MEDFORD, MA (07.20.23) – The Solder Master products, formerly Aussie Irons, are now available in the US from Krank It Up.
Fawzi Alqudah, Krank It Up owner, related “We had been using Aussie Irons for years in our shop. The company recently experienced some changes and we took the opportunity to become the distributor for the new Solder Master brand in the US. We have inventory in stock and are ready to fill orders for 12volt retailers.”
Fawzi Alqudah and his son Josh (R) show the Solder Master kit in the Krank It Up store in Medford, MA.
The professional soldering iron saves time while heating quickly, is light weight and features a built-in working light. The cordless Solder Master, with built-in lithium battery and regulated temperature, lasts for weeks on a single charge. A 12volt charger is included for installers on the road.
Concluding “The Solder Master is a great tool for all 12volt retailers working in their shops making soldering connections.”
The complete Solder Master kit includes a carrying case with 2 soldering tips and is available for $349 including shipping.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.19.23) – ‘Jammin’ N July’… Chris Pace, Arrowhead Sales and Marketing, is doing just that with the firms JBL/Infinity demo trailer. It’s Summertime and time for 12volt industry members to ‘Crank It Up’ to connect with consumers and drive sales!
The JBL Demo Trailer had a great position at the end of an aisle.
On Saturday evening, July15th, in Independence MO Pace was set up with the JBL/Infinity demo trailer on the Noland Road Cruisin’ Strip. “Along the Noland Road strip of a couple miles there are 3 shopping centers that allow car shows and demos to take place. Noland Road is a magnet for classic cars and hot rods. The center we were in has an AutoZone which is obviously a draw for vehicles. Food trucks also pass along the strip to make this a very busy time from 6 until 10 PM” Pace related.
The JBL demos take place on both sides… with one side dedicated to motorcycle and marine speakers.
Car Craft Magazine named Noland Road one of the top Cruise Srips in the USA a few years back.
Adding “I pulled in with our JBL/Infinity demo trailer and had a great spot at the end of a parking aisle. A door on each side of the trailer flips up and we have demos setup between JBL/Infinity speakers and various brands. One side is set up just to demo marine and motorcycle…Powerbars too. I know there were over 50 demos that really opened peoples ears and eyes. I also directed consumers to several local shops to stop in and add some JBL and Infinity to their rides.”
There was action late in the evening to hear demos of the 24 pairs of speakers on the trailer.
The Arrowhead Sales JBL/Infinity trailer is 5’ wide and 8’ long and has been a 3 year project from scratch to this point. Additional graphics are in the works plus a 2-sided banner for the top to draw more attention at events. Batteries on board can drive demos for 8 hours.
Concluding “More shows are popping up and dealers are contacting Arrowhead to bring the JBL/Infinity trailer as another draw to get draw attention to their stores. In Independence we opened a lot of eyes with the Bass Pro Hub. No one new it existed and it’s so perfect for a classic car trunk.”
Arrowhead Sales and Marketing represents JBL, Infinity and Epsilon brands in the MINK states… Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. Contact Chris Pace at arrowheadsales@icloud.com.
The Arrowhead Sales JBL demo trailer will be on site at car shows and dealer events across the MINK states this summer.
Jammin’ N July themed activities by proactive 12volt companies, organizations and 12volt retailers can utilize social media to create consumer awareness and traffic into their stores… and very importantly drive sales. Sound-Off events and in-person activities are once again creating excitement. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N July.
Cases of ice cold water are very appreciated on hot summer days at events.
From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-469-2526. PRESTO. Your company’s and positive activities could be in the 12volt News.
As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N July!
RINGWOOD, IL (07.19.23) – Race Sport Lighting released their New HOODKIT1 (P/N# 1007720) LED Knight Rider Scanning Hood Brow DRL Flex Kit in Q2 and are now in full non-stop production in Q3. This modern, unique and niche hood lighting kit is the perfect solution for a frontal lighting show on the exterior of any vehicle. The hood brow retail kit comes with a 5’ 9” length flexible all weather strip kit that fits most full-size vehicle front ends perfectly and is cut to size if necessary. The kit does an amazing knight rider style scan on start-up, and then transitions to a cool white DRL for nighttime safety on the roads in time to put the vehicle in gear and go.
