Alpine to Attend the Annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.26.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the 2023 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in booth 402 from Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29 where they will have vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.

Two Alpine 2018 Jeep® Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep® driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep®interior and retain the features Jeep® drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready® head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep® driver.

A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep® Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep® specific solutions designed for older Jeep® Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.

Two Alpine-customized Jeeps will also be onsite to demonstrate the music-loving active weekender lifestyle of the Jeep® driver. “Hellbender,” Alpine’s 2017 Jeep® Wrangler, features a tee shirt cannon and custom-built motorized sled that pulls out from the rear of the vehicle to reveal two custom black Alpine I.C.E. Coolers.

An airconditioned Alpine Event Trailer will be parked on-site at the booth for visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology.

All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine staff and Alpine Authorized Retailer Soudwaves will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep®

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

Mobile Solutions’ In-Person Hot Rod Build School Is A Success

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TEMPE, AZ (04.26.23) – Mobile Solutions in-house training kicked off its first 2023 event with the Hot Rod Build School 4-day training this past April 15-18. The class featured many new topics that relate to the design, fabrication and finishing materials of custom vehicle interiors. Lead instructor and Mobile Solutions founder/CEO Bryan Schmitt said “Following the successful second MasterTech Expo, we wanted to highlight many of the important hands-on, close up processes that attendees specifically asked for during a more intimate class and shop setting.”

Over the four action-packed class days, nearly 25 attendees were led by a team of 5 instructors in the disciplines of metal fabrication, 3D router work, plastics, lighting, upholstery and more. The instructors included:

• Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions (@mobilesolutionsfabrication)
• Chris Pate of MTI Acoustics (@mtiacoustics)
• Justin Kush of MTI Acoustics (@i_am_fabzilla)
• Wesley Cato of Anything Car Audio (@anything_audio_upholstery)
• Doug Dobson of HKI/Tury (FB – Doug Dobson)

“We presented so many new and cutting-edge techniques in this class that even the seasoned veteran fabricators found many new and exciting tricks to elevate their projects” adds Schmitt. Justin Kush and Chris Pate built an entire trunk in two days that was separate from the class project. Doug Dobson is known as an all-around helpful team player on these projects. Wesley Cato is one of the resident guest upholstery experts at Mobile Solutions classes.

April 2023 Hot Rod Build School workshop topics included:
• How to conceptualize a design and convert to something you can build
• Detailed router work examples for greater precision and efficiency
• Using aluminum in multiple ways for serviceable panel construction and cosmetic interest
• How to seam different materials together (vinyl, suede & carpet)
• New vinyl embossing techniques to personalize hot rod interior design
• New diamond pattern panel technique to emulate upscale vehicle interiors
• Technical vinyl wrapping examples with time-saving tools and preparation
• Where to find premium OEM-grade leather, vinyl, fabric, glue and supplies

Schmitt noted what’s different about in-person training at Mobile Solutions is the diversity of ever-evolving content, the breadth of knowledge and skillsets from the guest presenters and that each attendee does hands-on work with their own take home class projects. Alan Lindgren from Speed of Sound LLC in Memphis, TN said “With custom fabrication representing such a large portion of my business, these classes are invaluable. Attendees are able to take away much more than a few new shop techniques. It’s a comprehensive overview covering business practices, effective shop setup/management and of course, advanced fab skills in many areas”

The class project for this workshop was fashioned after a muscle car or hot rod rear parcel shelf with numerous layers of detail options each attendee could personalize. “Although the project focused on a rear deck application, the techniques from design to execution all transfer to other panels or parts of the interior” said Chris Pate, guest instructor. Justin Kush also taught a session on lighting and design work in the 3D CAD program called Procreate 3D.

NC Carpet and Apex Leather stepped in to support the Hot Rod Build School class with sewing machines and upholstery supplies & materials to ensure all projects were finished to a high degree of quality. Each attendee of course takes their project home to display their new capabilities to their clientele.

Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2024 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 3-6, 2024 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.

DEI Sponsors Triple Crown of Rodding

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AVON LAKE, OH (04.26.23) – Design Engineering Inc., (DEI) will be the official heat-and-sound control sponsor of the Triple Crown of Rodding, a new premier event for hot rods and trucks, at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon Tenn., September 8 and 9, 2023. The Triple Crown of Rodding showcases hot rods, customs, classics and muscle cars through 1972 and American-made trucks through 1998.

The Triple Crown of Rodding event was inspired by Shades of the Past, an event that was held for more than 40 years the weekend after Labor Day in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. When that show ended in 2022, Bobby Alloway of Alloway’s Rod Shop teamed up with Gary Case of Stylin’ Concepts and the Sport Truck Nationals to create an automotive event unlike any other, the Triple Crown of Rodding.

“The Triple Crown of Rodding is going to be a one-of-a-kind event. It is going to take you back to the days when car shows were really big events. Not just a show to bring your car to. That’s why we just had to be involved. With the star power of the best builders, the very best of the best vehicles in the country, and all of the DEI customers that showcase our products in their builds in one location, we just had to be a part of it,” said Steve Garrett, Creative Director, DEI. “This is going to be a good one for years to come.”

The Triple Crown of Rodding will feature an elite-level awards program with more than 40 state-of-the-art trophies including the Triple Crown Winners: Best Street Rod, Best Street Machine, Best Street Cruiser, Best Truck (up to ’72) Best Truck (’73-’87) and Best Truck (’88-’98). A brand new 2023 Chevrolet Pickup Hot Rodded by Alloway’s Rod Shop will be given away by luck-of-the-draw to one lucky registered participant.

And if you want star power, there is a long list of A+ builders that will be there that use DEI products, doing meet-and-greets, showcasing their builds, and choosing their favorite vehicles for their very own custom award and trophy. Meet celebrity builders like Phil and Jeremy Gerber (Roadster Shop), Jonathan Goolsby (Goolsby Customs), Jesse Greening (Greening Auto Company), Alan Johnson (Johnson’s Hot Rods), and many more top line builders and celebrities.

For more information about the Triple Crown of Rodding, visit www.triplecrownofrodding.com. For DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.

Oracle Lighting’s New Oculus Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco Now Shipping

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METAIRIE, LA (04.25.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce its new patented Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco (p/n 5886-001/005/0023) is now shipping with an MSRP of $789.95.

“Our new Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights features a unique modular design, easy plug-and-play installation, and advanced LED projection with 5,200 Lumens of high-quality illumination for enhanced driver visibility in all weather conditions,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The Oculus headlight is compatible with both the standard and signature Bronco lighting models.”

These headlights include precision LED lighting projector for optimum light distribution and beam angle and installs using original mounting hardware and headlight wiring without requiring additional relays or harnesses. Halo is available in White or Amber LED and features more than 200 bright LEDs for a vivid lighting impact.

“These all-new headlamps provide enhanced driver visibility with increased and focused LED light output,” Hartenstein continued. “It features a high-precision sharp cut-off line which reduces glare and prevents blinding oncoming traffic even when installed on lifted Broncos. The package also includes a tool for easy beam angle adjustability.”

The new modular design allows separate components (turn signal, marker lights, and mounting tabs) to be installed independently and provides a smaller packaging size for lower shipping costs for the end user and prevents possible shipping damage. The modular design also allows for these individual components to be replaced or upgraded down the road when future options are available.

“It is undeniably important to implement proper thermal management tools for high-performance LEDs to operate with reliability in various environments,” Hartenstein explained. “Oculus utilizes both active and passive cooling methods to sustain low LED temperatures. Remote mounted heat sinks and an internal cooling fan work in conjunction to insure proper temperature control and longevity of the LEDs.”

Light focus is very important for not only driver safety but others on the road that can potentially have their vision obstructed by glare. This is especially significant on lifted vehicles where the light source is raised and, in a position, to interfere with the field of vision of other drivers. These new Oculus headlights feature a very sharp cut-off line and focus light with precision specifically to avoid such issues.

