org. For more information on RealTruck, visit realtruck.com.

 

Indianapolis 500 Airs Live Nationwide on SiriusXM

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NEW YORK, NY (05.26.23) – SiriusXM has announced extensive programming plans for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. 

SiriusXM listeners will have access to the live call of the race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Sunday, May 28. Pre-race coverage begins at 11 am ET on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (SiriusXM channel 160) and NBC Sports Audio (SiriusXM channel 85). Both channels are available to subscribers nationwide in their cars and on the SXM App.

SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation will also air live coverage the Indianapolis 500 Carb Day Practice session on Friday at 11 am ET. 

Following the practice session, fans at the racetrack can watch two special SiriusXM shows as they broadcast from the SiriusXM set outside the Pagoda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the Miller Lite Carb Day festivities.

  • At 1 pm ET, James Hinchcliffe – a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner who has competed in the Indy 500 11 times – will host his podcast, Off Track with Hinch and Rossi. Hinchcliffe’s regular co-host for the podcast, Alexander Rossi, will be in the field for Sunday’s race. Hinch’s co-host for this special episode will be comedian and IndyCar fan, Joey Mulinaro. The podcast episode will be available on all major podcast platforms on Friday evening. 
  • Brick by Brick, SiriusXM’s exclusive INDYCAR show hosted by 2004 series champion Tony Kanaan and Jack Arute, will take the stage at the SiriusXM set from 2-4 pm ET. Kanaan won the 2013 Indy 500 and will be competing in the race for the 22nd time this weekend when he drives the No. 66 Chevy for Arrow McLaren. The show will debut Saturday at 1 pm ET on the NBC Sports Audio channel, and air throughout the weekend on NBC Sports Audio and INDYCAR Nation. 

On both shows, the hosts will share an insider’s perspective on competing in the Indianapolis 500, and listeners will hear them interview several of the drivers who will be competing on the track on Sunday.

Two of the cars in the Indy 500 field this Sunday will display the SiriusXM logo. 2021 Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will be going for a historic fifth Indy 500 victory when he takes the track on Sunday and SiriusXM will be along for the ride on the No. 06 AutoNation/SiriusXM Honda he drives for Meyer Shank Racing. SiriusXM’s branding will also be on the No. 60 car driven by his MSR teammate, 2019 Indy 500 winner Simon Pagenaud. 

On Monday, May 29, Diplo’s Revolution on SiriusXM (channel 52) will broadcast from the Indy 500 Snake Pit and air performances by Kaskade, DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and Jauz.

SiriusXM’s Listen Free event runs from May 25 through June 5, so everyone can listen to the SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel and SiriusXM’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500. During the Listen Free event, anyone can turn on an inactive satellite radio and listen to more than 100 SiriusXM channels for free. Click here to learn more.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Channel lineups vary by subscription plan. 

RDV Automotive Technology Partners with DOW Technologies for Distribution

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (05.25.23) – RDV Automotive Technology, the go to company for Wireless CarPlay Interfaces, is proud to announce DOW Technologies as our newest distribution partner.

DOW Technologies distributes a full selection of 12Volt products to independent dealers across 22 states plus Washington. D.C. and Puerto Rico. DOW is positioning itself to be able to continue to be the one stop shop for car audio and video dealers by identifying profitable solutions that meet the needs of the current state of in-car infotainment and the future of electric vehicles. RDV’s products fit a need that many car owners have for wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. People are holding onto cars longer and even new cars may be missing wireless connectivity due to chip shortages, leading to a large potential customer base. Together, DOW and RDV are the right partners to assist dealers to take advantage of this huge opportunity.

Rich De Sclafani, owner of RDV Automotive Technology, said about the new partnership: “I am extremely happy to be partnering with DOW. They are SEVEN TIME distributors of the year and I could not ask for a better partner to represent the RDV brand. The whole crew at DOW are truly amazing and they absolutely represent the best of this industry. DOW will be distributing the full RDV line of interfaces throughout their whole territory.”

“We are dedicated to bringing our customers new opportunities that help 12Volt dealers take advantage of the current state of vehicles as well as preparing them for future changes in the industry,” stated DOW’s senior vide president, sales and product management, Dave Elkin. “Partnering with Rich and RDV brings our dealers an opportunity to create additional revenue while improving the experience for their customer. We look forward to a great partnership with RDV.”

To learn more about RDV Automotive Technologies, call 561-922-7747 or visit their website www.rdvfl.com.

Indianapolis 500 Airs Live Nationwide on SiriusXM

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

NEW YORK, NY (05.25.23) – SiriusXM has announced extensive programming plans for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. 

SiriusXM listeners will have access to the live call of the race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Sunday, May 28. Pre-race coverage begins at 11 am ET on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (SiriusXM channel 160) and NBC Sports Audio (SiriusXM channel 85). Both channels are available to subscribers nationwide in their cars and on the SXM App.

SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation will also air live coverage the Indianapolis 500 Carb Day Practice session on Friday at 11 am ET. 

Following the practice session, fans at the racetrack can watch two special SiriusXM shows as they broadcast from the SiriusXM set outside the Pagoda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the Miller Lite Carb Day festivities.

