Fullbay Introduces Robust Labor and Service Guide Software Integration at AAPEX and SEMA

Posted on October 30, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

PHOENIX, AZ (10.31.24) – Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, will highlight its latest innovative technologies and software, including the recent enhancements of its labor time and service guides integration at AAPEX and SEMA Nov. 5-8, 2024, in Las Vegas. This enhanced integration gives shop owners access to the most up-to-date labor guides for class 1-8 vehicles, part numbers and cross references, wiring diagrams, as well as diagnostic and repair information – all without leaving the Fullbay platform.

“Fullbay’s labor and service guide integration is the complete heavy-duty repair tool for shop owners looking to boost productivity and accuracy,” said Patrick McKittrick, CEO of Fullbay. “We know that delivering exceptional and timely service is crucial to a shop’s success. Our enhancements provide our partners with the resources they need to tackle repairs confidently with instant information right at their fingertips. By saving time and providing accurate estimates, the integration will streamline operations and boost profitability in the shop. Visit us at AAPEX and SEMA to learn more.”

Fullbay’s labor time and service guide enhancements support shops by consolidating all the tools and guides a shop owner needs into one place within the Fullbay platform. These functions provide essential resources to shops including the ability to search by a unit’s year, make, model and engine, step-by-step repair procedures and visual guides, accurate estimates for labor times and tests, as well as the capability to view images of searched parts. This integration saves time, creates a more user-friendly experience and simplifies the platform’s functionality and ease of use, ultimately enabling more efficient and meaningful services.

To learn more about Fullbay and its latest labor time and service guide enhancements, visit the website here.

Visit Fullbay at AAPEX in booth #J8313 and at SEMA in the North Hall in booth #11417.

SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast Launches a Week of Discovery and Connection

Posted on October 29, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.30.24) – The 2024 SEMA Show begins in high gear with its annual Kickoff Breakfast, a long-standing tradition that unites the global automotive aftermarket community for a gathering that will set the direction of the market for years to come. Held on the opening day of the Show, Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the Kickoff Breakfast will welcome hundreds of exhibitors and attendees from around the world to celebrate the innovation and passion that drive the industry forward.

Hosted by Jarod DeAnda, this year’s Kickoff Breakfast celebration will feature the presentation of several New Product Awards, recognizing cutting-edge introductions that have made significant contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry. The awards highlight the creativity, ingenuity, and technical advancements of companies dedicated to shaping the future of automotive technology and design. The winners of Manufacturer of the Year and Channel Partner of the Year will also be announced.

The Kickoff Breakfast serves as the start of SEMA Week, focused on building connections, relationship-building, and discovery. Throughout the SEMA Show and nightly events, attendees will have opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge, and foster new partnerships that will shape the future of the industry.

“The Kickoff Breakfast is one of the most anticipated events each year, offering a chance for prominent automotive community members to come together and celebrate what makes our industry so unique — the relentless drive to innovate and improve,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “With an incredible lineup of awards and two major figures in car culture, this year’s breakfast will be a fitting start to the Show.”

Attendees will also be treated to a special conversation between Jay Leno, renowned comedian and car enthusiast attending his 20th SEMA Show, and popular automotive influencer Tavarish. The two will discuss their shared love for automobiles, observations about the industry, and the evolving landscape of car culture in a lively and engaging exchange.

The Kickoff Breakfast will set the tone for the Show, which will feature incredible builds, new product launches, exhilarating motorsports demos, and networking opportunities for professionals across all sectors of the automotive aftermarket.

All credentialed SEMA Show attendees can register to attend the breakfast free of charge.

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, powered by a passionate and innovative community. The 2024 Show is receiving more industry support than it has seen in years, with more than 2,400 exhibitors — and 580 first-time exhibitors — projected to display their latest products and services to thousands of attendees and media.

To learn more about the 2024 SEMA Show or to register, visit SEMAShow.com.

DD Audio Proudly Releases New 250w Amplified Terminal Cup

Posted on October 29, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (10.30.24) – DD AUDIO is proud to introduce the all new ATC-250. This Amplified Terminal Cup is a highly versatile half bridge, high speed, class D amplifier made to serve either low end bass or full range applications by transforming the terminal cup position of your enclosure from passive to powered with next generation technology to produce serious wattage from a tiny unit while managing internal temperatures.

