CLEARWATER, FL (09.01.2021) – M2M in Motion, a brand of AAMP Global and an innovative provider of fleet management solutions, today announced that it has launched two new GPS tracking products – a New 3-in-1 Asset Tracker with three installation options, and a 2 Channel Dash Camera with an optional add-on interior Driver Facing Camera.
3-in-1 Asset Tracker (SATST4950)
The 3-in-1 Asset Tracker was engineered to protect assets by GPS tracking. It was designed to be powered by solar, battery, and/or hardwired to a vehicle or equipment.
With Asset Trackers, you can know where your belongings are at all times. It is easy to check the location of your device in real time using our tracking software, available on your mobile device or your computer.
Optional Add-on Accessories to the 3-in-1 Asset Tracker include a Magnetic Mounting Cradle (ACSTCRD) and an Asset Tracker Charger (ACSTWC).
2 Channel HD Telematics Dashcam (DCSWCP2)
The 2 Channel HD Telematics Dashcam is an advanced high-definition (1080p) dash camera with a wide-angle view (150°). It has LTE video transmission, built-in tracking, and telematics data. Adding a dash camera can be a liability lifesaver. This dash cam will provide impact, motion, and break-in alerts in real-time on the M2M in Motion software platform – available on PC or your mobile device.
The 2 Channel HD Telematics Dashcam has an optional add-on Driver Facing Camera (ACSVA050B) available. This camera has built-in IR for night vision recording.
For additional information, visit our website www.m2minmotion.com or contact your AAMP Sales Rep.
AVON LAKE, OH (09.01.2021) – When it’s time to stick together, look for high-adhesive Black Seaming Tape (#10039) from Design Engineering, Inc.
Ideal for use with DEI’s popular Black Floor & Tunnel Shield kits, the durable tape also works great as a universal solution on wood, steel, aluminum, plastic and fiberglass. Use it to wrap and protect wires, cables, hoses, fuel lines, seams and more, providing protection from direct heat up to 400°F.
“Made with a glass fiber scrim and high-temperature adhesive, this durable black tape hides seams and edges on our Black Floor & Tunnel Shield or can be used by itself to add a quality, professional finish on interior heat and sound-control projects,” says Mike Buca, DEI Product Manager.
Offering excellent abrasion and solvent resistance, DEI’s Black Seaming Tape has a low profile at just 0.007″ thick, comes in 1.5″-by-15-foot lengths and is made in the USA.
By the numbers, the tape delivers:
Tensile strength: 175 lbs/in Dielectric strength: 2500V Adhesion to steel: 50oz/in Adhesive: good to 311°F
For more information about Black Seaming Tape (# 10039) and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com
OCEAN CITY, MD (08.31.2021) – AudioWorks of Delaware joined KICKER and Opus Marketing in Ocean City, MD for Jeep Week 2021 August 26th-29th. KICKER was the Title Sponsor of Jeep Week 2021.The 3 companies, with the KICKER XRV back this year, were ‘LivinLoud’ at the event. Opus Marketing is the KICKER rep firm in the area and partnered with key dealer AudioWorks in Newark DE to create excitement and drive business in the area.
“AudioWorks of Delaware is located in Newark DE which is 95 miles from Ocean City. Darren Thomas, AudioWorks owner, knows the value of connecting with consumers and especially Jeepers in the area. We put a plan in place to work OC Jeep Week together and it turned out very well… even better than last year,” Jamie White, Opus Marketing firm Principal related.
The AudioWorks team knocked out nearly 50 installations at OC JEEP Week.
The XRV showroom and Boom Room Led to a lot of sales at OC JEEP Week.
Thomas stated, “It’s big step to take staff and inventory to Ocean City during a very busy time at the store. It turned out to be super….probably up 25% in sales over last year. KICKER supplied 4 tents for our booth and onsite installation setup. I think we did 46 installations at the event. Inventory was also made available to drive sales. We had a plan in place that offered after the event specials for attendees also. That plan started generating strong interest the day following OC Jeep Week at our store. The very first day back we booked 10 jobs from Jeepers we talked to at the event.”
