POMPANO BEACH FL (07.15.22) RDV Automotive Technology, the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration, has announced the launch of a Digital Instrument Cluster for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. This new screen adds Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. The screen also provides users with the basic vehicle information they would normally find on a gauge cluster. The TESLA-SCREEN IS AVAIABLE NOW!
Rich De Sclafani shows the Tesla Screen in the RDV office in Pompano Beach FL.
Rich De Sclafani the owner stated: We are extremely happy to launch this product. We are adding Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto to a brand new vehicle that does not come with CarPlay. Most people who do not own or drive Tesla vehicles have no idea they do not come with CarPlay or a gauge cluster. This screen displays vehicle information by providing a gauge cluster that was non existent. This makes it a lot easier to keep the driver’s eyes on the speed and basic vehicle functions.
This image shows the RDV Tesla Screen mounted on a Tesla dash pedestal showing actual engine functions on the screen.
Tesla Screen adds Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto to an owners Tesla as it should have come from the factory. The RDV Tesla Screen gives the driver a digital instrument cluster that is touchscreen controlled and works with all Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The feature set includes Wireless CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, Battery Life (amount of charge remaining), Speed, Mileage, Indicators (lights, turn signals, seat belt), HD Display, Touchscreen Control and 3 Year Warranty.
The scope of information available is virtually unlimited.
Vehicle COMPATIBILITY: TESLA: MODEL 3: 2017 – 2022 and MODEL Y: 2020-2022.
Three customized third-generation Toyota 4Runners and two Jeep Wrangler TJs will be available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com, beginning July 18, as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers, and was installed by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.
The public is invited to bid on the vehicles beginning July 18 through BringaTrailer.com. One vehicle will be released each day, for five consecutive days, and will be available for bidding for seven days following its respective launch date.
The five vehicles and details on the bidding are:
July 18: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by John Hersey High School in Chicago. The vehicle features the factory Desert Dune exterior color with a tan interior. Upgrades also include Alpine 7-in. screen multimedia head unit and backup camera, K&N cold-air intake, ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 suspension, as well as a True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers and a WARN winch.
John Hersey’s ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
July 19: An ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Career Center High School in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The vehicle’s exterior has been fully custom painted in red, roll cage in black, with a complementing black vinyl soft top. Upgrades also include Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Azzy’s gauge overlay kit, and Rugged Ridge Drakon wheels on Atturo 33×12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.8-in. height.
Career Center High School’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 20: A ’96 Toyota 4Runner customized by OPS Career Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The exterior is Sunfire Red Pearl with a black and tan interior. Upgrades also include PRP Enduro reclining seats and a custom back bench seat, Borla cat-back exhaust,True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout and RBP Saharan wheels on Atturo LT275/65/R18 Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.3-in. height.
OPS Career Center’s ’96 Toyota 4Runner.
July 21: An ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Santa Fe ECO in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The vehicle is custom painted in a USC Dominator Bed Liner tinted Matte Green with the original black hardtop. Both the OEM doors and trail doors are included, each with their own set of mirrors. The frame and under body are detailed and painted with 3M undercoating, topped with SEM semi-gloss hot-rod black.
Santa Fe ECO’s ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 22: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by Comstock HS in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The vehicle features a full exterior repaint in Quicksand Tan, Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Borla cat-back exhaust, True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout, and bronze-finished ICON wheels on Atturo 35×12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 34.8-in. height.
Comstock HS’ ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
Visit BringaTrailer.com to see all the upgrades and build details of each vehicle in the upcoming auction.
Ten participating high schools participated in the 2020 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, which was put on hold due to COVID-19 and resumed earlier this year. The program helps students learn about the automotive customization hobby and give them real-world, hands-on educational experiences. They also received build training directly from product manufacturers and industry members who visited the schools.
The remaining five vehicles will be auctioned off in late September. Proceeds from the auctions will be reinvested back into the program and other SEMA Education Youth Engagement initiatives.
REDMOND OR (07.14.22) The Overland Expo PNW 2022 took place at the Deschutes Expo in Redmond OR July 8th thru 10th.
Overlanding is an emerging form of outdoor recreation and camping. Overlandeers utilize gear such as roof-top tents, 12volt fridges, high quality awnings, as well as ground tents, kitchen kits, air compressors, winches and recovery gear. In today’s world overlanders want to stay connected with in-vehicle products consumers utilize in their everyday lives.
