Maxxsonics Attending 2023 IBEX Show

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.29.23) – Maxxsonics is excited to be in attendance at the 2023 IBEX Show.
The 2023 IBEX Show takes place from October 3-5, 2023, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, USA. IBEX takes the Marine industry to the next level with thousands of boat builders, manufacturers, and suppliers in attendance focusing on product innovations, insights, and industry connections. Maxxsonics is thrilled to partake in the show while focusing on expanding Marine product reach to consumers and dealers.

One of the newest products Maxxsonics will be showcasing at the 2023 IBEX Show will be the ALL-NEW MB Quart GMR7V1 source unit. The ALL-NEW flagship leader in MB Quart source units is leading the way with more customizable audio features and enhancements that add depth to every MB Quart listening experience. With deeper features like an integrated four-button auxiliary switching system, Apple CarPlay, and protection against the conditions with it being completely waterproof – the GMR7V1 is the next evolution of source units from MB Quart. Maxxsonics will be entering the ALL-NEW MB Quart GMR7V1 7-inch, waterproof, touchscreen, CarPlay source unit into the NMMA Innovation Award Show (which takes place at the 2023 IBEX Show).

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “MB Quart is excited to be back at IBEX. Although Mother Nature has tried everything to keep us away – it looks like this is our year! We’re coming prepared to show off some incredible new products, including the illuminated NP1 speaker line and, of course, our new GMR-7 touchscreen source unit with Apple CarPlay.”

Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “IBEX is a perfect opportunity to expand and grow our Marine reach for Maxxsonics as a company and MB Quart as a leading Marine audio brand. I am also very excited to be showcasing our ALL-NEW MB Quart GMR7V1 source unit at IBEX 2023 and the many features it has for on-the-water consumers and also dealers. Maxxsonics is looking forward to expanding our Marine reach horizons, and IBEX presents a perfect opportunity for that.”

The 2023 IBEX Show is shaping up to be another HUGE success for Maxxsonics and MB Quart. Register TODAY and get your tickets NOW! We hope to see you under the Florida sun in Tampa!

Follow the link to learn show details and complete event information on the 2023 IBEX Show.
https://www.ibexshow.com/

Follow the link for registration options.
https://xpressreg.net/register/ibex1023/landing.asp

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Launches Off-Road Side Mirror Ditch Lights for 2019-23 RAM 1500 Trucks

METAIRIE, LA (09.29.23) – ORACLE Lighting, the market leader in innovative LED solutions and high-quality automotive lighting products, announces its new LED Off-Road Side Mirror Ditch Lights for 2019-23 Ram 1500 DT trucks. The lights integrate seamlessly with factory mirrors and feature a matte black housing for a rugged look while incorporating the safety, functionality and durability ORACLE Lighting products are known for.

Engineered to eliminate the dead zone created by forward-focused headlights, ORACLE Lighting’s 2019-23 Ram 1500 DT LED Off-Road Side Mirror Ditch Lights (part number 5914-001) integrate high-powered LED light bars into factory-style side mirror housings for easy installation and a near-OEM appearance. The 24 LEDs produce approximately 2,250 lumens utilizing a 45-degree beam angle to optimize the driver’s peripheral field of vision. This broad field of light makes them perfect for situations where additional visibility of the driving surface and potential obstructions or hazards is needed. The tough housings are made from rugged polycarbonate, which is twice as strong as the factory ABS components. A set of anodized rock guards protects the LED acrylic lenses.

“While headlight technology has come a long way, there is still a glaring dead spot to the sides of vehicles from the factory. This becomes critically important when navigating around potential obstacles or hazards,” said Justin Hartenstein, ORACLE Lighting’s director of development. “Our side mirror ditch lights eliminate this with their powerful LEDs and 45-degree beam angle. And, unlike traditional ditch lights, they integrate into the factory side mirrors to provide a more streamlined appearance.”

The ORACLE 2019-23 Ram 1500 DT LED Off-Road Side Mirror Ditch Lights fit all Ram 1500 DT models not equipped with factory tow mirrors, including TRX and Rebel. MSRP is $399.95 and a two-year warranty is included.

