SEMA Cares Recognizes WD-40 Co. for Its Support

Posted on November 10, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.11.22) – SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence presented WD-40 with the Chairman’s Service Award during the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas.

*WD-40 Sales Manager Shannon Edwards accepted the Chairman’s Service Award on behalf of the company.*

Bestowed at the discretion of the SEMA chairman, the award is unique and not given out every year. Lawrence presented the award to WD-40 for the company’s ongoing support of SEMA Cares. WD-40 has built several noteworthy vehicles that have raised more than $2 million for children and people in need: a bright-yellow 50th Anniversary ’67 Camaro, a Foose-designed ’12 Dodge Challenger, a ’53 Ford F-100, a ’14 F-150, a two-toned ’10 Camaro and a custom ’11 Mustang.

WD-40 Sales Manager Shannon Edwards accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Visit www.sema.org/sema-cares for more information.

Nakamichi Wraps Up Successful SEMA Showing

Posted on November 9, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Nakamichi, SEMA Show.

LAS VEGAS, NV (11.10.22) – The SEMA week kicked off Monday, October 31 for Nakamichi with a National Sales Meeting attended by over 30 people at Gordon Biersch restaurant and brewery just down the road from the Convention Center.

*Sheamson Yeo, Sales Director for Nakamichi Car Audio, kicked off the National Sales Meeting with a product overview before the busy week started.*

*The new Nakamichi NA-3625-WUX was showcased at SEMA and is Nakamichi‘s first floating face receiver.*

A brewery tour, dinner and a 2023 product overview were part of the festivities. The product overview as presented by Sheamson Yeo, Sales Director for Nakamichi Car Audio who flew in from Singapore for the event. A significant amount of time was devoted to company’s new NA3625 Series wireless CarPlay/Android Auto models. The new receivers were a major focus of the meeting; the NA3625-W6 (6.8-inch double DIN) and NA3625-WUX (10.1-inch floating screen) both scheduled for delivery in late Q4 feature a MAP of $359.95 and $529.95 respectively.

*Alan Wojtas Associates received the Nakamichi Sales Rep of the Year Award.*

*The new Nakamichi NA3625-W6 wireless CarPlay/Android Auto double DIN receiver as seen in the New Product Showcase at SEMA 2022.*

Also during the meeting, Alan Wojtas was awarded the Sales Rep of the Year for achieving the best overall sales in 2022.

On the Convention Center floor the Nakamichi booth in the North Hall was busy for all four days, beginning Tuesday through the shows conclusion on Friday. New receivers and DSP categories created the most excitement among dealers.

For more information on the new Nakamichi product introductions contact Robin McNeal: robin@usa-nakamichi.com

Visit www.nakamichi-usa.com for more.

Tint World Named One of Top 100 Most Innovative Franchises by Franchise Business Review

Posted on November 9, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Tint World.

BOCA RATON, FL (11.10.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was identified by Franchise Business Review as one of just 100 franchise brands to be named an award-winning franchise in its 2022 report on the Most Innovative Franchises.

Tint World is the largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coating, and installation services.

Franchise Business Review, a research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes annual rankings of the top franchises in its Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as guides throughout the year ranking the top franchises in specific sectors.

To identify the companies on the list of this year’s Most Innovative Franchises, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months’ worth of data fromover 30,000 franchisees representing more than 300 brands. Franchise owners were asked about their brand’s innovation and creativity as well as their trust in the franchisor, overall satisfaction with the brand, and likelihood to recommend it to others.

“Innovation takes a lot more than just having creative ideas and solutions. It also takes execution,” said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Each of the companies on our list of the Most Innovative Franchises has developed and implemented products, processes, or services that enable and sustain growth and long-term relevancy. We are proud to recognize the franchises that prioritize and value innovation to support their franchisees’ success and the long-term resiliency of the brand.”

Tint World franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

“Being recognized by Franchise Business Review as one of the 100 Most Innovative Franchises confirms that our strategy for growth and franchise success is on target,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Empowering our franchise owners is the foundation of Tint World’s vision for the future. Our unique model offers franchisees all the tools they need to stand out in their market, including our proprietary systems and processes, a comprehensive selection of products from the leading brands, and the industry’s premier training and marketing support.”

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2022 Most Innovative Franchises.

Brandmotion Makes Towing & Hauling Easier Than Ever

Posted on November 9, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Brandmotion.

NOVI, MI (10.11.22) – The Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System from Brandmotion consists of two HD digital cameras delivering HD video to a full-width digital rearview mirror screen. This allows you to see behind your trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – and continuously monitor your truck bed and the front of the trailer.