Additional product specifications include:
• Headlight Wattage: 36W each
• Total Lumens: 5200LM
• Headlight Color Temp: 5500K (Pure White)
• Halo Color: Optional White or Amber LED or Amber/White Switchback
• Certification: DOT SAE 5839-504 HL VOR 19
• Patented Design: USPTO Patent D 877,404
• Designed and developed in the USA
• Warranty: 2 years

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

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

The Wholesale House (TWH) Named Deaf Bonce Car Audio Authorized Distributor

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HICKSVILLE, OH (04.25.23) – The Wholesale House (TWH) is extremely excited to add Deaf Bonce Car Audio to its already impressive lineup of 12-volt products. TWH and Deaf Bonce worked together through numerous emails and conversations, with TWH’s Jason Wisecup (Purchasing) securing the line for TWH.

“We are excited to add such a quality line of amplifiers, subwoofers and speakers. Deaf Bonce is a brand that a lot of our customers have been asking for and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” stated Wisecup. He continues with “TWH has been searching for the right partner to fill some big opportunities and we did just that!” The Wholesale House became an authorized distributor April 13th and after receiving our first truckload we are ecstatic to see it flying off the racks.

Check out the new lineup of Deaf Bonce at TWH. Call your sales rep or see the full line at www.twhouse.com

2023 SEMA Show Registration Opens May 1

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.25.23) – Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show opens May 1 at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade event taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry.

By bringing together all segments of the industry – including racing and performance, mobile electronics, hot rod and restoration, restyling and car care, collision repair, trucks, offroad, powersports, overlanding, and wheels and tires – the SEMA Show 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.

Registration for the 2023 SEMA Show opens May 1 at www.semashow.com/register. The annual trade event will take place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“With the worldwide automotive industry gathered together in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show gives attendees the once-a-year opportunity to connect as a global community,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA VP of Events. “Attendees build meaningful relationships, develop trust, and strengthen bonds that lead to partnerships and real results. They are engaging on a level that doesn’t compare to anything else.”

Registration of only $40 per person is open to buyers and attendees who sign up between May 1-June 30. Early registration also ensures that applicants will receive important news and updates about the SEMA Show in advance, including actual badges in the mail before the event in November.

“The most successful attendees at the SEMA Show are those who secure their badges early,” said Gattuso. “In addition to saving money, Showgoers who register early benefit by learning about special events, opportunities, and discounts.”

Upon registering, attendees will be guided on exclusive discounts for hotels, best practices for connecting with exhibitors, links to sign up for free educational seminars, details about networking events and activities, tips for navigating the Las Vegas Convention Center, the ability to request a travel visa, and more.

SEMA Show registration is offered in three primary categories – attendee, exhibitor, and media – and everyone must qualify to attend. For more information about qualifying documents and the 2023 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

KICKER Audio Went Overboard in Lake Havasu City at Desert Storm Events

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LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (04.24.23) – KICKER stretched West from Stillwater, OK to join dealers and fans with festivities at Desert Storm, running April 19-23, on Lake Havasu and in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

The KICKER XRV rolled out of KICKER HQ for the 1100 mile trip to Lake Havasu AZ. Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, was behind the wheel and Steven as the navigator as the XRV hit the road.

This was the 7th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 4 years KICKER has been onsite as the Title Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake with the Poker Run and boat parades through the days and evenings Friday and Saturday.

The Havasu Downtown Street Festival drew thousands to check out a variety of boats and vendors.

Tracy Focht related “Another amazing show in Havasu! The weather was perfect with a perfect vibe from the crowd. The people who attend Desert Storm are always happy, and just want to have a respectful good time with their friends and family. Thanks again to Elite Audio in Lake Havasu plus Eliminator Boats for showcasing the 27’. Also thanks to 187 Customs for allowing us to bring the Firedock of Street Outlaws that was a hit. Plus a big thank you to Frank and Annette Zepeda, owners of the BoomToon, for treating us like family.”

