ASHLAND CITY, TN (10.19.2020) – The Cheatham County Fairgrounds in Ashland City TN was the site of the 2020 MECA SQL World Finals.
MECA Commish Steve Stern related “There were 38 competitors at the SQL Finals with the best sounding vehicles on the planet. The MECA Club ended the 2020 SQL Season with a very positive outcome for our member SQL fanatics.”
Set up for the event took place on Friday, October 16th as judging meters were set up and trophies were placed inside for all to see. TRU Technology was the Awards Title Sponsor and owner John Yi traveled from the company’s HQ in California for the SQL Finals. ARC Audio, Zapco, Ohio Generator, XS Power and Linear Power were Trophy Co-Sponsors.
MECA Commish Steve Stern (L) working with Christopher Anderson for RTA Freq Out Score on Anderson’s amazing Chrysler with custom paint, Lambo doors and award winning system.
The Cheatham County Fairgrounds has been the site of previous MECA events. “It was a chilly 36 degrees when we got started on Saturday morning under a clear sky. All went smoothly as the 38 SQL competitors set their vehicles for judging. By mid-afternoon Sunday the judging finished and the 2020 MECA SQL World Finals was a wrap” Stern stated.
The trophies set up for the 2020 MECA SQL World Finals.
Results will be posted by Wednesday at MECAevents.com with images and news, also on Facebook.
John Yi helps unload trophies on Friday at the Cheatham County Fairground. TRU Technology was the 2020 MECA SQL Trophy Title Sponsor. Yi, TRU Technology owner, traveled from the company’s HQ in California for the Finals’ event.
“The 2020 season wraps with the MECA SPL World Finals at SoundCheck Customs in Lafayette, IN the 24th and 25th of October. We are expecting that event to fill the grounds around the SoundCheck location and be bonkers. With 2021 events beginning we are looking forward to an exciting, music enriching year to come” Stern concluded.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (10.19.2020) – The Mobile Electronics Syndicate (MES) is now going industry public by offering membership services as well as Manufacture sponsor packages. The launch date is set on Friday 11/27/2020. If for any reason you are currently not a member of the MES and are an industry professional, Please make sure to send us a request to join the Facebook group (Mobile Electronics Syndicate) as well as follow our website at mesfamily.com for continued updates and details.
The MES is the Largest Private 12-volt group that exists. We have 4.5K Member’s and growing. We are now offering a multitude of services for our members to grow their business as well as skill set and save time and stress on many platforms of 12volt retail sales, Installation & Fabrication.
Ethan Blau (L) and Ata Ehdaivand, MES Directors, shown hosting a presentation at a previous industry event.
“If Joe & Jane’s Car Stereo shop wants to learn more about branding, advertising, closing, financials, the back end of the business or anything tech related, we would love to be able to help them. There are a lot of people willing to spend many hours a week to make their business better and more successful that may not know how to implement it or pull the trigger so to speak”. Ata Ehdaivand- Director
All MES Family members receive access to a vehicle fit guide that incorporates car audio products from many suppliers as well as many categories. Instead of a salesperson or technician looking up an amplifier on one vendor site and subwoofer on another, or a wiring harness of three major manufacturers or a vehicle dash kit, or even remote start modules and immobilizer bypass modules, They can now consult a single fit guide for the customer’s vehicle all in one place with the Correct information that is updated on a daily or even hourly basis. The fit guide is sponsored by various manufacturers. Right now, a salesperson may have to go to 8-10 websites to find all the products that the 12v-Dashboard lists for the clients wants and needs. When you would spend 15 to 20 minutes of time looking up many aspects of products & install parts/types you can now go to one website and spend 2 minutes accomplishing the same tasks. With the fit guide, a rookie sales professional can feel comfortable and confident to quote a job and or an install on day one, and accurately at that.
The association will also offer a Certification Program for sales professionals as well as technicians, consisting of online tests written by our MECP Master tech as well as contributions from the top industry veterans and vendors. Dealers will receive a certificate upon passing these tests to get MES Certified. Not only can these dealers & techs hang these very professional plaques on the store wall, but there will be a website for consumers to see who is certified as well as a great selling tool and conversational piece. This Certification Program can help sales professionals and technicians achieve the next level in their careers.
The MES Family will also offer YouTube instructional videos on business & Tech training. We are not a buying group although we will provide member discounts on expenses including health care, rental cars, office supplies and vacations. MES Family will also offer marketing services and Social media/Website graphics for Holidays, seasonal promotions, hot selling items, or even a custom one catered to your needs. The Graphics will be customized to each store logo.
