The RPM Team Traveled to the AIMEXPO in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV (02.24.23) – “The AIMEXPO was the best one I have attended. The Powersports industry used to have a huge show in Indianapolis that went away years ago. AIMEXPO has moved around from Orlando to Columbus, OH to Las Vegas and I have been to most of them. This was larger and I think they sold out of space in the upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendance was running double last year” Scott Hochmuth, Real Performance Marketing Principal, related.

The AIMEXPO took place on the upper level of the South Hall at the LVCC.
The new JBL Rally Bar grabbed a lot of attention along with Infinity Kappa products in the booth.

Continuing, “I was there along with our SC/FL rep Joe Stelmack and our Mid-Atlantic rep John Gray. We bounced from booth to booth all through the show running to meet with dealers and learning more about the product lines on the AIMEXPO show floor.”

The AIMEXPO ran from Wednesday to Friday February 7th-9th. The 12volt footprint was about a 50-50 footprint in 12Volt Audio and Powersports along with a nice cross-section in the Powersports and Marine Audio segment. RPM had six lines there including JBL that had booths and met with four more RPM lines that were there but were not showing. Overall a very successful trip.

Apparel is a growing category with motorcycle and Powersports enthusiasts.
E-Bikes is a growing category and RPM is seeing interest in the marketplace.

Concluding, Hochmuth relayed, “Overall it was a very successful trip, We had a helmet line, a clothing line, three e-bike lines, and JBL showing the new Rallybar to Powersports dealers for the first time. None of them have heard a soundbar with that kind of sound quality and low-frequency response. Pre-orders have been brisk. Expected to ship in Q2.”

The JBL booth staff and RPM team capped a busy day at the event with a dinner. (LtoR) Joe Stelmack-RPM, Fred Isensee-JBL, Troy Carter-Vanevery Marketing, John Gray-RPM, Scott Hochmuth-RPM, Jon Kluiter-VMC Pros and Shawn Spedding-JBL.

Scott Hochmuth supplied content for this article.

Visit realperformancemarketing.net for more.

Crux Offers New Interface for Factory Camera Installation in Select Ram and Jeep Vehicles

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RESEDA, CA (02.23.23) – Crux has released a radio replacement with SWC & Digital Camera Retention for select 2018 – up Dodge, Fiat, Jeep & Ram Vehicles. The SWRCR-59LV radio replacement interface retains steering wheel controls and digital camera retention.

Features:
– Retains factory features in select Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and RAM vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio.
– Retains Steering Wheel Controls via built-in, pre-programmed interface.
– Provides accessory power (2A Max).
– Retains factory backup camera (composite and LVDS)
– Retains factory Aux input in select vehicles
– Retains factory analog amplifier on select vehicles
– Retains factory SWC phone button functionality in select vehicles.
– EIA color coded wiring for easy installation.

Click for to view product details and vehicle compatibility

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

KICKER Returns to Lone Star Throwdown with Award-Winning Rides

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STILLWATER, OK (02.22.23) – KICKER will sponsor the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) for the sixth straight year, bringing its 83-foot rolling showroom – the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle). The XRV displays the complete line of KICKER audio gear and houses the “Boom Room” with an entire wall full of 15-inch, Solo-Baric L7S subwoofers and 40,000 watts. The show will take place Feb. 24-26 at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, Texas.

KICKER will run two consumer contests simultaneously during the show as part of the brand’s marketing plan. One includes a 1,200-watt bass package giveaway consisting of a pair of CompRT 10-inch subwoofers with a 1,200-watt mono amplifier. KICKER will also partner with MTI Acoustics to give away a pair of MTI’s new universal sub enclosures with new KICKER Competition Gold™ subwoofers pre-installed.

Three demo vehicles will accompany the XRV – all loaded with KICKER gear.  KICKER’s Special Projects manager Tim Smith will bring his custom 1994 Chevy C1500 to the show, which includes a KICKER KEY200.4 Smart Amplifier, KS midranges and the KSMT “Snowman” pods for the front stage. A pair of Solo-Baric L7T thin square subwoofers deliver the bass. In addition to the C1500, a 2002 Lightning and 1956 Chevy wagon will also park under the XRV’s awning.

