IRWINDALE CA (03.10.22) elettromedia-usa brands Hertz and Audison showcased their latest products on the event floor at the recent KFest in Las Vegas. In addition to presenting the companies’ latest products new show displays grabbed attention.
The Hertz Audison booth on the KnowledgeFest event floor drew strong traffic and compliments from attendees.
Momentum Marketing… Rep Firm of the Year. Shawn Simpson, Jimmy Bradfield, Rob Wempe, Gary Biggs, Colby Pittman and Hector Mena (LtoR).
Vice President Rob Wempe related “The Las Vegas KnowledgeFest event was very positive as we connected with dealers and met with our rep firms. The new displays by 5 Axis provided great sounding live demos for our products and received many compliments from attendees.”
Oliver Marketing West Coast Rep Firm of the Year. Rodney Shoemaker, Rob Wempe, Dave Furness and Ryan Rough (LtoR).
AVR East Coast Rep Firm of the Year. Joe Hassan, Rob Wempe, Greg Wallace and Brian Cargile (LtoR).
In the company’s meeting room 2021 Rep Firm awards were presented. Momentum Marketing was named the Rep Firm of the Year. The Texas-based firm has tripled business in the territory over the last 3 years. West Coast Rep Firm of the Year is Oliver Marketing. East Coast Rep Firm of the Year is AVR. Most Improved for 2021 is SantaFe with a 155% in the firm’s Midwest Territory. The Individual Rep of the Year award was presented to Rob Osheaski with Echo Sales. A very attractive THESIS Award was present to each recipient by Rob Wempe.
Santa Fe Most Improved Rep Firm. Steve Abbott, Rob Wempe and Anthony Rawlings (LtoR).
elettromedia-usa staff members on site at KFest in Vegas included Jeff Peters, Steve Bolden, Phil Bolden, Chris McNulty, Duane Pilgrim, Ken Ward, Celina Castillo and Rob Wempe.
Rob Osheaski (L) with Echo Sales received the Individual Rep of the Year Award from Rob Wempe.
After a five-year wait, Volkswagen has finally pulled the covers off the production version of the ID.Buzz, the long-awaited, all-electric replacement for its old Microbus.
But don’t rush to your local VW showroom, at least not if you live in the U.S. Today’s global livestream debut focused on two short-wheelbase versions of the ID.Buzz, both targeted for Europe and other international markets. The U.S. is set to get a long-wheelbase model that won’t be introduced until next year, the automaker confirmed, as a 2024 model.
Volkswagon finally introduced its long-awaited ID.Buzz electric minivan.
The original Microbus — officially known as the T1 — was an icon of the hippie era, a simple example of freedom and mobility. VW design chief Jozef Kaban insists his team “very consciously ensured that we were not making another T1.” Perhaps, but he quickly acknowledges “The ID.Buzz shows that it is successfully transferring the genes and stylistic elements of that iconic vehicle into the digital era.”
Return of an icon
Europe will get two short-wheelbase options later this year, but the U.S. long wheelbase model won’t come until 2023.
VW spent decades trying to recapture the magic of the original Microbus, something lost in later Eurovan models. Part of the challenge was coming up with a modern take on the original’s distinctive design, with a blunt nose, short overhangs, a large interior and a rear-mounted engine.
The production version of the ID.Buzz will ride on the same flexible platform, known internally as the MEB, used for Volkswagen’s all-electric ID.4 crossover and other models.
The exterior design clearly picks up on key Microbus design cues that also include the classic, V-shaped “hood,” though it adds a number of distinctly modern elements, such as the slim LED headlamps, daytime running lights and large, backlit VW logo on the nose. An LED light bar runs across the back end, connecting the van’s horizontal taillights.
Multiple versions
The original all-electric ID.Buzz concept, right, made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2017.
Two versions of the van are being launched, the ID.Buzz passenger model and the ID.Buzz Cargo for commercial customers. In a bit of a retro touch, both will come with 18-inch steel wheels, though aluminum alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches will be available on the passenger model.
