LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.22.22) – MB Quart and ATC, an industry-leading manufacturer of aluminum RVs and trailers, have announced a partnership that will expand horizons for possibilities on both ends. MB Quart is proud to fuel audio adrenaline and adventure with this partnership that traverses across unlimited terrains wherever the journey may lead. The launch of ATC’s 2023 Toy Hauler models includes the ALL-NEW Plā 500 Series and Plā 700 Series.
The ALL-NEW Plā Series includes an RVM2.0 160-watt digital source unit and NF1-116 Nautic 6.5-inch speakers. The RVM2.0 adds effortless control featuring AM/FM/Bluetooth and the unit is adjusted by a master knob and menu selection. Bringing a layer of listening immersion with superior quality and sound to every song, the NF1-116 Nautic 6.5-inch speakers deliver ultimate clarity and playback. This critical Midwest partnership between MB Quart and ATC signifies a growing market for louder audio and crisper sound in every outdoor adventure.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “At MB Quart, we are true audio enthusiasts who strive for the best sound possible in every situation that calls for adventure. Using MB Quart products in my life has fueled my desire to expand possible horizons with other OEM partners so they get a chance to experience what a quality and superior audio company can do for them. With our work hard, play hard mentality, it was only fitting that with ATC believing in the same concept for products and quality, we should pursue this partnership. I am extremely excited to be a part of the 2023 Toy Hauler models, and I’m looking forward to the future of what this growing relationship may hold.”
MB Quart continues to bring the concert to every outdoor adventure that delivers quality sound and playback and is durable to take on the conditions ahead. Now with ATC, opportunities and possibilities will grow with what MB Quart offers for outdoor solutions.
Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, said, “This is a great joining of two Midwest brands, and I am proud to grow our partnership with additional OEM relationships. I’m looking forward to seeing what audio solutions and vehicle opportunities are ahead with ATC and MB Quart.”
Follow the link for more information and product details on the ALL-NEW 2023 Plā Series from ATC. https://atctrailers.com/
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.22.22) – Fifteen entrepreneurs and small business leaders recently gathered at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, Calif., to pitch their automotive-related products for a chance to win prizes, cash, and business support as part of the 10th annual SEMA Launch Pad competition.
The 15 semifinalists who were chosen from a vast array of applicants presented impressive sales pitches, interactive demonstrations, amazing product innovations, and answered tough questions from four massively successful industry leaders serving as this year’s Launch Pad judging panel: Chip Foose (Foose Design), Jared Hare (Addictive Desert Designs), Myles Kovacs (TIS Wheels), and Alex Parker (Redline Detection). The judges spent hours carefully listening, learning, and evaluating the diverse products that included custom accessories and tools, performance aftermarket products, tire kits, retrofit kits, and mobile apps for the automotive community. Products also included those targeting the growing electric vehicle (EV) community and demands related to advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).
From left, Jared Hare, Myles Kovacs, Chip Foose, and Alex Parker recently listened to product pitches from the 15 semifinalists in this year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition at the SEMA Garage.
“This year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition is fierce,” said Launch Pad judge Parker. “The judges were blown away by the level of innovation, creativity, and sheer grit that these competitors brought. Their passion and their products are so inspirational, and each of these competitors should be very proud.”
The 2022 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists who recently pitched their products are:
• Fabian Araujo, COO, Armadillo Designs Inc. Armadillo Shell: Camper shell with a retractable roof aimed primarily at the construction industry and for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Andrew Auble, President/Co-founder, GlueTread Sidewall Repair Kits: Kit that allows consumers to repair the sidewall of their off-road tires without removing the tire from the vehicle.
• Robert Carale, Founder, Airflex Tire Inflator Systems Automatic Tire Inflator: An aftermarket adapter system that can be installed between a rotor and a wheel to allow air from an onboard compressor to inflate and deflate tires while a vehicle is moving.
• Jesse Freeman, CEO, True Blue Motorsport 6 Speed Automatic Transmission Retrofit Kit: System used to retrofit older-model RWD and 4WD vehicles with small transmission tunnels with a 6-speed automatic.
• Dustin Golat, Co-owner, GolaTTaylor Tools Thread Wizard: Tool that removes all grime, dirt, surface rust, and fouling from a bolt in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional methods.
• Jake Hamann, Founder and CEO, Autix Automotive Inc. Autix: Platform dedicated to highlighting not just a vehicle, but the owner behind the wheel, their unique story, and a curated value metric for their specialty ride.
• Jacob Hawksworth, CEO, Hypercraft Hyper-Pack: Modular EV battery pack system that allows builders to easily configure a custom high-voltage battery system for their electric vehicle project.
