HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (07.24.23) – The weekend of July 22nd and 23rd Huntinton Beach Harley Davidson hosted the Customer Appreciation Event and Bikini Bike Wash. A PowrBass Team-Erik Harbour, Juan Quintana, Meny Fischer and Winston, was on site to sspotlight the XL-PS200 motorcycle handle bar pods.In addition, for summertime fun, portable Bluetooth speakers were under the PowerBass tent out front.
Erik Harbour and Juan Quintana (R) flank Huntington Beach Harley Davidson staff holding PowerBass pods and portable speakers outside the dealership.
Juan Quintana with the PowerBass booth after setup.
“Our friend Serra is the Marketing Manager at the Harley dealership. We have been habging out for awhile and thought showcasing the pods could be a good opportunity to let bikers know about them. We set it up and were onsite at the event over the weekend” Harbour, PowwrBass VP, related.
The Huntington Beach Harley Davidson invitation to the weekend event.
At the event the free Bikini Bike happened Saturday. Both days food and refreshments were served with tacos from Bladys Tacos on Saturday and free subway sandwiches on Sunday. Attendees also played Plinko for free prizes.
The PowerBass portable Bluetooth speakers on display for event attendees to check out.
Anastasia rewards Winston with a treat for his hard work.
“Attendees a the event were very impressed with the pods and most didn’t know about them. We had the portable speakers displayed under the tent and gave out a lot of PowerBass lanyards. The ladies working the event for the dealership really liked the portable speakers and commented on the great sound. We are looking at ways for Serra to set up a display in the dealership soon” Harbour stated.
“It was a long hot Saturday for the 44 mile round trip from the PowerBass office to Huntington Beach. But looking back it was time well spent” Harbour concluded.
Great to see companies getting out of the office. Jammin’ N July at events can drive sales.
CORONA, CA (07.24.23) – GCH Automotive Systems just launched a new Toyota CarPlay upgrade kit with some crazy pricing. “We are pushing it at 299. wholesale any quantity!” Greg Delgado stated.
Greg Delgado with the new Toyota CarPlay Upgrade Kit in his Corona CA office.
Continuing “What makes this kit better is a few things, including new and improved video processor for upgraded picture, self calibrating for resolution, screen configuration to speed up install time, full wireless for both Android Auto and CarPlay and of course a 3 year warranty!”
Specs and installation chart for the new Toyota Car Play kit.
SHREVEPORT LA (07.22.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Kurtz Car Stereo won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 229 on Friday morning, July 21st.
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 229th time on Friday morning July 21st. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the Kurtz Car Stereo 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 retailer in Traverse City MI and gave the news to John Ryan that Patrick Brooks will get the NavAtlas prize will be headed that way.
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 and 901 Sound in Memphis TN.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, July 28th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.21.23) – Registration for the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders, the aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition, is now open at www.semabotb.com. The program is celebrating 10 years of providing SEMA Show builders a platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience.
“The SEMA Show is synonymous with the most unique vehicles in the world, and for 10 years the Battle of the Builders program has given the builders of these vehicles an opportunity to showcase their imagination, creativity, and craftsmanship at an international level,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “This year’s program will feature the top builders and brands exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show as we crown our 10th Battle of the Builders Champion.”
Since 2014, Battle of the Builders has catapulted SEMA Show builders to fame through exposure in SEMA’s communication and social channels and inclusion in a one-hour television special. The competition recognizes one winner in four different categories — Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and Young Guns — before crowning and overall Battle of the Builders Champion.
The Young Guns category, open to builders 29 years and younger, is part of SEMA’s initiative to support and encourage the next generation of builders in the industry. All Young Guns entries submitted before August 15 have the opportunity to compete in one or more virtual Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a prize package that includes transportation of the vehicle to the SEMA Show.
“The SEMA Young Guns competition was the single-most powerful tool for me to turn my passion for building cars into a full-time career,” said Kyle Kuhnhausen, winner of the 2018 Young Guns title and current Battle of the Builders judge. “The media coverage that followed after winning the category took me from a relatively unknown young builder to self-employment building hot rods full time just months later. I’m still building hot rods, and the phone is still ringing as I continue feeling the benefits of the competition and now get to judge that category.”
The 2023 SEMA Show (www.semashow.com), taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. Participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable, and provides the greatest return on investment.
“SEMA remains committed to showcasing the hard work and stories behind the amazing builds that are displayed every year at the SEMA Show,” added de Vera. “From established builders to the next generation of modifiers, the 2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition will reflect the broad range of vehicles and talent in the industry.”
For more information on the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or to register, visit www.semabotb.com. The deadline to register is October 13.