The Opus Team in front of the AudioWorks RAM. L to R: Chuck Ottati, Bruno Berg, Todd Ess, and Jamie White.
Audioworks of Delaware staff onsite included Thomas, Kyle Kessler, Tim Foltz and Pete Herr. The Opus Marketing Team onsite was comprised of White, Bruno Berg, Chuck Ottati and Todd Ess.
Matt Matheson, KICKER Northeast Regional, along with Ken Bundy- Product Specialist traveled from KICKER HQ in Stillwater, OK. Jeremy Wynn, KICKER Events and Promotions Manager, piloted the XVR on the trip to Ocean City. Josh Alexander was co-pilot and navigator on the trip that was nearly 3,000 miles round trip.
Continuing, Thomas stated, “We worked very well with the Opus Team. It was kind of a competition as we all worked to drive sales and get everything done. The vibe at the event was very good. We do a number of Classic Car Shows in the area and connecting with the Jeep crowd is always a lot of fun. Exhibiting at OC Jeep Week turned out to be a very good investment. We thank KICKER and Opus Marketing for the opportunity. It is so special to have such a strong relationship with a business partner.”
White concluded, “OC Jeep Week turned out very well as it exceeded our plan. We look forward to OC Jeep Week 2022 with KICKER and AudioWorks.”
Great to see KICKER and the Opus Marketing rep firm working side by side with retailer AudioWorks to create consumer awareness and drive sales. A 12volt Central Studios Hat’s off to KICKER, Opus Marketing and AudioWorks.
TEMPE, AZ (08.31.2021) – Mobile Solutions has expanded its agreement with Car Audio Fabrication to co-produce School of Fab, a video show centered on fabrication tools, tips and techniques for automotive aftermarket professionals. School of Fab will be presented live the first Thursday of each month on the School of Fab Facebook page.
Car Audio Fabrication (CAF) is a popular YouTube channel intended for car audio professionals and enthusiasts. Videos feature innovative, hands-on fabrication techniques from Mark, its enthusiastic host. The channel boasts more than a half-million subscribers and is approaching 400 videos.
Bryan Schmitt is founder and lead instructor of Mobile Solutions, which produces fabrication-centric tooling and products and has provided in-house professional instruction to more than 10,000 technicians and fabricators. Mobile Solutions has a worldwide footprint, with professional training and product distribution training in 18 countries.
Mark and Bryan kicked off the first episode of School of Fab August 5th to an industrywide audience, showcasing live, unique router techniques and reviewing recent vehicle builds. The pair also made the first official announcement of MasterTech Expo, Mobile Solutions’ first tradeshow-sized training event and product exhibition, to be held March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. School of Fab will be a significant component of MasterTech Expo, comprising four classes in a specialized certificate course.
“With CAF attracting new car audio enthusiasts and Mobile Solutions training top-tier professionals, the partnership for this live show lets us reach every level of custom fabrication,” said Mark. “Our differing backgrounds and expertise lead to an interesting dynamic on the show that results in a clear and powerful presentation for the viewer.”
“Mark is a highly respected fabricator and excellent presenter who has provided invaluable benefit to our students and the industry overall,” added Bryan. “We are thrilled to continue this partnership with him and CAF for the School of Fab live series, and look forward to co-instructing classes at MasterTech Expo in front of eager and enthusiastic attendees.”
The second episode of School of Fab airs September 2 at 8PM CST. For more information on School of Fab, please visit SchoolofFab.com. To attend MasterTech Expo, register at mastertechexpo.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.31.2021) – SEMA members have until September 3 to submit nominations for the 2021 SEMA Council and Network Awards.
SEMA Council and Network Awards honor the dedication and passion that drives the automotive aftermarket industry by recognizing companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the niche automotive aftermarket segments that they represent.
SEMA Council and Network Awards honor the dedication and passion that drives the automotive aftermarket industry by recognizing companies and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the niche automotive aftermarket segments that they represent.
If you know of a council or network member who has significantly enhanced the stature and growth of the industry, nominate them for an award today so that they may have the chance to get the recognition that they deserve.