We are excited to have our sponsoring vendors announce their support for the MES Family at launch. Some companies have already joined and fully signed on board, including Metra Electronics, Modern Media Geeks, and retail display companies 5-Axis and Audiostak.
As of now Board Members as well as the Admin team are only being compensated through the services of the Group. For example, they may receive the POS software at no cost as well as the 12VDashboard. We want to point out that many retailers, techs, and 12-volt professionals are already giving hours of their time to the Mobile Electronics Syndicate without any compensation. We want to point that out for the simple fact that we love what we do and want to help you as well as continually grow this amazing industry.
The MES Family will also publish a newsletter once a month that talks about the latest industry news, products and problem solving or even national events like COVID-19. It will include a Technician Talk & Sales Talk that may also become part of a YouTube video series.
The Mobile Electronics Syndicate has been an industry Facebook group with 4,500 Plus members and growing, that first launched on November 3rd. of 2016. This news article supplied by the Mobile Electronics Syndicate.
URBANDALE, IA (10.19.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of a new location in Urbandale, Iowa, under the ownership of local entrepreneurs Earl and Shirley Macleod. This location is the first of three under the Macleod’s ownership, and the franchise’s first center in the state.
The sun is shining in Urbandale, IA as Tint World opens.
“We are happy to bring a great franchise like Tint World to Iowa and our local community,” Earl Macleod said. “Tint World allows us to bring quality auto styling services to the citizens of Urbandale in a way they haven’t seen before.”
The showroom in the new Tint World Urbandale location features outstanding product displays.
Tint World Urbandale will provide a full range of automotive styling and safety services including automotive tint, automotive paint protection film, vehicle wraps, ceramic coating, mobile electronics, advanced driver-assistance systems, car stereo upgrades, work truck upfitting, and residential and commercial window film installation.
“The new Iowa location allows us to continue our rapid expansion throughout the United States, and we believe Earl and Shirley Macleod have the passion to make it a success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They will be great additions to the Tint World family.”
SHREVEPORT LA (10.17.20) WTF…Win This Friday. AudioPlanet NY won the Soundstream SoundDish Prize on Friday, October 16th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, October 16th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 98th time and the Wheel landed on the Soundstream space. The AudioPlanet NY slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We placed a call to Mike and Omid Shabtei at the Huntington Station New York retailer. The store’s voice mail stated the company had recently changed store hours. We will send a message by email and call on Monday, October 19th to let them know a Soundstream SoundDish Home Bluetooth Speaker will be headed their way.NOTE: In reading the winning ticket I misspoke and said Planet Audio. AudioPlanet NY was on the slip. Also, in the video please see the winning Soundstream SoundDish by the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. Spinning out a new 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit and ZZ2. 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 and HiPro Audio in Victoria TX. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, October 23rd.
OXNARD, CA (10.16.2020) – SCOSCHE Industries have announced their range of accessories for the newly announced Apple iPhone 12 series.
While the new iPhone 12 did not come with a charger or listening device in the box, Scosche has the advanced technological accessories to maximize the phone’s capabilities. Scosche will be announcing their range of MagicMount accessories that work with Apple’s new MagSafe magnetic charger.
Extendo Telescoping Phone Mounts
Using Scosche’s USB-C Power Delivery (PD) PowerVolt Fast Charger, for home and office, or a PowerVolt in-vehicle fast charger, charging is 3X faster than with a standard charger. With their smart circuitry they are backwards compatible and will charge older iPhone models, as well as new ones, at their safest and fastest rate.
The Scosche Braided StrikeLine MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning Power Delivery compatible charge and sync cables are available in convenient lengths of 1ft, 4ft, 6ft and 8ft.
Cup holder Mounts
Due to the popularity of AirPods, Apple has eliminated earphone jacks from the iPhones. If you miss the fidelity of a wired audio connection, or want to use your favorite pair of wired headphones, Scosche’s Lightning Audio Adapter will connect them simply and effectively via the Lightning connector.
Wireless charging is a convenient, safe and now fast way to charge your IPhone 12, or any iPhone 8 or later. Scosche offers a selection of innovative, patented, Qi-certified wireless chargers and wireless charging phone mounts that Fast Charge the iPhone12.
As the #1 Mount Brand* In the U.S. and Canada, people trust Scosche to deliver the most innovative, reliable and user-friendly mounts. With safe driving laws in effect in the majority of U.S. states, it is a legal imperative as well as a convenient necessity to install a mount and use your phone hands-free while driving. Phone mounts, including wireless charging ones are also invaluable at home and in the office, or in your home office or home classroom.
