BOCA RATON, FL (05.15.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced a partnership with BioPledge, the EPA-registered, hospital-grade, AntiMicrobial Protection (AMP), offering their customers long-lasting, industry-leading protection from germs that can cause illness and odors.
The partnership is part of Tint World’s ongoing commitment to helping vehicle owners stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 crisis.
“BioPledge is an industry-leading disinfectant for treating microbes that can build up on high-touch surfaces inside vehicles, boats, homes, and offices,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “Our customers are looking for the additional level of security that BioPledge delivers right now, and during this challenging situation we’re doing everything we can to enhance their safety.”
BioPledge is EPA-Registered, offering Anti-Microbial Protection (AMP) that instantly kills viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, algae, and yeast – all without the use of caustic chemicals or scented masking agents. A one-time treatment of BioPledge AMP forms a protective shield that delays the growth of harmful microbes on interior surfaces and prevents odors for up to 30 days after it is applied. BioPledge AMP treatments also remove organic and inorganic odors from air, carpet, upholstery, and other “high-touch” surfaces.
“With this partnership, Tint World customers will have the number one option for preventing germs and microbes in their vehicles, which is a critical service and one that’s top of mind for most people right now,” said Alex Baranga, president of BioPledge. “Tint World’s success is built on providing the highest-quality products and services that are available, and BioPledge is looking forward to being part of that mission.”
METAIRE, LA (05.15.2020) – Oracle Lighting has revealed details on the new Antimicrobial Irradiation Respirator (aka AIR device), a patent-pending wearable UVGI face mask sanitizer system. The AIR device is expected to be available in late June 2020.
“N95 masks have been the go-to PPE for preventing exposure to COVID-19, but these only filter 95 percent of particulate,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of product development. “Consumers need better assurance to be confident that they will not be exposed. The AIR device will neutralize that remaining five percent while sanitizing the contaminated mask at the same time. Studies have shown that respiratory pathogens on the outer surface of cloth masks can actually result in self-contamination, which is exactly what they are intended to prevent. Because if this, we see the unique UV irritation benefits of the AIR device as the best sanitization scenario for mitigating exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses.”
Existing personal air filtration masks are designed to prevent inhalation of viruses by trapping the particles from the incoming air in the cloth material worn on the face. However, they are not designed to disinfect or sanitize the particles. Because of this, the masks can become saturated with live viruses, pathogens, bacterium, or other microorganisms attached to the fabric surfaces. Because the cloth mask becomes contaminated with use, washing a cloth mask is recommended by health officials. Unfortunately, most consumer-grade laundry detergent does not contain disinfectant and, in fact, studies show that pathogens can actually be spread in the wash and contaminate other laundry in the load.
The AIR device is worn under any common face masks and utilizes a patent-pending system to sanitize the air while simultaneously neutralizing contaminants trapped in the cloth face mask by means of short-wave ultraviolet light exposure. The ultraviolet light source is produced via UV LEDs which are integrated into the device. The spectrum of ultraviolet light is separated into various ranges, with shortest-wavelength referred to as UV-C which is considered “germicidal UV.”
“The AIR device is composed of a small cover made of an anti-microbial polymer which is worn on the face and attached with straps similar to a traditional face mask,” Hartenstein continued. “The user wears a traditional face mask (cloth mask, surgical mask, N95, etc.) over the device. A small rechargeable battery pack powers the device and can be manually turned on and off by the user. In addition to the anti-germicidal LEDs, the device also contains UV-A LEDs which provide a wider light spectrum and visible light. The visible UV-A LED functions as an indicator that the device is on and working but provides minimal anti-microbial benefits.”
Wavelengths between 200-300 nanometers, such as the LEDs utilized in the AIR device, provide the most effective germicidal function. This is because the wavelength of UV-C irradiation utilizes photons to inactivate the virus which prevents the cell from replicating and infecting the body if inhaled. The AIR’s UV-C LED emitters are integrated into the airflow partition of the device which is designed to scrub the air and sterilize the cloth mask simultaneously.
Is it safe?
For years hospitals and labs have used Ultra-Violet light for disinfection and medical sanitation against viruses. Commonly known as “Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation”, UVGI is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their DNA in a manner which renders the cells inactive and unable to perform cellular functions.
