1sixty8 media Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of Empowering Retailers Online

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LEHIGHTON, PA (03.24.22) – More than a decade ago, 1sixty8 media was just an idea in the head of ambitious, try-anything-once retail storeowner Mitch Schaffer. His store’s website, mobileedgeonline.com, was constantly being updated with the latest template, pop-up, form or graphic: anything to better engage customers. While many retailers thought of the Internet as the enemy, Schaffer sought to leverage its influence to enhance his brick-and-mortar business. 

With his store’s site serving as guinea pig, Schaffer dedicated himself to understanding how content and keywords impacted search results, the power of online advertising, and the mysterious algorithms that made the difference between popularity and obscurity. In 2012, Schaffer formed what he learned and experienced into a customizable but scalable business. 1sixty8 media empowered retailers to gain customers and grow their profitability from the same Internet they’d viewed as a competitor.

This year, 1sixty8 media is celebrating a decade of serving the mobile enhancement industry. To date, more than 200 retail locations throughout North America have gained new business from the enhanced online exposure the service offers. Since its inception, 1sixty8 media has added to its offerings to become a powerful marketing and advertising tool for proactive retailers. 

“I was an early adopter of content marketing,” said Schaffer. “I was able to get my store found in my local market by writing educational content and publishing it to my website. Other shops took notice of this and asked for my help. This eventually became 1sixty8 media.”

The first offering of 1sixty8 media consisted of writing original, search-friendly content for retailers’ websites. As a way to optimize services, Schaffer expanded to selling hosted websites with continually updated, high-quality content, and providing design services. In 2016, 1sixty8 media added its own consumer-facing website, BestCarAudio.com, as a way to educate consumers on the world of mobile enhancement and push business toward the company’s subscribing retailers. And in 2018, the company became the exclusive reseller of the ProDemand vehicle installation software to the mobile enhancement industry.

1sixty8 media carried forth community outreach that originated with the Mobile Edge retail store. The Coats for Kids program, which collects coats at the store for needy locals, was offered through the 1sixty8 media retail network to allow other retailers to create positive impact in their areas. And when the country was ravaged by COVID-19, BestCarAudio.com pointed consumers, hospitals and frontline workers toward retail stores that had repurposed their shops to produce Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

As the pandemic has waned, 1sixty8 media has seen progress in every service offering. Retailers that experienced significant growth over the last two years have benefitted from a dynamic and visible presence online, and a wealth of invaluable data through ProDemand within the store. Schaffer continues to monitor cutting-edge technologies to integrate into 1sixty8 media’s services to empower retail customers. 

“Over the next 10 years, I’m confident we will still be working closely with retailers to help them stay relevant online,” added Schaffer. “We will continue to evolve our services and technology, and I’m sure we will be doing things we haven’t thought of yet.”

To learn more about 1sixty8 media, visit 1sixty8.com. 

Toyota Latest to Begin Real-World AV Testing in U.S.

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This article was written by Michael A. Strong for TheDetroitBureau.com.

DETROIT, MI (03.24.22) – Toyota is partnering with Aurora Innovation to begin testing autonomous vehicles on U.S. roads, running a shuttle that includes trips to or from the airport. The service comes as other companies, such as Waymo, Cruise and others are in the midst of extensive studies underway.

The Japanese automaker is using specially equipped Sienna minivans for the trials. The minivans don’t use a driver, but there are two support personnel in the van to ensure it operates safely. The vehicles are retrofitted with Aurora technology and are driving through a variety of scenarios, including highways and runs to and the airport.

“The route showcases Aurora’s ability to safely operate at highway speeds, a key technical differentiator that allows it to prioritize popular and lucrative rides,” the U.S. company told Reuters in a statement.

Toyota and Aurora have retrofitted a fleet of Sienna minivans to operate as an autonomous fleet around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Growing segment

The push by Toyota and Aurora isn’t much of a surprise as more and more automakers are playing in it. In fact, General Motors just spent $2.1 billion buying Japan’s SoftBank’s share of its own AV subisidiary, Cruise Automation.

GM also said it will invest an additional $1.35 billion in Cruise as part of its focus on bringing autonomous vehicle technology to market. The company has held a majority stake in Cruise since 2016, though the San Francisco-based operation has received significant capital from several other investors, including both SoftBank and Honda.

“We continue to believe our investment represents an extraordinary opportunity for creating long-term shareholder value,” GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said in a statement.

The Toyota/Aurora fleet are making trips to the airport to pickup and drop off riders.

Cruise has been testing prototype vehicles for several years on public roads, using them as part of a pilot ride-sharing service. It recently received approval from California regulators to begin offering rides to paying customers using fully driverless vehicles. That will begin in San Francisco, though GM CEO Barra has indicated the goal is to quickly expand to other U.S. markets.