The system provides obstruction-free rearview visibility, solving the traditional visibility problems for pickup drivers who tow. The rearmost camera is wirelessly mounted behind the trailer and easily snaps into trailers with built-in camera brackets. The second camera, cleanly integrated into the third brake light of the pickup truck, provides an unobstructed view of the vehicle’s bed and the front of the trailer. When not towing, you will have a view of the vehicle cargo bed and the blindspots behind the vehicle.

Together, these camera views – easily selectable with a touch of the high-quality rearview mirror display – eliminate blind spots. Unlike any other towing camera on the market, the Brandmotion Transparent Trailer system provides continuous visibility and utility with or without a trailer, making it a versatile and high-value option for drivers who detach and reattach their trailers regularly.

See behind the trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – with HD-quality video. See if you’re being tailgated or a vehicle is about to pass you.

Watch the front of the trailer through the integrated third brake light cargo bed camera. Want a quick check on your boat, camper, or horse trailer? Simply touch the bottom of the mirror to switch camera views.

Capture excellent daily utility beyond towing by watching your pickup bed cargo at all times AND eliminating blind spots around the rear of your truck when not towing.

Thanks to the wireless trailer camera that snaps into most existing trailer camera brackets, installation of the entire system is simple, with no hole-drilling or loss of vehicle features (professional installation recommended).

<a href="http://<!– wp:list-item –> <li>See behind the trailer at all times – not just while in reverse – with HD-quality video. See if you’re being tailgated or a vehicle is about to pass you.</li> Click here for more information.

JVC EDA Hot Shots Sales Training Seminar – A GRAND SLAM

Posted on November 8, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged JVC.

LONG BEACH, CA (11.09.22) – JVC Mobile Entertainment (www.us.jvc.com/car) in conjunction with the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) held its 1^st-ever “Hot Shots” sales training seminar October 21^st-23^rd at the Hilton Doubletree Conference Center in Downtown Orlando. Attendees were greeted by JVC staff, Jim Warren (Elite Distributor Alliance), Matt Yerger (iDatalink), plus special guests Dean Beyett & Fernando Lopez (5 Star).

*Ron Trout, National Sales Manager, welcomes EDA Sales Staff to the first-ever JVC Hot Shots Training.*

Early Saturday morning after a catered breakfast buffet, attendees experienced a full-product presentation by JVC Product Specialists Josh Bowen and Marcus Vasconcellos, followed up by iDatalink’s Yerger focussing on JVC’s exclusive iDatalink Maestro features along with what’s new and coming soon. During the afternoon, attendees encountered the full JVC culture with interactive product demonstrations, motorsport amplifier selling techniques by the 5 Star duo, a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming products, and a round table discussion with JVC product development personnel.

*Jim Warren, Executive Director of EDA, describing the relationship of EDA and JVC as the event began.*

But the fun didn’t stop there. After dinner, the surprise entertainment was about to begin. Attendees walked through the doors in suspense to upbeat music, only to witness several chairs set up in front of the stage. A few minutes later, “The Incredible Hypnotist” Richard Barker appeared and the audience went wild. The next hour was described by guests as one of the most hilarious and memorable experiences of a lifetime.

*Matt Yerger focused on JVC’s exclusive iDatalink Maestro features along with what was to come soon.*

Upon conclusion of the evening entertainment, guests were invited to Bowen’s Tacoma to experience the power of the DSP in JVC’s KW-Z1000W’s 10.1” floating panel receiver. Sometimes, dealers may neglect to properly tune an installed audio system, thinking the investment in a Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) and other equipment is cost-prohibitive. This theory was disproved through JVC and 5 Star’s simple and cost-effective demonstrable solution. Guests were also seated in the truck to experience the receiver’s impressive time alignment, parametric EQ, and staging capabilities. “This was a great way to demonstrate the power of the DSP technology inside of the receiver,” stated Jason McArty, Account Manager at DOW Technologies. “It has empowered me to better understand audio tuning and given me the confidence to better explain this to my dealers.”

*‘The Incredible Hypnotist’ Richard Barker took EDA Hot Shots on a most hilarious and memorable experience.*

On Sunday, Warren shared how JVC is committed to “aligning with its innovators” to provide greater “stability and growth” to its members. Steve Cote (JVC Eastern Regional Sales Manager), then shared his “Hot Shot” selling techniques, followed up by Trout driving home the entire 3-day experience with conviction.