“UV-C light has been used in many applications such as the purification of drinking water for decades,” said Hartenstein. “While UV-C is part of the normal spectrum of sunlight, it is invisible and can cause sunburn with direct skin exposure. This was taken into account when developing the AIR and so the UV light is directed into the mask, away from the user, to prevent any direct skin exposure.”
MODESTO, CA (05.14.2020) – Longtime industry veteran George Jenkins joins ARPA of America as President.
ARPA of America was formed by a group of investors in January 2020 to bring only the finest of audio products to the US, beginning with Audio Wave, Dynaudio, ESB speakers, Tchernov Cables, and Zapco Car Audio. As President of ARPA, George will be responsible for charting the course of the company as the business expands, bringing in new lines, new products and new dealers.
George Jenkins began working with audio manufacturers as a sales rep in Italy in the ‘70s and has since managed international sales for such companies as Bose, Boston Acoustics, Stillwater/Kicker, and most recently held the position of VP of International Sales at JL Audio.
George Jenkins
“George was an obvious choice for us, and we were lucky to find him available. He brings a vast wealth of experience to the company and over the years he has worked with virtually everyone involved with this project. His years of international experience has given him exposure to the types of products ARPA of America wants to be involved with, as well as an intimate understanding of what the high-end car audio dealer needs from a product and from a distributor.” says Vincenzo Biasella of the investor group
George Jenkins said, “As you know, there will always be people who will enjoy music at its best with no compromise. ARPA is a company that has assembled a group of exceptional brands in order to ensure the ultimate sound performance and I am excited about this new challenge.” Our Car Audio industry is under continued pressure for innovation and in need of new and exciting developments. With new technology applied to old world craftsmanship, there is no limit to where we can take audio reproduction. Being a veteran of this industry, and with the ARPA team’s help, I will tap into my past experience in the audio world and I look forward to working with an elite group of retailers who share our same passion and enthusiasm for sound.”
“George brings an unparalleled commitment to our industry.” says national sales manager Scott Welch, “coupled with his extensive knowledge in all aspects of the audio world. We all look forward to working with George to create a unique and evolving business model for distribution of exclusive top tier products and services to exclusive top tier dealers.”
VISTA, CA (05.14.2020) – Directed has announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has awarded the company an additional patent covering its distinctive DS4 and DS4+ technology.
US Patent No. 10,589,715, titled “Vehicle Control System with Wirelessly-Coupled Underhood Components” covers DS4’s unique in-car communications capability. With its onboard Bluetooth radio, DS4 can pair wirelessly to multiple under hood peripheral devices such as a siren, hood pin, tach monitor, sensor and others. This wireless pairing vastly speeds and simplifies installation, as install technicians no longer need to pull wires through vehicle firewalls.
“This latest patent adds to the impressive intellectual property portfolio Directed has built over the last thirty years and begins a new chapter in this digital era,” said James Turner, SVP & General Manager of Remote Start and Security. “It protects our unique DS4 technology and covers one of the biggest advantages of this breakthrough technology – wireless pairing. Innovation is in our DNA at Directed, and we are excited that the USPTO has again recognized our industry leading technology.”
GARDENA, CA (05.14.2020) – The latest release from Alphasonik is the DCP8. The DCP8 enclosure delivers high power output and extension thought to be only possible with larger enclosures. The key is the precise tuning of the Alphasonik Subwoofer driver to the highly efficient slot port design.
The port wraps around two walls of the enclosure to produce the necessary low frequencies the ensure excellent extension and frequency response. The flared port ends are designed to maximize performance and the internally cornered bracing reduces standing waves and reduces port noise. The DCP8 system ships loaded, wired and ready to connect via the Spring-loaded terminals.
KEY FEATURES: • 350WRMS/1000WMAX Power Handling • Frequency Response: 27Hz-200Hz • 4 OHM Impedance • Spring-Loaded Nickel-Plated Terminals • Black High-Grade Automotive carpet with “Alpha Logo” on back baffle • Protective Grille to prevent woofer damage • 5/8” MDF used on enclosure.