The next step is to begin production of the Cruise Origin, a toaster-shaped shuttle designed to serve as the primary vehicle for a commercial driverless ride-sharing service.

Industry analysts have long contended that pulling the driver out of the equation is the critical step towards making ride-sharing a viable alternative to vehicle ownership.

View the full article at TheDetroitBureau.com.

MHQ, Inc. Seeking Automotive Upfitter

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We invite you to explore the great opportunities here, as we are looking to find quality candidate(s) to add to our skilled team. We design, manufacture and up-fit vehicles for emergency services, public safety, City, State and Federal agencies. We are a strong company and great place for successful candidate(s) looking to see themselves in a custom field with an opportunity to expand.

Duties of the position include

* Installing interior/exterior 12 VDC lighting to include emergency/warning systems.
* Installing mobile proximity, camera and DVR systems
* Installing tracking/GPS systems/AV systems/Radio comm. prep.
* Installing various prisoner inserts including full and half cages.
* Installing Various Kw size inverters and aux. battery systems.

Automotive Upfitter Qualifications and Skills

Must have a current, valid Driver’s License
Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent
Emergency vehicle technician experience preferred
EVT certification a plus
Ability to learn new technology, repair and service procedures and specifications
Excellent customer service skills
Basic computer skills
Positive, friendly attitude, along with a customer service mentality
Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
Team player

Pay:  $18 to $28 per hour based on prior experience, overtime hours available

Benefits

  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401k with company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Shop equipped with the newest technology and equipment
  • Career advancement opportunities, promote from within
  • Paid Transportation of toolbox

Disclaimers:

Applicants, as well as position incumbents, who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

MHQ is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity. Applicants for employment and employees are reviewed on their individual qualifications for a position. Under no circumstances will MHQ discriminate against qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.

Slamology Announces Title Sponsors and Co-Sponsors for Slamology 2022

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN (03.23.22) – Slamology President Donnie Babb announced today that the event will feature two Title Sponsors and one Title Co-Sponsor for the Slamology 2022 event being held at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 11th and 12th, 2022.

“We’re very excited to have Sky High Car Audio and Kicker Performance Audio on board for 2022, as well as all of our sponsors; almost every sponsor and vendor has signed back up for this year’s event and we’ve even added a number of new vendors and sponsors” Said Donnie Babb, President of GaugeMagazine.com and Slamology “In these uncertain times, many are looking for an outlet to bring back some level of normalcy to this crazy world and Slamology offers that.” 

Slamology, now in its 19th year, was conceived by GaugeMagazine.com President Donnie Babb as a way to connect with their followers at an event that brought them all together. 

Gauge Magazine is an e-magazine devoted to all levels of car culture, from mini trucks to lowriders, imports, 4X4s, hot rods, classics, customs and more. Created in 1999, GaugeMagazine.com followers have grown to over 3 million and continues to grow, adding new categories to its magazine and event annually. 

Since its inception, Title Sponsor Sky High Car Audio has offered its customers the best deals on its own brand of power cables, accessories and much more. The company’s website also offers the sale of various car audio brands and has supported Slamology for a number of years as a vendor; this their first year as a Title Sponsor.

“Since we first started going to Slamology, we knew this was the event to support” said Jon Rabe, President of Sky High Car Audio “We’ve been patiently waiting for the Title Sponsor opportunity to open up so we could be an integral part of the show. Having it happen this year was a huge plus; now that we’re the top sponsor of the show, it’s our goal to make Slamology 2022 the best one yet!”

“There’s a lot to be said about the relationship that Sky High and Slamology have built” Rabe continued to say, “I can only see it growing even stronger in the future.”

Co-Sponsor Kicker Performance Audio has been a supporter of Slamology virtually since the show has been around. The company’s forward-thinking vision of promoting their products at non-endemic events has proven to be very successful for the brand and Slamology has proven to be one of the more viable events to showcase their products.

“Slamology is more than one of the biggest soundoffs of the year to us,” said Kevin Campbell, Director of Global Marketing at Kicker. “At Kicker, we are driven by our passions. This show personifies every aspect of that passion: incredible show cars, thunderous bass, and concert-level sound quality – all in one place. Even better is the chance to share that passion with the thousands of people we meet, and the friendships we re-kindle. Even though we are based in Oklahoma, Slamology almost feels like a homecoming.”

“Slamology and GaugeMagazine.com’s reach is quite broad, and we offer access to a variety of demographics” Babb continued to say “There’s value in endemic and non-endemic markets with our event and that’s a powerful tool for all types of manufacturers who are automotive related in any form.”