SPARTANBURG, SC (07.21.23) – Elite Audio has served the Spartanburg area since the early 1990’s and recently celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion a custom 30 Year T-shirt was developed by owner Joe Zelano just over a year ago.
“It has been a fun journey to reach the now 30 years plus and we thought a custom high quality T-shirt would be popular our customers and it has been really popular. We have made posts on Instagram about the T-Shirt and the response has been very strong with followers coming into the store to get one.”
The son of a good customer took his Elite Audio T to Rome and made this post from the Coliseum.
Continuing “Our customers have taken their Elite Audio T’s on vacation trips around the globe and made social media posts while on their trips. Recently the son of a very good customer made a post with his Elite Audio T while in the Coliseum in Rome Italy. Earlier this year a dealer made a post with his Elite Audio T at the Mayan Ruins in Mexico. It is so special when we see those posts from around the globe. Great to know we connect with people in Spartanburg and far, far away.”
An Elite Audio T at the Mayan Ruins in Mexico.
The Elite Audio staff includes 7 full time professionals plus 2 part time employees. The product mix includes car audio, video, remote start, safety, convenience, connectivity, wheels, tires, suspension, lighting and accessories. The Powersports, bike and marines categories have become strong categories in recent years.
PITTSBURGH, PA (07.21.23) – The Pittsburgh Grand Prix is 10 consecurive days of races, car shows and parties that take place across the city from July 14th thru the 23rd. Team Nutz was on site thru the day of Cruise Night on Tuesday July 18th.
The Team Nutz booth set on Tuesday morning.
“We have participated in previous Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix events. We just participate one day as the other days don’t have vendor spots until the end of the day’s event. The day of the Car Cruise night was a way for us to put the Team Nutz brand in front of an audience of car enthusiasts” Ed Nuttall related.
Team Nutz had a variety of vehicles to showcase and demo products.
Fuel Required is a Classic Car Dealership soon to open as an addition to the Team Nutz automotive related companies.
Team Nutz had multiple vehicles under the tent along side the trailers. Multiple coolers were filled with bottled water for attendees during the very hot day and evening. Along side the Team Nutz event booth was the Fuel Required booth which is a Classic Car Dealership Nuttall is in the process of opening.
Nuttall concluded “We had 10 staff members on hand through the day and handed out over 500 fliers and did many, many demos. This was a team building event that helps us keep our brand in the public eye. In addition, it was a nice break from the office and gave us the opportunity to connect with a large number of people across Pittsburgh.”
SEATTLE, WA (07.20.23) – Firstech is pleased to announce the U.S. distribution of the iDatastart HC4.5, a new flagship remote car starter by Automotive Data Solutions (ADS). The iDatastart HC4.5 (HC4652A) uses LoRa technology to offer an impressive range of up to 6,000 feet, along with an LCD remote that delivers two-way command confirmation and vehicle status in English, French, and Spanish.
The ultra-thin LCD remote features a 1.54″ TFT display with included screen protectors to keep it free from scuffs and scratches. A 190mAH lithium-ion, USB rechargeable battery powers the device for up to 60 days of use, while the low-power Arm Cortex-M4 MCU with 128kb of flash memory ensures efficient performance. The remote is the industry’s first to be updateable via Weblink, allowing installers and consumers alike to easily obtain new features and bug fixes via downloadable firmware.
Moreover, the iDatastart HC4.5 provides peace of mind by triggering two-way alarm alerts in case of a break-in. It can also be paired with DroneMobile for controlling, monitoring, and tracking a vehicle from a smartphone.
The HC4.5 remote starter is the latest co-release by Firstech and ADS, who have a proven history of delivering groundbreaking technologies to the 12-volt industry. In 2007, Firstech and ADS co-released the revolutionary “BLADE-AL”, the first-ever cartridge-style immobilizer bypass module. Several years later, the two companies released the DC3 all-in-one remote starter, which remains one of Firstech’s best selling products.
As is the case with other iDatastart remote starters, the HC4.5 offers a universal wire harness or optional vehicle-specific t-harnesses for streamlined installation. All iDatastart systems are web- programmable from a phone, tablet, or desktop using the Weblink App and come with free access to detailed installation guides.
The iDatastart HC4.5 is available as a complete remote start system ($449.99 MSRP) or remote upgrade kit ($219.99 MSRP) and is exclusively offered by Firstech and authorized sub-distributors in the U.S.A.
BOCA RATON, FL (07.20.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was recognized as one of the Best of the Best Franchises in 2023 by Entrepreneur. The ranking, which is featured in the July/August issue of Entrepreneur magazine and on Entrepreneur.com, highlights the brands from Entrepreneur’s 2023 Franchise 500 ranking that ranked at the top of their industry categories. Tint World was ranked No. 1 in the window tinting category.
