DS18 Roars with New Full Bridge Full Range Amps

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (10.08.2020) – The wait is over– DS18 will be introducing their new Full Range Full Bridge amps on October 15th. These powerful yet compact amps use the traditional full bridge design so you can get MASSIVE power is a smaller frame that is not big and bulky like half bridge designs.

The GFX amps were designed to make BIG power and with them being full bridge and full range, that makes them accommodate all types of speakers. Subs, mids, and highs can all be configured with just a flip of the filtering switch and setting your frequency selection accordingly.

They have many options to choose from to best fit your desired impedance and rise levels.

Available now for preorder, shipping Octobr 15th.

All models come in 1- and 2-ohm final impedance configurations so you can calculate and extract the maximum power this amplifier can give for your specific needs. The GFX line is an amazing very well-rounded line that can be used in a great many applications that demand serious power for serious sound.

Visit DS18.com for more.

Vehicle Builders Invited to Participate in SEMA360 Builder Showcase

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.08.2020) – Applications for the SEMA360 Builder Showcase are now open. In the absence of the in-person SEMA Show, the new SEMA360 was created as a 100% online trade-only event that focuses on an eCommerce marketplace, new products, vehicle builds and education for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Click here to apply for the Builder Showcase

Unlike the SEMA Show, where vehicle space is limited and vehicle applications must be submitted by a participating manufacturer, the SEMA360 Builder Showcase allows vehicle builders the opportunity to enter vehicles directly into the program.

“We’re excited to open up the SEMA360 Builder Showcase to all the talented builders across our industry,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We wanted to put a spotlight on the trends and innovation that go into these vehicle builds every year while highlighting the people that bring the creations to life.”

The SEMA360 Builder Showcase will enable all builders, including seasoned and new builders, to reach an unlimited audience. “This is truly a worldwide platform to show off the passion and creativity SEMA week has become known for,” continued Gattuso. “The support we have had for SEMA360 has been tremendous, and we can’t wait to see what this new Showcase feature will bring.”

Click here to apply for the Builder Showcase

Applications to participate in the Builder Showcase must be submitted online by October 9. Builders must submit a complete application that includes vehicle information, up to 10 photos and an optional 90-second builder highlight video. Builders may also apply through a SEMA360 participating manufacturer.

All entries in the SEMA360 Builder Showcase may also participate in SEMA Battle of the Builders. Now in its seventh year, SEMA Battle of the Builders is the foremost competition that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of SEMA vehicle builders.

Select vehicles from the competition will be featured in the television special and in SEMA publications and websites, and plans are for the top vehicles and builders to be flown to Los Angeles for filming.

Applications and details for SEMA Battle of the Builders can be found at www.semabotb.com.

Mobile Solutions to Present Virtual Training at SEMA360

TEMPE, AZ (10.07.2020) – Mobile Solutions announces it will be participating in the education sessions of the upcoming SEMA360 virtual event with a 30 minute training session titled Restomod and Hot-Rod Interior Fabrication – Incorporating Modern Electronics. Mobile Solutions president and founder Bryan Schmitt, along with Juan “JT” Torres of Automotive Entertainment HB in Huntington Beach, CA will take virtual attendees through many time-saving and innovative techniques to elevate designing and fabricating automotive interiors to the next level. They will also be able to interact with the attendees by answering questions during the session and immediately afterward. The training takes place Thursday November 5, 2020 from 12-12:30pm Pacific Time.

“We were very pleased that SEMA reached out to request that we do this session virtually” said Schmitt. “We were originally scheduled to do an in-person session at this year’s SEMA Show, but with the cancelation of that event it was great that the SEMA Education folks came up with an alternative to offer this virtually for SEMA360” he continued. Last year at the 2019 SEMA Show, Schmitt and other co-presenters packed the training room so full that they hit the occupancy limit from the Las Vegas fire marshal. “With all the webinars going on, people may have become fatigued at the traditional PowerPoint style presentations. Our training session is hands-on and we’re building right in front of the camera so it’s the real deal” added JT Torres.

Training Highlights
• How to design effectively – where to start
• Tools to improve efficiency and outcomes
• Drawing the concept with real time examples (package tray, door panel, console, etc.)
• Identify and specify the materials and colors
• Building and duplicating shapes with layer and dimension
• Consistent gaps for perfect fit on final finishes – paint, vinyl, leather, carpet, etc.
• Design enhancements with embossing, aluminum inserts and more
• Serviceability and fastening techniques
• Safety observations when fabricating panels & parts
• And much, much more!

