JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux Event a Resounding Success

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LONG BEACH, CA (10.26.23) – The JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux event in Orlando concluded with great success this weekend, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with valuable insights to enhance their roles within the 12-volt industry.

Members of the group who presented the Hot Shots Part Deux gathered for a group image. Seth Halstead-JVC, Ron Trout-JVC, Rich McDonald-McDonald Business Strategies, Errol Hodgson-JVC, Steve Côté-JVC, Josh Bowen-JVC, Duston Harper-GLUED Performance, Marcus Vasconcellos-JVC and Corey Jacobs-GLUED Performance. Matt Yerger-iDatalink not pictured.

The event, a sequel to the previous year’s Hot Shots, continued to advance the mission of the EDA in improving the expertise and capabilities of distributor sales personnel. Attendees benefited from hearing Fender’s legendary Rich McDonald’s keynote message, master sales classes presented by GLUED Performance, product demonstrations by JVC’s training experts, and iDatalink’s Matt Yerger. These sessions provided attendees with the tools they need to excel in their roles within the 12-volt distribution sector.

“The success of this year’s event is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Elite Distributor Alliance and JVC in fostering excellence in our industry,” said Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales. “The value of the knowledge and networking opportunities provided at Hot Shots Part Deux is evident in the renewed motivation and understanding attendees are taking with them.”

As this year’s Part Deux draws to a close, excitement is already brewing for the next edition of JVC EDA’s Hot Shots event series, offering the promise of further valuable insights and enhanced networking opportunities for industry professionals.

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

Blaupunkt to Unveil Innovative Foldable eBike at SEMA Show in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV (10.26.23) – Blaupunkt is set to make waves once again at the prestigious SEMA Las Vegas trade show. This year, Blau-punkt will unveil its latest innovation: the highly-anticipated Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes.

Driving Innovation Beyond the Road

For over a century, Blaupunkt has set the standard for cutting-edge automotive technology. Now, with the global shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, Blaupunkt is embracing the future of mobil-ity. The Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes represent the company’s foray into the world of emobility, combining heritage with innovation to create a product like no other.

Experience Blaupunkt’s eBike Revolution

The SEMA 2023 show will be the stage for the grand debut of Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes, where automotive industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts will witness the future of personal transportation. These eBikes are designed to cater to the modern urban lifestyle, offering unmatched portability and performance.

Key Features of Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes:

Portability: Blaupunkt Foldable eBikes are among the most compact and lightweight on the market, making them ideal for urban commuting and outdoor adventures.

Innovative Technology: Featuring state-of-the-art battery technology and intuitive controls, Blaupunkt eBikes offer an unparalleled riding experience.

Stylish Design: With a sleek and modern design, these eBikes are as fashionable as they are functional.

Affordable: Blaupunkt is committed to offering quality products at an affordable price point, ensuring acces-sibility for a wide range of consumers.

Visit blaupunkt.com for more.

Metra Electronics Introduces Mounted Spare Tire Accessories at SEMA

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HOLLY HILL, FL (10.26.23) – Metra Electronics has developed two new kits designed to elevate a vehicle’s mounted spare tire; a new chasing light kit and an adjustable camera kit. They will debut them at this year’s SEMA show. These kits boast over 200 vehicle applications, including select Jeep, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Suzuki, and Land Rover vehicles.* This versatility is thanks to their included multi-adjustable brackets specifically designed to mount securely to the factory studs of spare wheels, fitting numerous bolt patterns. These new kits will be displayed from October 31 through November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Metra’s main SEMA Show booth will be #10539 in the North Hall, and its off-roading and powersports products will be on display at booth #60031 in the West Hall.

Chasing Spare Tire Light Kit

The HE-CHASE-STL chasing spare tire light from Metra’s Heise LED Lighting Systems brand is equipped with dual-row, dual-zone, addressable LEDs to add vibrant, colorful lighting to a vehicle’s mounted spare tire. This kit includes two 8-foot extension cables, left and right half-circle LED segments, installation hardware, and a Heise Connect chasing controller (HE-CHASE-CB). It works cohesively with all Heise chasing LED lighting as part of the Heise Connect Universe (HCU) and is controlled using the included RF remote or the Heise Connect app, available for download on smartphones and tablets. This spare tire light will not only add style to a vehicle but will improve awareness for nearby vehicles and increase safety with its included turn signal, brake, and reverse functions.