The new products join ORACLE Lighting’s line of direct-fit products for Ram DT-series trucks, including the 2019-23 RAM Rebel/TRX Front Bumper Flush LED Light Bar System and 2019-23 Ram 1500 RGBW+A Headlight DRL Upgrade Kit featuring ORACLE’s ColorSHIFT technology.

For more information on ORACLE Lighting and its complete product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776 or email info@oraclelights.com.

Marine Sport Lighting Exhibiting at IBEX Show 2023 in Tampa, FL

RINGWOOD, IL (09.28.23) – Race Sport will be exhibiting their fast-growing Marine Sport Lighting line up in booth #3-1615 for boat builders and customizers to visit and learn about their new marine lighting for 2023. Staff will be available in the booth all week to answer any questions. The booth will feature a large custom marine display with hundreds of marine solutions to test with the push of a button. Marine Sport Lighting will also be showing off their new patent pending High Output Camera/LED Docking Light that will be going on ocean cruisers in 2023 with a major boat builder in the industry.

“We can’t wait to meet with boat builders and customizers from all over the world. It has been a time of great change here at Marine Sport Lighting. We have released some great solutions and I can’t wait to show them off. We have developed dozens of boat builder relationships at past IBEX shows, and this year will be no different.” Steven Jergensen, President of Marine Sport Lighting.

Marine Sport Lighting will be on the floor exhibiting in the CPS Sales & Manufacturing booth from Tuesday, October 3rd until Thursday October 5th at the Tampa Convention Center. This is a very technical show full of Engineers and Project Managers ready to source and integrate products.

Find out More about Marine Sport Lighting by visiting www.marinesportlighting.com

SEMA Report: Specialty Automotive Aftermarket Supports More Than 1 Million American Jobs, $100 Billion in Wages and Benefits

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.28.23) – New economic data released shows the significant impact that the specialty equipment aftermarket for motor vehicles has on America’s economy–and just what it means for people across the country.

Amid the ongoing United Auto Workers strike at the Big Three car manufacturers, the report provides compelling data that the specialty automotive aftermarket is robust, despite the challenging economic environment.

SEMA commissioned the research, which was conducted by John Dunham & Associates and based on 2023 U.S. economy data. SEMA represents more than 7,000 member businesses, the vast majority being small businesses, across the United States. The industry manufactures, sells and distributes aftermarket performance and accessory parts for passenger cars, trucks and 4-wheel off-road vehicles.

The “SEMA Economic Impact Report” shows the financial output and support to the U.S. economy of the specialty-equipment market.

There are several key findings in the report:

  • Nationwide, the specialty-equipment industry supports more than 1.3 million American jobs.
  • More than $104 billion worth of wages and benefits earned by American workers annually are supported by the industry.
  • The industry accounts for more than $40 billion in taxes, including $24 billion in federal taxes and $16 billion in state and local taxes), which support the development of critical national and local infrastructure.
  • The industry contributes more than $336 billion to the American economy annually.

These businesses employ more than twice the number of people as the U.S. aircraft industry and more people than the entire motion picture and video production industry. The aftermarket industry helps small businesses to grow, create new jobs and hire more workers, and builds partnerships that expand local economies across the United States.

This economic impact study complements the industry’s annual market report on consumer trends. Consumers spent $52 billion on specialty automotive aftermarket products in 2022.

SEMA has released an interactive map that provides users with state-by-state, congressional and state-house and senate data in addition to the national numbers.

“We’re extremely proud that our industry represents such a key part of America’s economy, affecting any motorist who has upgraded their vehicle for a host of needs,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA’s president and CEO. “SEMA’s 7,000-plus members, which are primarily small businesses and the more than one million workers in the specialty aftermarket, are extraordinary contributors to making the United States and local economies stronger across the country. It’s an industry that, one way or another, everyone has a stake in. It provides people with good-paying jobs, and our local, state and federal coffers with taxes that grow our country’s economy. SEMA’s ecosystem is a powerhouse economic engine driving positive change, innovation and opportunity to America’s big cities and small towns, working families and small businesses. The specialty-equipment aftermarket has proven to be a vibrant industry that delivers economic support to all 50 states.”