Jamie Lewis (L) and Colin Mecey by one one the product displays.
Sounds Fast is an established 12volt retailer in Bend Or. With the Overland Expo Center located just 17 miles down the road Sounds Fast owners Jamie Lewis and Colin Mecey made the decision to buy a booth and set up at the Deschutes Expo Center for the organization’s inaugural presentation in Redmond.
Lewis related to the 12volt Central Studios “The Overland Expo was an amazing event. Reports have been this was the organization’s largest event to date. The number of vendors exhibiting topped 300 and attendance exceeded their estimated of 18-20,000. Candidly we did not know what to expect but see the overlanding community growing. Vacationing outside is big in Oregon so we made the decision to buy the booth. The jury is still out but we are leaning to doing it again next year. As a matter of fact we have been approached by a vendor to partner in a booth next year.”
The Sounds Fast SXS got plenty of action and the category is red hot at their store in Bend OR.
Onsite Sounds Fast set up with 3 tents in their area. Tables with products were set up under a JL Audio tent and 2 others. The company’s side-by-side and 5 Axis product displays were spotted around the area for the Sounds Fast team to engage with attendees and provide demos.
Sean Lea, Jamie Lewis, Adam Amador, Brian Power, Colin Mecey Andrew Power (LtoR) paused for a quick photo under the Sounds Fast tent. Brian Power is with JL Audio. He and his son Andrew visited the event with Dan McMillian who snapped the image. Others shown are Sounds Fast Team members.
Dan McMillan, In Phase Marketing, was on site with JL Audio. Bruce Gilsdof, Advanced Marketing, was in the house representing Race Sport Lighting. Both firms cover the Great Northwest with a lineup of 12volt products on their firm’s line cards.
McMillan related “Overlanders like music in their as they enjoy their time away from the normal city life. The Sounds Fast is a strong JL Audio dealer and the team sold JL Audio speakers and amps to a number of customers but there was a need for small footprints. No 15” subs and boxes. The event was a first time experience for me and I will definitely be back for next year.”
One of the social media posts Sounds Fast utilized to connect with the community.
Gilsdorf offered “There as so many opportunities for lighting for Overlanders. Specialty lighting adds safety and is a real convenience on the road and set up at night. Lighting can also give the camp site at night a special glow on the campground. Sounds Fast has embraced the vehicle lighting category and doing well with it. My family recently moved to this area so I will definitely attend all Overland focused events in the future.
The opportunities for 12volt retailers are virtually unlimited in the growing Overlanding category. Terrific to see Sounds Fast embracing this new category of consumers.
OXNARD, Calif., July 14, 2022 – SSV Works (www.ssvworks.com), the market leader in powersports and off-road audio systems, is proud to announce the new Overhead Soundbar with 8-inch SSV Works Speakers for 2007-17 Jeep Wrangler JK (p/n JJK-O8A). Now available, the new soundbar has an MSRP of $699.99 in grey (and is also available in red, white, or blue for an additional $15.99).
“Add more sound to your Jeep JK by upgrading the factory 6.75in speakers with the all-new SSV Works Overhead Soundbar including pre-installed ultra-efficient 8in 150Watt speakers,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Using factory mounting locations and plug-and-play wiring, installation is completed within minutes, leaving this one of the easiest upgrades you can do on a JK.”
The soundbar retains the factory overhead light and includes a bypass harness to add an external amp, if desired.
“Our overhead soundbar is built to withstand the sun and other harsh environmental elements, so driving a topless Jeep is no concern for our high performance enclosure and speakers,” Kaplan concluded.
Regarded by many as the industry’s top awards, the SEMA Industry Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a year-long period.
Nominations are open for:
Person of the Year
Channel Partner of the Year
Manufacturer of the Year
Gen-III Innovator of the Year
The Channel Partner of the Year award, along with the Manufacturer of the Year award, will be presented for the first time at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 1, before the SEMA Show officially opens. Other industry awards, including the SEMA Person of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year, will be presented at the Thursday evening SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet. Submit your nominations at www.sema.org/awards.