More than 2,000 show cars have already pre-registered, and LST officials anticipate attendance exceeding 15,000 people. Top 100 and best-of-show awards will be presented, along with several cash prizes.

For more information on LST, visit www.lonestarthrowdown.com.

KENWOOD Conducted an In-Person Product Training at Sound Waves Memphis

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MEMPHIS TN (02.22.23) – MEMPHIS TN (02.22.23) On Monday evening, February 20th, an in-person KENWOOD product training session took place at Sound Waves Memphis. John Irwin, Sound Waves owner, made the arrangements and set up an area in the installation bay. KENWOOD’s Josh Bowen, Product Specialist, conducted the session. Brian Cargile-Progressive SE, traveling with Bowen, also attended the session.

Josh Bowen conducting the KENWOOD training in Memphis at the Sound Waves location. JC Audio, Jackson TN, also attended the session

Team members from JC Audio, Jackson TN, traveled the 88 miles to Memphis and attend the KENWOOD training session. Brian Cargile made the invitation that Jeff Cantrell accepted.

“It was a great to have an in-store training…it had been way to long. Josh Bowen really knows his stuff. Getting an overview of new products from KENWOOD was truly welcomed by our staff of seven people. The new marine and Powersports products really caught our eyes. We have had the motorcycle camera system in stock for some time with not much sales activity. After Josh covered the product and installation process we will definitely see strong sales. The motorcycle season is here. As the customer’s motorcycle is torn down for an audio installation adding the motorcycle camera system is a natural” Irwin related.

Bowen added “The Sound Waves and JC Audio staffs were ready to learn about new offerings from KENWOOD. We focused on new receivers, Marine/Motorsports and motorcycle audio. They were all engaged and asked specific questions that will prepare them to drive sales… KENWOOD sales in particular.

Bowen is an avid motorcycle rider and has a KENWOOD motorcycle camera system on his bike. He revisits the rides on his phone in the evening hours.

The evening included delicious Memphis Buffalo Wings and an opportunity for two proactive area retailer staffs to network about in-store sales activities.

Visit kenwood.com and soundwavesmemphis.com for more.

Northwood University Opens Registration for Aftermarket 101

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MIDLAND, MI (02.22.23) – Registration is now open for Aftermarket 101, a two-day introduction to the automotive aftermarket industry.

“Students who attend this class will develop a firm knowledge of the breadth, depth, and scope of the Automotive Aftermarket including channels of retail, e-commerce and traditional distribution, sales development skills and opportunities, current and future industry trends, a brief introduction to heavy-duty segment, and the opportunities and challenges facing our service dealers,” stated Dr. Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of Aftermarket, Northwood University.

The entrance to the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies at Northwood University.

This year’s Aftermarket 101 programming will cover:

  • An overview of industry basics, channels and terminology, presented by Ted Hughes, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) executive director.
  • A discussion about major industry players, presented by Roy Kent, executive vice president of business development, member support and strategy for Federated Auto Parts.
  • An introduction to the heavy-duty side of the industry by Tinna Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride.
  • Structures and trends of retail and traditional distribution, presented by AWDA’s Ted Hughes.
  • How to develop a professional sales network, presented by Malcolm Sissmore, Borg Warner’s vice president of sales and marketing for the North American aftermarket.
  • Service dealer challenges and opportunities, presented by Jeff Kruse, former executive vice president and chief evangelist for Belle Tire Distributors Inc.

“This is a fantastic event for new hires in the automotive industry, from manufacturing and warehouse distribution to retail,” Litzinger stated.

The event will be held April 5-6 at Fisher Auto Parts, 24701 Hallwood Court, Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The cost is $1,150 per attendee, and they will earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs) toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP, MAAP) professional designation.

To register, visit https://admissions.northwood.edu/corporate/uofa

Code Zero Customs Returned to the Starbird Show as an Event Sponsor

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TULSA, OK (02.21.23) – Code Zero Customs had a major presence at the recent Starbird Show in Tulsa. The event, the 59th Annual, was held in the Tulsa Expo Center February 16th-19th. This was the 7th year for Code Zero Customs to exhibit and the company’s 6th year to be an event sponsor. As part of the event sponsorship 2500 Code Zero Customs VIP Lanyards were provided to be worn on the show floor by attendees.