  • At 1 pm ET, James Hinchcliffe – a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner who has competed in the Indy 500 11 times – will host his podcast, Off Track with Hinch and Rossi. Hinchcliffe’s regular co-host for the podcast, Alexander Rossi, will be in the field for Sunday’s race. Hinch’s co-host for this special episode will be comedian and IndyCar fan, Joey Mulinaro. The podcast episode will be available on all major podcast platforms on Friday evening. 
  • Brick by Brick, SiriusXM’s exclusive INDYCAR show hosted by 2004 series champion Tony Kanaan and Jack Arute, will take the stage at the SiriusXM set from 2-4 pm ET. Kanaan won the 2013 Indy 500 and will be competing in the race for the 22nd time this weekend when he drives the No. 66 Chevy for Arrow McLaren. The show will debut Saturday at 1 pm ET on the NBC Sports Audio channel, and air throughout the weekend on NBC Sports Audio and INDYCAR Nation. 

On both shows, the hosts will share an insider’s perspective on competing in the Indianapolis 500, and listeners will hear them interview several of the drivers who will be competing on the track on Sunday.

Two of the cars in the Indy 500 field this Sunday will display the SiriusXM logo. 2021 Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will be going for a historic fifth Indy 500 victory when he takes the track on Sunday and SiriusXM will be along for the ride on the No. 06 AutoNation/SiriusXM Honda he drives for Meyer Shank Racing. SiriusXM’s branding will also be on the No. 60 car driven by his MSR teammate, 2019 Indy 500 winner Simon Pagenaud. 

On Monday, May 29, Diplo’s Revolution on SiriusXM (channel 52) will broadcast from the Indy 500 Snake Pit and air performances by Kaskade, DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and Jauz.

SiriusXM’s Listen Free event runs from May 25 through June 5, so everyone can listen to the SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel and SiriusXM’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500. During the Listen Free event, anyone can turn on an inactive satellite radio and listen to more than 100 SiriusXM channels for free. Click here to learn more.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Channel lineups vary by subscription plan. 

2023 SEMA Show Floorplan Now Available Online

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.25.23) – SEMA has announced the 2023 SEMA Show floorplan is now live and available at SEMAShow.com/floorplan. The team behind the premier automotive specialty-equipment trade show worked to ensure manufacturers could showcase thousands of new innovations across the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, October 31-November 3.

Now that the floorplan is live, buyers and attendees can maximize their Show experience by utilizing the interactive map and exhibitor list at SEMAShow.com/floorplan.

Exhibitors can also prepare for a successful SEMA Show exhibit with the following:

And, exhibitors should plan to attend the 2023 SEMA Exhibitor Summit, the two-day event (Tuesday, July 25-Wednesday, July 26) that covers everything needed to exhibit like a professional. SEMA will cover hotel costs for up to two members of each exhibiting company for this unique program, which teaches exhibitors how to:

  • Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs
  • Use proven strategies to attract buyers to your booth
  • Save money and resources on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses
  • Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize your ROI
  • Learn to properly plan and budget to leverage your Show experience
  • Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships and other methods
  • Maximize your SEMA Show exhibit experience

Register for the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit. Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at semashow@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact to learn more.

There’s still time to secure participation in the 2023 SEMA Show. Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth. Attendee registration for the Show is available at SEMAShow.com/register.

Team Nutz Supports Pittsburgh Public Works Annual Event

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PITTSBURGH, PA (05.24.23) – The annual community event invited families to come to the Bethel Park Public Works grounds to allow families and children the opportunity to check out firsthand fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Children were then invited to climb onto a huge pile sand located in a large parking area. While digging lucky children could find envelops containing money as a reward for their efforts.

The pile of sand is behind this Team Nutz demo vehicle.

Team Nutz was onsite supporting the event. Ed Nuttall related “My wife Nina arranged for us to support the annual community event. We were able to have 3 of our company demo vehicles on site plus a motorcycle. We recognized the opportunity the youngsters had to be rewarded for their digging efforts. It’s just like working a job and be rewarded for their efforts.”

All at the event could check out this totally customized Jeep.
This customized sedan from Team Nutz was another demo possibility.

Continuing Nuttall offered “Another element for our participation was the opportunity to provide live demos in our demo vehicles. The youngsters were invited to sit in the driver’s seat while we provided a system demo and a selfie for them to remember the experience. In some regards it’s like the McDonald’s approach to getting families into the ‘Happy Meal’ mode.”

Mike Gosnik giving a demo to one of nearly 30 youngsters who got a demo and selfie.

Of course while on site the children’s parents were standing next to top Team Nutz demo vehicles with Nutz Team members at the controls. To that Nuttall concluded “That could turn into next day business for Team Nutz.”

Visit teamnutz.com for more.

Tint World Names Jonathan Norman Chief Investment Officer

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BOCA RATON, FL (05.24.23) – Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ has named Jonathan Norman, an experienced franchise development executive, the company’s Chief Investment Officer.

In his new role, Norman leads Tint World®’s investment ecosystem, focused on multiple growth opportunities, and oversight of the company’s future financial health.