For more information on Slamology, contact Donnie Babb at donnie@slamology.com. For more info on the sponsors, contact info@skyhighcaraudio.com and questions@kicker.com or visit their websites at skyhighcaraudio.com and kicker.com.

Tint World Opens New Colorado Springs Location

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The location is the second in Colorado and will be owned and operated by Eric Nauert.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (03.23.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of a new location in Colorado Springs.

Tint World’s second Colorado location, owned by Eric Nauert, provides window tinting and limitless automotive styling services throughout central Colorado.

“Our mission at Tint World Colorado Springs is to offer premium window tinting and automotive styling services throughout the area,” Nauert said. “With our top-notch staff and the world-class support provided by Tint World, we’re able to offer a wide range of solutions for customers seeking to distinctively style their vehicles.”

Tint World Colorado Springs is located at 1342 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about what the store offers, call (719) 399-2421 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/co/colorado-springs-119/.

“Eric and his wife, Tracy, are dedicated to providing the best products and services to drivers and vehicle owners in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Their commitment to service and excellence are laying the foundation for the success of their store as well as helping build Tint World’s continuing growth nationally and throughout the world.”

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 tintworld.com for more.

SiriusXM and the Recording Academy Bring Back The GRAMMY Channel to Celebrate Music’s Biggest Night

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NEW YORK, NY (03.23.22) – In collaboration with the Recording Academy, The GRAMMY Channel returns to SiriusXM to celebrate the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

To salute this year’s nominees, The GRAMMY Channel will feature artists, music and albums from across the GRAMMY Awards’ fields and categories, including top nominees Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, H.E.R., Jon Batiste, Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo and more, all leading up to the live broadcast of Music’s Biggest Night on April 3 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

SiriusXM and the Recording Academy® Bring Back The GRAMMY® Channel to Celebrate Music’s Biggest Night®

Listeners can also expect to hear music from GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees such as Bonnie Raitt and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, as well as exclusive interviews with music’s biggest stars from behind the scenes at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards.  For a complete nominations list, visit: https://www.grammy.com/awards/64th-annual-grammy-awards-2021.

The limited-edition channel will begin March 23 and run through April 6 on SiriusXM channel 105.

SiriusXM is available to subscribers in their car, on their phone and connected devices at home with the SXM App. Streaming access is included with all of our trials and most popular plans. Go to www.siriusxm.com/ways-to-listen to learn more.

Alpine Electronics Training at Electronic Custom Distributors in Houston

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HOUSTON, TX (03.22.22) – Thursday March 15th, 2022, saw the resumption of in-person training for Alpine Electronics in Texas. The location was Electronic Custom Distributors (ECD) in Houston, TX. Alpine invited both ECD Alpine Dealers & Direct Alpine Dealers to the event.

Dan Greenwood conducting the Alpine training in the well equipped ECD training room.

The training was conducted by Alpine’s Texas based Brand Specialist Dan Greenwood and Andy Allen, Alpine Brand Representative, in the well equipped ECD training room. Greenwood also brought the Alpine Ford F-150 Demo Truck equipped with all the new gear for 2022, including Alpine’s brand-new Halo Truck Subwoofer Enclosure.

This unique truck subwoofer enclosure uses dual 8” woofers in a uniquely ported enclosure for optimal output and low frequency response. But the truly unique thing about this new enclosure is the adjustability. This one enclosure can be adjusted to fit RAM1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado, Nissan Titan plus Jeep Wrangler JK/JL and Jeep Gladiator models.

ECD’s Sales Manager Larry Treibel is flanked by Alpine’s Andy Allen (L) and Dan Greenwood beside the Alpine demo truck.

Dealers from as far away as Slidell, LA learned valuable information about all the new Head Units, Speakers, Subs and Amps Alpine has planned for 2022.

Alpine’s Houston-based Andy Allen related to 12Volt News, “The turn out for our first in-person training in over 2 years was amazing! Every dealer I spoke with at this event was excited about new products and grateful to Alpine and ECD for putting on the event.”

Images of the Alpine under seat Halo subwoofer enclosure in the Alpine Demo Truck.

Continuing, Allen offered, “Our thanks go out to Larry Treibel and the entire Staff at ECD for providing their excellent training facility to host this event. The room was packed! Dealers were able to not just learn about the new product, but hear it installed in the F-150. 2022 is going to be a great year for Alpine dealers!”

Treibel, ECD Sales Manager, stated to the 12volt Central Studios, “Dan Greenwood made a terrific presentation. In all there were over 40 people attending the Alpine training session. We distribute Alpine across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Alpine line will be strong in 2022 throughout our territory.”