The ATC-250 is made to produce 250 Watts at 2 ohms with bench tests revealing manageable results of 322 at lower impedance loads, and more than 500 watts of dynamic power is available for transient bass passages. With its extruded aluminum design, the housing of this unit effectively acts as a total heatsink to reduce temperatures, ensuring the power comes through remarkably clean and fast. All that clean power comes in handy as this tiny amplifier has been made to give users flexible functionality, with modes specifically for subwoofers or a wide range of speakers. The subwoofer mode has filters built-in at 30 and 80 Hz, perfect for trouble free integration to the mid and high frequency section of your audio system. The full range mode engages an 80 Hz filter to lower sub-bass and extend the frequency response to over 20,000 Hz.

The size and convenience make this an exceptional choice for pro audio builds inside the vehicle and out when paired with VO Series speakers. The smooth mids and highs in a party box running on full range mode combined with the rich bass of larger woofers in an enclosure on sub mode are the makings for a full-on, portable DJ system made to get loud and sound good.

Get yours today at a local dealer or online.

In-Demand Late Model Jeep Solutions are Coming to SEMA

Posted on October 29, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

HOLLY HILL, FL (10.30.24) – Metra Electronics is showcasing aftermarket accessories designed to fit select late-model Jeep Gladiator JT and Wrangler JL vehicles at this year’s SEMA Show. Show attendees can view them from November 5th to 8th in Metra’s main SEMA Show booth, #10439, in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and at its off-roading and powersports booth, #24743, in the Central Hall. The manufacturer will display new items, including a soundbar adapter, lower dash speaker grille cut-ins, lower dash speaker pods, and popular products from its existing lineup of audio accessories. These upgrades cover applications for 2018-up* Jeep vehicles, including 2024 models, making Metra an industry leader for these highly sought-after products.

Soundbar Adapter
The new JP-1019 allows installers to upgrade the soundbar in 2024-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT from the 4″ and 3″ factory speakers to a 6-inch to 6.75-inch aftermarket speaker by cutting the interior of the factory soundbar. It offers an optional tweeter location and includes adapter plates, speaker harnesses, grille replacements, and all hardware required for installation. This adapter retains your factory dome light in the soundbar location, and the replacement grilles feature a factory-style textured finish with a custom-stamped metal grille for a stylish look.

Lower Dash Speaker Grille Cut-ins
Metra’s new JP-1020 left and right lower dash speaker grille cut-ins enhance the appearance of 2024-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT interiors when installing aftermarket speakers. They allow installers to widen the factory 4-inch opening to accommodate an upgrade to 6-inch to 6.75-inch speakers for more vivid sound while adding a bold style. These speaker covers feature a gloss black metal mesh grille with silver accents and perfectly complement the previously released JP-1017 dashboard speaker covers and the new JP-1014 dash speaker pods.

6″- 6.75″ Lower Dash Speaker Pods
The new JP-1014 replacement speaker pods are designed to replace the original 4” speaker pods located under the driver and passenger side of the dashboard in the 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler and 2020-up* Gladiator. Each pair of pods has an ABS housing that utilizes the factory mounting locations for a secure fit that will heighten the listening experience. They are installed using the factory grommet and wiring, and a Metra 12″ speaker adapter harness is included.

Dashboard Speaker Grilles
Metra’s popular JP-1017 is a set of custom-designed dashboard speaker grilles designed to enhance the interior appearance of select Jeeps when installing aftermarket speakers. They are designed to fit the 2018-up* Wrangler JL and the 2020-up* Gladiator JT and allow speakers to be upgraded to a larger tweeter or mid-bass speaker for a more vivid sound. These speaker grilles feature a black metal grille with bold silver accents that match this year’s new JP-1020 lower dash speaker cut-ins, ensuring they complement each other perfectly.

Add-A-Sub Interface
Part of its existing product line, Metra’s AXSUB-CH8 add-a-sub interface fits amplified and non-amplified 2021-up* Chrysler models, including Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. It is installed at the radio location and features a 2-channel non-fading 5V RMS output, a fixed low pass frequency of 234Hz, and 250mA remote turn-on output. It includes a bass knob & vehicle-specific harness for easy installation and customization.