The HE-CHASE-CB Heise Connect chasing controller featured in this kit is specifically designed to work with Heise chasing LEDs, making customization and control of these products effortless. Users can easily group multiple controllers through the app, and every controller has left and right zones for independent turn signal control wires and a dedicated brake light trigger wire. The Heise Connect app automatically connects via Bluetooth wireless technology and allows users to select from 170+ pre-programmed moving patterns, a DIY chasing pattern option that allows selection of up to 16 colors and 3 motion effects, and a music sync function.

Adjustable Spare Tire Camera Kit

The TE-ASTCAM adjustable spare tire camera kit from Metra’s iBEAM brand upgrades a vehicle’s safety and parking functionality. This camera setup is designed to provide drivers with a clear view of their surroundings while parking or reversing, offering the ultimate solution for enhancing a vehicle’s safety and maneuverability. The kit includes a multi-adjustable bracket, high-quality camera, and wiring to ensure a hassle-free installation. The versatile bracket of the TE-ASTCAM offers an impressive range of adjustability, allowing drivers to position the camera exactly where they need it. The bracket’s camera stem can be adjusted both side-to-side and up and down, providing drivers with optimal flexibility and customization options. Additionally, the head of the bracket is bendable to achieve the perfect angle adjustment for each unique vehicle.

Equipped with high-quality metal housing, the included camera delivers durability and longevity. Its 170-degree field of diagonal view ensures a wide coverage area, minimizing blind spots and providing a comprehensive perspective of the vehicle’s surroundings. The camera also features parking guidelines, enabling drivers to gauge distances and maneuver their vehicle accurately. With an IP67 rating, this camera is designed to withstand inclement weather, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments. Additionally, the TE-ASTCAM boasts excellent low-light capabilities with its 0.6 LUX night vision, allowing drivers to navigate safely in dimly lit areas or during nighttime parking. For a convenient power connection via the taillight, adding iBEAM’s Pulse Width Modulation Stabilizer (TE-CAMFLTR) is recommended (sold separately). This accessory ensures a reliable and efficient power supply to the camera, further enhancing its functionality.

More product information and details will be available at MetraOnline.com soon after the SEMA show.

*Visit our Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

Extreme Car Audio Hosted Another Very Successful Alpine Experience Event

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MARRERO, LA (10.25.23) – The Alpine Experience at Extreme Car Audio on Saturday October 21st filled the parking lot and showroom with enthusiasts looking for better sound. The Alpine Experience delivered as Alpine’s Dan Greenwood rolled in from Dallas with the Alpine X-Perience Tundra, tent and promo items for Ace Truong’s event. Jimmy Chauffe arrived in 2023 Hyundai with an Alpine OPTIM8 and subwoofer installed.

The Alpine Experience was set to go on the sunny Saturday morning.
The Extreme Car Audio Team and Alpine’s Jimmy Chauffe and Dan Greenwood gathered for a group image. Owner Ace Truong is pictured with arms folded in the center. Chauffe is pictured on the left and Greenwood 3rd from left.

“We did no less than 50 demos during the day. Extreme Car Audio is an Alpine Style Center so when enthusiasts saw the breath of the Alpine product lineup in the showroom they were ready to talk about a system for their rides,” Chauffe stated.

As an Alpine Style Center, Xtreme Car Audio’s showroom highlights the Alpine brand.
Ace Truong holds a top raffle prize with 2 staff members. The happy winner is 2nd from left.

Truong, Extreme Car Audio owner, told 12volt News, “We had a terrific day with certainly more than 50 customers coming into the store and sales were very strong. We had great Alpine specials for the event plus had a raffle drawing every hour for Alpine gear and Extreme Car Audio promo items. There well over 100 tickets in bowl when prizes were drawn.”

Another top raffle winner holds his Alpine prize with Extreme Car Audio with staff members.
This overhead shot shows a busy install bay on Tuesday following the Saturday event.

Concluding, Truong offered, “We had a food truck on site and the brisket tacos and fingers were enjoyed by all. Jimmy and Dan were great and worked with customers and demo’ed the Tundra all day. Jimmy’s stock Hyundai showed all a terrific sounding OPTIM upgrade with utilizing the OEM radio. This was our fourth Alpine Experience event and we truly appreciate Alpine‘s commitment and support of independent 12volt retailers. The Alpine Experience event promo is terrific for driving consumer awareness and business for specialty 12volt retailers. Our install bay is booked for days.”