• Conrad Mohr IV, CEO, ACME HPL ACME Big Stick Traction Enhancement Module: Rear suspension module that rearranges factory IRS into a 4-link suspension for better traction and adjustability on Dodge/Mopar performance vehicles.
• Susan Pieper, Founder and CEO, DMOS Collective Inc. Stealth and Delta Car Shovels: Premium indestructible shovels that are easy to stow and mount on various vehicle racks and platforms.
• Frank Terlep, Co-founder and CEO, Auto Techcelerators LLC Test Drive CoPilot Technology Platform: System designed to help properly perform, document, and invoice for ADAS safety system verification testing, dynamic calibrations, seat belt function tests, and more.
• Irvin Vance, Founder, Vance Product Design LLC Quick Lift Engine Stand: Tool that gives users the ability to lift an engine without the use of an engine crane for inspection, repair, or modifications.
• Daniel Whittington, Owner, VenomAire LLC Smart Air Intakes: Air intake that uses a patented Force Air Induction (FAI) technology to improve air intake stability for volumetric efficiency.
• Andrew Wiess, President, ROV LLC Truck Trolley: Roller tray accessory that improves the convenience and accessibility of truck beds by allowing users access to items that would normally be a challenge to reach.
• Kevin Robinson, President, TRAC LLC TRAC Tire Jack: Tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler, and easier.
• Kai Tan, CEO, RevMatch LLC RevMatch Smartphone App: Digital app that allows gearheads the ability to manage vehicle projects from end-to-end with real-time parts data and inspirational content, all in the palm of their hands.
Each semifinalist will receive a one-year SEMA membership, a complimentary booth in the SEMA Launch Pad Pavilion at the 2022 SEMA Show in November, as well as other items totaling to a prize package valued at $4,000. Five finalists, who will be announced later this year, will advance to pitch their products at the 2022 SEMA Show, where they will compete for a grand prize that includes free advertising space in SEMA News, use of the services from the SEMA Garage, discounts on SEMA Data, and thousands of dollars in cash for a total value of up to $92,000.
The competition will be featured in a nationwide TV special airing after the SEMA Show. To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad, including details on the 15 semifinalists, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.
BOCA RATON, FL (07.22.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was recently named to Franchise Business Review’s third annual Culture100 list recognizing the top 100 franchise bands.
Tint World offers 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.
“Tint World has worked incredibly hard to build a strong company culture that supports franchisee success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We especially value recognition such as the Culture100 list, which is based entirely on the satisfaction and experience of our franchisees around the United States and the world.”
Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in special interest reports throughout the year that identify the top franchises in specific sectors.
Tint World was among more than 300 franchise brands, representing more than 30,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchise cultures. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 12 questions that looked at perception of brand vision, team culture, honesty and integrity, and overall support.
“Every franchise organization has a different culture and vibe,” said Michelle Rowan, president and COO of Franchise Business Review. “Some franchises are more serious and formal, while others are more relaxed and casual. A franchise company’s culture — and your potential fit into that culture — should guide your franchise investment decision. Looking at data on how current franchisees rate a brand’s culture will tell you how well the franchise leadership team is executing on the vision of the brand, and how well the community of support staff and franchisees work together to achieve their business objectives. The best place to start is with the brands on this year’s Culture100 list. All of them had an FBR Culture Score of 80-plus on a 100-point satisfaction scale, putting them in the top quartile of franchises when it comes to culture.”
AUSTIN, TX (07.21.22) – The 2022 Custom Sounds & Tint Texas Heat Wave will fill the massive Travis County Expo in Austin Texas July 22nd thru 24th. This event supplies an opportunity for vehicle enthusiasts to show off their custom vehicles and compete against other enthusiasts for awards and cash prizes. If it has wheels it can be registered for the event. All makes and models ranging from Model A to 2022 are welcome!
“We have also incorporated a Tattoo Expo into our event. Entry to the Tattoo Expo is included in your registration or ticket purchase. You will have the opportunity to be “inked” by some of the finest tattoo artists in Texas” Texas Heat Wave’s David MacDonald related.
Custom Sounds & Tint will have their best Audio Sale of the Year with products and displays from Focal, Kenwood, JVC, JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Hertz and Pioneer in the air conditioned comfort of the large Customs Sounds building.
Remember the event is The Texas Heat Wave and temperatures are at record levels across the southern US. Please be prepared.
Elite Customs will be displaying the Heat Wave van with its wall of 16 10-inch woofers and other audio builds.
JC’s Window Tint & Car Audio will be displaying some of their audio builds as well.
There are over 100 vendors selling and displaying automotive aftermarket products on the 128 acre property with parking for 4000 cars.
It’s not too late to get a vendor spot, register or buy tickets, go to heatwaveshow.com
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.21.2022) –The HARV Arena at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort, in New Cumberland WV, will be the site of the 2022 Steel Valley Regional XI July 22rd thru 24th presented by ARC Audio.