The kit has already been shipped out to hundreds of dealers recently and is in stock in dozens of distributors around the country. The product is attractively retail packaged and tells the story to the consumer for an easy retail sale. Dealers can make great money off not only the sale of the product, but the labor is good profit too! Professional installation is recommended for this product and allows dealers to bill out 1-2 hours of labor to be estimated.
“The HOODKIT1 launch was a success in June, and we smoked through our 1st production run already. It is an amazing hood brow light kit that is priced right with good margins and labor potential for thousands of our dealers nationwide. When our lighting specialists first pitched this product concept to me, I knew it would be a winner for our resellers and consumers are going to love it. We just ran our second production, and the kit is available for more resellers to purchase and install them on a showroom vehicle to show off to their customers.” says Steven Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.
The Race Sport Lighting Hood Brow Lighting System is currently in stock and shipping from a distributor near you, or directly from the B2B Dealer Portal at https://www.racesportinc.com/customer/account/login/.
Learn more and watch this instructive YouTube video shot at Avenue Sounds in New York – click here or see below to watch:
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.19.23) – Tickets for the inaugural SEMA Fest, a two-day full-throttle festival that fuses car culture and music, are on sale now at semafest.com. Set for November 3-4 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, SEMA Fest is a must-attend event open to the public and featuring world-class musical acts Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk The Moon, Ludacris and more (the complete lineup is below, with more to come).
“We are excited to open the gates for the inaugural SEMA Fest and welcome car and music lovers alike to enjoy this one-of-a-kind festival,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA president and CEO. “Automotive enthusiasts all over the world have been asking for years how they can be part of the SEMA Show experience, and we are delighted to include them in this brand-new extension of our popular trade show. This new event will be separate from the trade show, open to everyone and promises to be like nothing they’ve seen before.”
SEMA Fest brings together automotive enthusiasts, the biggest names in music and the hottest automotive brands in a large-scale festival format. It will also feature a full slate of immersive automotive lifestyle events, a consumer marketplace, world-class drifting, motorsports competitions, freestyle motocross and more.Whether you are a diehard car enthusiast, a motorsports fan, a music lover or just like to have a good time, SEMA Fest is an event not to miss. More details will be announced soon, including a full concert lineup of more than 20 bands.
SEMA Fest is hosted by SEMA, producers of the SEMA Show, a massive trade-only event held annually in Las Vegas. The inaugural SEMA Fest marks the conclusion of SEMA Week, which kicks off with the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
For more information about SEMA Fest and to purchase tickets, visit semafest.com.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.18.23) – On Sunday, July 16th, Cassie and Scott Busson, orchestrated an East Coast Audiophiles (ECA) and IASCA Mid Summer SQ Show at the Genesis Audio LTD store in Gahanna OH. “This was such a terrific opportunity to bring car audio to the forefront in the community with a premier home AV dealer in the area. We had 11 ECA competitors and 13 IASCA competitors audition the systems in their rides and compete for prizes.”
Continuing “A great time was had by all for our first ECA event in Ohio. Mike Myers from Knoxville TN judged ECA while Bill Grimme from Indiana drove down here to judge IASCA and allowed me to ‘mock’ judge as I am still in training with IASCA. We also had Best SQ Demo, which went for a total of $160. with the winner being Nathan from Michigan, judged by guest judge Todd who is a writer/reviewer for Secrets of Home Theater and HiFi.”
Competitors started arriving early for the Mid Summer Show event.
Vehicles were opened and positioned for the SQ ECA and IASCA formats.
Capture This! Entertainment sponsored the IASCA Awards, Morel sponsored the ECA Awards and Genesis Audio LTD sponsored the BSV (Best Sounding Vehicle) which was a pair of Mark Levinson Headphones. Natan Budiono won the BSV which was a weighted average of the combined scores for both organizations present at the event.
Morel license plates were displayed among the prizes.