Code Zero Customs rolled into the Tulsa Expo Center on Wednesday to begin setup.
The upfront booth was packed with specials.

Cody Landis, Code Zero Customs owner, related “Being on site up front with a 20 x 40 booth at the Starbird Show is always a real branding opportunity for our company. Attendees are serious automotive aftermarket enthusiasts and it’s a great way to showcase our brand, products and work to the right audience. JL Audio, Memphis Audio and Pioneer were brands we spotlighted. Our Code Zero Customs apparel also grabbed attention.”

The Code Zero Customs apparel was another way for the company to continue branding after the event.

Code Zero Customs had 2 vehicles in the booth and both received show awards. Alyanna Baker’s 2018 Toyota Tundra was loaded with JL Audio 12W7 subs plus JL Audio amplifiers. Alyanna is 16 yeas old and races Polaris sidexsides. The other vehicle was a stunning ’47 Chevy pickup that belongs to a Code Zero Customs customer.

Alyanna Baker holds a show trophy by her decked out Toyota Tundra.
The award winning ‘47 Chevy pickup was a show stopper in the Code Zero Customs booth.

“Showing 2 great project vehicles in the booth really let attendees see our custom work. Bob, Jenni and I stayed busy throughout the event. I totaled up over $75,000 in jobs we quoted” Landis added.

“At the Starbird shows our goal is to put our brand in front of the right crowd. Every year we quote packages to members of the crowd and that turns into business at our store. This event was definitely one of the busiest. We look forward to the 2024 Starbird Show” Landis concluded.

Visit codezerocustoms.com and starbirdcarshows.com for more.

Alpine Welcomes DOW Technologies as an Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center for the Mid-Atlantic

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) welcomes DOW Technologies as a new Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center in Alpine’s Mid-Atlantic markets (east Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, southern Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.).

As a current fulfilment center in Alpine’s Florida and southeast markets, DOW Technologies will now expand to cover the Mid-Atlantic markets.Alpine will be the primary aftermarket car audio brand in the DOW Technologies warehouse, located in Montgomeryville, PA.

“We’re excited to partner with DOW Technologies as an Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center for our Mid-Atlantic Alpine Authorized Dealers,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America. “We believe DOW Technologies’ location, infrastructure, and service will continue to contribute great success to our dealers’ business.”

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., DOW Technologies is one of the largest independently owned and operated technology distributors servicing independent retailers in the United States for 64 years. With seven locations serving Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., DOW Technologies focuses on distributing products and technologies that enhance lives at home, at work and on the road.

“DOW Technologies is extremely excited to be the Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center partner for Alpine in the Mid-Atlantic, and we are focused on continued growth of the brand through the dedicated, loyal Alpine dealer base,” said Dave Elkin, SVP Sales and Product Management, DOW Technologies.

Details of the partnership were communicated directly to Alpine Authorized Dealers in the territory.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

In Your Studio…With The 12volt STP Tool From The 12volt Central Studios

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.21.23) – Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand’s message and activities to the 12volt industry… all from the 12volt Central Studios with just a smartphone.

QPower’s Matt Bund recently took advantage of the In Your Studio opportunity and the results are showcased below. Bund held a product in the company’s Houston facility, had a fellow employee snap and txt an image. Soon a post was live across the 12volt industry on @12voltnews Facebook and Instagram platforms.

The QPower project was taken to the next level as Bund contacted two QPower distributors and asked them to send an image of a QPower product in their warehouse. LESCO in Orange City FL and SSR in Houston sent images and those image posts were featured in new Facebook and Instagram posts @12voltnews.

QPower distributors LESCO (L) and SSR supplied images and received visibility to let their dealers they had new products in stock.

In today’s marketplace delivering fresh positive information is vital…more important than ever. In Your Studio is definitely an avenue for companies to deliver their products to the 12volt industry.

