WASHINGTON, DC (06.09.2021) – With an ever-growing demand for the professional installation of all types of window film products for architectural and automotive applications, The International Window Film Association (IWFA) is addressing the need for qualified window film installers by partnering with Window Tint School, based in Jacksonville, Florida.
John Parker-IWFA Treasurer, Joshua Blake-Top North Tint owner with Darren Fettik and Jon Dewer-Window Tint School Founders (LtoR) on the floor at the Orange Country Conference Center. Blake is a student/graduate of the Window Tint School in Jacksonville, FL.
As the largest industry association made up of a broad array of window film manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, dealers and individual installers, the IWFA is expanding its educational program by providing Window Tint School with industry-recognized educational materials and accreditation testing to ascertain and recognize the School’s students for their comprehension of various IWFA Educational Accreditation Programs: Solar Control Window Film, Automotive Window Film, Safety and Security Window Film and Advanced Solar Control Window Film.
A Tint Off competition was featured at the International Window Film Association Conference.
Window Tint School was founded by Jon Dewar and Darren Fettik in 2015 and is the first school in the nation dedicated solely to training and educating window film installers. It offers students of all ages and experience, hands-on training taught by high-level installation professionals. The School offers either a three-day or five-day action-packed curriculum where students learn to tackle installation on flat glass, automotive glass, decorative films, plus take field trips to nearby window film businesses and receive sales training.
With the IWFA’s involvement students may be able to graduate from Window Tint School with official IWFA accreditations, recognized the industry-over as the gold standard in window film knowledge. Graduating students will also receive a one-year complimentary membership in the IWFA.
“Many window film dealerships will want to have graduates of Window Tint School on their team, not just for the high-level of training students obtain, but also for the opportunity of ranking higher in the IWFA’s business locator,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “The combination of IWFA membership and accreditation that many of the students graduate with, will be a game changer in the industry,” he added.
RALEIGH, NC (06.09.2021) – Zorg North America LLC has announced the release of an LVDS Rear Camera Relocation Kit for up-fitter’s and chassis builders of Ford, Ram, And GM Vehicles.
The change in OEM cameras from CVBS (standard) to LVDS (coax style) has caused a problem for many up-fitters, topper companies, and body manufacturers. Zorg North America’s team has designed a solution. One housing will fit all of the major truck brand cameras and allows the rear tailgate camera to be relocated to a fixed location. The kit includes a 15-foot LVDS Extension cable that plugs into the vehicle camera cable at the chassis below the tailgate. This cable can then be routed to a custom location where there is space to mount the rear camera retaining the OEM rearview system.
Zorg North America also offers replacement OEM cameras for customers that do not wish to remove the camera from the tailgate. This solution is practical when a temporary need to remove the tailgate comes into play, such as a salt spreader, water pump, or other utility bed solution will be loaded onto the truck and removed again later. All major brand cameras are in stock and are available when ordering a housing kit, including the 2021 F150 application.
Zorg supplies a full line of commercial-grade monitors, cameras, cables, collision sensors, and upfitter harness solutions and ships the same day in most cases. All Designed, Engineered and Tested in the USA.
HOLLY HILL, FL (06.09.2021) – Metra Electronics will host six training sessions at the 2021 KnowledgeFest in-person event in Orlando, FL. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers, which will outline new integration products, lighting and audio upgrades for Harley-Davidson, aftermarket accessories for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, and new products for upgrading vehicle safety systems. Installer Institute will also host a session to show shops how to connect with trained, certified graduates through their online career portal and explain the future of mobile electronics education. Training sessions include:
KnowledgeFest 2019
“Simplify your Install with Axxess DSPs” on Friday, June 25 at 12:30 PM
This training will cover the entire Axxess DSP product line, highlight new vehicle coverage, and showcase the newest app features. Metra will show installers how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. Attendees will learn how to use and set up Axxess DSPs through the app for complete tuning control and when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions.This training will also explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AXDSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology.
“New Accessories for Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator from Metra” on Friday, June 25 at 1:45 PM
Metra has focused an entire product line to the growing market of Jeep owners who want to customize their rides to be louder and reflect their own personal style. This session will help them learn about the new speaker adapter plates, backup camera options, complete integration solutions, and LED lighting solutions designed to fit Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator models. Attendees will hear valuable tips for selling and installing these new products that will give them additional opportunities to sell a full range of upgrades to loyal Jeep customers.
KnowledgeFest 2018
“New Lighting and Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” on Saturday, June 26 at 4:45 PM
How can shops cut down installation time on audio and lighting upgrades? Metra’s Saddle Tramp brand is here to help with even more new products launching this season. Attendees will be the first to learn about new Axxess DSPs that fit Harley-Davidson with a built-in re-flashing feature and Saddle Tramp’s newest replacement inner fairing. Attendees will learn how to offer upgrades to make their customer’s motorcycles louder and more stylish, without the need for labor-intensive custom fabrication and wiring.