The ID.Buzz cabin initially will come in a five-passenger layout with a sliding rear bench and fold-out tables in the back of the front seats. A six-seat configuration “will come later,” VW says, adding that the long-wheelbase model to follow will have a seven-seat, 2/3/2 layout. The two-row short passenger model will offer nearly 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Expect to see even more space available for both cargo and passengers when the stretched U.S. version comes to market. The initial models feature a 117.6-inch wheelbase, and measure 185.5 inches in total length. The passenger ID.Buzz stands 76.3 inches in height, about 1 mm shorter than the commercial ID.Buzz Cargo model “due to slight differences in the chassis,” VW said in a statement. Both models are 78.1 inches wide. The long-wheelbase version could gain as much as a foot in overall length.
A look inside
The ID.Buzz interior puts a premium on sustainability with vegan leather.
“You feel so much space,” said design director Kaban. “It’s so clean. It feels like a very modern home.”
The various Buzz models will put an emphasis on sustainability with the materials used on the interior. Among other things that includes velour fabrics made from recycled soft drink bottles.
The cabin takes on a high-tech feel with a standard 10-inch digital gauge cluster and 10-inch infotainment screen. That can be upgraded to a 12-inch touch display with onboard navigation. Like the all-electric ID.4 crossover, key controls, such as volume and climate, are operated by digital buttons and sliders.
There’s also an interactive “ID.Light” stretching across the instrument panel just behind the windscreen. It changes colors to clue drivers in. If there’s a chance of a forward collision, for example, it will turn bright red. When using navigation, it might flash a signal on the passenger side to signal an upcoming right turn.
Several advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning and highway sign recognition, come standard, with others like adaptive cruise and blind-spot assist offered as options.
Powertrain options
VW will produce two versions initially: the IDBuzz passenger van and a commercial version, the ID.Buzz Cargo, pictured above.
VW says it’s put a premium on sustainability. That includes a vegan alternative to leather, the use of recycled materials, such as soft drink bottles, and organically based paints. Of course, there’s also the all-electric drive system.
Initially, the ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo will feature a single motor on the rear axle making 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. It will draw power from an 82 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. VW said in a statement it will release range information “at a later date,” but the initial version of the ID.Buzz is widely expected to get somewhat less than 250 miles per charge.
An 11 kilowatt, 240-volt charger is built in and the van also can handle up to 170 kW of power at a public high-speed charger.
The Buzz will feature “Plug and Charge” capabilities. When plugged into a public charger the car automatically will provide billing data so there will be no need to use a credit card or even a smartphone app. Currently, the VW-funded Electrify America network is the only public charging system to offer that feature but others are expected to follow.
U.S. version to follow
Volkswagon will offer special versions of the ID.Buzz including a California camper similar to this early prototype.
Looking ahead, the U.S. will only get a stretched version of the ID.Buzz. VW also plans to offer a twin motor version for the U.S. that will make an estimated 300 hp. The automaker has not confirmed whether European buyers will also get that all-wheel-drive package as a later option.
The concept version featured a 111 kWh pack and expectations are that a larger battery package also will be offered in the U.S. It would be useful to meet the 300-mile range target VW is believed to have set internally.
The U.S. model will be offered in a variety of configurations, in line with what VW did with the original T1 Microbus in its heyday and the automaker has signaled that this will include a California edition targeted at campers.
The American version is expected to be unveiled early in 2023 but will be sold as a 2024 model.
BOCA RATON, FL (03.09.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was recently named a Top Franchise for 2022 by Franchise Business Review. This is the 17th annual ranking of the 200 best franchise opportunities as rated by franchise business owners. The list is available at https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/top-franchises/.
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.
Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and employee engagement, provides the only rankings and awards for franchise companies based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of the top 200 franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises.