Nominations are open for the following councils and networks:
OCEAN CITY, MD (08.30.2021) – KICKER returned as the title sponsor of Ocean City Jeep Week, held August 26-29 at the Ocean City Convention Center and around the Ocean City area.
The super impressive KICKER XRV at a truck wash in Breezewood, PA heading to the event.
The Audio Works crew was busy throughout the event doing Jeep installations and under the KICKER tents.
KICKER’s XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) made the 1400 mile trek to OC Jeep Week and set up in front of the Convention Center entrance. The 82-foot big rig is a rolling showroom, that displayed the full line of KICKER audio products for UTV, motorcycle, marine and auto. The XRV’s upgraded Boom Room is larger and louder and built to withstand the torture emanating from 40,000 watts of power.
The XRV Boom Room was packed with people waiting outside to experience the 40,000 watt KICKER system!
Jermey Wynn, KICKER Events and Promotions Manager, was behind the XRV Wheel with Josh Alexander at the Co-pilot. Matt Matheson, KICKER Eastern Regional, and Training Specialist Ken Bundy traveled from KICKER HQ to work the event.
Opus Marketing, KICKER Rep Firm in the area, worked the event with product sales and logistic support. Jamie White’s Opus Marketing Team on site included White, Bruno Berg, Chuck Ottati and Todd Ess.
A few days before 0C JEEP Week Jeremy Wynn celebrated a birthday. The Opus team presented Jeremy with a remote control rig that he can use at events that pulls an ice chest cooler.
Next to the XRV, authorized KICKER dealer Audio Works (Newark DE) installed audio systems on-site for the entire show. Audio Works offered several KICKER packages made especially for Jeeps. Owner Darren Thomas, with members of his sales and installation team, had Jeep installations going under KICKER tents throughout the event. At OC JEEP Week the Audio Works team scheduled numerous appoints for jobs at their Newark DE store that is 90 miles from Atlantic City.
White related “We look forward to this event every year. It’s especially special when our friends KICKER can make it out and even more fun when they bring the impressive XRV to OC JEEP Week. During the event we had some storms again and it was hot. Even though we are all sunburned, tired and worn out we all left Ocean City with one of our best event experiences.”
Opus created limited edition license plates as a gift for Jeepers that showed family values at the event. Two dozen license plates were given to deserving Jeepers.
This group of US Marines, who had a booth at the event, received one of the LVNLOUD license plate.
OC Jeep Week had a nonstop event schedule plan for every day of the show, that began with 300 Jeepers cruising the Ocean City sand at the Beach Crawl. The Jeep Jam trail and obstacle course were daily attractions, as was a Kids Zone, live DJ, vendors row and more.
At the end of Jeep Week, KICKER chose the winner of the “Livin’ Loud” award, a package that included two sets of speakers, amplification, loaded enclosure and wire. Winners were chosen for the quality of their KICKER installation and their Livin’ Loud attitude.
SHREVEPORT, LA (08.30.2021) – In today’s world it’s hard to find positive news anywhere in the world. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios, work to deliver positive industry news each business day.
The 12volt News in print quit publishing in 2008. At that time web-based technology came to the forefront as a news delivery medium. With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles for information and news delivery. Through all of this transition the fact remains people need still, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Today a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry so send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry. On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
The 12volt News Show has been created very recently for companies across the 12volt industry to showcase their new products to the industry… #the12voltnewsshow to see recent posts. With travel restrictions, and traditional industry shows subject to several factors, The 12volt News Show is a vehicle that is available to companies across the 12volt Industry to utilize to let the 12volt world know about their new products.
The 12voltSTP Tool and The 12volt News Show work hand-in-hand. Snap and Txt an image of that new product to 318-465-0844. Presto, that new product could in The 12volt News Show.
Check out the 12VoltNews 6-Pack as The 12volt Central Studios will work to make 6 social media posts each business day delivering fresh positive news the 12volt industry.
SHREVEPORT LA (08.28.21) WTF…Win This Friday. The Car Audio Shop StL won the Power Acoustik Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, August 27th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eight months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 142nd time on Friday morning August 27th. The Wheel landed on the Power Acoustik space. The Car Audio Shop StL slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out by phone and talked with Brandon Green at the store in the St Louis suburb of High Ridge MO. We was very happy to hear a Power Acoustik prize would be heading his way. Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, and J H Audio in Bowling Green VA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 3rd.
