VILLE ST-LAURENT, QUEBEC (10.09.23) – In September Automobility was able to send 30 Canadian Audison dealers to Italy to visit Elettromedia’s headquarters, for “THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE”
Dealers enjoyed a private preview of new products and exchanged valuable industry information, while touring the engineering and design aspects of Ellettromedia.
Rob Nelson, President of Automobility Distribution, related “The trip was amazing. Virtually every minute of the day our hosts were taking us to museums or treating us to a fabulous meal. We did see upcoming products also on this terrific team building trip.” Automobility Team members making the trip included Rob Nelson, Michael Berger, Steve Coulombe, Richard Wade, Terry Letteney, Scott Kerpan and Justin Bond.
TRIP WAS NOT ALL BUISNESS;Elettromedia based in Marche region of Italy invited Automobility and it’s Canadian Audison partners to experience the beauty of some of Italy’s most historic and beautiful communities, as well as the region’s rich wine and culinary heritage, breathtaking scenery, and the Adriatic Coast’s.
Day One – After a fun day visiting the Ducati museum, everyone settled down for an enjoyable dinner at the Hotel Terme Salvarola.
Day two – Another highlight of the trip was a stop to the Ferrari Museum, which is now hosting an exhibition called “Innovation at Maranello,” which presents some of the most important vehicles in the history of the Prancing Horse brand in an entirely new setting. The exhibit portrays the history of the Maranello label from a place of innovation.
Day Three – The group went on a corporate tour of Elettromedia’s headquarters, met with key decision-makers, and spent the day learning more about the Audison line of products.
After a great time discovering the place where all ideas are born and grow, the crew headed to Ristorante Della Rosa In Sirolo to sample fine wines and socialize over aperitifs. The organised wine list included the greatest regional, national, and worldwide brands, along with fish specialties, fried dishes, and seafood crudités.
After a satisfying dinner, the group headed to Italy’s largest indoor kart track for some friendly competition.
Day Four – Leonardo Doffo, the Technical Product Marketing Manager at Elettromedia, provided our team with product training on the newest offerings from Elettromedia. The day continued followed by local winery and wine tasting at Terra Fageto Wine Cellar and finished the day having dinner at Lu Focaro Restaurant in In Torre Di Palme. This restaurant is known for its fantastic panoramic balcony on top of a hill dominating the coast and the Adriatic Sea.
Day Five – Everyone spent the day in the town of Gadara. The ancient town is characterized by a double line of medieval walls and by the massive castles. The Electtromedia team treated our staff and Canadian Audison partners for another amazing Italian cuisine.
Nelson concluded “Automobility is very fortunate to have Ellettromedia as a partner, they were incredible hosts to us and our dealers”, President of Automobility Distribution.
Automobility Distribution is Canada’s largest mobile electronics distributor. Headquartered in Montreal, along with offices and warehousing facilities in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. For more information on AutoMobility Distribution, visit automobilitydistribution.com.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (10.09.23) – MAXPRO Window Films was a proud sponsor of the 2023 Int’l Window Film Conference and Tint-Off that took place September 20th-22nd at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. MAXPRO team members Amanda Scott, Kari Cox, Ashley Sasser and Allison Parker travelled from the company’s Whiteville NC headquarters and plant to showcase the company’s latest window films and paint protection films. In addition MAXPRO provided MAXPRO Window Films for the Tint-Off Competition.
The Team in the booth set up and ready. Amanda Scott, Kari Cox, Ashley Sasser and Allison Parker.
“Having a booth at the Conference to connect with dealers and installers was very productive. We scanned close to 100 dealer badges, talked to many of our MAXPRO dealers and supported Tint-Off Competitors. Ricky Miller, Joshua Maharjh, Joe Guzman and Marcus Quintana plus Christopher Peterson were winners in the Tint Off Competition” Allison Parker related.
Allison Parker in a fun shot with a Conference Bear attendee.
A competitor in the Tint-Off.
During the conference the MAXPRO Team members interacted with attendees to learn ways the company could offer more products, services and information. The Virginia Beach event also served as a warmup for the SEMA show in Las Vegas October 31st through November 3rd. MAXPRO will have a booth in the West Hall at SEMA 2023.