Visit sema.org for more.

Tint World Tops All Automotive Franchises with FRANdata FUND Score of 885

BOCA RATON, FL (09.28.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers ranks among the top 2% of all franchise businesses and is ranked #1 in the automotive sector for franchisee financing creditworthiness based on independent research by leading franchise market intelligence firm FRANdata.

Tint World’s 2023 FRANdata FUND score of 885 leads all other automotive franchises. The company’s high score reflects Tint World’s proven value and financial reliability for franchisees.

The FUND score is a franchise credit score that rates 12 credit risk categories such as franchise business success rates, franchise unit profitability, and franchisee support. Top-scoring brands such as Tint World excel in each of these metrics, making it easy for lenders to do business with them. The FRANdata FUND score is widely regarded as the best predictor of the future performance of a franchise system that publicly available information can provide.

“Our mission at Tint World is to support the success and growth of our franchisees, and this ranking reinforces that message,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “In addition to a world-class franchise system that mitigates risk for our franchisees, we also offer them unique access to a network of top trusted lenders. Ultimately, our track record of outstanding performance means our franchisees can invest with confidence that the Tint World brand will continue growing and building value.”

FRANdata is an industry-leading research and consulting firm offering market intelligence that enables clients to grow their business in franchising. The FUND scoring system is embraced by banks of all sizes that collectively represent over $5 trillion in assets. Even regulators have acknowledged the importance of FUND scores as a credit risk monitoring tool for banks.

“The FUND scores provide a quantifiable measure of Tint World’s strong foundation, positioning us firmly for future growth and expansion,” said Tint World Chief Investment Officer Jonathan Norman. “These scores reflect our commitment to ensuring the continued success of all our franchisees while highlighting our financial stability, operational efficiency, and strategic vision.”

FUND Reports quantify for a lender how a franchise system’s performance and characteristics affect the likelihood of a loan default. Used in conjunction with an assessment of the franchisee borrower, lenders are able to determine the overall risk profile associated with a loan, set appropriate terms, and establish appropriate loan capital reserves. FRANdata produces hundreds of FUND Scores annually for lenders that represent the majority of SBA franchise financing and supports commercial lending to franchising as well.

“Over four decades, Tint World has consistently produced impressive outcomes,” remarked Darrell Johnson, CEO of FRANdata. “This has established them as a coveted franchise option within the automotive sector. They understand the significance of assisting their franchisees in securing financing. Their FUND score attests to the substantial benefits the franchise offers its franchisees, coupled with their unwavering commitment to supporting their future success.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

RPM Hosted A Very Successful Annual Dealer Show At The Marconi Auto Museum

TUSTIN, CA (09.27.23) – “We are very happy to report the RPM Annual Dealer Show connected industry players, enthusiasts, and families as we envisioned. The event was set against the backdrop of the Marconi Auto Museum which a haven for automotive enthusiasts throughout the area. Our Annual Dealer Show 2023 delivered an experience that engaged and delighted attendees of all backgrounds” Eddie Ramirez related for RPM.

For the event museum cars were placed on perimeter racks to clear showroom space. In the Vendor Showcase area tables were setup showing the latest innovations and products from a number of top brands in the mobile electronics industry. Automotive Data Solutions, Autotek, Compustar, DroneMobile, Hifonics, JVC, Kenwood, Lucas Lighting, Metra Electronics, Racesport Lighting, Soundskins and Triton Audio were spotlighted.

RPM’s Eddie Ramirez with Ron Trout (R) JVC National Sales Manager.

Well attended Tech Trainings took place in separate areas. Attendees picked up goodie bags and swag plus registered for raffle prizes that included a 75” TV, Blackstone Grill, Apple products and mobile electronics gear.

The Sunday date brought families to the event.

Matt Yerger presented the Maestro Training session where he spotlighted the Maestro iDatalink which is the pinnacle of radio replacement solutions on the market. “The RPM Dealer Show really brought together dealers in the area in a family friendly setting. During the session we showed dealers easy-to-install solutions that transform the ease of installation and save time in the install bay,” Yerger commented.

Matt Yerger conducting the packed Maestro training session.