Who Should Attend?
• Fabricators of hot-rod and restomod-style builds
• Cut-and-sew interior professionals
• 12 volt fabricators and car audio technicians
• Anyone interested in expanding their horizons of integrated interior design

Those automotive aftermarket professionals interested in attending the training session must register for the SEMA360 event by visiting http://www.sema360.com. While registering, you will be able to select the education sessions in which you’re interested. Registration the entire event for SEMA members is free and $25 for non-members. Reminders for the education sessions and other SEMA360 events for which you select will be sent via email to pre-registered attendees. In order to view the sessions, attendees must be registered for SEMA360. They don’t, however, have to be registered for the specific session as long as they’re registered for SEMA360 and know when it’s happening, they’ll be able to connect through the SEMA360 site. Just like traditional SEMA Shows, the SEMA360 event is intended only for industry professionals.

For more insider details about the Restomod and Hot-Rod Interior Fabrication – Incorporating Modern Electronics education session during SEMA360 on November 5, 2020 12-12:30 Pacific Time, visit www.mobilesolutions-USA.com, watch their facebook and Instagram feeds, or call 480-968-2074.

AAMP Global’s EchoMaster Fleet Solutions Division Unveils New Category of Complete, Customizable Telematics Products

CLEARWATER, FL (10.07.2020) – AAMP Global and its Commercial Division EchoMaster Fleet Solutions have entered the Telematics space with a new line of products incorporating hardware, software and support.

Featured products and services include asset and fleet trackers, an intelligent dash cam, live streaming video, real-time tracking, and nationwide customer service. The Telematics line expands AAMP Global’s current vehicle technology and driving experience solutions for on-road, off-road, and off-shore vehicles.

The new Telematics products will allow companies to better monitor their fleets and make more informed and precise strategic business planning and fleet management decisions to increase margins, improve safety and better manage assets. By monitoring heavy equipment, trailers and other assets in real-time, companies will also be able to improve security, utilization, maintenance and uptime.

“AAMP Global and EchoMaster Fleet Solutions are excited to enter this new market with our comprehensive Telematics platform. Our solution will give fleet managers the data and analytics to make the best use case of assets in real-time and for future planning and growth, allowing them to deliver maximum efficiency and profitability,” said Brad Chapple, AAMP Global’s Executive Vice President/General Manager of Commercial/Fleet. “These tools have the capability to improve everything from driver safety to a company’s bottom line.”

The Telematics hardware offerings — including two asset trackers, two fleet trackers, and an intelligent dash cam that films live streaming video both outside and inside fleet vehicles — help owners and managers track fleets in real time through tools such as driver management, vehicle health, maintenance management, traffic, and route Planning.

A key differentiator is AAMP Global’s monitoring software, powered by M2M in Motion and accessible via tablets, mobile devices (Android and iOS) and PC. This user-friendly single-platform tool gives fleet managers the ability to set up automated reports and notifications, so they can make decisions quickly and effectively.

“There’s no need to spend hours digging through endless raw data, as all the information you need to know about your fleet is presented to you,” Chapple said. “As a bonus, all this data can help lower insurance costs, as fleets are able to show a long-standing record of safe driving.”

Among the software’s abilities are:

  • Real-time tracking (asset location, vehicle diagnostics, driver management, compliance)
  • Automatic alerts for collisions and other major incidents
  • Monitoring for idling vehicles, engine faults and battery levels
  • Tracking driver speeding, harsh braking and harsh cornering incidents (and the ability to set your own parameters, be notified of any violations)
  • Monitoring vehicle maintenance, including costs and trends, to help optimize the maintenance process
  • Mixed fleet management: Tracks both motorized fleet vehicles and nonmotorized hardware (generators, trailers, etc.), all through one platform, a breakthrough in the telematics space
  • Generation of automated reports to simplify fleet analysis
  • Tracking usage and engine hours to predict and schedule maintenance needs automatically
  • Direct comparison of vehicle data and driver data
  • Reduction of paperwork through real-time hours of service monitoring
  • The Safety Coach feature monitors driver behavior to reduce distracted driving, prevent collisions and protect the brand reputation. This feature allows safe drivers to be rewarded, and risky drivers to be identified and coached.

Unparalleled service

With more than 3,000 installation partners nationwide, AAMP Global can direct large orders to facilities for installation. And plug-and-play harnesses are available for transport trucks for simplified installation (without OBD II inputs). In addition, “always on” product and customer support are not just words, it’s the way that AAMP Global operates.

Customized software training is also offered to all AAMP Global customers. Supporting video files from in-vehicle dash cams are stored in the cloud and can be accessed in multiple ways, including live streaming, manual search by date, or automatic share in the case of a crash or harsh braking incident.