Charles Bonfiglio and Tint World have embraced franchises across the US and around the globe.
“At Tint World, our passion for growth is only matched by our commitment to quality,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “This prestigious ranking reflects our vision and strategy for long-term success, which is based on delivering the most trusted products and services to our customers and providing the industry’s most reliable, proven support systems to our franchisees.”
Entrepreneur’s Best of the Best Franchises ranking is based on information submitted for its annual Franchise 500 and is part of the brand’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace. The franchises selected as 2023’s Best of the Best are ranked not only in the increasingly competitive Franchise 500 list this year but also at the top of their respective industry categories, based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. There are 152 categories represented this year, a testament to the ever-growing diversity of industries represented in the franchise world.
“Everyone wants to join a winning team, and that’s why we love making this annual Best of the Best Franchises list,” said Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “The companies on this list exemplify what it takes to thrive in franchising: They are innovative and nimble, but also stable and growing. They are truly the best of the best.”
MEDFORD, MA (07.20.23) – The Solder Master products, formerly Aussie Irons, are now available in the US from Krank It Up.
Fawzi Alqudah, Krank It Up owner, related “We had been using Aussie Irons for years in our shop. The company recently experienced some changes and we took the opportunity to become the distributor for the new Solder Master brand in the US. We have inventory in stock and are ready to fill orders for 12volt retailers.”
Fawzi Alqudah and his son Josh (R) show the Solder Master kit in the Krank It Up store in Medford, MA.
The professional soldering iron saves time while heating quickly, is light weight and features a built-in working light. The cordless Solder Master, with built-in lithium battery and regulated temperature, lasts for weeks on a single charge. A 12volt charger is included for installers on the road.
Concluding “The Solder Master is a great tool for all 12volt retailers working in their shops making soldering connections.”
The complete Solder Master kit includes a carrying case with 2 soldering tips and is available for $349 including shipping.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.19.23) – ‘Jammin’ N July’… Chris Pace, Arrowhead Sales and Marketing, is doing just that with the firms JBL/Infinity demo trailer. It’s Summertime and time for 12volt industry members to ‘Crank It Up’ to connect with consumers and drive sales!
The JBL Demo Trailer had a great position at the end of an aisle.
On Saturday evening, July15th, in Independence MO Pace was set up with the JBL/Infinity demo trailer on the Noland Road Cruisin’ Strip. “Along the Noland Road strip of a couple miles there are 3 shopping centers that allow car shows and demos to take place. Noland Road is a magnet for classic cars and hot rods. The center we were in has an AutoZone which is obviously a draw for vehicles. Food trucks also pass along the strip to make this a very busy time from 6 until 10 PM” Pace related.
The JBL demos take place on both sides… with one side dedicated to motorcycle and marine speakers.
Car Craft Magazine named Noland Road one of the top Cruise Srips in the USA a few years back.
Adding “I pulled in with our JBL/Infinity demo trailer and had a great spot at the end of a parking aisle. A door on each side of the trailer flips up and we have demos setup between JBL/Infinity speakers and various brands. One side is set up just to demo marine and motorcycle…Powerbars too. I know there were over 50 demos that really opened peoples ears and eyes. I also directed consumers to several local shops to stop in and add some JBL and Infinity to their rides.”
There was action late in the evening to hear demos of the 24 pairs of speakers on the trailer.
The Arrowhead Sales JBL/Infinity trailer is 5’ wide and 8’ long and has been a 3 year project from scratch to this point. Additional graphics are in the works plus a 2-sided banner for the top to draw more attention at events. Batteries on board can drive demos for 8 hours.
Concluding “More shows are popping up and dealers are contacting Arrowhead to bring the JBL/Infinity trailer as another draw to get draw attention to their stores. In Independence we opened a lot of eyes with the Bass Pro Hub. No one new it existed and it’s so perfect for a classic car trunk.”
Arrowhead Sales and Marketing represents JBL, Infinity and Epsilon brands in the MINK states… Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. Contact Chris Pace at arrowheadsales@icloud.com.
The Arrowhead Sales JBL demo trailer will be on site at car shows and dealer events across the MINK states this summer.
Jammin’ N July themed activities by proactive 12volt companies, organizations and 12volt retailers can utilize social media to create consumer awareness and traffic into their stores… and very importantly drive sales. Sound-Off events and in-person activities are once again creating excitement. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N July.
Cases of ice cold water are very appreciated on hot summer days at events.
From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-469-2526. PRESTO. Your company’s and positive activities could be in the 12volt News.
As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N July!
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