JOLIET, IL (07.13.2022) – Endless Possibilities Auto is a very proactive 12volt retailer that understands the value of exhibiting and connecting at consumer events. On Sunday, July 10th, the Endless Possibilities Auto Team made the short 20 mile trip from their Aurora location to participate at the SubieFest Midwest 2022 event at the Route 66 Raceway in Joliet IL.
Cesar Marungo, Endless Possibilities Auto owner, offered, “At the store we like Subarus. In fact 4 of us own various Subaru models. We have quite a number of customers who are happy with the upgrades we have made to their Subarus. We had great results at last year’s SubiFest so it was a no-brainer for us to get a booth this year and plan the short trip to Joliet. We loaded our vehicles with our tent, gear to display and sell at the event then hit the road Sunday. Having Alpine as a partner at the event, with Chris Reavis on site last year and again this year, was really big plus.”
This image shows the expanse of the Endless Possibilities Auto layout.
The Route 66 Raceway was packed with vendors, Subaru owners and importantly a large turnout of enthusiasts on a sunny Sunday for the SubieFest Midwest 2022 event.
Continuing Marungo related “This year’s Subifest was much busier than last year. The COVID 19 restrictions have eased and people are looking to get out and enjoy events. At this year’s SubiFest we met with quite a few people who said they remembered coming by our booth last year. Just a couple weeks ago one of those folks came to the store to have a system installed so he could show it of at this year’s SubiFest. It was great to check out his ride at the Route 66 Raceway.”
Prizes and raffle items under the Endless Possibilities Auto tent at the Route 66 Raceway. The Chris Reavis Alpine rig in the background.
“There is quite a community of Subaru owners in our area. Being able to show our demo vehicles at the event was terrific. Chris did great job showing the latest Alpine products. In addition, as the remote start season is on the way, we highlighted that category along with radar detectors and LED lighting. Through the day I think we had meaningful conversations with a couple hundred people under our tent and in our demos. We sold quite a bit of the product that we took to the show and handed out a ton of fliers and Alpine lit” Marungo added.
Subaru enthusiasts packed around the Endless Possibilities Auto booth at SubieFest 2022.
Reavis offered, “Cesar and Endless Possibilities Auto have had successful Alpine events in the past and it was very rewarding to be able to give back by supporting their efforts last year and again in 2022 at the SubieFest Midwest event. This is what a great business relationship is all about.”
“At Endless Possibilities Auto we are are starting to see in-store traffic and sales from SubiFest 2022. We are definitely looking forward to SubiFest 2023” Marungo concluded.
CORNELIUS, NC, July 13, 2022 — Brian Tedesco, President/CEO Blaupunkt Americas, and David Wall, CEO Freeman’s Car Stereo announced a strategic partnership that will relaunch the Blaupunkt brand in the United States with Freeman’s Car Stereo as the first Authorized U.S. retailer. Blaupunkt’s relaunch is aiming to become a premier Tier 2 mobile electronics brand in the United States by offering quality products to select dealers, while vigorously protecting margins and MAP.
The Blaupunkt Monte Carlo 750, a Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto unit with $449. price point, pictured in an installation by Freeman Car Stereo.
Tedesco’s relationship with Freeman’s Car Stereo began in 2021 when he brought his Porsche into Freeman’s Charlotte location to have a Blaupunkt MonteCarlo 750 radio installed. During that job, Tedesco revealed to store manager, Robert Yates, that he was in fact the CEO of Blaupunkt Latin America Division and lived in Charlotte as well. In hopes of finding a new source for radios during a time when they were difficult to acquire, Yates connected Tedesco to Freeman’s CEO David Wall to see what was possible. From there, the relationship has developed and as result, the reintroduction of the Blaupunkt brand in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to be a strategic partner, help Blaupunkt relaunch the brand in the U.S., and be the first authorized dealer to bring their product to market,” said David Wall. “Blaupunkt is still a name that consumers recognize and trust, and we look forward to working with Brian to continue building the brand again here in the United States.”
“Relaunching Blaupunkt in the United States is important to Blaupunkt’s global presence. We have the technology and the know how,” Brian Tedesco said. “Our goal is to build a high quality product that customers love and is profitable to our select dealers. I couldn’t be happier to be going into this launch with a retailer that has the history, reputation, and footprint that Freeman’s does.”