Genesis Audio LTD owner John Senters related “Years ago, back in the ‘90s, I competed and judged on the IASCA circuit. We opened Genesis 25 years ago and actually offered car audio products in the beginning before transitioning to Home AV. It’s great to see what Cassie is doing in the car audio competition area. I actually had the staff go outside and experience the SQ vehicles at the event. They were all every impressed and the entire event had such a great vibe.”
Cassie set to present the Mark Levinson Headphones to Natan Budiono as the winner of the BSV Award.
Concluding Cassie offered “Scott and I met with John Senters at a MECA event in Columbus OH last year. He and Scott had competed and he said he was open to helping out however he could to promote quality sound in music. There was such a positive atmosphere all around the event and that is exactly how I want everyone to walk away from ECA and IASCA events. We thank John Senters so much.”
Sound-Off events and in-person activities are once again creating excitement. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N July.
The amazing buffet was enjoyed by all with many second visits for more.
From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-469-2526. PRESTO. Your company’s and positive activities could be in the 12volt News.
As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N July!
BOCA RATON, FL (07.18.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has named Mike Lopez chief operations officer.
In his new role, Lopez is responsible for the fast-growing franchise’s dynamic operations teams and systems, with a focus on franchisee experience, growth, business operations and training.
Mike Lopez
“Mike has demonstrated a passion for franchising leadership throughout his career, and his experience in the automotive industry makes him an invaluable addition to our growing team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “His strategic vision and commitment to developing new leaders will be key as we build on our success and continue growing the Tint World brand.”
Lopez brings more than a decade of leadership and executive experience in the food and beverage and automotive franchising industries to Tint World. Lopez most recently served as president of the second-largest automotive glass repair and replacement company in the United States. He was previously vice president of operations for a leading auto paint and collision repair franchise and director of new unit growth for one of the largest automotive aftermarket companies in North America.
“Tint World has an incredible record of success, and the company is poised for even greater achievements in the coming months and years,” Lopez said. “Because of the company’s proven methods and unbeatable culture, I’ve been able to hit the ground running, and I’m excited about everything the future holds here at Tint World.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.18.23) – The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is gearing up for its Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium–taking place August 16-18 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan.
Automotive aftermarket engineers, programmers and product developers still have time to secure their spot for the event, where they will meet one-on-one with product and service providers who offer tools and technology that can help them get their products to market faster, boost productivity and stay ahead of the competition.
The group pictured above is from a previous year’s event.
The three-day symposium will feature high-value and daily educational seminars on popular topics in the automotive technology space, followed by networking sessions and meetings in the afternoon.
The networking sessions will give participants extra time to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations, while the education sessions provide an exclusive opportunity to learn from leading experts on essential issues and technological advancements in the aftermarket space.
This year’s education sessions are:
Suspension System Simulations: From Fatigue to Riding and Handling Analysis
Presenter: MingYao Ding, Principal/Vice President of Engineering at Ozen/Ansys
Vehicle Communication Standards Update
Presenter: Bob Augustine, Vice President of Business Development at Opus IVS
Alternative Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology
Presenter: Tobi Burek, Chief Engineer at Ricardo
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Update
Presenter: Nick Dominato, Co-Founder and Chief Everything Officer, AutoBolt
Bridging the Gap from “Runs Good” to Emissions Compliance
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.17.23) – ‘Jammin’ N July’… It’s Summertime and time for 12volt industry members to ‘Crank It Up’ to connect with consumers and drive sales!
On Saturday it was Papasin Sound with BassWars in Bloomington CA and Arrowhead Sales in Independence MO. On Sunday it was East Coast Audiophiles at Genesis Audio Lab in Gahanna OH.
It was over 100 degrees on the asphalt for all at the BassWars Summer Beat Down.
Richard and Linda Papasin flank Jesse Navarro under the BassWars tent.
The strip center shopping center was packed along Noland Road well after sunset.
On Saturday Richard and Linda Papasin, along with Jesse Navarro, spearheaded the BassWars Summer Beat Down event in Bloomington CA at the EnviroPros facility. A competitor made the connection to host the event on the EnviroPros grounds.