“While the pandemic impacted various business sectors differently, the last 18 months have clearly demonstrated the inherent strengths of the franchise business model. The old franchise adage of ‘being in business for yourself, but not by yourself’ has never been more important,” said Franchise Business Review founder and CEO Eric Stites. “Thanks to fast innovations, significant support, and responsive crisis management, many franchise brands have emerged stronger from the pandemic, and that is reflected in high franchisee satisfaction.”
Tint World was among over 300 franchise brands, representing more than 30,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. Tint World’s franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training and support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.
“This recognition is incredibly rewarding, because it’s coming from the people who represent Tint World in their communities,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Our franchisees are the foundation of this company, and we’re passionate about empowering them to succeed by providing them all the support and resources they need. Our position on Franchise Business Review’s list of the 200 Top Franchises reflects that, and demonstrates that we’re in a unique position to continue our explosive growth, both nationally and internationally.”
TAMPA, FL (03.09.22) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned electronics and technology services distributor, was recently awarded Distributor of the Year at the Mobile Electronics Association Industry Awards. DOW also received the award in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
The Mobile Electronics association presents the awards annually to recognize and honor those in the mobile electronics industry. The Industry Awards are voted on by the retailers and vendors working in the 12Volt industry nationwide.
This award marks DOW’s sixth win in eight years.
“I am really proud of the effort our team gives every day,” stated Mike Hurwitz, 12volt strategic sales manager. “We are focused on providing our customers the best customer service and this award recognizes the work we’ve put in over the last year.”
“This award recognizes the dedication of our entire company to support our 12Volt customers,” stated senior vice president Dave Elkin. “The sales team provides great service, building meaningful relationships with the customers. Our purchasing team works with our vendor partners to work through inventory and supply chain issues to help customers. And the warehouse teams ensure rapid order processing, getting products shipped out quickly. All of our employees can take pride in being honored by the industry.”
LAS VEGAS, NV (03.09.22) – Kingpin University showed two new kits featuring Habanero Cordless Heating Tools at the recent KnowledgeFest event in Las Vegas, a result of the new distribution agreement with the Mount Pleasant, Wisc.-based tool manufacturer. In addition, Kingpin University announced three new training classes that culminate in a multi-session group build of the company’s iconic “Rat Rod” show vehicle.
Kingpin University is marketing the Habanero Plastic Repair Kit in addition to its own custom kit. The Plastic Repair Kit (MSRP $129.99) features the USB-charging Habanero tool body in a convenient hard case. It ships with a hot staple tip, plastic welding tip and plastic filler tip, as well as charging cable, wire brush, three types of plastic filler rods and two types of staples.
The Ultimate Soldering Kit (MSRP $199.99) created by Kingpin University includes the Habanero tool body and charging cable, fine soldering tip, heat-resistant tool lid and solder roll in a transportable storage base to allow easy access in the vehicle or on a workbench.
“Habanero soldering kits are quickly becoming a favorite of installers and fabricators because of their versatility and portability,” said Jason Kranitz, lead instructor at Kingpin University. “The ability to quickly change tips to accomplish various fastening and repair jobs saves businesses time and money. We are thrilled to offer Habanero products to our students and fellow industry professionals.”
Kingpin University also added three upcoming classes to its website at kingpinuniversity.com. Fundamentals of Car Audio Online is a two-hour virtual course that will take attendees through all of the features of a professional-grade oscilloscope and show them how to use the tool to deliver maximum power and performance from an audio system. The second “Step One” virtual course for Laser / CNC work shows attendees how to use CAD software to create precise, intricate drawings that can be cut on a CNC machine.
The third course is the first of an in-session series in which attendees will design and build different sections of Kingpin University’s award-winning show car. The work will be featured at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
For more information on Kingpin University, available training courses, Habanero tools or Kingpin Fab Products, visit kingpinuniversity.com.
DOW Technologies is an award-winning distributor of 12Volt aftermarket products. Our team focuses on the sales of car, marine and powersport vehicle audio, video, and lighting upgrade products to 12Volt shops that sell and install the products. Additional vehicle upgrades products distributed include security alarms, remote start, safety products such as blind spot detection and backup cameras, radar detection, dash cameras, and other accessories.