“The journey embarked upon was unprecedented,” stated Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales. “The combined level of knowledge and expertise by our hosts in conjunction with the commitment and aptitude of our salesperson attendees was truly remarkable.” Guests were polled and provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, proclaiming it “A GRAND SLAM,” along with the inevitable question, “when will there be a Hot Shots Part Deux?”

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit http://www.us.jvc.com/car.

HKI USA and SounDigital Announce New 1000.1 EVOX2 Feature-Packed Amplifier

Posted on November 8, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged HKI USA.

DANIA BEACH, FL (11.09.22) – HKI USA Inc. and SounDigital Car Audio are proud to announce a new item for the end of 2022.

Reinventing the wheel is always hard, but updating the new wheel is even harder. SounDigital saw an opportunity to do away with the old and bring something totally new to the table. With a slightly larger footprint than its predecessor, the all new 1000.1 EVOX2 is going to be a new fan favorite. Things that could not be done with the 800.1 EVOX are now on the table with this new amplifier. Adding an RLC port to make it compatible with the SounDigital Remote Level Control and being able to expand the frequency range of the amplifier are in direct response to the list of wants provided to SounDigital by their customers and retailers.

“We were up against a wall with what the old chassis was capable of, and we knew we needed to make a change.” Says Jacob Brown, Director of Operations for HKI USA Inc., the US importer for SounDigital. “We kept getting asked for things the 800.1 just wasn’t capable of doing, and when the answer was always ’there isn’t enough room’, we knew what the next step was going to be.” With the help of the entire SounDigital engineering team, these changes were put into effect, and the 1000.1 EVOX2 was born.

Available in traditional SounDigital fashion, this amplifier will be available in 1 and 2 ohm configurations, which is also a twist over the 800.1.

MSRP will be U$499.99 for both versions and is expected to be available before the end of November.

For more information about HKI USA, the brands we love and how to become a dealer please visit www.hki-usa.com

DEI’s Line of Exhaust & Pipe Wraps Keep Heat Under Wraps

Posted on November 8, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Design Engineering.

AVON LAKE, OH (11.09.22) – Keep potentially damaging underbody and engine heat away from critical components with Design Engineering Inc.’s proven line of Exhaust and Pipe Wraps.

Designed to contain heat inside of headers to assist with increasing exhaust velocity through the exhaust system, wrapping headers helps reduce underhood temperatures protecting components while increasing performance. These pliable and durable wraps install easily to provide an extra layer of defense against high operating temperatures.

“DEI’s complete line of Exhaust and Pipe Wraps deliver the protection high-performance and race vehicles need to operate at their peak,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “Strong and durable, these wraps are a secret weapon to protecting vital underhood parts and unlocking hidden horsepower.”

The wraps come in rolls to facilitate tightly wrapping around headers and pipes, resulting in a cooler air charge for improved performance. Available in a variety of sizes and protection levels, the family includes three distinct wrap categories:

Glass Fiber Exhaust Wrap – Exhaust Wrap is an important first step in reducing unwanted, power-robbing heat. Offered in various-sized rolls for shorter pipes, headers, turbo downpipes and powersports exhausts, the wrap withstands 1200 ̊F(649°C) direct/2000 ̊F(1093°C) radiant heat, available in both black and tan.

TITANIUM Exhaust Wrap – Featuring LR Technology™, TITANIUM Exhaust Wrap, made from pulverized lava rock, stranded into a fiber material and then woven into a proprietary weave is the original and ultimate high-heat-rated wrap. It is extremely pliable for a tight and secure wrap. Engineered to be stronger and more durable than most wraps, it withstands heat up to 1800 ̊F(982°C) direct/2500 ̊F(1371°C) intermittent heat. Available in original titanium and an attractive black carbon fiber look.

EXO Series™ Exhaust & Pipe Wrap – Designed for extreme environment use including powersports applications, the EXO Series features a dual-layer design, using a combination of hi-temp glass fiber, covered with a 304-grade stainless steel exoskeleton for superior heat, abrasion and impact protection, offered in black and tan.

For more information about Exhaust & Pipe Wraps and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.

MSC Holds “DSP Live and rePlugged” Event at Their US Office

Posted on November 7, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged MSC America.

MESA, AZ (11.08.22) – MSC, the North American distributor for high end car audio brands such as Brax, Helix and Match hosted 15 highly dedicated industry professionals, representing 12 companies from five different states for a two day training that has been called “just amazing” by those in attendance. Kicking off day one with a call to action from company president Larry Penn, compelling attendees to imagine what is achievable by putting in just one more degree of effort, the primary objective of this event was to encourage dealers to think differently.