“It was super hot…. over 100 degrees and the parking lot asphalt made it hotter. We did have a big fan under the BassWars tent that cooled a little bit. We had 55 enrtees and all were happy to be among friends and fellow competitors” Linda Papasin related.
Continuing “Also on site were 3 12volt vendors with tents. AutoTech has a large customer base on the competition scene with their alternators and owner Sam DeSantos was in the house. Massive Audio was under a tent with Rigo Ibarra and provided products for event giveaways. Reisenauer Designs, with owner Chris Reisenauer, was here showcasing his company’s CNC engraving and custom work he does for many competitors.”
Competitors cars filled the EnviroPros grounds.
A group of competitors gathered for an image with their trophies as the event wrapped.
On Saturday evening in Independence MO Chris Pace, Arrowhead Sales, was set up with his JBL demo trailer on the Noland Road Crusin’ Strip. “Along the Noland Road strip of a couple miles there are 3 shopping centers that allow car shows and demos to take place. Food trucks also pass along the strip to make this a very busy time from 6 until 10 PM” Pace stated.
Adding “I pulled in with our JBL demo trailer and had a great spot at the end of a parking aisle. A door on each side of the trailer flips up and we have demos setup between JBL speakers and various brands. One side is set up just to demo marine and motorcycle…Powerbars too. I know there were over 50 demos that really opened peoples ears and eyes. I also directed consumers to several local shops to stop in and add some JBL to their rides’”
On Sunday, July 16th, Cassie Busson orchestrated an East Coast Audiophiles (ECA) and IASCA Mid Summer SQ Show at the Genesis Audio Lab store in Gahanna OH. “This was such a terrific opportunuty to bring car audio to the forefront in the communty with a premier home AV dealer in the area. We had 11 ECA competitors and 13 IASCA competitors audition the systems in their rides.”
Chris Pace placed the JBL/Infinity trailer in an ideal spot so people could check out both sides of the Arrowhead trailer for demos.
Competitors started arriving early Sunday morning for the Mid Summer event.
Vehicles are open and ready for SQ judging.
Continuing “Sound Quality in music was the focus of this event. Competitors showcased their systems for judging. Then all went into the Genesis Audio Lab and experienced great home audio. In addition the was a delicious buffet and time for all to sit down and talk about great sounding music.”
Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The COVID-19 Pandemic, along with stimulus checks, led to a dramatic spike in overall 12volt sales which has come to an end. Jammin’ N July themed activities by proactive 12volt companies, organizations and 12volt retailers can utilize social media to create consumer awareness and traffic into their stores… and very importantly drive sales.
It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms as they reach for their wallet or credit card.
Cassie is at the table with score sheets for this group of competitors.
A very special buffet was ready at Genesis Audio Lab for competitors.
Sound-Off events and in-person activities are once again creating excitement. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N July.
From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-469-2526. PRESTO. Your company’s and positive activities could be in the 12volt News.
As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N July!
A Big 12volt Central Studios hats-off to the Papasin’s and Papasin Sound, Chris Pace with his efforts at Arrowhead Sales along with Cassie Busson and her efforts to grow the SQ community with East Coast Audiophiles (ECA), IASCA and Ohio Sound Quality Groups.
TORRANCE, CA (07.17.23) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, a cutting-edge electronics designer and manufacturer dedicated exclusively to advanced vehicle driver safety, announces the launch of
360VIEW-SPL, a remarkable addition to our lineup of smart digital mirrors. Designed as a slimmed down version of the highly acclaimed TOMBO 360X, the 360VIEW-SPL brings the immersive experience of 360-degree surround video recording to users in a more compact and practical package.
The 360VIEW-SPL is the result of our commitment to providing innovative solutions that enhance everyday life while catering to the varying needs of our customers. By streamlining features and focusing on essential functionalities, we have created a smart digital mirror that offers exceptional value without compromising on performance.
Key Features and Benefits:
360-Degree Surround Video Recording: The 360VIEW-SPL lets users capture their surroundings with its 360-degree recording capability, opening up new possibilities for content creation, vlogging, and documenting precious memories. Most importantly, protecting yourself while driving and having hard evidence if needed. Whether you’re an everyday driver, have a commercial business with multiple drivers or a stay-at-home parent, this feature allows you to remain safe and at the same time share your 360 visual experiences.