Jeff Meece, Meece Car Audio, made the 106 mile trip from Lancaster CA to Tustin for the RPM Dealer Show. Jeff’s 16 year old daughter Taylor was in the passenger’s seat. “My daughter Taylor is a car enthusiasts. See loved the event, the Ferrari and understood what Matt was saying in the Maestro session. The venue that RPM selected was terrific. That, plus the Sunday date, promoted the show as a family event and several dealers brought their wives and kids. I really liked this more than other 12volt events I have attended” Meece stated.

Marconi Auto Museum cars were moved to perimeter racks to make room for the RPM Show floor.

Josh Eatherly, EDA Director of Business Development, was in the house in Tustin. “The show was a great opportunity for EDA partner brands Kenwood, JVC, Metra, ADS, Clarion, Firstech, RDV, SPlbox, NuFilm, Triton and Alliance to interface directly with RPM dealers. Southern California is a challenging market to see dealers so having access to over 125 people in one place was immeasurable. We were writing orders with RPM all day” Eatherly related.

As attendees spent time at the event checking out the Vendor Showcase, outside Maxxsonics area and in training sessions they developed an appetite. Food trucks with burgers and tacos energized and brought a smile to the faces off all during the day.

Hifonics amplifiers were spotlighted on this unique 4-Wheel display.

RPM staff members who worked very hard to bring the Annual Dealer Show to life included Ricardo Franco, Maria Perez-Lopez, Edgar Moreno, Carlos Moreno Robert Peerez, David Lopez and Eddie Ramirez.

Concluding Ramirez offered “We think there is a real need and benefit to shows like our Annual Dealer Show. As we made deliveries Monday following the show several dealers who attended our show thanked of drivers for the great show. We thank all our vendor partners, presenters and dealers for contributing to the success of our 2023 Annual Dealer Show. A special thank you also to our staff members who worked the extra hours to bring all together for the successful RPM Annual Dealer Show.”

For more information visit website rpmsalesgroup.com.

MECP Debuts First Industry-Specific Career Finder Page on MECP.com

NASHVILLE, TN (09.27.23) – The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional Program (MECP) has launched a new career finder page on its website, which can be seen by clicking Career Finder in the menu on the MECP website.

The new page offers an industry-specific place for employers to post available job or career opportunities for free and the first easy-to-use way for candidates to search for opportunities by location, category, and even the expected pay rate offered by the employer. Opportunities can be “Featured” for a small fee, but any job of any type can be posted for free by submitting the form at the link on the page.

“Two of the foundational principles we have at MECP are the education of the workforce in this industry and to grow and foster a highly functional workforce for the retailers and manufacturers within it,” said Kris Bulla, President of MECP. “It made sense for us to develop an efficient way for employers to post opportunities to attract new candidates and for the candidates to find and explore new opportunities easily on our site.”

The engine that powers the page is custom developed to accommodate the many types of roles within the industry and to be able to sort and find them easily. From typical Retailer Technician roles based in a single store location to a regional rep or mobile fleet installation service that can cover one or more regions, it’s a powerful way to get the opportunity information out and an efficient way to filter the results for job seekers. The candidate can see the description of the opportunity and its MECP requirements and view images of the workplace, links to the online company job description, an online application, and a detailed map of the location or coverage area if the submission includes those items.

Employers can submit a new opportunity by filling out the form here: https://bit.ly/MECPCareerOpportunity

Candidates can look for new opportunities here: https://mecp.com/career-finder/

For more information about posting a job or career opportunity, visit the website or contact the MECP team at administrator@mecp.com.

DroneMobile Unveils First Dash Cam to Create an All-in-One Solution with Remote Start, Security and Tracking Technology

SEATTLE, WA (09.26.23) – Firstech LLC, a pioneer in after-market vehicle security and remote start, today announced the launch of the DroneMobile XC Dash Cam, the first dash camera to seamlessly integrate with compatible remote start and security systems so users can see what’s happening in and around their car in real-time from their smartphone.