“At the end of the day, EchoMaster Fleet Solutions can now be your go-to option for any commercial Telematics need. We are the most efficient full-service solution provider for Fleet, Commercial, and OES, which is matched by the industry’s best customer support,” Chapple said.

For additional information, contact an EchoMaster Fleet Solutions representative or visit echomasterfleetsolutions.com.

Accele Electronics Camera Provides Universal Solution for Vans and RVs

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (10.07.2020) – Accele Electronics has announced a new solution for providing rear visibility to vehicles with a 3rd Brake Light that lack a Camera: RVC1600. The RVC1600 is the Camera installers have been looking for since rear view safety became an issue over 10 years ago. It’s small enough to fit on or above the 3rd Brake Light on many vehicles and is packed with features found only in much larger Cameras.

Its universal design eliminates the need to stock dozens of vehicle specific Cameras without sacrificing features and performance. Features include IR LED illumination with auto on/off light sensor, a built-in Microphone, IP68 Waterproof rating and a 60 foot extension cable for larger RV’s. The Camera has a 150° Diagonal View and 0.5 Lux for low light situations.

Installers will appreciate that the Video and Microphone cable can be run through a single ¼” hole. Dimensions of 29mm W x 22mm D x 24mm H make it extremely small and mountable from the top or back of the camera, allowing for easy underlip installation.  

The RVC1600 includes an adjustable metal shielding bracket. The RVC1600 is available for immediate shipment, contact your Accele Sales Representative.

Visit new website at www.accele.com for information.

Tint World Named to Franchise Times Top 200+ Ranking

BOCA RATON, FL (10.06.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been named to the Franchise Times Top 200+ list for 2020. This marks the eighth year the company has been named as a top performing U.S.-based franchise brand.

“This prestigious recognition belongs to every member of the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “The fact that we’ve achieved this honor every year since 2013 demonstrates the commitment and passion of our corporate staff and Tint World franchisees around the world. They’ve remained truly dedicated to providing the top auto accessory products and services during a challenging year, and we’re proud to see their hard work acknowledged within the industry.”

Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World

The Franchise Times Top 200+ list is an annual ranking of the 500 largest franchise systems in the United States by global system-wide sales, based on the previous year’s performance. The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort each year that results in the most credible and objective franchise ranking available.

“Tint World continues to grow, with several more locations set to open in 2020 and 2021,” Bonfiglio said. “Our franchise model and support systems help set our franchisees up for success.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Experience Enhanced Infotainment for Jeep Wrangler JLs and Gladiators JTs

CLEARWATER, FL (10.06.2020) – PAC has launched a fully integrated Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT kit for its Stinger HEIGH10 multimedia head units under its well-known radio integration brand, RadioPRO Advanced.

The kit (part number SRK-JW18EH), enables you to replace the factory radio in a Jeep Wrangler JL (2018 – 2020) or a Gladiator JT (2020) with a show-stopping 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system called the HEIGH10 by Stinger Electronics. With the kit, drivers enjoy the benefits of retaining their factory features while adding even more upgraded features.

Access the following retained features (if equipped) from your HEIGH10 multimedia head unit:

  • All factory cameras in full high definition
  • Dual and single zone factory climate control
  • Factory amplifier
  • Factory USB ports
  • Safety group chimes, including ParkSense
  • Steering wheel controls
  • Auxiliary switch panel settings
  • Heated seats / heated steering wheel
  • On-screen vehicle settings menu

PAC’s new application allows for added features and new customizable screens:

  • Vehicle information screen: tire pressure with custom pressure threshold, current vehicle status – including door open/closed/removed, view and clear check engine status
  • Vehicle drivetrain screen (Jeep off-road data including): transfer case, axle and sway bar status, current position (latitude/longitude), altitude, steering angle
  • Vehicle gauges: eight gauges on screen, save up to 2 presets, battery voltage, oil temperature, oil pressure, transmission temperature, coolant temperature… and many more
  • Vehicle off-road screen: pitch, roll, GPS coordinates, compass
  • Vehicle performance screen: speed, RPM, current/best 0-60mph time, current/best 60-0mph brake distance, current/best ¼ mile time

The kit includes everything you need to upgrade the factory radio including the dash kit and mounting hardware for a beautiful flush-mount factory look, RadioPRO Advanced vehicle integration module, PAC-link adapter for Stinger multimedia systems, high-definition factory camera retention module, vehicle specific plug-n-play wire harness, satellite antenna adapter, AM/FM antenna adapter, USB retention cables and external chime speaker (HEIGH10 radio sold separately).

Visit www.pac-integrate.com for more.

DEI Stand-Off Kits Put Thermal Protection Where It’s Needed Most

AVON LAKE, OH (10.06.2020) – Racers and hot rod owners can
place thermal protection right where they need it most with new Stand-Off
Kits from Design Engineering, Inc.