Back-Up Camera (CM-AHD1): Included with the 360VIEW-SPL is a back-up camera, providing an extra layer of safety and convenience for users when reversing their vehicles. This added feature ensures a clearer and more comprehensive view of the surroundings, enabling stress-free parking and maneuvering. This camera can also be displayed in full screen while driving. This would function as a rearview mirror with a sharp image, avoiding any distractions inside the vehicle.
Hardwire Kit for Professional Installation (PWH-037): The 360VIEW-SPL comes with a hardwire kit, facilitating a professional and clean installation process. By connecting directly to the vehicle’s power supply, users can enjoy uninterrupted functionality without the need for additional wiring or charging.
Mounting Bracket for Full Mirror Replacement (BP1): Enhance the aesthetics of your vehicle with the 360VIEW-SPL‘s mounting bracket, designed for a seamless full mirror replacement. This sleek and modern bracket ensures a cohesive look, seamlessly integrating the smart mirror into the vehicle’s interior.
“While our TOMBO 360X remains the flagship model for advanced smart mirror technology, we recognize the need for a more practical and accessible option for consumers”, said Phil Maeda, CEO at RYDEEN. “The 360VIEW-SPL is the perfect solution for those seeking the immersive experience of 360-degree surround video recording while prioritizing simplicity and practicality.
By omitting certain features present in TOMBO 360X, such as the proximity sensor, blind-spot detection LED indicators, and USB-C external memory file transfer, we have made the 360VIEW-SPL a cost-effective choice without compromising on the essential functionalities and usability.
The 360VIEW-SPL represents our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our customers, offering a sleek and practical smart mirror solution that elevates both safety and entertainment while driving. With its impressive 360-degree recording capabilities, integrated back-up camera, professional installation features, and full mirror replacement bracket, the 360VIEW-SPL is set to become a must-have accessory for any vehicle.
RYDEEN is now shipping 360 VIEW-SPL to retailers & distributors throughout USA and Canada. Please feel free to contact us at 310-787-7880 or sales@rydeenmobile.com for any questions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to receive the latest updates and announcements about this exciting new addition to our smart mirror lineup.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.17.23) – The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials passed H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” and H.R. 4468, the “Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act.” These SEMA-supported bills seek to preserve vehicle choice for consumers and prevent the federal government and the State of California from choosing only one form of technology (such as electric vehicles) over the many others to achieve their emission reduction goals.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and 17 U.S. House Republicans introduced H.R. 4468 in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model years ’27 to ’32, which is designed to result in electric vehicles (EVs) making up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The SEMA-supported CARS Act would prevent the EPA from finalizing the proposed emissions standards on light- and medium-duty vehicles.
The EPA’s proposal intends to lower carbon emissions in a way that essentially forces BEVs to become the only option for automakers to produce. Given the subsidies in place for EV purchases and production, EVs become the de facto choice to achieve the rulemaking’s climate goals, as other options, such as hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, and multiple renewables, do not enjoy a level playing field of subsidies.
SEMA and more than 100 stakeholder organizations recently sent President Joe Biden a letter expressing concerns about the EPA’s Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards. The letter stated, “EPA’s proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest-cost opportunities to reduce GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice.” SEMA will continue to engage in any proposed regulatory action that may lead to internal combustion engine (ICE) bans. You can read the joint letter here.
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola provided official comments to the EPA in opposition to the agency’s proposed new federal emissions standards for motor vehicles model-years 27-’32. In addition, SEMA’s grassroots efforts have generated more than 7,700 comments by our member companies and enthusiasts from around the country.
SEMA has strongly supported H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill prohibiting the EPA from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with ICE in the state by 2035. Rep. John Joyce’s (R-PA) bill is essential to stopping California’s plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act for the mandate to go into effect. U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435.
Click here to send a letter to your Congress members asking them to support the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act by co-sponsoring the bill.
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