Blaupunkt product is expected to be brought to the U.S. market within the next 60 days.
MSC, North American Distribution Partner for BLAM, Brax, Helix, Match, and Stinger Radar, is proud to announce the addition of Nik Edmonds to their Specialty Dealer Development Team. MSC looks to further enhance their ability to provide unmatched support to Dealer Partners throughout the North American market by adding Edmonds’ experience as a technician of nearly two decades.
Nik’s career has carried him though a wide range of industry experiences including an automotive dealership, big‐box retail, and most recently, more than 8 years with MEA retailer of the year, Handcrafted Car Audio.
“After moving to Arizona in 2014, I took a job with Handcrafted where Jon Kowanetz taught me what it was to be a true high‐level technician. I am forever thankful for the opportunities I’ve had there.” Edmonds stated. “Now, I’m very excited for the opportunity to join MSC America and continuing to serve the 12v community in my new role there. MSC embodies everything that I could ask for in a company and I look forward to getting started with my new family.”
President of MSC, Larry Penn commented “We are ecstatic to have Nik joining the MSC crew. His long‐ standing tenure in the bay will be an asset when it comes to offering practical input and support to our Dealer Partners. His hands on and real‐world insight is what MSC is all about, and Nik will fit right in with our core values and help push our support level to the next tier!”
Nik will be based out of MSC’s Mesa, Arizona office and can be reached at nik@msc‐america.com.
STILLWATER, USA – July 12, 2022 – KICKER ® announces title sponsorship of a custom-car show and audio competition in iconic Bricktown – the hub of Oklahoma City’s downtown entertainment district. KC Showdown presents KICKER in Bricktown, open to all makes and models near the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark Saturday July 16.
KICKER will roll in with the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle), the 82-foot showroom housing the full line of audio gear and the now-famous Boom Room, featuring an even larger, louder sub enclosure suspended in a custom steel frame. Built to withstand the torture emanating from 40,000 watts of massive power, the Boom Room boasts an array of 11-inch, horn-loaded can speakers adding to the thunderous bass a dozen square L7 ® 15-inch subwoofers.
Car-audio competitors with big-bass systems will have a chance to compete at the Bass Wars booth, earning prizes and points toward the Bass Wars World Finals. BW Regional Director Jimmy Pittman explained Bass Wars has classes that accommodate almost any mobile-audio system, from a single subwoofer to an extreme SPL system.
“I have had a lot of competitors reach out to me from surrounding states,” said Pittman. “It’s going to be a pretty big show. I hope Bricktown is ready for a very loud crowd.”
The show will also feature a “hop off” for cars with hydraulics.
“The goal is to make the front of the car jump as high as you can, with or without weight, and make the car stand up on back bumper,” KC Showdown promoter Denny Eddy explained. “It’s a great way to show off your car and is really fun. It’s a lot of custom work that you don’t see the bottom of, until they come out to compete.”
Spectators will enjoy free admission. For more information, consumers need to search “Kicker Custom Car Show and Audio Comp” on Facebook.
KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc. ® , are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud ® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at http://www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.
Auburn Hills, Mich. (Jul 12, 2022) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the New Jersey Jeep Invasion at Wildwood Beach, New Jersey from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17 where they will have exciting new vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.
Featuring the latest in Jeep®-specific dash and sound system offerings from Alpine, a 2018 Jeep® Wrangler will be on-site for product demonstrations so attendees can experience the new High-Resolution i509-WRA-JL with a High-Definition, Weather-Resistant 9-inch screen and wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The i509-WRA-JL 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. High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) can stream music from popular Hi-Res streaming platforms or directly from a smartphone for incredible music detail and high-precision music reproduction.
To demonstrate the head unit integration capabilities, the 2018 Jeep® Wrangler will also feature a premium night vision DVR-C320R Dash Camera with built-in drive assist and impact recording. 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.
“Switchback,” Alpine’s 2020 Jeep® Gladiator, will also be on-site with a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorized Bluetooth® speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine® stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.
The Alpine Event Truck and Trailer will be open to visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned lounge area located in the trailer.
All Alpine® products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine Authorized Retailer Proline Car Stereo 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®.
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