Visit extremecaraudio.com and alpine-usa.com for more.

Introducing Bessie, SEMA’s AI-Powered Chatbot for All Your SEMA Show Questions and Needs

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.25.23) – Officials with the SEMA Show are excited to introduce a top-of-the-line attendee resource, Bessie, the AI-powered chatbot designed to answer all your SEMA Show questions. 

SEMA Show’s Bessie AI-powered chatbot will complement SEMAShow.com and the SEMA Show mobile app, plus all the on-site collateral, signage and related resources to help attendees maximize their time at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, in Las Vegas.

Chatting with Bessie is easy: just download the SEMA Show mobile app, visit SEMAShow.com or look for signage around the SEMA Show campus for the direct text number to access pertinent information right at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere. QR codes will also be placed around the SEMA Show campus, providing convenient access.

“Providing relevant Show information to attendees, at the right time, in the right format, is a priority for SEMA. Bessie, our new chatbot resource, puts answers to many frequently asked Show questions right at your fingertips. And since it can be accessed via QR code, direct text, via SEMAShow.com and our official mobile app, it is a great new complement to existing Show tools and provides another resource to navigate the Show and maximize experiences.” 

This new resource aims to: 

  • Enhance attendee interactions, offer personalized assistance and enrich the premier, trade-only event for all participants. 
  • Build a stronger, more engaged community by improving overall attendee satisfaction through timely Show information. 
  • Offer SEMA Show attendees a new text-based/SMS solution and convenient means to deliver information to mobile devices. 
  • Create a resource that offers year-round, instant (less than 3 seconds) answers and personalized responses to attendee questions. 

SEMA has selected 42Chat as the exclusive chatbot provider for the SEMA Show. 42Chat’s advanced AI-powered bots have been an integral part of many successful events and festivals, providing value to communities with instant answers and building trust through a customer-first approach to increase event engagement. 

42Chat’s unique technology combines chatbots, text and micro-apps to help solve business problems. 

The proprietary conversation engine responds to millions of different ways attendees will ask questions (not just specific keywords) to provide the information the attendees need, when they need it. 

And, Bessie the AI chatbot will learn as it develops, so have fun getting to know the SEMA Show a little better! And, if you happen to “stump” Bessie with a question, it will share the information as it learns what questions the global community is asking the most, elevating the SEMA Show experience for years to come.

Visit sema.org for more.

Blaupunkt Unveils Cutting-Edge 2023/2024 Car Audio Lineup at SEMA Show in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV (10.25.23) – BLAUPUNKT, a revered name in the world of automotive audio innovation, is excited to announce the grand launch of its much-anticipated 2023/2024 Car Audio lineup at the upcom-ing SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This premier event will take place from October 31st to November 3rd, 2023, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The SEMA Show, the ultimate automotive specialty products trade event, is the perfect platform for BLAUPUNKT to showcase its latest innovations in the car audio industry. Car enthusiasts, professionals, and industry insiders are invited to visit our booth to experience a revolution in car audio technology.
At Booth #10947, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the fusion of cutting-edge engineering, timeless design, and unparalleled sound quality. BLAUPUNKT’s 2023/2024 Car Audio lineup promises to set new standards in the industry, redefining the way people experience music and entertainment while on the road.

Key Highlights of BLAUPUNKT’s 2023/2024 Car Audio Lineup:

1. Innovative Sound Solutions: BLAUPUNKT’s engineering team has worked tirelessly to create audio systems that offer an immersive and crystal-clear sound experience. Our lineup includes speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, rear view cameras, head units, accessories, and marine audio that deliver unmatched audio quality, ensuring that every note is heard with precision. 

2. Seamless Connectivity: Our products are designed to seamlessly integrate with modern vehicles, offering enhanced connectivity options. Enjoy effortless pairing with your devices, access to your favorite apps, and crystal-clear hands-free calling. 

3. Timeless Aesthetics: BLAUPUNKT’s commitment to design excellence is evident in our 2023/2024 Car Audio lineup. Our products are not only technologically advanced but also boast a timeless aesthetic that complements the interior of any vehicle. 

4. User-Friendly Interface: We understand the importance of user-friendliness. BLAUPUNKT’s 2023/2024 Car Audio products feature intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all users. 