Protect, view, use hands free, and charge your valuable new iphone with one (or more) of these innovative, elegant, and hard-working mounts from Scosche:
MagicGrip Wireless Fast Charging Auto-Grip Mount
The MagicGrip Wireless Fast Charging Auto-Grip Mount is available in a choice of six bases, which work in-vehicle, home or office and come with a car fast charger. When your Qi-enabled iPhone is aligned over the Qi-charging surface, MagicGrip’s arms automatically close and hold securely. This Qi-sensing closure ensures perfect placement for optimum charging. Qi-certified, the MagicGrip supports Apple Fast Charge. A channel between the iPhone and charging head allows heated air to disperse and be replaced by cooler air for cooler charging. The Vent base model of MagicGrip has a unique patent-pending FreeFlow design that features an articulating swing-arm and open base that never blocks airflow form the vent.
Extendo Telescoping Phone Mounts for in-vehicle, home or office use, have a telescoping arm that adjusts from 5 inches to 8.5 inches with 220-degrees of angle adjustment, so your phone comes to you instead of having to reach. For in-vehicle use Extendo mounts to the window or dash and the arm and head adjust to suit either the driver or passenger, without moving the base. For home use, attach Extendo to a countertop or backsplash to view a recipe or facetime with a friend. In the office attach the base to a desktop, away from your computer and then extend it when you need to use your phone. The Extendo range includes magnetic, universal grip, and wireless charging options.
Scosche recently introduced Cup holder Mounts that adjust to fit any cup holder and safely hold your phone for hands free use while you drive. They are available in universal, magnetic and power hub versions, with wireless charging models coming soon.
BaseLynx Modular Charging System
Last but definitely not least, is the customizable BaseLynxModular Charging System.You can build your BaseLynx system to organize, display, store and charge all your devices including iPhones, iPads, AirPod charging cases, and all series of the Apple Watch. With the modules connected, it uses one power source so there are no tangled wires. You can use the modules individually or connected, and if you get a new device, just add a module. Currently there are modules with Qi-certified wireless charging, MFi-certified Magnetic Watch charging, a vertical charging module with USB-A and USB-C ports and a powered endcap with USB-A and USB-C ports. BaseLynx is the perfect solution for home, office, dorm, RV, or wherever there are people and their portable devices.
The BaseLynx White Modular Charging System and the MagicGrip Wireless Charging FreeFlow Vent Mount are available at Apple.com and at select Apple Stores worldwide. BaseLynx Black (shown above) and all the accessories mentioned above are available at Scosche.com and at select retailers.
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.16.2020) – Metra Electronics is shipping new dash kits for 2020-up* Nissan Sentra models. The 99-7638 dash kit is for a Single-DIN radio provision with a pocket while the 95-7638 is designed for specific Double-DIN modular radios.
The 95-7638 fits radios which have an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen, like the Alpine iLX-207. This kit is also compatible with Pioneer’s 6.8” modular radios and has special brackets included for installation of the Pioneer DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX touchscreen in-dash receivers.
Both of these dash kits are painted with a gloss black face, silver trim, and textured housing to match the factory finish. They are made in the U.S.A. and available now from Metra Electronics.
AVON LAKE, OH (10.16.2020) – Looking for a custom automotive heat blocker? Why not create your own with Form-A-Barrier heat shields from Design Engineering, Inc.
The lightweight, formable rigid barriers provide excellent thermal protection up to 1,300°F with a minimal gap of 1 inch to the heat source, and mechanically fasten with pins, screws or bolts to stay firmly in place.
“Form-A-Barrier can be formed or bent by hand to conform to odd shapes,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Racers and builders can use them for an infinite number of applications, including firewalls, interiors, engines and other areas and many non-automotive applications.”
Form-A-Barrier is constructed of a high temperature rated foam material in between sheets of heat reflective thin dimpled aluminum. Offered in 12″x12″ (#011002) square sheet and new 12”x24” (#011013) rectangle sheet, Form-A-Barrier is resistant to most automotive lubricants and chemicals. Additionally, the Form-A-Barrier is available in custom sizes up to 45” x 75” as a special order, making it a great solution for any size project.