Continuing “The staff at Murfco provided strong assistance and equipment throughout the event. Desert Storm has grown into a family event and we love them all out there. We look forward to 2024!”

Dan Murphy’s Murfco is the Southern Nevada, Arizona and SoCal Rep Firm for KICKER.

The KICKER XRV drew attendees throughout Desert Storm to check out demo vehicles and the BoomRoom with 40,000 watts driving a wall of 15” subs.
This @havasuorbust post shows helicopters keeping up with powerboats.

Focht concluded “We feel this grass roots event is the perfect event to work directly with both boat manufacturers, dealers and end consumers. This allows us and our dealers to learn more about what customers are actually looking for and where the the target market is headed. Each year we work diligently to better our approach and showcase KICKER at the event.”

Jeremy Wynn offered “It’s so great to see attendees in and around the KICKER XRV. They definitely see and Hear, in the BoomRoom, KICKER was definitely Livin’Loud. Having Carlos Jimenez on site to connect with members of the crowd in the XRV BoomRoom worked out very well.”

Throughout the city the grounds were packed as attendees enjoyed the perfect weather and a wide variety of exhibits.

Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, is on site at many KICKER consumer events…including Desert Storm. Morrell related “The attendance at this year’s Desert Storm looked like an increase from last year. I was busy across the venue, including driving a filming boat on the lake, and got the feeling this year was bigger to 2022. We will watch for the attendance estimates to be released.”

Elite Audio in Lake Havasu showcased the 27’ Eliminator Boat.

From the first night kick-off vendor party, to the hustle of the street party, to the Poker Run and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2023 at Lake Havasu City was amazing. Lasting friendships were created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2023 KICKER went overboard and was definitely Livin’Loud.”

Visit kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

Sanford Sound Connects with Enthusiast on Tracks in the Area

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SANFORD, ME (04.24.23) – Jack Bogard, behind the wheel at Sanford Sound, is very active across the community in Sanford ME and the surrounding area as Sanford Sound continues to grow year over year.

Recently Sanford Sound logos appeared on the track at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. “The Alan Tardiss car looked super on the track at the Northeast Classic on April 15th. The Sanford Sound logos looked great on both sides” Bogard related.”

Jack Bogard with a young sponsored rider.

Bogard also participates by sponsoring drivers on short tracks, scooters and cycles too, closer to the Sanford ME home base.

“Being involved with drivers, young and old, allows us the connect with enthusiasts who have an interest in audio and upgrades in their daily drivers and other vehicles. They come into our store to check out options…and many times they bring fiends. I enjoy time at the track so ultimately it’s a win/win” Bogard stated.

Jack Bogard (R) and Alan Tardiss trackside at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway showing the Sanford Sound logos on the race car.
A sponsored race car in front of the Sanford Sound location in Sanford, ME.

Sanford Sound also has banners stage side at local concerts and is readying for the 27th Annual Show-N-Soud on Sunday July 30th at the company’s Sanford ME location. Be sure to meet Katherine…Ms Sanford Sound.

The Sanford Sound RZR was on display in the Memphis Audio booth at the GoFast Expo 23 as Jack Bogard and the team continued to be active across the 12volt industry.

Promo activity for the 27th Annual Show-n-Shine is underway.

Visit sanfordsound.com for more.

2023 NFL Draft to Air Live on SiriusXM

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NEW YORK, NY (04.24.23) – SiriusXM announced its coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft, which will feature live announcements of every selection from every round and in-depth analysis on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, as well as additional NFL Draft-focused programming on the SiriusXM College Sports Radio channel.

From the first round on Thursday, April 27, through the final round on Saturday, April 29, SiriusXM NFL Radio will broadcast onsite in Kansas City, MO. Live coverage will air Thursday and Friday from 7 pm – midnight ET/6 – 11 pm CT and Saturday from noon – 7 pm ET/11 am – 6 pm CT. Listeners will hear the announcements of all 32 teams’ selections through all seven rounds, as well as interviews with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and dozens of draftees, general managers and coaches.