More Tint-Off Competiton
Concluding Parker offered “We are really looking forward to the SEMA Show. We will showcase our window films plus our latest paint protection films (PPF) which offer strong, long lasting protection to keep a vehicle’s surfaces factory fresh against road hazards, sand, salt and snow.”
The MAXPRO Window Films will be on site at SEMA 2023 in the West Hall, Booth 54153.
SHREVEPORT LA (10.07.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Voodoo Customs won the AlloyGator prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 240 on Friday morning, October 6th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 240th time on Friday morning October 6th. The Wheel landed on the AlloyGator space and the Voodoo Customs slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in Haltom City TX. Fred Montana, Voodoo Customs owner, was happy to hear the news. Fred competes in a lot of Sound-Offs and the AlloyGator wheel rings could add to his competition vehicle’s look in the lanes.
The AlloyGator 12volt Spin-To-Win 240 prize, in the 12volt Central Studios, will be headed to Fred Montana at Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA and Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, October 13th.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (10.06.23) – The JETS-CHIEFS game at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday night October 1st was the hottest ticket of the NFL Football weekend. When attendees rolled into the tailgate area of the MetLife Stadium the first thing they saw was Ramzil Khalil’s JETS green Tesla with green LED’s lighting up the massive parking lot. When the attendees opened their doors they heard the Tesla rockin’.
Ramzil Khalil, Dave Russell, Will Sullivan and Morris Hartman (LtoR) with Ramzil’s JETS-badged Tesla Model Y that drew a crowd in the MetLife Stadium tailgate area.
Ramzil has been a JETS fan for years and this Tesla, totally decked with a full 12volt system and upgrades, is his latest personal vehicle featuring a large JETS logo. Ramzil is a Brooklyn Car Audio staff member with 10 years on the job and is sales floor manager. Many days his new Tesla is packed outside the store grabbing attention as drivers drive by the store.
“The whole football world was excited about the JETS-CHIEFS Sunday night game. When I drove into the MetLife Stadium parking tailgate area it was totally packed and heads started turning my way with horns honking and thumbs up. When I parked people started to gather and pose for selfies and want demos of the system. It is amazing how the Tesla draws a crowd. Seeing the Brooklyn Car Audio badging is certainly good for business too” Ramzil related.
At the JETS-CHIEFS game there were also special 12volt industry guests including Dave Russell, The Progressive Group, who was in town. He was joined by Brooklyn Car Stereo’s Will Sullivan and Progressive Group area Representative Morris Hartman.
“Ramzil’s JETS Tesla was a real ‘Swiftee’ parked in the tailgate area. It was amazing how that car drew a crowd that wanted to see it, hear it and take pictures. Seeing people so exited was a highlight of the night as the JETS lost the game in the final couple minutes” Hartman said.
At the next JETS home game Ramzil will have his JETS badged Highlander in the tailgate area with LED’s shining and tunes rocking for attendees getting set to go into MetLife Stadium.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.06.23) – Organizers of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, are excited to announce the all-new “MotorTrend Celebrity Showcase” to this year’s lineup!
SEMA and MotorTrend have partnered to bring you a truly one-of-a-kind experience, which is now open for registration here. Attendees of this track will be treated to a live interview session, moderated by auto specialist and television host Ant Anstead, and featuring some of the biggest names from MotorTrend:
Amir Bentatou (“Super Street Garage”): Owner and designer at RS Future, Amir shares his deep knowledge of all things speed and style with “Super Street Garage.”
John “Nads” Naderi (“Super Street Garage”): Former editor-in-chief of “Super Street Magazine,” Nads has been at the forefront of the tuner scene since its inception.
Lucky Costa (“HOT ROD Garage”): With a breadth of experience from domestics to Euros to Datsuns, Lucky is out to prove that anything can be a hot rod if you do it right.
Alex Taylor(“HOT ROD Garage”) – Alex has been building and racing for as long as she’s been able to grip a wrench. As the newest host of “HOT ROD Garage,” her thirst for horsepower continues to propel the show forward.
