LIBERTYVILLE, IL (10.24.24) – SEMA Show 2024 is almost here and Hifonics is joining in on all of the sights and sounds in Las Vegas. Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Centerfrom Tuesday, November 5th – Friday, November 8th, get ready to feel audio with PRO PERFORMANCE AND PRO POWER innovated through ALL-NEW Colossus PRO and Mini amplifiers at the SEMA Show 2024!
Hifonics is bringing harder-hitting sound with some awesome builds this year at SEMA. This year you will find us at two different locations – Booth #81270(located in the Silver Lot – outside) and Booth #24963 (located in the Central Hall – inside). You will not want to miss out on ALL-NEW products that include Colossus PRO and Mini amplifier lines.
Colossus PRO amplifiers take your Hifonics car audio system to the next level with Ultra-Fi MOSFETS designed for High Output power and clean thermal dissipation, while Colossus Mini amplifiers still create PRO POWER but in a compact footprint and offer ultimate audio installation flexibility!
90,000+ attendees and 1,300+ exhibitors will be making their way to take part in the SEMA thrills. We hope to SEE YOU THERE under the Vegas sun!
Follow the link HERE for complete SEMA Show 2024 details.
WASHINGTON, DC (10.24.24) – HCI Equity Partners (“HCI”), a leading lower middle market private equity firm, today announced the launch of Driven Distribution Group (“Driven Distribution”), a new automotive aftermarket distribution platform. The launch coincides with Driven Distribution Group’s acquisition of the auto parts and accessories distribution business of Chicago Parts & Sound (“CPS” or the “Company”), following the recapitalization of Tri-State Enterprises, Inc. (“Tri-State”) in November 2023. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
By bringing together CPS and Tri-State under the Driven Distribution Group umbrella, HCI aims to establish a leading platform in the automotive aftermarket industry by equipping its brands with shared resources, strategic vision, investment, and advanced technology to enable its companies to deliver best-in-class customer service. Both CPS and Tri-State will continue to operate under their respective brands while benefiting from the shared resources of the Driven Distribution Group platform.
Scott Gibaratz, Partner at HCI, said, “We are thrilled to welcome the CPS team to the Driven Distribution platform. Consistent with our original platform thesis, CPS represents a geographically strategic beachhead in the Midwest and is a great complement to Tri-State’s existing product categories. We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision for growth.”
Based in Elk Grove Village, IL, with additional locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, Chicago Parts & Sound is a warehouse distributor focused on automotive aftermarket parts, batteries, consumables, and accessories. The Company serves auto dealerships, independent repair shops, municipalities/governments, and company fleets.
Chicago Parts & Sound was founded in 1978 and acquired by Bob and Jackie Lederer in 2002. Under their management, CPS has achieved a track record of success with excellent, value-added products and services and expanded capabilities through several acquisitions. Bob and Jackie Lederer are reinvesting in the Driven Distribution platform as part of the transaction and will continue to own and operate Police Department Systems (police and emergency vehicle upfitting services) and Coachcraft & Precision Services (specialty auto restoration services).
Bob Lederer, Co-Owner of CPS, said, “the growth of Tri-State Enterprises parallels that of CPS – just in a different part of the country. Opportunities to combine businesses of such similar backgrounds, culture, and customer focus make tremendous sense for all stakeholders in each company.”
“We are extremely impressed with the stellar business and established market reputation Bob and Jackie Lederer have built over the past 22 years. The combination of CPS and Tri-State as part of the Driven Distribution Group platform will enable us to expand our resources and capabilities to better serve our employees and customers,” said Tristan Taylor, CEO of Tri-State.
Dickinson Wright PLLC served as legal counsel to HCI and Driven Distribution.
MUSWAY KIA TOUR (10.23.24) – Friday, October 18th, wrapped the third week the Musway KIA was rolling down the East Coast with Joseph Norton at the wheel making dealer stops. During the road trip the Musway KIA made stops with dealer accounts scheduled by area rep firms and existing dealers. The first 2 weeks of the road trip members of the Real Performance Marketing team John Gray and Scott Hochmuth were in the co-pilot seat… one week each.
Week 3 began Monday with a visit at Xtreme Concepts in Albertville, AL as a follow up to a meeting with the dealer at the Car Audio Championship in Birmingham. Prashant Patel is a Musway dealer and plans to expand his Musway products after hearing the Musway KIA demos in Birmingham.
On Tuesday Norton connected with Nelson Pierantoni, Tri-Star Marketing, who is the Florida area rep. Their first stop was to see Dean and Fernando at 5 Star Car Stereo in Clearwater. Dean and Fernando were at the Car Audio Championship in Birmingham and Joseph set plans to visit their store.”The meeting was very informative and it was terrific for us to see the facility where they produce their social media posts” Norton related.
