MONTEREY, CA (07.25.24) – Following the excitement of the initial announcement, Hemmings and Motoring Culture Club (MC2) are delighted to reveal further features of “UpShift,” an innovative event that blends the sophistication of classic cars with the dynamic history of Hip-Hop. Scheduled for August 15th at SandBox in Sand City, Calif., this event is set to be a distinctive celebration, breaking traditional boundaries and fostering connections among enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

Hemmings and MC2 are proud to announce that Complecto, a platform and agency committed to elevating and amplifying underrepresented voices in the watch industry and collecting community, has partnered with Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift. By supporting the event, Complecto and the partnering watch brands are helping to create a unique platform that honors tradition, embraces the future, and fosters connections among diverse communities. Their involvement underscores the event’s mission to transcend traditional boundaries and create a welcoming environment where enthusiasts can unite to celebrate shared passions.

“Watches and cars have long shared a rich history, with a deep cultural intersection between watch collecting and automotive enthusiasm,” says Jason Gong, Founder of Complecto. “We are thrilled to partner with watch brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova, and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift, an event celebrating the rich heritage of classic cars with the vibrant history of Hip-Hop. Through this partnership, we look forward to fostering connections and creating an experience that elevates and moves the culture forward.”

UpShift is a collaborative initiative with MC2, a platform focused on curating the future of the car community. It represents a significant milestone for Hemmings, promoting a more accessible classic car culture. This event aims to not only celebrate the profound influence of Hip-Hop on classic car culture but also actively open the doors to a broader and more diverse audience. By integrating this dynamic music genre with automotive history, UpShift seeks to create a welcoming environment that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting enthusiasts of all backgrounds to connect over shared passions.

“UpShift represents a pivotal moment for Hemmings as we continue to promote an inclusive classic car culture. This event not only highlights the influence of Hip-Hop on automotive history but also invites a broader audience to experience the joy and passion of classic cars. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where enthusiasts of all backgrounds – whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene – can come together to celebrate shared passions,” said Jonathan Shaw, President of Hemmings.

Event Highlights:

· Highlighted Cars: Attendees will be captivated by a curated collection of classic cars, meticulously assembled by Edris Ekhlas ofRefresh.ERA. This company embodies the dynamic intersection of Hip Hop and automotive culture, celebrating their historical and contemporary connections. Highlights include Grammy-award-winning rapper Killer Mike’s Grand National, a tribute display honoring the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, a Maybach 57 inspired by New Orleans artist Birdman, and a ‘64 Impala lowrider, an icon of West Coast Hip Hop.
Luxury Watch Showcase: Attendees can get hands-on with a curated collection of luxury watches from sponsor brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant
Photography Exhibit: A captivating exhibit showcasing works sourced from artist-enthusiasts across America highlighting cars relevant to this period of Hip-Hop.
· Hip-Hop and Culture: The event will feature a virtual set by DJ Self Born blending genres from disco to classic Hip-Hop. The DJ will provide the musical backdrop to the cars and evoke the spirit of the car culture synonymous with the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
· Inclusive Experience: With a mission to open doors to the car community, UpShift is an intentionally welcoming space for enthusiasts from all walks of life, whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene.

Tickets for the event range from $75-150 and can be purchased at https://www.tixr.com/groups/upshift/events/hemmings-upshift-108159.

For further information, interested sponsors can reach out via email at events@hemmings.com.

Visit www.hemmings.com for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IN (07.25.24) – It’s your sound – redefine it with LOUD POWER that brings out more from your favorite songs. This is Colossus PRO amplifier performance. Take your listening to higher levels of sound throughout any POWER FROM THE GODSjam session with Colossus PRO amplifiers. Embrace COLOSSUS LOUD!

The entire line of Colossus PRO models features monoblock and 4-channel amplifiers. Ranging from the HAC-5000.1D Colossus PRO amplifier that makes 5000 watts of incredibly LOUD audio to the HAC 1500.1D Colossus PRO amplifier making 1500 watts of undistorted clean sound in mighty size – every Colossus PRO amplifier will instantly deliver the power that your Hifonics audio system needs to reach a LOUDER soundstage.