Alpine Sr Manager Marco Bregenzer commented, “The feedback we have received from across the country on the new Halo Truck Subwoofer Enclosure has been amazing. The timing of the training at ECD is perfect as this new product is now shipping.”

Alpine is set to offer a series of Online Product and Sales Training Sessions for Authorized dealers. The trainings are April 4th, 5th and 6th. Please contact your Alpine representative for more information.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

End Result Received The Race Sport Lighting Rep of the Year Award

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Race Sport Lighting’s Ignacio Ayala is flanked by End Result’s Ed Dalesandro (R) and Rusty north as he presented the Race Sport Lighting 2021 Rep of the Year Award plaque to the End Result team during the End Result 2022 Show.

COLUMBUS, OH (03.22.22) – During the End Result Show 2022 Ignacio Ayala presented End Result the Race Sport Lighting Rep of the Year Award plaque.

“Ed, Rusty and Nicole received this award because they think outside the box, work to expand the Race Sport Lighting brand in their territory, have outstanding relationships with their dealers plus a passion for the 12volt industry while still hitting the road day to day. We appreciate their partnership and their value in the Ohio Valley territory,” stated Race Sport Lighting’s Ignacio Ayala as he presented the award to Ed Dalesandro and Rusty North on the show floor at the End Result Show on Friday, March 18th.

End Result Principal Ed Dalesandro stated, “The lighting category is a strong growth area across the 12volt industry. Race Sport Lighting has taken a leadership position in the category and addresses the many vehicle applications and products that offer opportunities for 12volt retailers. Lighting is a high profit opportunity for retailers too.”

Race Sport Lighting showed a wide selection of products in an extensive display during the very well attended End Result 2022 Show at the Bridgewater Convention Center in Columbus, OH.

Visit racesportinc.com and endresultonline.com for more.

SEMA Board of Directors Election Candidates Announced for 2022-23

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.22.22) – The following candidates are vying for a seat on the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Board of Directors:

Manufacturer – (3) Open Seats
Brian Herron, Opus IVS
John Torvinen, Performance Assembly Solutions
Kathryn Reinhardt (Incumbent), 4WP Factory/Pro Comp/Rubicon Express/Smittybilt
Marcus Umlauff, Toyota Motor North America
Melanie White (Incumbent), Hellwig Products
Norris Marshall, Marshall Engines/BluePrint Engines

Manufacturers Rep – (1) Open Seat
Mark Taylor, KAM Marketing
Richard Butler, R&R Marketing Consultants

Voting will take place online May 10-19, 2022, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning Friday, April 29. Winners will be announced by June 1.

Visit sema.org for more.

Successful MasterTech EXPO Sets Stage for 2023

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TEMPE, AZ (03.21.22) – The premier MasterTech EXPO took place March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. The combination tradeshow and tech training event welcomed hundreds of automotive aftermarket industry professionals to learn new fabrication and build strategies as well as experience products from exhibiting vendors. MasterTech EXPO will be back in the same location in 2023, spanning four days beginning March 5.

“Our first EXPO exceeded our expectations in every facet,” said Bryan Schmitt, event founder and producer. “We surpassed our audience and exhibitor targets while maintaining the unique learning and networking environment we wanted for everyone. We’re especially grateful to the staff at the Mesa Convention Center and the Delta Hotel for accommodating our needs due to expanded participation from the automotive aftermarket industry. Most importantly, we’ve built a new blueprint for process-driven, large-scale technical training unlike anything the industry has experienced.”

The 2023 MasterTech EXPO event will add more diverse exhibitors and hands-on activities for education workshop attendees. Since the workshop format is based on what one would find at a university, the 2023 curriculum will continue that direction by adding electives, so an attendee can choose an additional class outside of his or her selected core workshops. In addition, attendees will have more opportunity to use tools and emulate the steps and techniques taught by expert instructors.

In conjunction with the annual show, MasterTech-branded events will continue to educate professional technicians and fabricators. The monthly School of Fab series on YouTube, featuring Bryan Schmitt and Mark from the popular Car Audio Fabrication series, will continue on first Thursday of each month. Schmitt will also announce 2022 dates for the return of specialty training classes at the Mobile Solutions facility in Tempe, Ariz., under the MasterTech brand. Each in-house MasterTech session at Mobile Solutions will comprise more intimate, project-focused versions of the School of Fab and Master Design courses taught at MasterTech EXPO.

“For 2023 and beyond, we are committed to providing our attendees a broader range of technical expertise and exhibitors,” added Schmitt. “What we offer as an experience has to reflect the changes in the automotive aftermarket. Shops are diversifying to provide a single source of expanded services to their clientele. We want to continue to fuel that change with access to top-notch companies and focused education.”

For more information, visit MasterTechEXPO.com.