The next stop was at Evolution Garage in Eustis Florida for a meeting with owner, Justin Vaughn. “Nelson arranged the meeting and the KIA demo went very well. Justin really liked the demo and was shocked that the staging and imaging was accomplished without a center channel” Norton offered.
Justin Vaughn at Evolution Garage is flanked by Nelson and Joseph as they got together for the meeting in Eustis FL.
The next stop was to see Anthony Marasco at 12 Volt USA in South St. Cloud, FL. The last stop of the day on Thursday lasted until 9:30. “Anthony agreed to stay until after 7 for us to arrive. He was very impressed with the staging and imaging also. He is an existing Musway dealer and plans to expand his product selection” Norton stated.
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Hi Joe’s Electronics in Auburndale and existing retailer, was also impressed with the sound of the Musway KIA. John and Mike both had lengthy demos in the KIA. John commented on the impact of the mid-bass drivers especially at high volume. Mike noted the staging and quality of sound was superb” Norton related.
Swan Lake Customs in Lakeland, the last stop on Friday, is also an existing retailer that loves the mid bass. “Trevor and Greg are a father-son duo from my home town area in Northwest Arkansas. It was terrific getting to meet people from home but so far away. It is definitely a small world” Norton concluded.
Nelson and Joseph flank Trevor and Greg (R), the father son duo that drive business at Swan City Customs in Lakeland FL.
Nelson and Joseph celebrated a very productive and scary week as the Musway KIA left the last stop at Swan Lake Customs on Friday evening. For the tour, the Musway KIA has logged nearly 6000 miles.
“We wrapped a very productive week across the Florida area. At every stop we made, dealers were so happy to see factory representation in the field. All had very positive input about the demos in the Muaway KIA. The 2 recent hurricanes in Florida definitely are impacting retail store traffic. The dealers we visited now have a positive Musway experience and can utilize social media posts to create interest from followers and consumers” Pierantoni stated.
The final week of the tour will wrap Friday October 25th with David Tolliver, Synergy Marketing, with dealers in the Houston area.
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.23.24) – Metra Electronics is introducing new speaker adapter plates and vehicle-specific speaker harnesses at the 2024 SEMA Show, November 5th to 8th, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. They will be located at the manufacturer’s main booth, #10439, in the North Hall. These new products expand on the manufacturer’s line of audio system solutions and make it easy to install aftermarket speakers in an assortment of vehicles.
Metra’s new speaker adapter plates are sold as pairs and have innovative features such as breakaway tab designs and mounting that mirror the factory location so that no drilling is required. New adapter applications launching at the SEMA Show include:
Select 2018-2022 Hyundai Accent, Select 2005-up* KIA Select 2002-2014 Acura & Honda Select 2021-2024 Toyota Select 2000-2006 Mercedes Select 2017-2023 Audi Select 2016-2022 Volvo Select 2022-2024 Toyota
Metra’s vehicle-specific speaker harnesses allow audio professionals to install aftermarket speakers faster. These wiring harnesses plug right into the vehicle’s factory speaker harness. A convenient plug-n-play design eliminates the need to cut, splice, or solder any wires. New speaker harness applications debuting at SEMA include:
Select 1999-2013 Acura Select 2005-2018 Audi Select 1998-2024 BMW Select 2002-2024 Chrysler, Dodge, & Jeep Select 2019-2023 Ford Bronco & Lincoln Navigator Select 2013-2023 Ford Select 1994-2015 & 2022-2024 Honda Select 2013-2024 Lincoln Select 2006-2023 MINI Select 2012-2024 Tesla Select 2020-2024 Toyota Select 2000-2023 Volvo
*Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.
More information about these products is available online at MetraOnline.com or by contacting a Metra sales representative.
BURBANK, CA & NEW YORK, NY (10.23.24) – ESPN and SiriusXM have announced even more ways for their subscribers to access the content they love, with select SiriusXM subscribers in the U.S. now able to get up to a 6-month subscription to ESPN+, and new and existing ESPN+ subscribers in the U.S. will be eligible to get a 6-month subscription to SiriusXM’s streaming-only service beginning later this month[1].
Through this offer, ESPN+ subscribers will be able to access SiriusXM’s full library of content on the SiriusXM app, including hundreds of expertly curated, ad-free music channels, the most extensive lineup of live pro and college sporting events in audio, and more than 20 sports-focused channels that deliver reactions and analysis from industry experts and insiders 24/7. They’ll also be able to stay informed and entertained with the latest in news and politics, entertainment, comedy, and beyond with celebrity interviews, iconic hosts, trusted opinions, non-stop laughs, and so much more, available only on SiriusXM.
