ORCA Introduces Focal Inside P60 Limited Edition Car Kit for Porsche

Posted on April 30, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Focal, Orca Design.

CAMARILLO, CA (05.01.23) – ORCA Design and Manufacturing announced it is shipping the Focal Inside P60 Limited Edition, an exclusive speaker upgrade kit made for Porsche. The plug-and-play, drop-in speaker collection is designed specifically for late-model Porsche 911, Panamera, Cayenne and Taycan vehicles. Only 911 of the kits will be manufactured for worldwide distribution.

To create the P60 Limited Edition kit, Focal employed the technologies of its legacy Utopia component series: Beryllium tweeters, “W” sandwich composite woofer cone and the iconic speckled gray coloring. The drivers are enclosed in Zamak backets designed to fit into the factory-cut speaker openings on Porsche vehicles.

“We are honored to receive and make the commemorative P60 Limited Edition car kits available to retailers and automotive enthusiasts in North America,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for Orca. “Focal has always taken the approach of building for perfect sound without compromise. The company’s collaboration with Porsche, centered on the iconic 911, represents the perfect synergy of two brands that share the same mission.”

Each P60 Limited Edition kit consists of a pair of three-driver components (woofer, midrange and tweeter) plus an additional midrange for center-channel applications. The set comes in a beautiful walnut and leather made to fit perfectly into the trunk of a Porsche 911.

For more information, please visit mwi.re/focalp60. Retailers may contact their authorized Focal representative to order. Customers and clients can experience the P60 kit at their nearest authorized Focal Retailer.

Please visit focal-america.com/dealer-locator.

Tint World Opens in Buda, Celebrates More Than 20 Texas Franchises

Posted on April 27, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Tint World.

AUSTIN, TX (04.28.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its new location in Buda, Texas.

Tint World Buda, owned by military veteran Jason Gerstenhaber, introduces drivers throughout the South Austin-San Marcos metropolitan area to premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.

“Buda is one of the Austin-area’s fastest growing suburbs, and as more families and individuals move in, the demand for automotive solutions will only increase,” Gerstenhaber said. “Tint World Buda is a trustworthy, locally owned business that our growing number of neighbors can rely on for everything from ultra-premium window tint, paint protection film, and Nano Ceramic Coatings to audio and video, performance upgrades, and even safety and security technology. We’re proud to have a team of highly trained professional technicians and installers to take care of our customers, and we look forward to serving drivers throughout the South Austin region.”

Tint World Buda, located at 118 Trademark St #502, Buda, Texas 78610, serves South Austin, Kyle, Wimberly, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Lockhart, Mountain City, Reedville, Maxwell and Uhland. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (512) 201-4016 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/tx/buda-096/.

“Jason brings tremendous vision and experience to our growing network of Tint World stores across Texas, and he’s a valuable addition to the Tint World family as a whole,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We’re proud to have him and other veteran franchisees as part of our franchise system. Through his service, Jason has demonstrated that he has exceptional dedication and discipline, and we’re confident he’ll lean on our world-class franchisee support to deliver the best customer service and automotive solutions to his market.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

NASCAR and SiriusXM Agree to Multi-Year Extension of Broadcasting Agreement

Posted on April 27, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged NASCAR, SiriusXM.

NEW YORK, NY (04.28.23) – NASCAR and SiriusXM have announced a multi-year renewal of their broadcasting agreement. SiriusXM will continue to deliver 24/7 NASCAR content to its subscribers, including live broadcasts of every race, plus daily NASCAR talk and interviews with voices across the industry through its exclusive SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel.

“SiriusXM has delivered exciting and insightful live event and talk programming to NASCAR fans for more than two decades,” said Nick Skipper, NASCAR Managing Director of Media Strategy. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with SiriusXM, a trusted source that provides NASCAR fans across the country smart, accurate and entertaining coverage of the sport.”

“NASCAR’s passionate fans have enjoyed hearing their sport on SiriusXM for more than 20 years, and we are proud to continue to deliver the excitement of live races and the home to hear the latest news, analysis and top voices on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio,” said Eric Spitz, VP of Sports Programming for SiriusXM. “As NASCAR celebrates its historic 75th Anniversary season, we look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best audio platform for fans of the sport to grow closer to their favorite drivers and personalities.”

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the track this weekend with the Würth 400, live from Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 30, on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio is available to subscribers nationwide in their cars (channel 90) and on the SXM App at https://siriusxm.us/2nIBgyp. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio airs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and delivers in-depth racing coverage and access to NASCAR news, including live broadcasts of every NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. Fans can call in to the channel to share their opinions and be a part of the daily discussion.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s roster of expert hosts features current and former drivers, crew chiefs, crew members and NASCAR insiders. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s lineup features Joey Logano, the reigning and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford. Logano hosts his exclusive SiriusXM show, Behind the Wheel with Joey Logano, select Tuesdays (9 – 10 am ET) throughout the season on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

SiriusXM NASCAR Radio also includes shows hosted by 2011 Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne; 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and 2015 Daytona 500-winning crew chief Todd Gordon, who is also serving as crew chief in 2023 for 7-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson; 2-time Champion and 1989 Daytona 500-winning former crew chief Jeff Hammond; former Daytona 500-winning crew chief Larry McReynolds; former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner; plus active and former drivers Corey LaJoie and Brendan Gaughan.