DSP-X Package with T-Harness
The AXDSPX-CH8 is a DSP-X package with T-harness that fits 2020-up* Chrysler models, including Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. This previously introduced product in Metra’s line offers installers a fast, cost-effective solution for improving the sound system with ten individually assigned output channels, the ability to password-protect your settings, and an easy-to-use smartphone app. It has an onboard digital amplifier turn-on capability with built-in technology to retain many of the vehicle’s features commonly lost when installing a DSP.

*Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications. Additional information about these products is available at MetraOnline.com.

Thrilling Motorsports Activations Set for 2024 SEMA Show

Posted on October 28, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.29.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is bringing motorsports action to the 2024 SEMA Show, Nov. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees can experience high-octane outdoor activations and immersive experiences that will showcase the industry’s high-performance products, iconic vehicle builds, and freestyle motocross in action.

Spanning millions of square feet of indoor exhibit space, the 2024 SEMA Show will spill outside of the halls and into the parking lots. Live drifting performances, product demonstrations, and hands-on experiences will encompass the outside grounds, offering Showgoers a sensory-rich experience that exceeds traditional trade show norms.

“Our goal is to deliver memorable experiences that facilitate discovery, connection, and engagement,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Attendees can expect new attractions and activations, along with the same tire smoke, jaw-dropping performances, and electrifying displays that have become hallmarks of the Show.”

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, powered by a passionate and innovative community. The 2024 Show is receiving more industry support than it has seen in years, with more than 2,400 exhibitors — including more than 580 first-time exhibitors — projected to display their latest products and services to thousands of attendees and media.

Below is a sampling of outdoor activations in store across the campus during Show hours:

Battle of the Builders
Booth #81218, Silver Lot (outside of Central Hall)
Now in its 11th year, the industry’s leading vehicle competition heads outside and provides a platform for builders to showcase their skills. The program recognizes class champions in four categories — Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns – and an overall champion.

This unique program helps attendees and millions following the action online, spot trends and see the latest techniques of some of the world’s most influential builders. The action unfolds throughout the week.

Horsepower Rodeo
Booth #73000, Diamond Lot (adjacent to West Hall)
The Horsepower Rodeo will unite the biggest automotive internet stars and top professional drivers from around the world, delivering thrilling, tire-shredding action to a live audience.

Nitro Circus
Booth #84050, Silver Lot (outside of South Hall)
Nitro Circus will showcase an electrifying demonstration featuring renowned Freestyle Motocross (FMX) athletes Keith Sayers, Luke Dolin, Willie Elam, Kieran Ursua, and more, who are set to push the boundaries of what’s possible in action sports. Nitro Circus and SEMA have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, thrilling fans for the past 10 years. This year’s high-octane display will be no exception, giving fans a taste of the adrenaline-packed experience Nitro Circus is famous for.

OPTIMA Unleashed
Booth #84380, Bronze Lot (outside of South Hall)
The attendee-favorite OPTIMA Village returns to the SEMA Show with a new-for-2024 activation called OPTIMA Unleashed. The full-throttle experience will feature finely tuned engines roaring to life, the exhilarating scent of burning rubber filling the air, and the heart-pounding excitement as high-performance cars push their limits.

Nearly 100 vehicles will gather at OPTIMA Unleashed on Tuesday to be part of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI), where they will be judged on the construction and modifications that enhance the look, performance, or functionality of a stock vehicle while maintaining or enhancing the daily drive comfort features and accessories. Following the close of the SEMA Show on Friday, the OUSCI vehicles will roll out of the Bronze Lot to complete their road rally to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the remaining autocross and road course segments of the overall competition will be completed on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Ride With Us
Booth #72000, Diamond Lot (adjacent to West Hall)
Ride With Us will provide attendees free 30-minute introductory motorcycle riding experiences designed for anyone who’s thought about or wanted to try riding a motorcycle but hasn’t yet. The company provides everything needed, including riding gear, to experience the thrill of two wheels.

RWB Live Build
Booth #81290, Silver Lot (outside of Central Hall)
In partnership with 503 Motoring and the SEMA Show, Akira Nakai of RWB (aka Rauh Welt Begriff) Fame will build a 2007 Porsche 997.1 GT3 into his latest work of automobile art. This will be the first GT3 outside of Nakai’s personal car in Japan that will get the RWB wide-body treatment. This will be a LIVE and in-person build taking place in the Silver Lot. This feature area will also include other well-known RWB Builds and their owners for an interactive experience and opportunity to learn more about all things RWB.