“The excitement is really growing as we get closer to the event featuring MECA 4X, MECA 2X, IASCA 3X, EMMA3X and MASQ competitions. The HARV will be open Friday July 22nd at 1PM until 9 PM for staging and a day of Tweak n Tune. Competitors can also register for MECA 2X on Friday if interested for an additional $40. We are looking for a great event and will be excited to see competitors in the lanes with vendors and retailers set up to showcase their latest products in the HARV Arena for our SQL event,“ Larry Chijner related.
Continuing, Chijner stated, “The SVR features the Top 40 SQ Showdown where 6 judges will evaluate all the cars and rank them from 40th to 1st place. Prizes and Trophies will be presented to all who compete. Judges for this event are Harry Kimura (Head Judge), Brian Huston, Steve Tyler, Sharon Tyler, Steve Cornell and Curtis Helms. This is our 10th Anniversary Show and will be the biggest and best show ever!!
12volt companies planning to participate on site at the event include ARC Audio, Karma Audio, JL Audio , Italia Hi Fi, Focal, Mosconi, Gladen, Black Hole5, Illusion Audio, Dynaudio, Zapco, ESB, Audiowave Ltd, Accuton Automotive, Resonix, AAMP/Stinger, ART Technolgies, Audio Visions, Vibe Audio , Davis Distribution. US Acoustics, Stereo Installs, Erins Audio Corner, Vangaurd Designs and Audible Physics.
IASCA’s Travis Chin commented, “I’m looking forward to attending SVR XI and being part of the IASCA judging team. This event is one of a few on the East Coast that will prepare SQ competitors for the upcoming IASCA World Finals October 8th and 9th in Lebanon MO. There will be plenty of top sound quality vehicles to check out as they prepare for their runs at the 2022 Championship.”
IASCA Judges will be Travis Chin, Rusty Gregg and Keith Turner.
MECA Staff related “Larry Chijner’s SVR is a premier event on the MECA SQL schedule. This year we are bringing our enhanced 4X SQL program to the SVR with Arc Audio as Title Sponsor. Four of our top SQL judges will rate each system’s Sound Quality, individually, and scores are averaged for the most fair outcomes. Judges will give detailed notes for improvement leading to better scores for all MECA competitors. The MECA 4X events are designed to help prepare MECA competitors for our Finals event October Contests include 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 install classes, RTA Freq Out and two 2 seat (old School) SQ classes.”
MECA Judges scheduled for SVR are Richard Papasin (Head Meca Judge) , Mike Flanagan , Vinny Taylor and Julian Ridi. A big thanks to Larry, Klifton and Keith Turner for working to make this one of the highlights of the MECA season.”
EMMA USA Judges are Tom Meyers(Head Emma Judge), Ben Zimmerman, Mic Wallace and Jeff Smith). EMMA is in its second year in the US and is Europes number 1 Sound Quality Format. Competitors are lving the new and fresh SQ format Emma offers. MASQ Sound Quality Organization will also be at the event as another option for the competitors to participate in. Howard Cantor and judges also plan on attending.
Klifton Keplinger is Head Scoring Technician along with help from Lori Wallace. Charles Knight from Alegius Design is our website coordinator. Tony Pasquale will be there to help competitors prepare for the show along with tuning support and helping Larry with show coordination.
Concluding, Chijner relayed, “Without the help from ALL the participating Sponsors and continued support from the competitors this show could never happen. It is very important to Thank ALL the Sponsors by using their products and saying Thank you to them when you see them”
ALL the information on the show and participating sponsors can be seen on the website below.
Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show’s Feature Vehicle Program.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company, allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app, which displays each vehicle’s image, make, model, year, color, the products used as part of the build, the builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.
When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The competition is judged by industry experts with top honors presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.
ERIE, PA (07.20.22) – The area in front of the Custom Audio location in the West Ridge Plaza was filled with over 100 cars on Sunday, July 17th to benefit The Anna Shelter…before the rain came around 2 PM.
Custom Audio’s Sondralee Orengia related “Rain and car shows do not go well together. This past Sunday’s event was a reschedule from the original Anna Shelter Car Show date of Sunday, June 26th. That day the weather forecast called for rain and we rescheduled. This past Sunday the weather forecast was for scattered showers. When the rain started around 1 o’clock people buttoned up their rides and headed home.”
The West Ridge Plaza area in front of the Custom Audio store was packed.
A wide variety of show cars were spotlighted.
The Anna Shelter animal welfare organization in Erie PA was established in June of 2004. The organization will help dogs, cats, small animals… even horses, one animal at a time. During the Sunday event there were gift baskets, raffles, 50/50 opportunities, food trucks on site and dash plaques for 100 show cars.