The primary products distributed are car audio equipment (speakers, amps, radios, subs), remote start accessories, radars, cameras and more. Supporting products include everything from cables, plugs, fuses, harnesses, adapters to other installation parts. Our primary vendor partners are Sony, Escort, Triton, Rockford Fosgate, Arc Audio, and Metra.
The Account Manager position for DOW Technologies is primarily responsible for developing and increasing business in their designated territory and pillar. You will be responsible for managing and strengthening existing accounts, as well as finding and growing new points of business, developed directly by you or developed from leads provided by any of our external partners. Job responsibilities and obligations may extend beyond normal workday hours; you may be required to work before and after hours or on weekends in order to accomplish your goals. This position will work closely with all DOW management to provide you and our customers with the materials and programs needed to make them successful.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage, plan, and execute growth strategies for accounts within your designated territory.
Responsible for increasing the profitability of DOW’s territories and footprint.
Find and develop new relationships, along with maintaining existing relationships with customers.
Maintain sufficient customer communication and assistance through phone, e-mail, online presentations, screen share and in-person meetings.
Responsible for cooperating and interacting in a team environment that allows the professional growth of all employees.
Communicate effectively with DOW Management, other Account Managers, and other internal departmental teams.
Create a monthly in-depth analysis of the territory, significant account changes, and any new competitive information.
Resolve customer conflicts and provide solutions in a timely manner.
Enhance Sales and DOW’s reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
Excellent organizational, time management and project management skills.
Strive to exceed projected Key Performance Indicators.
Regularly meet with DOW Management to develop and shape the DOW Electronics vision.
Ability to travel for short or extended periods including overnight travel as requested.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits Offered:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Company Paid Basic Life and Long-Term Disability
Optional Short-Term Disability
Life Insurance at extremely low rates
401K Plan with 10% unlimited company match
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid PTO, Bereavement and Jury Duty
Relaxed dress code
Flexible scheduling if it can meet the needs of customers
Product and technical training
Upbeat atmosphere and fun work culture
Family owned and operated
Employee Purchase Program with a payroll deduction potential
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
Highly focused and proactive to handle simultaneous deadlines.
Extremely motivated, self-starter with a passion to succeed.
Drive to learn new technologies and products.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work well under pressure.
Knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite, word processing, spreadsheets and databases; media storage.
Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Physical Demands:
Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard and using the telephone for extended amounts of time.
Able to perform general office administrative activities.
Able to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, and reach on a daily basis.
Ability to safely, frequently and independently move and handle up to 25 lbs.
Ability to drive 3-5 days a week for up to and exceeding 8-10 hours a day
Ability to travel via airplane as required
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
If interested in the position, click here to apply: shorturl.at/fmtP2
PowerBass USA, Inc., an established Southern California Car Audio Manufacturer is seeking an experienced Warranty & Returns Manager with advanced 12V knowledge and preferred past installation expertise to work in its corporate office located in Ontario, California.
This position handles all dealer and consumer warranty returns calls, documentation, and RMA generation as well as fielding back up technical support calls in a professional and courteous manner.
In the primary role of Warranty Department Manager, the candidate will show the ability to work independently, efficiently, and effectively handling daily tasks that are critical to an effective Returns and Warranty Service Department.
Issue RMA numbers and complete forms for proper in house tracking and logistics of all consumer and direct customer returns.
Receive and review all returned products to confirm the warranty status and identify all defects.
Complete documents to issue return sales orders for replacement or credit for warranty items
Working knowledge of company’s Customer Service guidelines to effectively communicate appropriately our policies and procedures.
Work directly with Product Development, and Engineering departments to identify updates and technical bulletins for current catalog items as well as upcoming new product design.
In the secondary role of Technical Support Assistance, the candidate will show their knowledge in 12V installation and product use as well as trouble shooting. Answer technical support phone calls as the back up to our lead Technical Support Director. This role will be based on experience and will not be the primary function of the new hire.