SEATTLE, WA / MONTREAL, QC (08.27.2021) – Ahead of the upcoming remote start season, Firstech and Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) are announcing a strategic alliance to bring further innovation to iDataStart remote start solutions in the U.S. market. As part of this announcement, Firstech and ADS will also streamline future product development by better aligning the efforts of both teams.
iDataStart was created by ADS in the mid-2010s and has since become one of the leading brands of remote starters, particularly in Canada. Some of the key advantages of iDataStart products include:
• All-in-one remote start and bypass module interface
• Industry leading coverage featuring a wide range of vehicle-specific t-harnesses
• Web-programmable from desktop, tablet and mobile
• Easy-to-follow installation guides
By partnering with Firstech, ADS will instantly enhance iDataStart’s presence in the U.S. market while also streamlining product development to meet the specific needs of U.S. consumers and dealers. Firstech will extend the opportunity to purchase iDataStart products to its dealer base of 1,500+ U.S. retailers along with any new dealers interested in upgrading their remote start assortment.
“We are thrilled to bring Canada’s #1 remote start brand by volume to the U.S. market. More importantly, with the teams from both companies more closely aligned, we can speed up product innovation and better react to changing market dynamics,” said Jason Kaminski, Managing Director of Firstech.
ADS and Firstech’s alliance signals a new chapter in the companies’ shared history of collaboration and innovation. In 2007, Firstech and ADS co-released the revolutionary “BLADE-AL”, the first-ever cartridge-style immobilizer bypass module. Several years later, the two companies released the DC3 all-in-one remote starter, which remains one of Firstech’s best selling products. Lastly, Firstech’s award-winning telematics solution, DroneMobile, is compatible with all iDataStart remote starters.
“Building on the long, successful partnership between our two companies, we are excited to make iDataStart products more broadly available to Firstech’s wide network of U.S. retailers. By creating synergies with Firstech’s national salesforce and top-rate technical support staff, we are confident that iDataStart products will quickly become a valued addition on dealers’ shelves across the country,” added Robert Di Cesare, General Manager of ADS.
Firstech will transition to the exclusive source for iDataStart products in the U.S. as of September 2021. Products will be available for purchase directly from Firstech, online at myFirstech.com, and through authorized subdistributors.
To learn more about iDataStart’s U.S. lineup, visit www.idatastart.us.
LAS VEGAS, NV (08.27.2021) – AAPEX and the SEMA Show, the two events that make up the automotive aftermarket industry’s premier trade gathering during the first week in November, have released information regarding health and safety measures for their respective events in Las Vegas, Nevada.
AAPEX (November 2-4, Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum): The co-owners of AAPEX – the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) – will require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID PCR test administered prior to arrival in order to attend the 2021 event. AAPEX co-owners also are evaluating the potential for onsite testing for those unable to be vaccinated or to obtain a negative PCR test prior to the show. These measures will be administered through a third-party verification platform and on-site screening. Additionally, while subject to change, as of July 30, 2021, Nevada is requiring masks for all indoor events in Las Vegas. AAPEX will announce more details in the near future.
SEMA Show (November 2-5, Las Vegas Convention Center) organizers are taking into account that the COVID-19 landscape is changing week to week. The SEMA Show is working with state and local health authorities to announce more in the coming weeks concerning safety measures that will be required in November. While subject to change, as of July 30, 2021, Nevada is requiring masks for all indoor events in Las Vegas.
AAPEX and SEMA are 100% committed to ensuring a great Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas. As the COVID-19 landscape continues to evolve, health and safety measures will be updated for the respective shows to provide the best business opportunities for those attending. With the Venetian Clean Commitment and the LVCC’s GBAC Star Facility Accreditation in place, organizers are looking forward to welcoming the industry back to our live events. With combined exhibits of more than 2,000 manufacturers & suppliers slated to participate and very strong buyer registration to date, now is the time to reconnect.