Orengia continued “Cars started showing up early to beat the weather. In all we had just over 100 cars, trucks and vans show up for early fun before the rains came and shut down the event. Despite the condensed time the event raised close to $4000. for the Anna Shelter to further their important mission.”
Show cars were lined up next to the road in the West Ridge Plaza.
Matt Thompson greeted attendees and explained the Anna Shelter mission in front of Custom Audio.
On Sunday Custom Audio’s showroom was open and staff members engaged with enthusiasts about the wide variety of aftermarket 12volt products available today.
As an added bonus local television channel JET24 broadcast a news story Sunday evening.
AURORA, CO (07.20.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its successful expansion in Colorado with the opening of its second store in the state.
Tint World Aurora, CO, owned by Ray Ruiz, provides customers throughout the Denver metropolitan area and central Colorado with premier automotive aftermarket services and accessories, including window tint, mobile electronics, audio and video equipment, paint protection films, and more.
“Tint World offers a comprehensive selection of best-in-class products and services to enhance performance, comfort, style, and safety,” Ruiz said. “The predictable, proven Tint World franchise model positions franchisees for immediate success by empowering them to deliver unique value and premium service for all categories of drivers and vehicle owners. And the range and depth of ongoing franchise service and support available truly set Tint World apart from the rest of the industry.”
Tint World Aurora, CO serves Aurora, Denver, Commerce City, Broomfield, Littleton, Lakewood, Strasburg, Parker, Bennett, Golden, and Thorton.
“Ray’s commitment to the Aurora community and to customers throughout the Denver area, combined with Tint World’s superior offerings, have set him up for sustained success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “His dedicated implementation of our franchise model shows that Tint World is a powerful opportunity for ambitious owners who share our values and mission.”
Tint World Aurora, CO is located at 3155 Chambers Road, Unit F, Aurora, Colorado 80011. To book an appointment, request a quote or find out more about Tint World’s products and services, call (720) 338-6677 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/co/aurora-107/.
MIAMI, FL (07.20.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio is pleased to introduce a new single DIN multi-media receiver with built in DSP. The NQ723BD features time alignment, 40-band EQ and 3D surround sound all in a compact single DIN chassis.
Additional features include: • 2.5-line 12 bit VA LCD display (Multi-color custom color choice) • Optical Output (rear Toslink port) • Detach face • AM/FM with RDS • Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming (2-phone full time connection) • Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, ACC, WAV, APE (Lossless Music) Front USB 2.0 and 2A/5V phone charging • 3.5mm Front AUX in, Micro SD/TF slot (behind face) • Maximum Output Power: 50W x 4 (4V Front, Rear and Subwoofer RCA Outputs) • Downloadable Nak APP Control for IOS and Android phones • SWI-Steering Wheel Interface compatible (adapter required) • Includes IR remote control • Short chassis (182x53x115mm)
“The NQ723BD is in stock now for immediate shipment”, stated Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio, “The new 2.5 line VCA LCD multi-color display can be configured to match any interior and is extremely easy to read.”
As part of an ongoing partnership with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), BaT is excited to auction a collection of 4x4s modified by automotive shop classes participating in SEMA’s High School Vehicle Build Program. This year’s builds are particularly special, as they were initiated in January 2020 but were delayed through lockdowns and school closings. Because of those delays, the program offered the hundreds of students who contributed to the builds the opportunity to receive hands-on, in-person instruction and training during a time when much of their learning had moved online.
The platforms for this year’s builds are five TJ-generation Jeep Wranglers and five 3rd-generation Toyota 4Runners. Aftermarket components were donated by dozens of manufacturers, including Warn, Skyjacker, ARB, Rancho, ICON, Rugged Ridge, and True North Fabrications, to name just a few. We’ll be auctioning the vehicles in two groups, with the first group of auctions beginning next week. A second group will hit the site in October. All of the vehicles are offered at no reserve and carry clean titles listing SEMA as the owner.
Proceeds from the auctions will be reinvested back into the program and other SEMA Education initiatives. BaT buyers’ fees will be donated to the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity.
Vehicles in the first group are listed below and will be updated with live links as auctions go live.
1997 Toyota 4Runner – John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois
2001 Jeep Wrangler – Career Center High School in Winston Salem, North Carolina
1996 Toyota 4Runner – OPS Career Center in Omaha, Nebraska
2002 Jeep Wrangler – Automotive Program at Santa Fe Early College Opportunities (ECO) in New Mexico
1997 Toyota 4Runner – Comstock High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Congratulations to the students and their capable instructors! We are so excited to support SEMA Education and the High School Vehicle Build program, and we can’t wait to share these builds with the BaT community.
12VoltNews.com 