Listeners also hear from insiders like Mike Bagley, Claire B. Lang, Dave Moody, Pete Pistone, 6-time Championship winning fuel man Danny “Chocolate” Myers, Pat Patterson, Angie Skinner, Brad Gillie, Danielle Trotta, Alan Cavanna, Jeff Gluck, Dustin Long, Nate Ryan, Shannon Spake, Lee Spencer, Doug Rice, Brett McMillan, John Roberts, Kaitlyn Vincie, Jack Arute, Chris Knight, Kelly Crandall, Mojo Nixon, Jordan Bianchi and Reid Spencer.

For more information visit www.SiriusXM.com/NASCAR

FLN Networking Mixer at SEMA Garage Detroit

Posted on April 27, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

PLYMOUTH, MI (04.28.23) – Automotive aftermarket professionals aged 39 and under are invited to expand their network during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Networking Mixer at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. Join the Network in kicking off their second Professional Development Program, mix and mingle with industry friends, and discover resources to help up-and-coming leaders succeed in the automotive aftermarket.

Click here to register for this event

Visit sema.org for more.

The Differences Between the SEMA Show and SEMA Fest

Posted on April 26, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged SEMA Fest, SEMA Show.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.27.23) – At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. Combined with the SEMA Show and officially called SEMA Week, the goal of the expansion is to create the most exciting automotive event in the world.

**2023 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3, Las Vegas Convention Center**

During the planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show–the premier automotive trade show that puts the latest products from top companies in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers representing every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Companies that would like to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show provides exhibitors with the aftermarket’s most valuable venue for creating more business, expanding brand awareness, introducing new products and engaging with automotive professionals.

**SEMA Fest, Friday-Saturday, November 3-4, Las Vegas Festival Grounds**

Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 SEMA Show will take place Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3. For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to exhibit, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Fest is an enthusiast-focused event that is open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue–the Las Vegas Festival Grounds–Friday and Saturday, November 3-4.

The festival will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.

To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit SEMAFest.com.

The Old Fashioned Car Audio Podcast Welcomes Speaker Designer Andrew Jones

Posted on April 26, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

ORANGE, CA (04.27.23) – The wildly popular Old Fashioned Car Audio podcast series hosted by 12 Volt Aftermarket industry veterans Gary Bell and Matt Schaeffer, is pleased to announce world-class acoustics expert and speaker designer Andrew Jones as the guest in an upcoming episode dropping on April 26, 2023.

Originally from the UK and having worked for several respected audio brands, including KEF, Infinity, ELAC, and Mobile Fidelity, Andrew Jones joined Pioneer Electronics USA in the early 1990s. He played an invaluable role in the brand’s flagship speaker development, including the highly-regarded Pioneer (Technical Audio Devices) speakers, which favorites among audiophiles for their exceptional sound quality and performance. Jones has received many awards and accolades for his meticulous attention to detail, scientific approach to speaker design and deep understanding of acoustics. He shares many ‘can’t miss’ tidbits on the podcast that align with his philosophy for delivering exceptional sound quality and an affordable price. Jones believes high-fidelity audio should be accessible to a broad audience when he considers design parameters. Matt and Gary thrive in this interview with engaging questions, some surprising facts and many other audio-centric conversations.

The Old Fashioned Car Audio podcast episode with Andrew Jones drops (Wednesday, April 26, 2023). Find it on all the popular podcast stream channels.

For more information, please visit https://musaicdesign.com/ofcapodcast/

Alpine to Attend the Annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show

Posted on April 26, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Alpine, Jeep.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.26.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the 2023 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in booth 402 from Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29 where they will have vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.

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.

Two Alpine-customized Jeeps will also be onsite to demonstrate the music-loving active weekender lifestyle of the Jeep® driver. “Hellbender,” Alpine’s 2017 Jeep® Wrangler, features a tee shirt cannon and custom-built motorized sled that pulls out from the rear of the vehicle to reveal two custom black Alpine I.C.E. Coolers.

An airconditioned Alpine Event Trailer will be parked on-site at the booth for visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology.

All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine staff and Alpine Authorized Retailer Soundwaves will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep®

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

Next Level Distribution Hiring Electronics Sales / 12 Volt Sales Person – Smyrna, GA Branch

Posted on April 26, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Classifieds.

Smyrna, GA 30082

• Full-Time
• Benefits: 401k, dental, life insurance, medical, vision

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Job Description
Electronics Sales / 12 Volt Sales Person – Smyrna, GA Branch
Must-Have: Working Knowledge of 12 Volt Industry – Thru Retail and/or Electronics
Sales/Distribution.