Dave Kindig (“Bitchin’ Rides”): Host of “Bitchin’ Rides,” Kindig and crew turn out some of the most creative, one-of-a-kind vehicles on the planet.
Kevin “KevDogg” Schiele (“Bitchin’ Rides”): Working for Kindig-It Design, where he runs the 27,000-sq. ft. shop, Schiele has an unparalleled passion for the auto industry, and spends long hours in the shop making sure every build is just right.
Ant Anstead (Moderator): As the co-founder and chief engineer of Radford, he is responsible for overseeing the building process of every single bespoke, handmade vehicle to meet exact customer specifications.
This diverse crew of automotive experts and media personalities, will share their experiences in the world of hot rods, restorations, restyling markets, what motivates them, and more.
Get to know this group, while learning, laughing and taking in advice from the perspectives of these household names in the industry.
This showcase is free and open to all SEMA Show attendees. It will be an exciting event, so register now while there’s still time.
CHARLOTTE, NC (10.06.23) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced a new ownership team at its Charlotte-Matthews location, continuing the National Automotive Styling Centers franchise’s ongoing success in the region.
With new owners Zach Cohen and Zach Nussbaum, Tint World Charlotte-Matthews provides comprehensive automotive service and products for drivers in Charlotte and the surrounding area, including the industry’s leading window tint solutions, automotive paint protection film, wheels and tires, audio and video, safety and security technology, custom lighting, detailing and more.
“We’re excited about enhancing Tint World’s presence in this area and building on the company’s record of success in North Carolina,” Cohen said. “With Tint World’s world-class franchise systems and support, we can focus on delivering unbeatable products and services that meet the needs of every automobile owner and automotive enthusiast in our community.”
Tint World Charlotte-Matthews, located at 9129 Monroe Road, Suite 100, Charlotte-Matthews, North Carolina 28270, serves the Matthews, Rock Hill, Harrisburg, Concord, Pineville, Monroe, Indian Trail, and Weddington areas. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (704) 941-3058 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/nc/charlotte-matthews-084/.
“Zach Cohen and Zach Nussbaum have shown how franchisees can quickly leverage Tint World’s franchise system to see immediate results and unlock further opportunities,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Their passion and commitment make them a great fit for the Tint World family, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow with them.”
TAMPA, FL (10.05.23) – The 2023 IBEX Show is October 3-5 in Tampa FL where marine focused companies are showcasing their latest products in the Tampa Convention Center and dockside. A number of 12volt focused companies are on site with booths inside and featuring their marine lineups as attendees walk the aisles and docks outside.
KICKER Marine is onsite with a large presence inside the CPS Marine booth. Marine Sport Lighting and Memphis Audio are also in the CPS Marine booth highlighting the company’s broad marine lineup.
Hertz also has a major presence on show floor and outside with a number of Hertz Audio cruisers. Hertz Marine was honored with an IBEX 2023 Innovations Award for the company’s HTX 8H S-FL G horn design tower speaker that delivers crystal-clear audio well outside the wake.
Audiopipe Marine has a large booth with many displays highlighting specific marine products. A product that caught the eyes of attendees is a 7-lead speaker wire designed with a separate leads for LED RGB speakers. The new product greatly reduces the installation time.
Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz-Pittsburg, made the trip to Tampa. Nuttall related “Nina and I came down looking for new marine products and accessories. We were not disappointed with we saw for the marine side of our business. Roswell Marine was a new brand that offers a selection audio, towers, racks and accessories. I see many possibilities for that line and would not have known about Roswell Marine without attending IBEX. Experiencing the loaded cruisers dockside definitely created sound and water waves. Show officials were on hand to tell all to dial back the volume.
Industry members at IBEX utilized the 12volt STP Tool to send images in this article. The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image….PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 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.
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STILLWATER, OK (10.05.23) – KICKER delivers even more power and better fitment into a pair of all-in-one-package, Audio Upgrade Kits for specific Harley-Davidson bikes and their fairings. These plug-and-play kits for 2015-and-newer Road Glides and 2014-and-newer Street/Electra/Ultra Glides will be available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ streamed show, Audio Upgrade Kits for Harley-Davidson bikes will retail for $899.99 and will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.