*Larry Penn addressing the group to kick off the ‘DSP Live and Replugged’ event.*

Following an MSC catered lunch break, industry veterans and newcomers alike were educated on the proprietary time saving, problem solving and results producing features of the Audiotec Fischer DSP PC Tool software by Chris Van Ry. After learning about tools such as Tune EQ, Input Signal Analyzer and Virtual Channel Processing, each person was able to hear the effects of equalization choices, crossover differences and time alignment in real time via a DSP/Laptop setup.

*Attendees work to ‘tune’ their systems.*

“I had never used DSP PC Tool before, but the instructor made it so easy to understand that I left knowing how to tune a car!” said Juan Castillo from J’s Tint in Dallas, TX before adding “I have been to many other trainings, but none have been as well thought out. All I had to do was get there and MSC took care of everything else!” Consistent with the theme of the event and the MSC slogan “Different. Better. Together.” All attendees and MSC staff shared a meal, some drinks and some laughs at a local Brazilian steakhouse to end the day.

On day two, the group was encouraged to “Cross the Line” to achieve better results and more success through use of the company’s smart system designs, efficient Tuning For Profit step-by-step process for DSP tuning and the innovative, engineered audio packages that are Systems by MSC. Finally, each attendee was able to experience the end result of all that they had learned, by auditioning the two on site demo vehicles equipped with products from the MSC family of brands.

A group shot of the attendees at the 2-Day MSC training event in Mesa AZ.

“I was so impressed by the sound of the F-150! Other DSP/amplifiers I have used always left me wanting more power.” Chris Foster of Handcrafted had to say about the 2021 Ford F-150 whose factory B&O Unleashed system was truly “Unchained” with the DSP technology and sound quality of Audiotec Fischer and BLAM products.

With the increasing complexity of OEM audio and infotainment systems as well as the resurging demand for high quality sound, trainings like these are a necessity. With the next event being planned for early in the first quarter of 2023, anybody who is interested in attending is encouraged to contact their MSC sales rep or the main office at 480-372-2929.

Visit msc-america.com for more.

SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year Granted to Larry Chen

Posted on November 7, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.08.22) – Content creator and world-renowned automotive photographer Larry Chen was named winner of the first annual SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award. The award was created to honor a content creator or influencer who has built an engaged audience and used his or her platform to positively impact car enthusiasts of all ages.

The award is a result of the rise of content creators’ and social media influencers’ impact on the industry. Finalists for the award were selected based on their presence and influence across social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. This year’s finalists, which included Larry Chen, ChrisFix, TJ Hunt, Adam LZ and Alex Taylor, were recognized at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet for their impact on growing the $50.9 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Content creator Larry Chen was named winner of the first annual SEMA Automotive Influencer of the Year award for his positive impact on the automotive industry.

“It is a huge honor to be nominated for this award, especially being alongside my peers. I am a content creator through and through, and I love telling the stories of backyard and garage builds along with the grandest collections,” said Larry Chen. “I enjoy that my audience follows along and appreciates the content I create. For me, this is about doing my best and playing my part in saving the culture that we love so much.”

Chen’s work has graced the covers of numerous magazines, and he is well known for his work with Hoonigan, Hagerty, and other top automotive media companies. He also shoots for major OEMs, top builders, multiple race and event series, and top automotive brands around the world. Chen is also a Canon Explorer of Light, teaches photography classes, and shares his knowledge and passion with aspiring content creators. As an enthusiast himself, Chen hosts car meets, has collaborated on vehicle builds, and has shown his own creations at the SEMA Show.

“Larry embodies what it means to be an ambassador for the automotive industry and car culture. He is a true enthusiast, and his contagious passion for the subject matter has not only been embraced by the car community but also continues to bring new people into our hobby,” said SEMA Chairman James Lawrence. “On behalf of SEMA and the aftermarket industry, I want to thank Larry for his ongoing contribution and can think of no better person to recognize as our first winner.”

Chen’s work can be seen on his website, Instagram page, Facebook, and other social media channels.

Nemesis Audio Releases New Team Series Subwoofers

Posted on November 7, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Nemesis.

DALLAS, TX (11.08.22) – Nemesis Audio, maker of competition speakers and amplifiers since 2014, is now shipping a New Model of Competition Subwoofers. The subwoofers which fall under the “Team Nemesis” series of Speakers, is currently available in 15″ and 12″ & handles 4,500 watts RMS power, and comes with a 500 Oz Magnet.