The DCP8 will also be available in a 6.5” version, the DCP6 coming in July 2020. the DCP Series enclosures are an instant winner for producing bass that is missing in your system without taking up a lot of room.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (05.13.2020) – Just 25 minutes outside of the heart of Dallas sits The Stereo Shop, a mobile electronics retailer and installer that has serviced the Garland, Texas community for 10 years (formerly under the name JM Kuztomz).
Like most 12Volt retailers during the COVID-19 environment, owner Julio Murillo has had to think out-of-the-box in light of the recent “shelter in place” orders.
Alpine Brand Representative Mark Sartain and The Stereo Shop partners Julio Murillo and Edgar Cruz (L to R) are pictured in an area in the new showroom.
“When COVID-19 happened, I thought, ‘If we’re going to shut down for a few weeks, then I’m finally going to update the store,’” Murillo recalled.
Murillo, an Alpine Authorized Retailer of three years, contacted his Alpine team, including rep Mark Sartain, to begin work on a $12,000 update to the shop.
This 2019 Alpine Electronics of America Dealer of the Year Award is prominently displayed in The Stereo Shop showroom.
“Alpine is their biggest consumer draw and their highest premium line,” explained Sartain. “They see a big value in the local and national support they are receiving from Alpine.”
The focus was on the main display board in their lobby, previously occupied by a different brand. In its place, stands a larger-than-life display, spotlighting the Alpine Halo9 9-inch displays, as well as speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers from Alpine S, R, and X-Series lineup.
The Stereo Shop was able to reopen, as they have a minor mechanical permit that deems them as an essential business (although they are still taking safety precautions by doing most installations through drop-offs and maintain social distancing standards.)
Not shortly after he reopened, Murillo started to see the fruits of his labor, particularly with the main display board.
“The first day, we set up a Halo9 display in the showroom with the Alpine branding. The second day, after we opened, we sold three [Alpine Halo9s],” said Murillo. “We were already selling this product fairly well, but three on the first day was crazy!”
In addition to the main display board, The Stereo Shop now has three dedicated Alpine displays in the store that include an OEM Integration Display, a dedicated S-Series display (their highest selling product, according to Sartain) and an R and X-Series display.
“Alpine is a sound quality company, so naturally, having functional displays that can be used to allow their consumers to experience the products helps the consumers make a faster emotional connection,” Sartain explained. “Consumers come to their store to hear, touch and feel the products. The displays empower the salespeople because they can demonstrate the products to the consumer.”
Murillo explains the value of a display that can show the customer the head unit and speaker together, claiming it’s a lot easier to sell when they can sell the entire package.
“Display the functioning products; not products in a showcase or a box,” said Murillo. “When the product is on a display, where people can touch it, feel it, and know how it works – that’s half the sale!”
However, Murillo’s sales efforts didn’t stop at the shop door. The Stereo Shop is also active on their social media platforms, like Facebook, often posting installation jobs up to 10 times per day.
Murillo attributes Facebook as the root of 50% of their walk-ins. Recently, he’s noticed his clientele are coming from 1 – 2 hours away, as Facebook is helping them reach customers that are looking for a shop that sells Alpine and speaks Spanish (the Alpine brand is well-known to Hispanic customers, according to Murillo).
Murillo also adopted a new way to share the products in his store. Instead of posting a product, or taking a picture of the box, Murillo has started to show pictures of completed installation jobs, highlighting the features of each product.
This more personalized approach to “selling” Alpine products has boosted The Stereo Shops engagement rate, as they receive more inquiries from their Facebook page.
“We’re not trying to sell the product through Facebook; we show the product installed in a car and talk about the features,” explained Murillo. “When the customer can see the head unit and speakers installed in the car, they can relate to the product because they might have the same car.”
Murillo’s advice to fellow mobile electronics retailers would be to stay safe and offer drop-off services for customers, making sure that every car is cleaned before returned. If possible, he suggested investing in loaner cars to provide to customers
“Our shop has three loaner cars for customers to use during installation,” said Murillo. “That way, there is no pressure for the customer waiting to get their car back.”
He also urges others to increase up their social media presence, explaining that people are on social media more than ever before.