Specifically designed to fit the 2015-and-newer Road Glide “shark-nose” fairing and the 2014-and-newer Street/Electra/Ultra Glide “bat-wing” fairings, these entirely plug-and-play audio kits come complete with a set of reengineered, high-efficiency speakers, a redesigned four-channel 300-watt amplifier with bracket, pre-measured and pre-terminated wiring, custom grilles and all the hardware. The kit uses factory holes and mounting points, with no cutting or drilling required.
Each kit contains new KICKER PS-Series 6.5-inch Coaxial Powersports Speakers that are completely weather-proof, featuring lightweight neodymium magnets and strong polypropylene woofer cones. Made with the rider in mind, the lightweight speaker design does not affect bike handling while playing at extreme volume levels to cut through the wind and road noise.
The equally new KICKER KPX300.4 Compact Powersports Amplifier delivers 75 watts to each of its four channels, making it ready for system expansion if a Harley-Davidson Tour Pak is attached or added in the future.
TAMPA, FL (10.05.23) – The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced today the winners of the 2023 IBEX Innovation Awards Program. The program is managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI). The judges selected 13 Innovation Award winners and four honorable mentions from nearly 100 entries submitted by exhibiting marine industry companies. Awards were presented during the annual Industry Breakfast, Innovation Awards Presentation, and Keynote held Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. All products submitted to the IBEX Innovation Awards are on display along Innovation Way, located on the 2nd floor Waterview Lounge of the Tampa Convention Center throughout the days of the Show. Products can also be viewed on the online showcase.
The winners of the 2023 IBEX Innovation Awards are:
Boat Care and Maintenance – PowerTech! Propellers, Seascour by PowerTech!/Hendry: Judge Julia Carleton said, “Seascour combats scale and barnacles at the chemical level by breaking down the calcium bonds using an organic, non-corrosive solution. From flushing heat exchangers to cleaning hulls, the environmental benefits are far-reaching.”
Honorable Mention: SeaWide Distribution, Hempel Silic One
Boatbuilding Methods and Materials (DUAL WINNERS) – beSpline, Shaped Foam Kit: Judge Tim Murphy said, “One of the longstanding problems in composite boat building is how to turn flat foam panels into the complex curves of a boat hull or deck. beSpline’s new North American facility uses heat to ‘thermoform’ flat panels into complex curves, omitting kerfs, that are delivered to boatbuilders in kit form. The result is lighter, stronger, higher-quality boat structures.”
Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl, Infinity Grip: Judge Andy Adams said, “Infinity Luxury woven flooring with self-adhesive backing delivers significant labor and cost savings. Installation is simple and best of all requires no mess.”
Boatyard and Marina Hardware and Software – VoltSafe, VoltSafe Marine: Judge Ed Sherman noted, “Voltsafe is the future of dockside shorepower systems for marinas and boats. It revolutionizes shore power connectivity by addressing critical drawbacks of traditional methods.”
Honorable Mention: Sunstream Boat Lifts, Sunstream Power System (SPS™)
Deck Equipment and Hardware – Lippert, Lewmar® Venta™ Pontoon Winch: Judge Steve Davis observed, “The underdeck pontoon winch is completely waterproof and stays clear of passengers on deck. The unit slides into a mount so the winch is easily installed and removed as seasons change, and the spring-loaded roller keeps the anchor under the deck until deployed or retrieved.”
Electric Motor/Battery Powered Propulsion/Hybrids – TEMO, TEMO 450: Judge Steve Davis noted, “The simple, lightweight design of the Temo 450 electric motor is an innovative way to power small boats and dinghies. The tubular design with built-in motor and battery is waterproof, simple, efficient, and easy to mount and operate.”
Electrical Systems – ARCO Marine, Zeus High Energy Alternator Regulator: Judge Ben Stein stated, “Arco’s Zeus answers the call for advanced alternator regulation aboard today’s boats and their increasingly complex DC power systems. With connectivity capabilities not previously seen in an alternator regulator, Zeus delivers the configuration, insight, and diagnostics needed for advanced, high-output 12-, 24-, and 48-volt systems.”