DroneMobile XC can be installed as a 2K QHD standalone dash cam with GPS tracking and LTE connectivity or added to a security and remote start system. While driving, DroneMobile XC continuously records from the moment the car starts moving until the ignition is turned off. When parked, security sensors will trigger the dash cam to record and send a push notification when it detects incidents like a shopping cart bump, hit-and-run collision, attempted break-in, or unauthorized towing.

“The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam offers eyes on your car and the road like never before,” said Justin Lee, marketing director for Firstech. “With the integration of a dash cam into compatible car alarm and remote start systems, we’re introducing new ways to interact with the DroneMobile app to view live video streams, control, secure and track your car all in one place.”

The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam revolutionizes the way drivers protect their vehicles with its suite of advanced features:

  • High-Definition, Wide-Angle Lens: Equipped with a 2K (2560×1440) front camera that features a Sony STARVIS sensor, the DroneMobile XC delivers 154 degrees of surveillance coverage and captures detailed footage at 30 frames per second in most lighting conditions.
  • Live View from Anywhere: DroneMobile XC provides the latest snapshot from your dash camera right on the home screen of the DroneMobile app. Tap into Live View to see real-time footage, streamed via LTE powered by AT&T, around your vehicle from virtually anywhere.
  • Secure Backup to the Cloud: Any videos a user marks as favorites or important are automatically and securely backed up to the cloud. The DroneMobile app provides convenient access to preview and download recordings to ensure vital moments are captured to protect against theft, vandalism, or accidents.
  • Sleek Profile: DroneMobile XC’s small physical dimensions ensure an unobstructed view of the road.
  • Optional Interior or Rear Camera: DroneMobile XC allows for improved surveillance coverage with an additional video input to connect an interior or rear camera.
  • Expandable Memory Storage: DroneMobile XC has 64 GB of local storage and can be expanded to 256 GB with a compatible micro SD card. With increased storage capacity, your videos are saved longer before they’re overwritten by newer footage.
  • Seamless Installation: Even when installed with a remote start/alarm, DroneMobile XC offers streamlined installation with vehicle-specific t-harnesses to reduce hardwired connections inside of the vehicle.

The latest version of the highly-rated DroneMobile app includes all the exciting new DroneMobile XC Dash Cam functionality. It is available now from the Apple App Store and Google Play. In addition to iPhone and Android apps, the DroneMobile XC Dash Cam can be controlled with Apple Watch, Android OS smartwatches, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s voice assistant Siri.

While a DroneMobile subscription is not necessary for a local Wi-Fi connection, a subscription is required to connect the dash cam via LTE. Plans are available for control and tracking starting at $3.99 per month, while LTE livestreaming plans will cost an additional $7.00 per month.

Interior camera
Rear camera

DroneMobile XC Dash Cam works with the leading aftermarket remote start and alarm system brands, including Compustar, Arctic Start, NuStart, and FTX, ensuring compatibility with over 95% of vehicles on the road today, including manual transmissions, diesels, European models, and many more.

The DroneMobile XC Dash Cam will be available in Winter 2023 at a retail price of $379.99, not including labor required for installation. DroneMobile XC will be available for purchase and installation at over 2,000 authorized retailers in North America – all offering professional installers trained by Firstech.

To learn more about the new DroneMobile XC Dash Cam, visit: www.dronemobile.com/xc-lte-dash-cam

Find an authorized dealer near you: https://www.dronemobile.com/find-a-dealer

Audio Edge Joined KENWOOD and Rockford Fosgate at the 2023 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally

ROGERS, AR (09.26.23) – The Audio Edge Team rolled out of the company’s Nederland TX home at 5 AM on Monday September 18th for the 530 mile trip to Rogers, AR. Owner Chris Hulin was behind the wheel of the F350 pulling a 24’ trailer filled with tools, accessories and supplies needed to complete installations on dozens and dozens of bikes at the Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally that ran September 27-30 in Rogers, AR.

Team members Cody Gressett, James Duvall and Seth Hollier joined Hulin in the F350 cab on the 12 hour trip.

At 5 AM Monday morning Chris Hulin snapped this image in the Audio Edge parking lot in Nederland TX ready to head to Rogers AR.
From Day 1 the Rally was busy in the Rockford Fosgate and KENWOOD area.