Eligible SiriusXM subscribers, beginning with Platinum VIP and expanding to additional tiers next month, can access ESPN+, the No. 1 sports streaming platform, where they can view thousands of live sports events and replays, on-demand original content, premium articles, and more. ESPN+ offers sports fans more than 32,000 live sports events each year, including exclusive UFC events; more than 50 exclusive and 1,000 out-of-market NHL games per season; college sports including football, basketball and nearly a dozen other sports from 20 conferences, top domestic and international soccer, golf, Top Rank Boxing, Grand Slam tennis, MLB games, international cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series and studio shows, and access to the entire library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.
“Collaborating with SiriusXM on this offer will not only provide ESPN+ subscribers with access to their vast entertainment offerings, but it also opens the door for SiriusXM customers to experience our premium sports content on ESPN+,” said Sean Breen, Executive Vice President, Platform Distribution, Disney Entertainment and ESPN. “This deal underscores our commitment to providing consumers with unparalleled access to best-in-class programming spanning all genres and interests.”
“ESPN and SiriusXM are powerhouses in sports news and entertainment, and we’re thrilled to expand upon our longstanding relationship with this new agreement,” said Jeff Dallesandro, Senior Vice President, Streaming Distribution Partnerships, SiriusXM. “Designed to bring listeners and viewers closer to the personalities, players, teams and leagues they love by combining both SiriusXM’s and ESPN+’s live sports programming, exclusive analysis, and extensive on-demand content, this collaboration will deliver value for fans while also potentially driving growth for each brand.”
Throughout this college football season, ESPN and SiriusXM are also teaming up to deliver fans great programming on ESPN Radio’s College Campus tour. The tour features ESPN Radio and SiriusXM College Sports Radio shows broadcasting live on Saturday mornings from a customized Airstream trailer at prime tailgating locations. ESPN Radio and SiriusXM hosts will be at some of the season’s biggest college football matchups, including this Saturday’s SEC matchup between Texas and Vanderbilt in Nashville.
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.22.24) – iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems by Metra Electronics® will display a new safety and surveillance solution, its TE-VSF video signal noise filter, at the 2024 SEMA show. Attendees can see this product from November 5th to 8th in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s main booth, #10439.
The TE-VSF is designed to improve the image quality of a factory vehicle camera on an aftermarket radio display. It converts the differential video signal to a single-ended composite video signal, minimizing or eliminating video noise. The input RCA for this video signal noise filter features twisted pair wiring, allowing for a simple hard-wired connection at the aftermarket radio when needed. This product fits a wide range of vehicles, including select*:
Ford (ideal for trucks and SUVs)
Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep
Toyota
Honda
BMW
Mercedes-Benz
Nissan
Subaru
Volkswagen
*Visit the Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications. More information about this product is available at iBEAMusa.com or by contacting a Metra sales representative.
BOCA RATON, FL (10.22.24) – For the second year in a row, Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ is the #1 automotive opportunity for franchisees, based on an in-depth independent evaluation of the company’s financial performance and reliability by franchise market intelligence firm FRANdata.
Tint World once again attained a remarkable 885 in its most recent FRANdata FUND score, reflecting its position as proven investment opportunity for potential franchisees.
“This score is solid proof of our financial stability and our commitment to growth, strong performance, and operational success across all franchisees,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “FRANdata’s extensive research shows that Tint World continues to be a strong and trusted investment opportunity for anyone seeking a dependable brand during uncertain economic conditions. Our evolving, forward-thinking strategies ensure franchisees have a strong, sustainable business model as their foundation.”
FRANdata FUND scores evaluate 12 credit risk categories, such as franchise business success rates, franchise unit profitability, and franchisee support. Top-scoring brands such as Tint World excel in every metric, making it easy for lenders to do business with them.
FRANdata FUND scores are widely regarded as the best predictor of the future performance of a franchise system. Tint World’s high score is a result of the company’s continuing strong growth, driven by strategic partnerships with leading global brands that enhance the company’s ability to deliver innovative services and support franchisees.
“We’re proud Tint World still has the top score of any automotive franchise opportunity,” Bonfiglio said. “Our whole team, from franchisees to corporate leadership, is committed to sustained success. This score demonstrates the trust we’ve earned from investors, partners and customers, allowing us to consistently operate at the highest level.”
FRANdata is an industry-leading research and consulting firm offering market intelligence that enables clients to grow their business in franchising.The FUND scoring system is embraced by banks of all sizes that collectively represent over $5 trillion in assets.
FUND Reports quantify for a lender how a franchise system’s performance and characteristics affect the likelihood of a loan default. FRANdata produces hundreds of FUND Scores annually for lenders that represent the majority of SBA franchise financing and supports commercial lending to franchising as well.
TORONTO, CANADA (10.22.24) – The 3rd annual Canadian Mobile Electronics Event will once again be held at the Toronto Congress Centre on April 4-6, 2025. With a focus on the fastest growing categories in the mobile electronics segment including Powersports, Marine and Motorcycle, the CMA Expo will look ahead to the future, examining current trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry.