We are looking to hire this position in the next 14 days and hope to find a very motivated 12V expert ready to make the step into the manufacture side of the industry. PowerBass USA is showing amazing growth year in and year out thanks to its advancements in product development and manufacturing as well as our wonderful staff of amazing people who all share a passion for making great products and servicing our customers around the globe.
Hourly pay based on experience, paid vacation/sick days, and optional health benefits available. Please email resume to: e.harbour@powerbassusa.com In person interview in our corporate offices will be required for consideration.
DANIA BEACH, FL (03.08.22) – HKI USA has announced an amazing new partnership with ProLine-X (Vacaville CA) for subwoofer specific enclosures to help deliver a better overall experience to our retailers and their clients.
Proline-X does things very differently when it comes to building “pre-fab” enclosures by taking away the simplicity of mass market products, and focuses on using the highest quality materials, the best construction methods, and proper design and tuning of their enclosures.
Click above to view the full PDF
“Our goal here is to offer dealers a true solution that has the performance and quality necessary to reinforce Ground Zero subwoofers’ ability to play strong, deep, and accurate bass,” stated Robert Reilly of HKI USA, who spear headed this project with the Proline-X.
While Proline-X is not new to the enclosure game, this partnership is the first manufacturer recommended enclosure line to be available nationwide, and Ground Zero is extremely proud to be able to point their dealers in the right direction. There will be available enclosures paired to the entry level Iridium lines up through the widely loved Hydrogen line. Starting with a more traditional universal style and fit, who knows where this could lead and what awesome products could be brought to the table in the future.
For more information on the enclosures, and how to become a dealer, contact Proline-X.com.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (03.08.22) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the next-generation Alpine Halo R-Series Subwoofer Enclosures with ProLink. The enclosures come preloaded with Alpine’s new 10” and 12” R-Series subwoofers that feature an all-new design to offer a cleaner, more controlled bass response.
Deeper Bass Output Design improvements to the R-Series subwoofers include larger double-stacked magnets, which play deeper bass with more authority. A new ceramic composite dust cap provides incredible internal damping (vibration absorption) to smooth out the frequency response and reproduce tight bass. Featuring Alpine’s High Amplitude Multi-Roll (HAMR) Surround Technology, the subwoofer cone efficiently moves air while staying cool, which also contributes to increased output from the subwoofers.
The new design and enhanced performance of the next-generation R-Series subwoofers result in a cleaner, more controlled bass response from the Alpine Halo R-Series Preloaded Subwoofer Enclosures with ProLink. The ported enclosures feature a vent and rounded internal port edges that maximize the output performance of the subwoofer, for deeper, reliable bass. Each enclosure is also wired for optimized performance with Alpine’s R-Series R-A75M Mono Power Amplifier.
Unique ProLink Technology Alpine’s unique ProLink technology was designed with the sound system builder in mind. ProLink allows more flexibility in both power and price to start with a single subwoofer enclosure and add an additional subwoofer using a Linking Kit (sold separately) to join two enclosures together to create a dual system when more bass is desired.
Groundbreaking Alpine Halo Design The Alpine Halo R-Series Preloaded Subwoofer Enclosures with ProLink share the premium, unmistakable design of the Alpine Halo Family. The enclosures pull design cues from the Alpine Halo Display with unique, curved edges outlined by a silver trim and a front baffle for a matching system aesthetic. Built with sturdy, 3/4” MDF construction and covered in a premium black carpet, these enclosures give the impression of a custom look, without the custom work.
The R2-SB12V and R2-SB10V are now shipping at a MAP of $499.95 and $449.95 respectively and are available at Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
NEW YORK, NY (03.08.22) – 12volt retailers now have the most up to date training information at their fingertips.
This one-page announcement has all the details. 12volt retailer staff members simply scan the QR code and sign up for the training. Once the training has been completed the user will be sent a 90 day free streaming code and also be entered in for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
Click above to view full PDF
There will be 10 monthly $50 Amazon gift card winners and 1 quarterly $250 Amazon gift card winner.
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