“Upgrading Vehicle Safety Systems with iBEAM” on Saturday, June 26 at 6:00 PM
As more consumers upgrade their vehicles, safety and convenience features should not be left out of the selling strategy. Attendees will learn about the aftermarket safety features they should be selling and how to install iBEAM’s newest products. This session will go over the hot-button selling points and features that consumers are asking for plus installation tips to give installers a better understanding of what is involved in an upgrade.
“The Future of Mobile Electronics Education with Installer Institute” on Sunday, June 27 at 9:15 AM
There are some things best learned with hands-on training. Mobile electronics education is one of them. Attendees of this session will learn how Installer Institute has adapted its curriculum to include courses designed to give students practical training for car audio installations plus additional skills for home theater integration, marine audio, upholstery, security, remote start installation, window tinting and more. For shops looking for trained, MECP and MESA certified installers, this session will show them how to connect with ii graduates through the online career portal and also explain what they can expect an ii graduate to have learned.
“Advanced Integration Made Easy with Axxess and Metra” on Sunday, June 27 at 10:30 AM
Attendees will learn about the newest solutions from Axxess and Metra that make vehicle integration easy, even with some of the notoriously complex vehicle systems. This training session gives in-depth installation information for Metra’s new AXPIO-JL1 integration kit for Jeep Wrangler, Metra’s latest TurboTouch dash kits, and new Axxess interfaces hitting the market.
Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend.
Metra will be at booth #1007 from June 25th-27th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org.
NASHVILLE, TN (06.08.2021) – The MECP program has debuted the Vision Zero Automotive Network Certification course and exam in its online learning platform, and it is ready for access now.
“With the help of our very generous supporting vendor community, we’re thrilled to be able to bring this much-needed certification program to the industry,” said Bernie Sapienza, Executive Director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “This level of specialization can help create a deeper level of consumer confidence within our channel and strengthen our message as an industry. Emerging ADAS is clearly an opportunity for our industry, and additional training will clearly be a benefit.”
“The OEM and aftermarket ADAS categories have grown tremendously in recent years, and this content has been developed to focus on the sales, application, and installation of these types of products,” says Kris Bulla, MECP President.
The new certification is subscription-based, and access to the course and exam lasts for one year. If you are a currently certified MECP technician or specialist, or if you work for a store that is part of the Vision Zero Automotive Network, you can access the new course for a discounted price. The new course is open to anyone, regardless of their current certification or network status. Once the course has been completed and the online exam has been passed, a unique Vision Zero Automotive Network Certification certificate will be issued for display, and the credentials can be accessed, viewed, and displayed from the MECP online Portable ID profile.
“The MECP program has been around for over 30 years,” continued Sapienza. They are the undisputed premier certification entity in our industry. Their recent transition to an all-digital platform was clearly created at the right moment for VZAN to partner with them.”
To find out more about the Vision Zero Automotive Network or obtain your network member discount coupon code, contact Bernie Sapienza at bsapienza@visionzero.us. To get access to MECP courses, visit www.mecp.com, and click Get Certified. For assistance with your certification or get an MECP certified discount coupon code, contact the MECP Admin team at vzan@mecp.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.08.2021) – Available when you need them, where you need them; SEMA’s On-Demand Virtual Education library includes dozens of recorded sessions that SEMA members can access anytime, anywhere.
Below are newly added and popular recordings that are available. For a complete list of sessions and registration information for upcoming webinars, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.
SEMA Industry Insight Series The Growing Diversity of the Light Truck-Market, Powered by TORA Truck and off-road professionals will be able to make more informed, strategic business decisions using new research on the vehicle landscape and trends facing the market for pickups, SUVs, CUVs and vans. Find out where sales are shifting toward and how this may impact aftermarket sales.
Team Management Series, Powered by SBN Reducing Micromanagement and Increasing Employee Self Sufficiency Learn about the dangers of micromanagement and how to increase employee self-sufficiency. During this webinar, Allison Harding from Vintage Air is joined by one of her personal mentors, Christine Ashmore from Morgan Stanley, as she shares tips for improving efficiency and productivity within work departments.
Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC Preparing for National Tire Safety Week National Tire Safety Week, a consumer tire safety awareness campaign by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), will take place June 28–July 4. Listen in as experts share important information that tire companies can use to participate in the campaign, prepare their staff and marketing in advance, and educate consumers on proper tire care and maintenance.
Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks More Than Just Jeeping: Other Ways People Go Off-Road While Jeeps continue to dominate the off-road market, the growing popularity of overlanding and related outdoor activities represents a huge opportunity for companies to expand their selection and grow their businesses. Learn about the evolving landscape of the off-road market, the different ways people are going off road, and what related products businesses may want to consider.
For a complete list of sessions and registration information for upcoming webinars, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (06.08.2021) – This new DS18 10” Subwoofer is a mid-tier addition that comes with all the features normally associated with much more expensive models.
The GEN-XX10.4DHE is rated at 1000 MAX power and 500 watts RMS at 4+4 ohms. The black aluminum basket design and black aluminum voice coil initially catch eyeballs and soon ears.
This new product, that continues the DS18 mantra “We Like It Loud” is now shipping.