5. Dedicated Support: BLAUPUNKT is not just a brand; it’s a commitment to our customers. Our dedicated customer support team will be available at the SEMA Show to answer your questions, provide product demonstrations, and offer expert advice. 

Our distribution network is warmly invited to join us at North Hall, Booth #10947 during the SEMA Show.
This is your opportunity to experience the future of car audio and discuss potential business collaborations. For our valued consumers and car audio enthusiasts, we encourage you to visit us as well. See, touch, and hear the future of automotive sound at BLAUPUNKT’s booth.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the automotive audio revolution. BLAUPUNKT invites you to be our guest at the 2023/2024 Car Audio lineup launch at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Visit blaupunkt.com for more.

Massive Audio to Showcase the Massive Concert Experience at SEMA 2023

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COMMERCE, CA (10.24.23) – A MASSIVE CONCERT. Massive Audio Pro Audio Primo Series Of Amplifiers– Gives You More Performance, More Precision, More Value. Simply Put, More Loud Music–Not Loud Noise. Experience the Massive Concert in the North Hall a SEMA 2023 in Booth 10142.

John Velez, Sales Manager, related “Back In stock. The Massive Audio Primo series of amplifiers that take advantage of the new technology and advancements in music reproduction are shipping. These amplifiers are built to not just be loud but faithfully reproduce the nuances, detail and loudness that is now available in HD recordings. To not only make you feel the music but help activate the rest of our senses. To experience music as intended LIVE and not limited like on old recordings and gear. These are products for a new generation of sound.”

Continuing “Most Class D amplifiers do not use the new technology now used in pro audio and our Primo amplifiers. Pro audio engineers believe that it is almost impossible to get good sound quality in a small room, let alone a car or motorcycle. They only focus on amplifiers and speakers for arenas and concert halls. Amplifiers that are made to reproduce live music not recorded music. Like with a tube amplifier, most Class D amplifier use big filters on the outputs that limit the low end and high-end frequency response and are noisy” Velez added.

Primo Amplifiers have a high switching frequency, well over the four hundred Kilohertz range, twenty times that of a traditional Class D. A 20 to 1 ratio between the switching frequency of the pulse in traditional class d and the top of the frequency range of normal hearing– 400,000 x 20 is how fast it’s switching. The actual notching of the signal, as it is being recreated, is twenty times per cycle, all being smoothed out with minimal global and regional feedback for a seamless transition with very little distortion. Most Class D amplifiers switch at 100,000 Kilohertz per second which is not much above 20,000 Kilohertz at a 5 to 1 while our Primo designs are at a 20 to 1 with more content and bandwidth. Combined with our ultra-high efficiency Massive Pro Audio Loudspeakers deliver Guaranteed Performance.

“We do not make our customers, or the end user pay for our marketing, we offer authentic sustainable pricing. We give our customers and our end users: More Performance, More Value. More Loud Music–Not Loud Noise. We are looking for a few select dealers and have unique programs to make sure our partners are profitable. If you want to make a difference in the future of Car audio, contact our Sales Department” JR Mares offered.

Hernando Mares, Hmares@massiveaudio.com, 714) 507-8026 (Hablo Espanol)
John Velez, Jvelez@massiveaudio.com, 626) 523 8954 (Hablo Espanol)
Ben June, Bholt@massiveaudio.com, 708) 717 0175 (No Habla Espanol, lol)

More information will be posted on the website soon www.MassiveAudio.com. See Massive Audio at SEMA booth # 10142

New Metra PowerSports Products to Launch at SEMA 2023

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HOLLY HILL, FL (10.24.23) – Metra PowerSports by Metra Electronics is displaying new products at the SEMA Show, including a 6-zone switch panel designed for UTVs and other outdoor vehicles, a 4 AWG high current quick disconnect power block, a 4-piece chasing LED golf cart canopy kit, and Heise Connect RGB controller crossover cables. Metra’s off-roading and powersports SEMA booth, #60031, will be in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 3.

6-Zone Switch Panel
Metra PowerSports is reintroducing the latest 6-zone switch control box for universal powersports applications such as UTV/ATV and golf carts. The MPS-SW6 offers two control options: switch knockout or app-controlled. This IP67 water-resistant rating switch box features the latest MOSFET™ chips designed for harsh environments and offers 700-watt power handling capability. It features a 6-button Carling-style switch and a Polaris switch adapter. It is controlled via the MPS Switch app on compatible smartphones or tablets. The app features two strobe pattern options, a music sync setting, adjustable brightness on each channel, and more.