The 2025 event will introduce additional training tracks to include, 50+ Manufacturer trainings, 10 Business Workshops, 8 In-Vehicle Sessions, and 3 technology-based seminars designed to grow your business.
EARLY BIRD registration is now open for attendees and will feature a special discounted rate along with an exclusive SiriusXM swag bag.
EAST WENATCHEE, WA (10.21.24) – IASCA Worldwide Inc has completed it’s 35th Anniversary World Finals Event. The Finals event started with a West Satellite SPL event in Salem, Oregon on Sept 29, and wrapped up with an the SQ and SPL event in Birmingham, Alabama on Oct 12 and 13.
The Finals West Satellite SPL event took place in Salem OR
The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex entry was very impressive and welcomed competitors and attendees.
A big thanks goes to the IASCA sponsors JL Audio, Italia HiFi, B2, Arc Audio, Bee Busy Audio, Crystal Audio Solutions, USAcoustics, Valhalla RC, Sundown, XS Power, DC, Audio Concepts, All Clear Glass and Audio, Northwest Lithium and RC Plus.
Competitors filled the competition floor in Birmingham.
A group of happy competitors showcasing their trophies and awards.
Also thanks to our judges and support staff, Andrea Paulson, Calvin Thomas, Christle Perry, Drew Chin, Frankie Smith, Gord Stansell, Harold Jones, Harry Kimura, Jen Astin, Jeremy Price, Jeremy Taylor, Joey Perry, Keith Turner, Kyle Mohammed, Luke Schaller, Mike Astin, Ray Pimley, Salvador Vargas, Scott Sinde, Scott Welch, and Shazad Rahaman.
An additional group of trophy winners, and their awards.
Judges gathered for an image as the event concluded and they get a big thanks from all across the 12volt industry.
The Salem location was held indoors at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center with 40 SPL competition vehicles. In Alabama at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, over 100 vehicles were inside the venue, competing in a combination of IASCA, EMMA, MASQ, ISPLL or MECA SQ events.
Ten SPL world records were set and Mark Bruno won the Best of Show for the inaugural Revved Up Car Show. Several vendors and manufacturers were on hand at either locations, including Tint World of Birmingham, B2, Audio Wave, and Arc AUdio.
Event results can be found at IASCA.com, and the 2025 IASCA World Finals information will become available soon.
OCEAN CITY, MD (10.21.24) – The 2nd Annual Bronco Beach Bash took place in Ocean City MD on Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th. AudioWorks of Delaware was on site with a large booth and team providing sales and on site installations. Area representative firm Opus Marketing was on site spotlighting KICKER products. KICKER and AudioWorks of Delaware were also event sponsors. AudioWorks of Delaware and Opus Marketing are both very proactive companies and traveled over 100 miles to connect with Bronco owners and consumers.
The AudioWorks of Delaware and Opus Marketing crews pictured at set up on Friday. Todd Edd-Opus, Tim Foltz-AudioWorks, Jamie White-Opus along with Stephen Pitts and Pete Herr from AudioWorks Delaware (LtoR).
The AudioWorks of Delaware booth coming together.
Attendees look across the fence at the Broncos driving around the beach.
On Sunday morning, Stephen Pitts talking with an attendee about doing a job in his Bronco.
The AudioWorks of Deleware team included Tim Foltz, Stephen Pitts and Pete Herr. The Opus staff included principal Jamie White and Todd Ess. Pete Herr and Tim Foltz concentrated on installations which included over a dozen full blown systems with speakers, amps and subs during the event. Not long after opening on Saturday the schedule for installations was already packed for both days. Pitts, White and Ess handled sales in the booth.
The setting for the Bronco Beach Bash offers a large display area with easy access to the beach for devoted for Bronco owners to ride on the beach.
Pete Herr and Tim Foltz busy on Sunday morning doing another install.
Darren Thomas’ personal decked Bronco was on site.
The custom sub enclosure in Thomas’ Bronco was utilized for loud demos showing all KICKER was Livin’Loud.
AudioWorks Delaware does a lot of work for the Bronco community in their area and this decked Bronco is out front of their store in Newark, DE.
White related “The Ford Bronco is a vehicle that is attracting customers much like the Jeep community. We have participated with several Jeep Week events with Darren Thomas and his team as he grows connections with communities like Bronco and Jeep owners. Thomas’ personal decked out Bronco was on site and the team showcased the vehicle as they did demos that showed attendees that KICKER was Livin’Loud. The Bronco is no doubt a hot vehicle but many owners feel it is lacking when it comes to the OEM sound system.”
The weather for this year’s event was perfect, expecially compared to last year’s event that was interupted with weather warnings. Already AudioWorks of Delaware and Opus Marketing are looking forward to Bronco Beach Bash 2025.
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