Shell Performance Unbound
Booth #80001, Silver Lot (outside of Central Hall)
At the Shell V-Power NiTRO+ booth, Show attendees can get up close and see the #22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford NASCAR and experience the thrill of what it’s like to drive a race car in one of the race simulators. The all-new V-Power NiTRO+ Performance experience will feature Shell’s scientists discussing Shell’s premium gasoline.

Attendees can complete the Passport game, available only at the Shell V-Power NiTRO+ booth, to have a chance to win a drifting experience with the RTR Motorsports professional drivers powered by Shell Fuel. There will also be a chance to win fantastic prizes and giveaways throughout the week. Don’t forget to tag Shell on social media and be sure to follow the action using the hashtag #ShellVPower.

Across the campus, attendees can also see the latest builds and rigs creating one of the world’s greatest displays of vehicles, including those dedicated to Overlanding.

To learn more about the 2024 SEMA Show or to register, visit SEMAShow.com.

Metra Unveils Exciting All-In-One Audio Kits at SEMA

Posted on October 28, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

HOLLY HILL, FL (10.29.24) – Metra Electronics has collaborated with VIBE Audio, the UK’s number one car audio brand, to create state-of-the-art all-in-one audio systems that will be unveiled at the 2024 SEMA Show. These new products will be showcased from November 5th to 8th in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at booth #10439. Engineered for seamless integration and exceptional sound performance, these kits are designed to enhance the audio experience with crystal-clear highs, robust mids, and deep bass.

Vehicle applications for these new kits include:

Select BOSE amplified 2019-2024 GMC Sierra/Silverado (GM-PPKT-1)
Non-amplified 2024-up* Jeep® JL (JP-PPKT-1)
Amplified 2024-up* Jeep® JL (JP-PPKT-2)
Non-Amplified 2018.5-2023 Jeep® JL (JP-PPKT-3)
Amplified 2018.5-2023 Jeep® JL (JP-PPKT-4)

Each of these comprehensive new vehicle-specific audio kits include everything needed to install a premium aftermarket audio system in one convenient package. Every included component works harmoniously to deliver unparalleled sound quality and ease of installation.

These kits combine VIBE’s premium amplifiers, a set of hand-picked VIBE speakers that complement the acoustics of each specific vehicle, VIBE subwoofers and enclosures, and Metra products that make installation easy, including vehicle-specific plug-n-play amplifier interfaces, pre-tuned to provide best-in-class audio performance. All necessary power and vehicle-specific mounting accessories are included for a straightforward installation process. The GM-PPKT-1, JP-PPKT-2, and JP-PPKT-4 are designed for amplified vehicles and include amplifier installation harnesses that bypass the factory amplifier and utilize OE speaker wires to minimize wiring.

Contact your Metra Electronics sales representative or visit MetraOnline.com for more information. *Visit the Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific information.

Tint World Earns Prestigious Spot on South Florida Business Journal’s Private 100 List

Posted on October 28, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

BOCA RATON, FL (10.29.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has earned a spot on the South Florida Business Journal’s 2024 Private 100 list, recognizing the top private companies in the Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade tri-county region based on growth and revenue.

“I always dreamed of starting and growing a thriving business in Florida,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “To be included on this list of elite companies reflects our dedication to excellence for our customers and franchise owners both in our home state and nationwide. Each new location we open not only provides drivers with the latest trends and technology in automotive styling, but it provides a business opportunity for each individual owner and introduces more jobs into the community.”

So far in 2024, the nation’s fastest-growing automotive styling franchise has opened 14 new locations and entered three new states. In 2023, a record 22 Tint World locations earned at least $1 million, with three topping the $2 million mark.

“Over the past year we’ve continued to build on our own record success and have introduced the brand in new states,” Bonfiglio said. “The overall growth and success of Tint World is a reflection of the dedication each franchisee has to serving their communities with the highest quality products and service.”

Recent partnerships with leading global brands Xpel, Transitiv and Netsertive as well as multiple strategic leadership hires helped drive Tint World’s continuing success.

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 a leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services, operating locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

Visit  www.TintWorld.com  for more.