Designed as a safe, convenient solution for installing heat barriers, custom
thermal shields and more, each Stand-Off is made from corrosion resistant
stainless steel that is long lasting and will handle high temperatures.

Click to view full PDF.

Stand-Offs are ideal for creating a space or cooling air gap for heat
dissipation between pieces of metal, aluminum, plastic or any material
where standoffs can be fastened. They can also be used in many non-
automotive applications where a supportive spacer or brace is needed.

Click here to visit the Heat Shield Mounting Kit’s product page.

“Stand-Off Kits allow for custom mounting of vital heat guards in any
application,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “These kits are designed to be used with
up to ½-inch wide worm clamps or DEI stainless steel ties.”

Universal stainless steel kits come with six Stand-Offs, plus washers and
mounting hardware for a quick, easy installation. For more information about the Stand-Off Kits and DEI’s entire lineup of heat and sound control
products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

Firstech Hosted a Compustar Online Training for Altron and Dealers Across Michigan

PONTIAC, MI (10.05.2020) – Thursday evening, October 1st, Firstech staff members Nick Frazier and Jason Ewing presented a Compustar Google Meet training for Altron International and their dealers across Michigan.

Altron’s Susan Newton, along with hands-on owner Bob English, attended the online training. Geoff Dixon and Chuck Ottati, with Michigan rep firm Opus Marketing, also attended the session. Rob Sanden, Compustar Central Regional Sales Manager, also attended the session.

“The Compustar online training was very informative. Both Nick and Jason did a phenomenal job going through the product line and answering questions. They even stayed on the meeting site for over an hour after the meeting was officially done to answer questions. Dealers were very excited as they learned about new products and features. Compustar is always looking for ways to make it easier for dealers and installers.” Newton related.

Continuing Newton offered “The meeting was conducted through Google Meet, not like Zoom where you can see everyone. It worked well though as multiple people could view the powerpoint and talk with each other or use a text box that was equivalent to messaging that everyone could see.”

Jamie White, Opus Marketing Principal, stated “Everything was very good. We spoke with Rob Sanden and he was happy as there were more dealers on the call than expected. We also had a new dealer from the Upper Peninsula on the session.”

The Compustar aisle of the Altron warehouse is packed with product as a result of the company’s early forecasting for the remote start season.

“The day after the webinar our phones were ringing off the hook from dealers taking advantage of the deals we offered during the online Compustar session” Newton concluded.

Even though it was a virtual meeting there were Compustar giveaways. Two complete systems, plus 3 md6200”s, were awarded as prizes. In addition, Altron will send T-Shirts to all dealers who attended the Compustar online training.

Shelves in the Altron warehouse are filled with Compustar remote start units and accessories in anticipation of a strong remote start season across Michigan.

The Altron warehouse is fully stocked and ready for the remote start business that comes with the cold Michigan weather. The company did significant large early forecasting to ensure product that their customers need will be in stock. The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused product and shipping issues. Altron planned ahead to be ready and very pro-active for the remote starter season.

Visit compustar.com for more.

JVC Now Shipping LED-Lit Marine / Motorsports Speakers

LONG BEACH, CA (10.05.2020) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is thrilled to announce the release of 2 new 6-1/2” 4-ohm marine/motorsports speaker sets with built-in LED lighting. Both coming in with a MAP of $199.95, the CS-DR620MBL feature black grilles, while the CS-DR621MWL feature white.

Designed for outdoor use, these rugged and reliable speakers are built to last, being waterproof and having dust protection.  With a power handling of 75 watts of RMS (260 watts MAX), they also make for an excellent companion to the KS-DR1004D compact 4-channel amplifier.  

The well-lit duo brags 21 color options and dynamic pattern modes, along with 8 different brightness and speed adjustments.  Up to 6 pairs can be wired together, providing more than enough illumination to light up any boat or UTV application. Oftentimes sold separately, these speaker sets include an RF (non-directional) remote controller, allowing LED control from up to 98 feet away.

 “At a time when aftermarket marine and motorsports gear is in high demand, we wanted to provide a simple, effective, and fun speaker solution that can be used in universal outdoor applications,” said Ron Trout, Director of JVC Mobile Entertainment Sales. “Combining mood enhancing lighting with supreme JVC sound quality creates the perfect combination for our customers.”

JVC prides itself on offering universal solutions for every customer.  Adding to an already impressive line-up of 10 marine and motorsports products, these 2 additions create new opportunities for dealers looking to maximize their opportunities.  From golf carts to boats, motorcycles to tractors and more, JVC has you covered.  

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit http://www.us.jvc.com/car.