4 AWG High Current Quick Disconnect Power Block
The MPS-3PB is a durable, quick disconnect that allows for convenient, safe installation and servicing of amps, active subwoofers, or removable winches in powersport and marine applications. This product is designed for use in the harshest environments, unlike standard audio equipment that is not suited for off-road applications. This critical part of an installation can resist the elements to keep the system working great throughout rugged outdoor adventures.

4-Piece Chasing LED Golf Cart Canopy Kit
The MPS-CHASE-CPY can transform any golf cart into a vibrant spectacle of colorful light. Designed exclusively to fit golf cart canopies, this innovative kit includes two 36″ chasing LED strips, two 8″ chasing LED strips, mounting hardware, and, from Heise LED Lighting, the Heise Connect controller. The strips are durable and rated IP65, ensuring long-lasting performance and a brilliant glow for countless future rides. MPS has designed this kit to work cohesively with all Heise chasing LED lighting as part of the Heise Connect Universe (HCU). Lighting effects are controlled using the included RF remote or the Heise Connect app, available for download on smartphones and tablets. Users can choose from static color settings, 170+ color-changing patterns, DIY lighting patterns, music sync, and more.

Heise Connect RGB Controller Crossover Cables
The MPS-RGB-M2H includes four Heise Connect controller crossover cables that simplify RGB lighting installations. These cables remove the need to use multiple controllers and apps by connecting Metra PowerSports lighting products to a Heise Connect RGB controller. Users can then control their entire lighting system via the free downloadable Heise Connect mobile app.

More information about these products will be available at MetraPowerSports.com soon after the show.

Firstech to Exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show in the North Hall

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KENT, WA (10.24.23) – Firstech is set to exhibit at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for the first time. In the company’s North Hall Booth 10339 Compustar’s remote car starters and the newest vehicle dash cam, the DroneMobile XC, will be showcased.

“If you are attending SEMA this year, and are interested in how Firstech is making cars safer and more comfortable, I would be happy to give you a tour of our booth and to learn about opportunities to work together in the future” Justin Lee, Marketing Director, related.

Firstech will be located in North Hall (Mobile Electronics) at booth location #10339. Below is a calendar link for attendees to request a specific meeting time in advance.

Request a meeting

In the Firstech booth attendees can register to win a giveaway of a $1,200 value dash cam + remote start package.

For more see www.firstechllc.com | www.compustar.com | justinlee@compustar.com

KICKER Was Livin’ Loud at the AMA EnduroCross in Prescott, AZ

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PRESCOTT, AZ (10.23.23) – The AMA EnduroCross Round 2 event took place at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Saturday evening, October 21st. The EnduroCross riders faced a dirt track filled with boulders, logs, large tires and ramps on their bikes.

KICKER, a series sponsor, was on site with tables filled with products under a large tent in the lobby area. The KICKER RZR was Livin’Loud by the tent in the lobby and ready for demos. To set up the KICKER display Lorin Morrell rolled in with KICKER pickup and trailer on Thursday for Friday setup.

Morrell, who orchestrates KICKER’s presence at AMA EnduroCross events, related “Attendance was strong at the event and an awesome crowd filled the stands. Showing the wide selection of products we had on display directly to consumers and enthusiasts was a great way to drive brand awareness and future car audio, marine, powersports, motorcycle and lifestyle business for KICKER. UTVs are growing in popularity in Arizona and many checked out the KICKER PowerBars, cans and amplifiers. Products for pickups, including underseat sub enclosures, grabbed attention too.”

The AMA Endurocross track was filled with boulders, logs, large tires and ramps.

Continuing, “The KICKER RZR had a new look at this event with a new wrap along with a new interior and system upgrades. The RZR really stood out in the lobby and will be in the KICKER booth at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas running October 31st through November 3rd” Morrell offered.

The KICKER area was located in the lobby by the main entrance.

The Findlay Toyota Center is a terrific venue for the AMA EnduroCross events. Staff members welcomed crowd members before the racing began for a pit party where all could interact with the race riders. That time also gave attendees time to checkout the KICKER display in the lobby before Scotty, on the PA system, let all know was time for racing to begin.

Visit kicker.com for more.