Jonathan Norman, Chief Investment Officer

“Jonathan has a demonstrated track record of driving growth, and his critical financial expertise supports Tint World®’s strategy for ongoing success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World®. “As one of the largest and fastest-growing international automotive franchises, we’re committed to building the best team in the industry. Jonathan brings unique passion and business insights to the Tint World® family, and he’s proven to be an essential part of the team as we continue to expand and deliver outstanding results.”

Norman has 20 years of experience in investment structuring, business operations, and development. He served as a franchisee for industry class leading systems and was a member of multiple franchise advisory councils. He earned a BBA in marketing and management from the University of Miami (FL) and received a Specialization Certification in Finance, Accounting, and Alternative Investments from Harvard Business School.

“This is an amazing opportunity to be part of one of the most effective franchise teams anywhere,” Norman said. “Tint World® offers a blueprint for success in this industry, and I’m proud that my skills and experience are helping the company continue to perform to the highest standards.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

SEMA Announces New Vice President of Product Development, OEM Relations

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.24.23) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced Mike Mohacsi as its new vice president of product development and OEM relations. In his new role, Mohacsi will oversee the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, and Detroit, Michigan.

Mohacsi brings 30 years of experience in the automotive/powersports industry, including product development, testing, manufacturing, operations, project management and quality assurance.

Mike Mohacsi, vice president of product development and OEM relations

Most recently, Mohacsi worked for Power House Brands (Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension and Burly), which primarily offers aftermarket products for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including braking systems, wheels, suspension and accessories. While there, he provided direction and leadership for all engineering and operations activities for two manufacturing facilities in Cerritos, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.

Prior to Power House Brands, Mohacsi worked at HORIBA Instruments in the automotive segment as the director of West Coast area support, where he was responsible for new test equipment (dynamometers, emission, battery and software) installation projects as well as service for all customers (CARB, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, Hyundai, and VW) located on the West of North America (including Mexico).

Mohacsi also managed engine testing operations at Toyota Racing Development in Costa Mesa for five years. While there, he managed five engine testing cells and two valvetrain testing cells. He also led the specification, procurement, installation and commissioning of two new state-of-the-art engine test cells used for NASCAR Cup Series racing from the ground up, including the building and related equipment.

Mohacsi has also worked for many other well-known companies such as Renthal Ltd., Yamaha Motor Corporation, Honeywell Turbocharging Systems, FMF Racing, Answer Products and the Toyota Technical Center.

For more information, visit semagarage.com.

The 2023 Grand Haven, MI Jeep Fest Stretched for 3 Blocks Downtown

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GRAND HAVEN, MI (05.23.23) – The 2nd Annual Grand Haven Jeep Fest exceeded all expectations which sets the stage for an even larger event in 2024.

Retailer Tech Audio owner Jim Cooper connected with the local event organizer and secured a large booth for the Saturday, May 20th, event. “I saw the success of the first event last year and saw the potential for an even larger event this year. The Jeep category continues to grow and Jeepers are a real community. Alpine is a key brand in our store so I contacted my area representative Mike Schafer at Midwest Sales and that got the ball rolling. He contacted Alpine’s Chris Reavis and the next thing we knew all was set to have the Alpine RAM under an Alpine tent at Jeep Fest 2023 in downtown Grand Haven” Cooper relayed.

The street in downtown Grand Haven MI was busy on a chilly Saturday morning.
Tech Audio was under an Alpine tent next to the RAM. A loaded company Jeep was on the right.

Grand Haven is listed as a town of 11,000 in the latest census reports. The main street downtown is filled with local businesses on both sides of the street. Three city blocks were blocked off the the Jeep Fest with 150 Jeeps assigned a space. Even more Jeeps were parked adjacent to the 3 blocks. Those businesses were open on Saturday and benefitted from the crowd of several thousand through the day.

A selection of Alpine products and POP for Jeepers.
Jim Cooper in the Tech Audio showroom with an event offer sheet for a 15% discount through the end of May they handed out at the non-selling Jeep Fest event.

Mike Schafer related “All came together for the event that was not a selling show. We took a selection of Alpine products and set up under a Tech Audio tent that was next to the Alpine tent with Chris doing demos in the RAM. It was so terrific to see the Alpine brand working together with a proactive retailer like Jim at Tech Audio to connect directly with consumers….especially consumers like the Jeepers community.”

“Jeepers certainly like to add aftermarket products to their rides. When a Jeep owner experienced the Alpine system in the RAM their eyes opened wide for sure. Next stop for many of them was to catch up with Jim in the next booth” Reavis offered.

This drone image shows the scope of the 3 block downtown Jeep Fest event.

“We set up a number off appoints at the event and Monday the 22nd, yesterday, we were plenty busy in the store. Based on this year’s success the event organizers is already contacting city officials for a 5 block area in 2024. The Grand Haven Jeep Fest is a charity event with proceeds going to the local Ferry School. Tech Audio truly appreciates the support from Alpine this year and looks forward to an event larger Grand Haven Jeep Fest in 2024” Cooper concluded.

Visit facebook.com/grandhavenjeepfest for more.