Qualifications
• 2 year Minimum experience in Car Audio Retail or Electronics Distribution Industry is preferred
• A proven track record in sales is preferred. (Retail or distribution)
• Marketing and online sales experience is a plus.
• Background checks are part of the hiring process; this may include a Motor Vehicle Check.

Company Description
Representing more than 100 leading brands, Next Level Distribution is the industry’s wholesale consumer electronics source. We connect thousands of top name-brand products with thousands of retail partners. Our team at Next Level Distribution delivers options and services that clearly set us apart from standard distribution partners. Whether you need help with kit packing, pick/pack/ship, order processing, reverse logistics or one of the other services we offer, you can be certain that the best company for the job is Next Level Distribution.

We know your business and we make it our #1 priority by bringing you a diverse, cross-category product selection featuring solutions for every market and every customer. Headquartered near West Palm Beach, FL, with business operations in Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Milwaukee, WI, and Minneapolis, MN, Next Level Distribution serves a customer base of over 3000 channel partners and retailers in the US. Earning your business is our focus each and every day. It takes more than just the right products at the right price to win and keep customers. We believe relationships, service, and support are most important.

Why work here? Great benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401k match with paid vacation and holidays. We are a family owned Business thriving and developing new business
opportunities.

Please send your resume to ngreene@getnextlevel.com to apply.

Alpine to Attend the Annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show

Posted on April 25, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Alpine, Jeep.

An airconditioned Alpine Event Trailer will be parked on-site at the booth for visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology.

All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine staff and Alpine Authorized Retailer Soudwaves will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep®

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

Mobile Solutions’ In-Person Hot Rod Build School Is A Success

Posted on April 25, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Mobile Solutions.

TEMPE, AZ (04.26.23) – Mobile Solutions in-house training kicked off its first 2023 event with the Hot Rod Build School 4-day training this past April 15-18. The class featured many new topics that relate to the design, fabrication and finishing materials of custom vehicle interiors. Lead instructor and Mobile Solutions founder/CEO Bryan Schmitt said “Following the successful second MasterTech Expo, we wanted to highlight many of the important hands-on, close up processes that attendees specifically asked for during a more intimate class and shop setting.”

Over the four action-packed class days, nearly 25 attendees were led by a team of 5 instructors in the disciplines of metal fabrication, 3D router work, plastics, lighting, upholstery and more. The instructors included:

• Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions (@mobilesolutionsfabrication)
• Chris Pate of MTI Acoustics (@mtiacoustics)
• Justin Kush of MTI Acoustics (@i_am_fabzilla)
• Wesley Cato of Anything Car Audio (@anything_audio_upholstery)
• Doug Dobson of HKI/Tury (FB – Doug Dobson)

“We presented so many new and cutting-edge techniques in this class that even the seasoned veteran fabricators found many new and exciting tricks to elevate their projects” adds Schmitt. Justin Kush and Chris Pate built an entire trunk in two days that was separate from the class project. Doug Dobson is known as an all-around helpful team player on these projects. Wesley Cato is one of the resident guest upholstery experts at Mobile Solutions classes.

April 2023 Hot Rod Build School workshop topics included:
• How to conceptualize a design and convert to something you can build
• Detailed router work examples for greater precision and efficiency
• Using aluminum in multiple ways for serviceable panel construction and cosmetic interest
• How to seam different materials together (vinyl, suede & carpet)
• New vinyl embossing techniques to personalize hot rod interior design
• New diamond pattern panel technique to emulate upscale vehicle interiors
• Technical vinyl wrapping examples with time-saving tools and preparation
• Where to find premium OEM-grade leather, vinyl, fabric, glue and supplies

Schmitt noted what’s different about in-person training at Mobile Solutions is the diversity of ever-evolving content, the breadth of knowledge and skillsets from the guest presenters and that each attendee does hands-on work with their own take home class projects. Alan Lindgren from Speed of Sound LLC in Memphis, TN said “With custom fabrication representing such a large portion of my business, these classes are invaluable. Attendees are able to take away much more than a few new shop techniques. It’s a comprehensive overview covering business practices, effective shop setup/management and of course, advanced fab skills in many areas”

The class project for this workshop was fashioned after a muscle car or hot rod rear parcel shelf with numerous layers of detail options each attendee could personalize. “Although the project focused on a rear deck application, the techniques from design to execution all transfer to other panels or parts of the interior” said Chris Pate, guest instructor. Justin Kush also taught a session on lighting and design work in the 3D CAD program called Procreate 3D.

NC Carpet and Apex Leather stepped in to support the Hot Rod Build School class with sewing machines and upholstery supplies & materials to ensure all projects were finished to a high degree of quality. Each attendee of course takes their project home to display their new capabilities to their clientele.

Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2024 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 3-6, 2024 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.