While adhering to the CDC guidelines, Sartain recommends getting more attention to your store through social media.
“On social media, promote a no-touch transaction with your customers to show that the store cares about both your consumers and your employees,” Sartain advised. “Focus on keeping the purchase process easy and fast.”
Even now, as more shops are beginning to reopen, it is essential to have a plan of attack when returning to work, including new marketing strategies, adhering to CDC guidelines, and establishing better communication with the consumer.
Alpine encourages its Authorized Dealers to reach out if they need assistance before or during the process of reopening.
STILLWATER, OK (05.13.2020) – Improved mounting flexibility and heightened sound quality are the hallmarks of KICKER’s most recent KS-Series Component Systems and Coaxial Speakers, new and improved for 2020 and now shipping to Authorized KICKER Dealers for purchase in-store and online. KS-Series Coaxials will retail from $49.95-$169.95, while KS-Series Component Systems will all retail for $249.95.
KICKER makes great sound easy to install, even in the most modern vehicles. Featuring zero-to-near-minimal tweeter protrusion and a thin-profile woofer design, KS-Series Coaxial Speakers easily fit behind almost any factory grille without interfering with factory door components. And the entire line of KS-Series Component Systems and Coaxials ship with adapters that allow them to fit many late-model vehicles.
KS-Series Coaxials include remarkably smooth silk-dome tweeters with neodymium magnets that deliver natural, detailed highs. The tweeters also include a beneficial auto-reset poly-switch to offer protection from excessive power and ultimately distortion.
KS-Series Speakers also include EVC (Extended Voice Coil) construction, allowing a greater range of movement and increased frequency response. Internally dampened polypropylene cones and durable rubber surrounds assist the woofers in creating precise midrange and bass.
A new model size for 2020, the KSC270 2-3/4-inch midrange/tweeter comes with three custom bracketing options, built specifically to fit many of today’s popular vehicles and their factory speaker locations.
The KS-Series Component Systems share the same woofer construction and features set as the coaxial models. To increase clarity, 25-millimeter, silk-dome tweeters with a trio of mounting options are included. A coaxial conversion kit is also included, allowing the phase plug to be replaced with a center post that attaches to the tweeter. A two-way, 12dB crossover with three-step tweeter attenuation is also included and fits perfectly behind nearly every door panel. The upgraded mounting options and acoustic control affords the listener outstanding customizability and even greater sound quality.
ORLANDO, FL (05.13.2020) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), announced today that they will be continuing their popular virtual webinar trainings while we all deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had over 100 people attend each of our webinars in April, and we have decided to continue the series, only this time in Spanish. The requests for our trainings in Spanish started last year and we felt this was a great time to include training for our Spanish speaking technicians,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation.
The Spanish webinar trainings for May will be:
Carlink Telematics Tuesday, May 19th 2:00 PM EST
Blindspot Detection/Gentex Wednesday, May 20th 2:00 PM EST
These webinar trainings are open to everyone (you do not need to be a VOXX Dealer). Please contact your local VOXX Sales Representative, VOXX Regional Sales Manager, VOXX International Sales Manager or one of our VOXX Tech Team Members at 1-800-225-6074 for the link to the trainings. The training information will also be posted on the VOXXTech Facebook Forum if you are a member.
Demers continued, “We are all part of an industry that relies heavily on technicians to install our products, and we know the importance of continuing education and training. These virtual training sessions will allow us to stay connected and informed, even at a distance. We will get through these difficult times together and come out stronger than ever.”
PHOENIX, AZ (05.12.2020) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing pre-order options for their new audio kits and components for Polaris RZR Side-by-side vehicles through their website and authorized dealers. The new products are compatible to most 2014+ models including the newer Turbo S models.
The audio kits consist of two, three, and five speaker options with power ranging from 200 watts up to a thundering 1000 watts RMS for vehicles with and without Polaris Ride Command installed. These complete audio solutions feature all wiring and hardware needed to quickly get you behind the wheel enjoying the industry-leading sound quality and trail tested durability you’ve come to expect from MTX Audio.