With an Ultra-High efficient design power supply making every Colossus PRO amplifier the most efficient amplifier in Hifonics history – your sound will transcend to LOUDER LEVELS of sound with PRO DETAIL and POWER.

Innovated with full range, Class-D technology performance – hear minimal interface with other vehicle electronic systems through Ultra-Low EMI design and accept a wider range of input signals with high-end preamplifier circuits.

Multi-layered printed circuit boards (PCB) with surface mount components require fewer parts and result in a sleeker design while clean stylized badging features the Hifonics logo illuminated with blue LEDs and the Colossus logo badge is fly-cut CNC machined aluminum giving off a refreshing and bold finish.

Superior performance meets PRO levels of playback while staying protected under nearly every circumstance with triple protection circuits and a PRO thermal management system. Additionally, a delayed turn-on function ensures compatibility with a wide range of source units to eliminate any unwanted turn-on/off noises. Adjust the bass level relative to the setting on the amplifier end panel with an included bass remote.

Deliver the ultimate Hifonics car audio experience with an amplifier that makes the power your sound system needs with Colossus PRO performance!

Learn complete Hifonics Colossus PRO amplifier line details HERE from the Hifonics website.

KNOXVILLE DRAGWAY, TN (07.24.24) – The XS Power Show 8th Annual is in the books!! This year’s show, held on July 13th, had over 25% more attendees than last year, with numerous new faces getting time to join us!!

Special shout outs to BigJeff Goldman Big Jeff Audio, Droppin’ HZ Car Audio, Cody Johnson and Nicholas Wright for their donations to make our welcome bags, as well as all the vendors who came in to celebrate our annual show/celebration!

In case you missed it, we had 7 competition orgs in attendance, the most of any show on the east coast! Several custom awards were given out, with Anthony Denaples getting loudest of the day and Bassahaulic Productions getting “XS Powered”.

To all those that attended, thank you, and to all of those that helped work and made this show the biggest ever, I greatly appreciate all you did.

Last but not least, thanks to Knoxville Dragway and Wes Clapp for giving us a fantastic demo free venue to stretch out and have a blast.

See all of you next year! From Facebook by Shawn Mayo.

Results Link https://www.termpro.com/asp/officialevent.asp?EventID=21120

A big 12volt News Thank You to Chris Gregory, XS Power Team, for help with images for the above article.

POMPANO BEACH, FL (07.24.24) – Welcome to the future of in-car entertainment with MPPLAY by ZZ2!Designed for vehicles without factory multimedia, MPPLAY is the perfect solution to upgrade older cars with modern technology.

Click below to watch this video.

Click here to learn more.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (07.23.24) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will exhibit at the 2024 X Takeover show at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, CA from Saturday, July 27 – Sunday, July 28 as the official audio sponsor.

“Alpine is proud to be the official audio sponsor for the 2024 X Takeover show,” said Gregg Thomas, Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “As the industry’s first manufacturer to offer a complete, plug-and-play audio upgrade for Tesla, we’re excited to showcase the precise sound upgrade Tesla owners can achieve with our system.”

Alpine will have a booth in the “The Fields” with a 2022 Tesla Model Y demonstrating the precision sound performance of the industry’s first complete sound system upgrade designed to fit the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Each system includes an 11-speaker (or 13, for factory premium audio systems) upgrade designed to easily replace the front, rear, and center dash Tesla factory speakers with Hi-Resolution certified speakers from Alpine’s “Blue Series” speaker line. The package also includes a powerful 10” subwoofer and 12-Channel Premium Digital Sound Processor and ultra-efficient EV-optimized Amplifier that’s tuned for the unique cabin environment for the Tesla.

Alpine’s sales and marketing staff members will be available during the event to answer product questions and provide vehicle demonstrations. Vacaville-based Alpine Authorized Retailer, Audio Xperts, will also be on-site with Tesla systems available at special, event-only deals.

X Takeover, formerly known as Tesla Takeover, is the world’s largest Tesla community event that features activities, influential speakers in the EV industry, and over 60 exhibitors that sell unique accessories, services, and products for Tesla. For more information, or to register for the event, visit https://www.xtakeover.com/.