SiriusXM NFL Radio’s NFL Draft broadcast team will be anchored by Jason Horowitz.  SiriusXM’s expert analysts all three days will be former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller and former coach Rick Neuheisel. 

Immediately following the conclusion of SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Draft broadcast each day, the channel will have live call-in shows where fans can share their reactions and discuss their favorite team’s picks. Alex Marvez and Kirk Morrison, a former third round selection, will host the Thursday and Friday post-Draft shows, and Zig Fracassi will be joined by former first round pick Ryan Leaf post-Draft on Saturday.

On Wednesday, April 26, Rick Neuheisel and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik will host a special SiriusXM NFL Radio show live from the NFL Play Football Draft Prospect Clinic and Community Event at Central High School in Kansas City from 11 am – 1 pm ET/ 10 am – noon CT. The show will feature one-on-one interviews with several of the NFL Draft prospects.

SiriusXM NFL Radio is available to subscribers nationwide in their cars (channel 88) and on the SXM App (https://siriusxm.us/SXMNFLRadio).

In addition to SiriusXM NFL Radio’s coverage, SiriusXM College Sports Radio (channel 84) will broadcast live from Taps on Main in downtown Kansas City on Thursday, April 27 and Friday, April 28 starting at 6 pm ET/5 pm PT through the final selection each day. Kris Budden will anchor these shows. She will be joined by Mark Dominik and former NFL players EJ Manuel, who was a first round pick in 2013, and Jacob Hester, a third round selection in 2008.

Alpine Launches TikTok Account to Reach the Next Generation of Audio Enthusiasts

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) today launched the TikTok account “@alpinesound” to reach a younger demographic of audio enthusiasts and further expand the Alpine brand.

“It’s no secret that the average age of the aftermarket car audio customer is increasing. That’s why social media platforms like TikTok are key in reaching a younger demographic,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America. “Alpine’s TikTok will be instrumental in introducing the brand to a younger audience who might be unfamiliar with aftermarket car audio.”

TikTok has seen rapid growth since its initial launch in 2016 and now boasts one billion active monthly users globally (150 million in the United States). With 80% of users between the ages of 16 – 34, more commonly referred to as Generation Z and Millennials, TikTok is quickly becoming a key social media platform to engage with the next generation.

While Alpine intends to promote products, demo vehicles, events, and traditional business activities using the entertaining, short-form video format made popular by the platform, the strategy behind the Alpine TikTok account is to engage with the younger audio enthusiast and identify new business opportunities that meet their unique interests.

New Ways of Marketing
Featuring short and long-form video content designed to be everything from entertaining to educational, TikTok is a powerful marketing tool when increasing brand awareness. The main use case of the platform is to share and engage with video content that connects an entire audience through music, dance, trends, brands, experiences, and more. This fast-paced and often reactive form of engagement has yielded success for companies when testing marketing messaging, brand campaigns, and increasing product awareness.

However, beyond its social use case, studies have shown that TikTok is quickly becoming the preferred search engine for younger users, and with advertising capabilities that link to a website, app, and future plans of an in-app checkout system, brands and retailers can assume that TikTok will become a platform where a large majority of the purchase decisions are made. Studies have also shown that 37% of users who discovered a product on TikTok ended up purchasing the product, giving a whole new value to the trend “TikTok made me buy it.”

Joining the TikTok platform allows long-time and new Alpine fans to engage with the brand, learn about local and national events, and see products in action in a casual, entertaining format. Down the road, Alpine intends to leverage its TikTok account to introduce new products and campaigns that are geared toward the platform’s younger audience in hopes of inspiring the new generation of audio enthusiasts to become Alpine fans.

TikTok users can find Alpine by searching the username “@alpinesound” or at www.tiktok.com/@alpinesound.