For more email mike@12voltnews.com

Team Nutz Returned In 2023 For Another Very Successful Pittsburgh International Auto Show

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PITTSBURGH, PA (02.20.23) – The Pittsburgh International Auto Show was back at the David L Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh February 17th thru 20th. The 4-Day show brought exciting new vehicles, displays, products and fun for the whole family. In all the show featured 21 makes and models of vehicles from around the world.

Team Nutz, proactive 12volt and automotive aftermarket retailer, was once again on site. This year, the Team Nutz occupied a 6,500 square foot booth in the Convention Center. Team Nutz has been exhibiting at the Pittsburg Auto Show for over 15 years. During the show at times there were more than a dozen members of the Team Nutz crew engaged with show attendees in meaningful one-on-one conversations and demonstrations.

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center located by the river in downtown Pittsburgh.

For Team Nutz Ed Nuttall stated “Our booth was filled with demo vehicles, a big selection of wheels, OEM Display, a Marine display, a wide variety of product displays plus live installations of vehicle wraps, bed liner jobs, paint protection polishing, window tinting, leather Katzkin seat installations and DSP audio demos. One of the wrap demos projects was a full wrap of our new 24’ Team Nutz Trailer. With bed liner we are actually coating the bodies of pickups and cars.”

The aisles were packed with many attendees seeing all Team Nutz offers for consumers to add to their rides.
 Attendees checking out custom installations in cars and motorcycles.

Nuttall continued “Standouts for demo vehicles was the International All Ways Safe truck loaded with Memphis Audio that debuted at SEMA 2021. Our Auto Magic delivery truck also helped get the word out about all our car care products. Motorcycle and powersports displays also grabbed eyeballs and having the high school students attend on Friday morning was a great opportunity to connect with younger consumers. During the event a crew from the local CBS station was on site at the show and showed a clip of them in our booth checking out paint protection on a demo car. That will turn into more great visibility.”

 Car care products is a growing category and Team Nutz is in that marketplace with Audio Magic.
Team Nutz had a show offer to deliver an Auto Magic purchase to the buyer’s car.

“With the large crowd at the event over the 4 days I know we had probably more than 5000 direct conversations with attendees. We also passed out a ton of lanyards, stickers and koozies. We had 2500 business cards and ran out. With all that interaction we anticipate a considerable amount of business from the event. We definitely look forward to being back at the Pittsburg International Auto Show in 2024” Nuttall concluded.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

Pure Sounds Hawaii Traveled From Waipahu To Vegas For K’Fest

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WAIPAHU, HI (02.20.23) – The Pure Sounds Team members, 3 strong, traveled the nearly 3000 miles from Waipahu HI to Las Vegas on Thursday February 2nd. The return trip happened on Sunday, February. Owner Dawson Von Oel Hoffen, son Drayden and Office Manager Shelsy Lee Takusi-Kiverman made the journey.

Dawson Von Oel Hoffen holds Musway skakeboard that was given to Musway dealers taking advantage of event specials.

“I have over 25 years in the 12volt industry and opened Pure Sounds Hawaii about 8 months ago. I had never been to a KnowledgeFest and decided to make the pretty substantial investment. For us it was definitely a jam packed 4 days.” Dawson related.

Continuing “We wanted to meet with vendors on the show floor and attend product trainings. Meeting vendors face-to-face and seeing their products firsthand was very beneficial. We split up and attended dozens of training sessions” Dawson related.

Dawson and son Drayden pictured back in their store after KnowledgeFest in Vegas with Musway products.

As represented by the name Pure Sound the company focuses on quality sound. Smaller-sized vehicles are very popular in Hawaii and thus many times the size of the aftermarket products being installed is critical. Golf cart owners also opt for audio systems as they drive their neighborhood and hit the links. Musway and Zapco, featuring DSP, are popular brands at Pure Stereo.

Shelsy, Office Manager, back in her Waipahu Hawaii office.

“We enjoyed spending time with Chris Bennett in the Musway booth. Their products, with DSP and very small footprint, are doing very well in our store. We placed an order at the event and picked up a stack of casino chips as part of the show special they offered. That was a real bonus to cap our very productive trip to Vegas” Dawson concluded.

From the 12volt Central Studios it is terrific see 12volt retailers making longterm investments to grow their respective businesses.

Visit puresoundswaipahu.com for more.