The 2023 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Rally was definitely impacted by weather. A total of 10” of rain fell during the week. The first night high wind took out a big tent. As the days passed the weather improved and the event finished under a sunny sky.

During the Rally KENWOOD staff members Tim Hill and Marcus Vasconcellos were under the tent showing bikers product, doing demos and closing sales along with the Audio Edge Team that completed installations.

Each night of the Rally the Audio Edge crew worked late under the lights.
All was well organized for the Audio Edge team with the trailer and install bays.

Momentum Marketing firm members were under the Rockford Fosgate tents during the event. Hector Mena, Gary Biggs, Jimmy Bradfield and Jorge Grijalva worked to show and demo Rockford Fosgate’s extensive line of motorcycle products.

Gary Biggs related, “The Bikes, Blues and BBQ event was was great. We did have rain several days but it did not keep many bikers from coming. We were busy the entire show. Audio Edge has been a strong Rockford Fosgate dealer for many years. We definitely enjoyed spending time with their team during the event.”

Amazing bikes were loaded with the latest from Rockford Fosgate.
Lots of Kenwood power added to this bike.

“This was our fifth trip to the Rally in Rogers and it was another very good trip that we are planning again in 2024. We completed KENWOOD and Rockford Fosgate installations on dozens and dozens of bikes from 8 in the mornings until all jobs were done well into the nights. We did a lot of 2 and 4 speaker installs and quite a few older bikes. The biggest job was a done the last day and was right at $7500. Rockford Fosgate Stage 5 products and radio plus a Kenwood motorcycle camera system were installed. When we packed up for the trip home we didn’t have much inventory on the trailer. We gauged it pretty well based on past trips to Rogers,” Hulin related.

The KENWOOD, Momentum Marketing and Audio Edge teams stayed in a large, very nice rental house on a lake close to the Rally site. ”We ate a lot of pizza, sandwiches and BBQ from food trucks during the day and enjoyed dinners on the grill at the house. Spending time with the KENWOOD and Momentum Team members was a terrific opportunity to talk bike, industry and what’s happening in the world around us,” Hulin added.

It would be a fun ride with this lady biker!
Lots of swag for bikers who added big sound to their rides for the trip home.

Overall attendance at the 2023 Sturgis Rally was reported to be down a bit and weather was certainly a contributing factor.

Concluding, Hulin offered, “We are all very glad to be home. During the rally we talked with hundreds of bikers about what they enjoyed listening to their systems on the road. We will be able to utilize that info as we talk to bikers here at our store. When they hear about out trips to Rogers and Sturgis they know we are the bike experts. The crew at the store did a great job while we were gone. Sales are good in Nederand and we are already getting ready to attend a few more bike rallies. Bike sales are definitely an important and a growing part of our business.”

Sylvester Electronics Invites Remote Start Dealers to Visit Its Online “Security & Remote Start Showcase”

CUMBERLAND, RI (09.26.23) – Sylvester Electronics, a Wholesale Electronics Distributor since 1976.a leading B2B provider of remote start systems and accessories, today announced that it is inviting all retail dealers who install and service remote starters to visit its “Remote Starter Showcase”  to see it’s selection of products from manufacturers such as Astrostart, Avital, Audiovox, AutoMate, Carlink, Crimestopper, Directed, Excalibur, Fortin, Flash Logic, iDatalink, iDatastart, Midcity Engineering, Omega R&D, Prestige, Pursuit, Python, 

Tom Sylvester with the Security & Remote Start Showcase page on the monitor in his Cumberland RI office.

The Sylvester Electronics  showroom features a wide variety of remote start systems and accessories, including:

  • Remote Starters 
  • Remote Start & Alarm
  • Alarm
  • Interface
  • Telematics
  • RF Transmitter Kit
  • T-Harness
  • Keyless Entry
  • Accessory
  • Transmitters

Sylvester Electronics is committed to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services. The”Remote Start Showcase” is located at https://sylves.com/category/security-remote-start_337/

“We are excited to welcome remote start dealers to check out our selection,” said Thomas Sylvester, GM at Sylvester Electronics. “We have a wide selection of products to choose from, and our team of experienced professionals here to help dealers make the right decision for their needs.”