Also available for pre-order are the new RZR-14-FS front speaker pods with integrated RGB lighting and the RZR-14-SW subwoofer enclosure for the same series of vehicles. The front pods are fully sealed and assembled enclosures eliminating the potential for damage or lost time from having to put them together before installing them. Another key design element is that they physically install in minutes using our custom quick install bracket and integrated POD-LOC technology. With the updated design and features, they deliver high quality output even under the most extreme riding conditions.
The RZR-14-SW features a high output 10-inch woofer in a rotationally molded enclosure designed to produce deep resonating bass while limiting transferred resonance into the vehicle panels reducing rattles inherent to low bass. Considering all types of riding, the enclosure is designed to be ported or sealed and easily converted by installing our Quick Install Port Seal (QuIPS) cover. Not only does this change the configuration of the enclosure but it can also be used, in the event of a deep-water situation, to seal the enclosure from water or mud penetration protecting the internal components from damage. The unit does not interfere with passenger legroom by mounting in place of the vehicles glove compartment and features an installer friendly hardware system that allows one person to quickly install the enclosure with minimal effort.
With an expected shipment time of mid-June, you won’t want to delay in getting yours secured today and be the first in your group to show off the next best audio solution in UTV audio systems.
NEW YORK, NY (05.12.2020) – SiriusXM and Audi announced today that SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform – will make its debut in ten 2021 model year Audi vehicles in the coming months.
SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, upgrading the way the subscriber interacts with the service by providing more choice in entertainment than ever before.
With SiriusXM with 360L, drivers and their passengers now get access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM’s recorded On Demand content whenever they want – including exclusive interviews, unique shows and live performances. It also delivers more live channels than ever from SiriusXM’s acclaimed satellite and streaming lineup, which features an extensive selection of ad-free music, plus sports, entertainment, news and much more. SiriusXM with 360L’s personalized “For You” recommendations and ability to search for related content also make it easier than ever for listeners to discover more of the programming they love.
SiriusXM with 360L will be standard equipment on the A6, A7, A8, Q7 and Q8 models and standard in most trim packages for the A4, A5, Q3, Q5 and allroad models. Audi models with SiriusXM with 360L are expected to be available at Audi dealers nationwide this fall. SiriusXM with 360L is anticipated to be available on other models in future model years.
“Audi’s immersive infotainment is designed to enrich the driving experience and delight drivers and passengers, and adding SiriusXM with 360L to most of our 2021 model lineup certainly complements our Multi-Media Interface,” said Pom Malhotra, director, Connected Services, Audi of America. “The choices provided by SiriusXM with 360L are nearly unlimited, and they help bolster our technology-forward position among premium automakers.”
“Introducing SiriusXM with 360L across nearly the entire lineup of 2021 model year Audi vehicles gives Audi customers access to the very best offering from SiriusXM and is another major step forward for us as we continue to roll 360L out to the major vehicle manufacturers,” said Rodney Pickett, SVP, Automotive Partnerships, for SiriusXM. “Audi has a long-established track record as a leader of in-vehicle technology. SiriusXM with 360L’s revolutionary hybrid content delivery system gives Audi drivers and their passengers access to an unparalleled variety of premium content and in-vehicle personalization.”
The benefits of SiriusXM with 360L include:
More variety
More channels available to listeners, including many of SiriusXM’s exclusive streaming channels.
Access to over 10,000 hours of on demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews, and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.
Enhanced sports play-by-play offering that makes it easier to find the listener’s favorite team when it is game time, and gives them access to the official broadcasts for more pro and college teams.
A more personalized experience
Smart “For You” content recommendations enable listeners to discover more of what they love, based on listening habits, served on screen in an easy to use way.
Individual vehicle profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own vehicle favorites.
Ease of use
Dynamic user interface allows for easy navigation between satellite and streaming channels and SiriusXM On Demand content.
“Related” recommendations feature allows listeners to easily discover other channels and on demand shows/episodes related to the currently playing channel and content.
Audi owners receive a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM’s All Access package with the purchase or lease of equipped 2021 model year vehicles.
SiriusXM with 360L’s streaming content in Audi vehicles is powered by Verizon’s 4G LTE network, which delivers fast, reliable in-vehicle access to on-demand content.
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