BOCA RATON, FL (07.23.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was recognized as one of the Best of the Best Franchises in 2024 by Entrepreneur. The ranking, which is featured in the July/August issue of Entrepreneur magazine and on Entrepreneur.com, highlights the brands from Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500 ranking that ranked at the top of their industry categories. Tint World was ranked No. 1 in the Window Tinting category.

“Earning this ranking proves that the team we’ve built to serve our rapidly growing franchise system is truly the best of the best,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “It’s because of our team’s collective expertise, dedication and innovation that our brand has been recognized as a leader in automotive styling and aftermarket accessories for years. Now, with the recent launch of our home services and residential tint solutions, our franchise is the number one choice for those looking to own a world-class window tinting business – period.”

Entrepreneur’s Best of the Best Franchises ranking is based on information submitted for its annual Franchise 500® and is part of the brand’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace. The franchises selected as 2024’s Best of the Best are ranked not only in the increasingly competitive Franchise 500 list this year but also at the top of their respective industry categories, based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. There are 158 categories represented this year, a testament to the ever-growing diversity of industries represented in the franchise world.

“Everyone wants to know who’s the best—but at Entrepreneur, we go further,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “With so many incredible franchises out there, we love to celebrate the absolute best of the best. It’s the perfect place for any ambitious future franchisee to start looking for their dream brand.”

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio and video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

To view Tint World in the 2024 Best of the Best list, pick up the July/August issue of Entrepreneur magazine, on newsstands July 16th, or click here.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.22.24) – With the beginning of July 2024 the 12volt industry activities shifted into high gear. Proactive 12volt industry members utilized the 12voltSTP Tool to showcase their positive activities this past weekend.

From the Steel Valley Regional in Wheeling WVA, to the Syria Motor Corps Car Cruise outside Pittsburg, to the KICKER sponsored AMA ArenaCross in Gallup NM, to the Car Stereo Anniversary Tent Sale in Hood River OR members off the12volt industry utilized the 12voltSTP Tool to showcase positive activities across the 12volt industry.

Chris Bennett led a team showcasing ESB Audio and Zapco products installed in an amazing All Boro Customs Jaguar demo vehicle on the event floor of the Steel Valley Regional in the Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling WVA. Ernie Hudnal, Peter from PS Sound in the UK and Jack Muzar were in the booth. Mazur’s All Boro Customs store in Brooklyn NY crafted the amazing Jaguar demo that featured the first complete installation and demo of the new ESB Audio 9000 speakers in the US.

“The demos in the Jaguar really drew raves from all who had a demo. Vehicles from across the US were on the event floor delivering the best in Sound Quality audio. We look forward to showcasing the exciting new ESB Audio 9000 series to dealers and consumers across the US” Bennett, ESB Audio Director of US Sales, related.

The Team Nutz crew was on site at the Syria Motor Corps Cruise fund raiser with sister company Fuel Required in Cheswick PA. “We had a Team Nutz tent set up with our Excursion demo vehicle and the new Team Nutz Jeep that we introduced recently at the Bantam Jeep Fest. Our new Jeep really grabs attention and helps us connect with consumers and drive sales at our Team Nutz location in Pittsburg” Ed Nuttall stated.

KICKER was Livin’Loud at the AMA Arenacross in Gallup NM. KICKER is a sponsor on the AMA ArenaCross series. Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media, orchestrated KICKER’s activities at the events. “Once again the Red Rock Arena was packed with an excited crowd checking out the action on the track and checking out the KICKER RZR and new products under the tent. To see so many enthusiasts connecting with KICKER products is terrific at AMA ArenaCross events” Morrell relayed.

Sam and Rob Sutton, Crossover Marketing Group, were on site at the Car Stereo Specialists 26th Anniversary Tent Sale in Hood River OR on Saturday July 20th. “Martha and Ricardo Solorio are friends and a great business partner. They had a strong event to celebrate the store’s 26th Anniversary. There were great deals under tents out front the the store on the busy roadway. There were giveaways and food on the grill. Sam flipped dozens of burgers and hot dogs. Our firm really enjoys working directly with our dealers in the Pacific Northwest” Rob Sutton offered.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase a company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image….PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 469 2526 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios posts articles on 12voltnews.com each business day and makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-469-2526. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry. To see over 1000 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities in the 12volt News.

Visit instagram @12voltnews for more.