For more information about bendable Form-A-Barrier kits and DEI’s complete line of vehicle heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (10.15.2020) – MECA is set to present separate SQL and SPL World Finals for 2020. The Sound Quality League (SQL) Finals will be held outside Nashville at the Cheatham County Fairgrounds in Ashland TN the weekend of October 17th and 18th. The Sound Pressure League (SPL)World Finals will be held at the SoundCheck Customs retail store in Lafayette IN the weekend of October 24th and 25th. SoundCheck Customs is the MECA Retailer of the Year. With the volatile and confusing COVID-19 issues and repercussions Commissioner Stern has concentrated on fulfilling the club’s mission for quality sound-off events, with a renewed emphasis on safety and crowd health and well-being, as all deal with the realities of the pandemic, and government requirements and guidelines.
MECA Commish Steve Stern (R) with very active MECA member Christopher Anderson. They are pictured with Anderson’s “Car” that has taken 1st places at recent MECA State Finals.
TRU Technology will be the Sound Quality League (SQL) Title Sponsor for the event outside Nashville, TN at the Cheatham County Fairgrounds, in Ashland City, on the weekend of October 17th and 18th. ARC Audio, Linear Power and Zapco are Co-Sponsors. 60+ vehicles are expected for 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 Install classes, RTA Freq Out, and 2 SQ2 2-seat Sound Quality classes. MECA will also offer it’s Show & Shine car/truck/motorcyle show on Saturday.
The SoundCheck Customs location, with a multi acre parking, will be the site of the SPL Finals in Lafayette, IN.
Incriminator Audio, Sundown Audio, XS Power and Ohio Generator are supporting as co-sponsors for the Sound Pressure League (SPL) World Finals to be held at the SoundCheck Customs store location in Lafayette, IN on the weekend of October 24th and 25th. RP Patel, owner at SoundCheck Customs, volunteered to host and help sponsor the event. It is great to have a Retail Member with the ability and participation demonstrated by RP and his crew. There will be 18 Sound Pressure classes, 5 Park & Pound classes, and the MECA Kids classes vying for Championship rings, sponsored by SoundCheck. The traditional Qualifying on Saturday, and Top 3 on Sunday for the Ring and 6′ trophy as World Champ, contest proceedings will take place. This event will include the Finals contests for Dueling Demos, Ride The Light, and our Show & Shine competitors. A BBQ is being planned for Saturday for the Members/Competitors and their families and friends, and fans.
All pieces of the MECA puzzle came together with many State and Regional Finals in September that determined the State Champs in all classes. Now the Big SQL and SPL Finals events will put a cap on a memorable season.
Annual Club Awards will be presented at the events. Events will be starting soon for 2021 in areas that can have them. As conditions stabilize MECA will provide information to keep the spirit of car audio sports active and engaging.
PAPILLION, NE (10.15.2020)–Things are about to get LOUD in the MINKS states with ROCK-N-REV SALES now offering BUMPBOXX ! Rep firm owner Jeff (Boody) Budin announced Monday that with his distribution partner they now have all sizes and colors IN STOCK.
Jeff Budin headed down to the lake with a BUMPBOXX on his shoulder.
“I’m so stoked about this” explained Budin “Bumpboxx was a line I been after for about 3 years and now with a solid distribution partner it’s finally going down. The first run of inventory shot out the door and several 12-VOLT shops had instant success. I’m happy to say we now have every model and every color in stock and ready to serve dealers in the MINKS.”
One of the instant success stories came from Nate Gibson at ACCESS AUDIO in Ft Dodge, IA.
“I saw a fit for our store right away when Boody announced he had these Bumpboxx’s” tells Gibson “Our customer base loves making a statement with loud music and these things are LOUD!!! We made a small display in our store and sold THREE on the first day. I’m excited with having all models and colors available through local distribution and already placed my second order.”
“We were excited when Jeff brought the BUMPBOXX line to us. We brought it in and sold 3 the first day off the display we set up in the showroom” Nate Gibson, Access Audio-Ft Dodge IA stated.
With signature series product from the likes of SNOOP DOGG and the MOONSHINE BANDITS it’s easy to see how this line will be a huge hit over the holidays.
For more info on BumpBoxx availability in the MINKS states contact ROCK-N-REV SALES at rocknrevsales@gmail.com
OXNARD, CA (10.15.2020) – Scosche Industries is pleased to present their innovative new range of accessories that allow you to easily use the newly announced Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger as an in-vehicle hands-free phone mount.
Designed specifically to work with Apple’s new MagSafe Magnetic Wireless Charger, the patent pending MagicMount MSC magnetic mounts allow you to securely hold your MagSafe wireless charger with your phone charging on it. This means you can safely use your phone hands-free and charge it as you drive safely.
The initial four models (shown below) of the MagicMount MSC: the Dash, Double-Pivot, Cup-Holder, and FreeFlow Vent, will be available beginning January 2021, with more models to follow.
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