Honorable Mention: Navico Group, Mastervolt Mac Plus 48V
Entertainment –Hertz Marine, HTX 8H S-FL-G: Judge Ryan Gullang observed, “Thanks to Hertz’s novel approach to horn design, the HTX 8H S-FL-G tower speakers delivers crystal-clear audio well outside the wake.”
Furnishings, and Interior Parts – Roswell Marine, Auto-Rolling Fabric System: Judge Tim Murphy said, “Roswell Marine uses the magic of slap bracelets to solve a longstanding problem in marine canvas – how to roll sections of biminis or dodgers when they’re opened up. With Roswell’s Auto Rolling Fabric System, boaters simply unzip sections of the canvas, and it automatically rolls out of the way – no snaps, no Velcro.”
Mechanical Systems – Scanstrut, ATMOS 12V Integrated Airstation: Judge Ryan Gullang noted, “Scanstrut’s ATMOS 12-volt Integrated Airstation is an elegant and effective solution to the relative drudgery of inflating water toys.”
OEM Electronics – Garmin USA, GPSMAP® 9227 with Garmin BlueNet™: Judge Ben Stein said, “The GPSMap 9227 is a quantum leap forward for marine navigation electronics. 4K resolution on its large display means more information at the operators’ fingertips. Plus, dramatically faster processors and gigabit Ethernet ensure nearly instant response.”
Propulsion Parts, Propellers – Volvo Penta, Joystick Driving: Judge Steve Davis noted, “Joystick control has been around, but primarily used for docking, and Volvo Penta has taken to new heights with the innovative ability to drive the boat without touching the steering wheel. The system integrates shifting, steering, and throttle and easily installs into the driver’s armrest for ergonomic driving and comfort.”
Safety Equipment – WIF-Pro, WIF-Pro: Judge Ed Sherman said, “The float/sensor technology of the WIF-Pro offers outboard boat owners a safety feature when out at sea through a fuel filter system with an externally mounted sensor ring that detects and alarms the captain when five ounces of water gets in the fuel system. Once the filter bowl is drained, the system clears and you’re back underway.”
“The participating exhibitors in this year’s Innovation Awards program have successfully showcased how incredibly forward-thinking the marine industry is,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “The products entered include a remarkable level of ingenuity and innovation in product design and development. We’d like to thank the judges for their time and hard work in deciding which products would be selected in each category. Congratulations to all our winning exhibitors and a big thank you to everyone who participated.”
IBEX is scheduled to return to the Tampa Convention Center, with IBEX 2024 Show dates set for October 1 – 3, 2024. For more information, visit www.ibexshow.com.
TAMPA, Fla. (October 3, 2023) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, has expanded its partnership with KICKER as the new authorized distributor in Florida. This agreement expands DOW’s distribution of KICKER in the Southeast.
Mike Barcia, 12Volt Account Manager in front of Kicker inventory that arrived in Tampa.
DOW currently distributes KICKER in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. KICKER inventory will now be stocked in DOW’s Atlanta and Tampa locations for quick shipping and convenient pickup available to authorized dealers. KICKER’s products are already available for Florida dealers to order on DOW’s website.
The addition of KICKER strengthens DOW’s 12Volt audio lineup in Florida. DOW has a wide selection of speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers from well-known and sought after 12Volt brands including KICKER, Sony, Alpine, Triton, Arc Audio and more. In addition, KICKER’s product lineup provides another high-performance option for dealers in Florida’s large marine, powersports and motorcycle market.
“This is a great opportunity for us to build our relationship with DOW and get KICKER products out to their large customer base in Florida,” stated Lori Boyer, southeast regional sales manager for KICKER. “We appreciate the way DOW supports us as a partner and their strong industry presence. It will keep KICKER top of mind for dealers in Florida.”
“We are very excited to expand our partnership with KICKER in Florida,” commented senior vice president Dave Elkin. “KICKER is a great brand that dealers desire, so this is a natural fit that enhances the great line of products that we offer our customers.”
To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
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