Petra Industries and Pioneer Car Audio Hold Successful Beats & Bites Event

Posted on October 27, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

EDMOND, OK (10.28.24) – Petra Industries hosted its Beats & Bites Event at The Petra B2B Store. It provided area car audio dealers and installers an opportunity to network with their peers and get exclusive, event-only discounts on Pioneer and other car audio products. In addition to receiving an event T-shirt and Pioneer swag, the 40 attendees also got an up-close and personal look as Pioneer unveiled its newest head unit – the DMH-WT6000NEX – as well as two others – the DMH-W3000NEX and DMH-2000NEX. Michael Merryfield, Pioneer Midwest Director of Sales, was on hand to do the unveiling.

*A portion of the audience engaged in the presentation.*

*Dealers during a new Pioneer receiver demo.*

“I had an amazing time attending Petra Industries’ Beats & Bites event in Oklahoma,” said Merryfield. “All the dealers I spoke to were excited about the 3 new models Pioneer was showcasing. Petra also ran amazing promos on all Pioneer head units, speakers, and amps. The dealers and installers took advantage of the special pricing and loaded up to be ready for Black Friday sales. Overall, it was very beneficial for everyone to get face to face time.”

Petra Industries is the exclusive distributor of Pioneer car audio products for the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Utah. In September, Petra and Pioneer held a new product training webinar on the DMH-WT6000NEX. October’s Beats & Bites provided an in-person opportunity to ask questions and learn even more about the new lineup of head units from Pioneer.

“The Beats & Bites event was an incredible experience, bringing together our partners and dealers for meaningful, face-to-face interactions,” said Ed Lacy, District Manager of Outside Sales and The Petra B2B Store Manager. “The excitement around Pioneer’s new models, especially the DMH-WT6000NEX, was electric. Dealers took full advantage of the exclusive promotions, stocking up on Pioneer head units, speakers, and amps to gear up for the busy holiday season. It’s events like these that strengthen relationships and set everyone up for success.”

The Beats & Bites Event also provided area dealers and installers an opportunity to show off their customized vehicles that showcased Pioneer car audio setups as well as win prizes.

Visit petra.com for more.

CarPlay Support for AL6-K01 Ambient Lighting Kit

Posted on October 27, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

ENGLEWOOD, CO (10.28.24) – VAIS Technology has introduced CarPlay support for its Ambient Lighting Kit p/n AL6-K01. This enhancement allows users to manage the ambient lighting directly from either factory-installed or aftermarket radios. The controls provided enable users to adjust both the color and brightness for the front and rear zones independently.

VAIS will be displaying all of its products on the SEMA show floor this year in the North Hall Booth Number 10822.

“The AL6-K01 Ambient Lighting kit has been available since the summer of 2022, and we’ve been hearing from our dealers that it would be great if they could control the lighting using the radio instead of relying solely on the app.,” Eugene Kaspin says. “Using the app to manage your ambient lighting is certainly a handy option, but with CarPlay, you can enjoy even greater convenience directly from your radio screen. It has been a challenge to get this approved by Apple and it took some time. We’re excited to offer this functionality to our customers.”

VAIS plans to introduce support for Android Auto in the near future, aiming to provide Android users with an equivalent level of control and functionality.

VAIS will be displaying all of its products on the SEMA show floor this year in the North Hall Booth Number 10822.

AL6-K01, MSRP $149.99, is a Fiber Optic based interior ambient lighting kit that adds 6 light outputs throughout the vehicle. Developed by VAIS Engineering, this kit is ideally suited for installation in various locations, including the front and rear footwells, cup holders, and the center console. The accompanying LitLED app empowers users to customize their lighting experience by adjusting both color and brightness through a selection of swatches or a color wheel interface. This high-quality OEM kit is backed by a three-year warranty, contingent upon professional installation, ensuring both reliability and performance for the end user. More information can be found here: https://vaistech.com/ambient-lighting/

New HID to LED Conversion Bulbs to Debut at SEMA

Posted on October 27, 2024 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

HOLLY HILL, FL (10.28.24) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics will display new HID to LED conversion bulbs from November 5th to 8th at Metra’s main SEMA Show booth, #10439, in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. These direct-connect LED bulbs are designed to replace high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs to provide superior light output.

They are available in D1, D2, D3, D4, or D5 headlight options to fit a wide range of vehicle applications and allow a seamless conversion with a simple bulb swap. This modern design offers an efficient, long-lasting solution that provides safer nighttime vision for drivers with an upgraded, more focused beam pattern. They are sold as a pair and provide instantaneous full-lumen start-up.