LONG BEACH, MS (06.07.2021) – Jeepers rolled to the Mississippi Gulf Coast the weekend of June 4th through June 6th for the 2021 Jeepin’ The Coast in Long Beach MS. DS18 Showed all in the crowd “We Like It Loud” with Mr DS18 Rob Ferro on site with the new Jeep Exotica DS18 Demo Jeep. The DS18 Exotica was surrounded by members of the crowd during the Shakin’ The Street Sound Competition event that was sponsored by DS18.
The Shakin’ The Street Sound Competition drew a large evening crowd.
The Shakin’ The Dtreets sound competition was sponsored by DS18 and the company had multiple entries.
The DS18 Exotica Jeep was a Top 10 Winner at the event.
Skyjacker had a major presence and showed a variety of Jeep demos featuring the company’s lift kits.
Live entertainment drew large evening crowds to the stage.
Over the 4-day weekend event hundreds and hundreds of Jeepers enjoyed the Kick Off Party, Light and Sound Competitions, Scavenger Hunts, Beach Crawls, Concerts on The Beach, Poker Runs plus Block Parties capped by a Group Cruise to the Farewell Party Sunday evening June 6th.
The Budweiser Clydesdales led one of the parades to everyone’s delight.
Brands in the Vendor Village included DS18, Oracle Lighting, Skyjacker, Wild Child Customs, 4×4 Jeep Attitude, Kanati Tires and EZ Trunk to name a few.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (06.07.2021) – The SPL Finals Soundfest will be in Muscle Shoals, AL at the N AL Fairgrounds on the weekend of October 8 – 10, and will be a United Finals event with dB Drag Racing and IASCA. This features the Dueling Demos Finals on Saturday evening at 7 PM.
This is the only weekend open at the only venue open for business, and it does shorten the time between the official end of the season and the Finals contest, by 1 week. Some shuffling of events may be necessary, and any changes will be made asap.
Click below to hear a message from Steve Stern
The SQL Finals Soundfest will be in Bentonville, AR at the Fairgrounds on the weekend of October 22 – 24 and will be a United Finals event with EMMA and IASCA.
This will include the Show & Shine championships on Saturday, with Ride The Light Finals Saturday evening.
Co-Sponsors at this time are Ohio Generator, Sundown Audio, and Incriminator Audio. Other Co-Sponsor opportunites are available.
Commissioner Stern said, “We are excited to conclude our season with 2 high quality events for our members and the mobile electronics industry.”
SHREVEPORT LA (06.05.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Temecula Mobile Sound won the JVC XX ETREME Headphone Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, June 4th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 130th time on Friday morning June 4th. The Wheel landed on the JVC space. The Temecula Mobile Sound slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out and spoke to Bill Hasan in Temecula CA and gave him the good news….which he was surprised and happy to hear the JVC headphones will be headed his way. Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX and AR Custom OC in Orange CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, June 11th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (0604.2021) – As exhibitors prepare to choose their exhibit locations for the 2021 SEMA Show, excitement continues to grow for the annual trade show taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas, Nev.
“SEMA is the place to showcase what is new within the industry, which creates excitement and enthusiasm,” said Kristen Damberger, Cometic Gasket director of promotions, advanced. “As an exhibitor, we want to fuel that fire. We want to be a part of that energy.”
More than 1,700 companies will take part in the annual Priority Space Selection process, June 7-23, to choose their exhibit locations for the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Cometic Gasket is one of more than 1,700 companies that will take part in the annual SEMA Show Priority Space Selection process, held June 7-23. Like Cometic, these companies all committed to exhibiting at the 2021 SEMA Show before the May 7 priority deadline, and they are now preparing to showcase their new products and reconnect with buyers in person for the first time in nearly two years.
“Anticipation for this year’s SEMA Show has increased as we get closer to Priority Space Selection and exhibitors begin making plans,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are excited to know where their booth is going to be so they can start to plan what their exhibit is going to look like and how to effectively connect and conduct business with attendees.”
Many exhibitors experienced growth during the nationwide stay-at-home orders and maintained production with new products. Others have hot products from early 2020 that they have not had a chance to debut industry-wide.
“The SEMA Show is a great place to do business, and not being able to connect last year only amplified our enthusiasm to get back to Vegas and get back to business in person,” said Rob Fisher, E3 Spark Plugs vice president of motorsports, marketing, and business development. “We recently launched a new line of ultra-lightweight lithium batteries, and these were originally going to be showcased last year, but we will naturally showcase them at SEMA 2021 so that our customers and the industry can see them first-hand.”
This year’s Show will include exhibit space in all four Las Vegas Convention Center halls, including the newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million square feet facility that will be used to enhance the attendee experience. As exhibitors select their space, the floor plan will be updated several times throughout the day at www.semashow.com.
Once the Priority Space Selection process is completed, Show organizers will begin adding meeting rooms for seminars and areas for special displays and interactive attractions throughout the 3.2-million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center.
“Our work creating this year’s floorplan to meet the demands of the aftermarket industry has only just begun,” said Gattuso. “The enthusiasm to reconnect in person can be felt throughout the industry, so this year’s SEMA Show will be essential in helping businesses move forward.”
For more information or to register to attend the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.
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