OVERLAND PARK, KS (11.16.2020) – KC Trends is a very proactive retailer in Overland Park KS specializing in automotive aftermarket products. KC Trends is Kansas City’s best source for automotive luxury, performance and automotive wheels, parts and accessories since 1993.
On a recent Friday evening the company hosted members of the KC Exotic Club for an evening to showcase their exotic cars, network with peers and enjoy refreshments along with a selection of goodies from a local food truck.
Over 50 KC Exotics Club members attended the event at KC Trends.
KC Trends owner Chad Dearth related “We had over 50 exotic cars that circled the store and filled the parking lot. The least expensive ride at the event was a new 2020 Corvette. Over 120 people spent time in the store checking out our wide assortment of automotive accessories including lighting. We had a raffle and raised over $1,300 for a local charity. Michelin, Toyo and GoMobile Tires were great raffle partners for @shadowbuddies.”
This overhead shot really shows the great turnout for the KC Exotics Club at KC Trends Overland Park, KS event. The drone image from @thechazzcom.
KC Trends is very active on social media with eye-catching image posts. Many of the posts spotlight a recently completed project positioned in front of the store. KC Trends store branding is very visible in the background of many of the posts. Followers definitely see KC Trends is the place in the Kansas City area for automotive upgrades.
Exotic rides from the KC Exotic Club member in the KC Trends parking lot at sunset.
The night of the KC Exotic Club event amazing overhead drone pics @thechazzcom were posted. The overhead images of the exotic cars circling the building were truly amazing Instagram posts.
Concluding, Dearth offered “The KC Exotic Club night was terrific. To see all the vehicles surrounding the store, with their owners and friends in our showroom, was truly great. We plan for this to be an annual event.”
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.17.2020) – “At Maxxsonics USA, we are deeply saddened to announce the sudden loss of a colleague and dear friend of the company, Lukas Louw. Lukas was a design consultant and one of the original engineers who worked with Hifonics founder Helmut Stieglitz. Lukas remained the Hifonics Chief Engineer until his passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Lukas’s family.”
On his passing, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics USA, commented, “Last week Maxxsonics lost a very integral part of its family. Lukas Lowe was not only our Chief Engineer he was a very dear friend of mine and he will be sorely missed. Lukas’s contribution to the mobile audio industry will go unmatched.”
FULLERTON, CA (11.17.2020) – Vision Tech America, Inc. has launched VTR419GW, a dual, front, 4K UHD, and rear, 2K FHD camera dash cam with a full touch screen. It is the most advanced and user friendly with safety in mind.
VTR419GW, with a high-definition front camera, will record vibrant color pictures during the day, and with the rear wide dynamic range camera, will be able to read the license plate number of a vehicle following with headlights during the night driving. With a wide viewing angle, a rear camera with a reverse trigger wire can be used as a backup camera.
Out of box, full features also include • High definition 4K UHD front camera and 2K FHD WDR camera with a backup trigger line, • Gesture sensitive, 3.0” full touch screen • motion detection, impact sensitive parking mode and continuous loop recording, • GPS for Speed and Geotagging for playback, • Wi-Fi connectivity for a mobile app for viewing and playback, • USB Video Class (UVC) connectivity for direct memory access, USB camera, and Charging, and • H.264 and H.265 recoding for maximum compression with minimum clarity loss for efficient storage usage.
In this regard, “Our new VTR419GW incorporates the latest technology to provide the best safety and security that a driver can expect. It will provide a driver with excellent supporting evidence for defending himself or herself in case of a car accident. It will help anyone to drive and park safely with confidence. We are very excited to offer VTR419GW to all drivers whether they are new drivers, commuters, or professional drivers.” said Richard Hong, VP Sales.
YORKVILLE, IL (11.16.2020) – “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Fahlmark, founder of Midwest Sales Group. Steve passed away on Thursday, November 12th, 2020. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Marcia Fahlmark; his daughter, Sara (Kevin) Roorbach; his son, Max Fahlmark; and his extended family and friends.”
Steve Falhmark (L) receiving the JVC Rep Firm of the Year, Eastern Region 2019, at CES 2020. JVC National Sales Manager Ron Trout (R) and Steve Cote presented the award to Midwest Sales Group during the National Sales Meeting.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 N. Bridge St., Yorkville, IL. Friends may visit from 4:00 until the Hour of Service on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Yorkville, IL. Interment will be private.
Steve Falhmark Midwest Sales Group 1965-2020
Steve was deeply loved by his family, friends, and his customers. His infectious personality and bold spirit will be missed – no words can describe the tremendous loss that will be felt. Steve was the principal of Midwest Sales group, and an industry veteran with over 25 years in the market. His passion for car audio and electronics grew into a successful career. He started on the retail floor of Y.E.S. Electronics, where he worked his way up to store manager.
A collage of Steve Falhmark images during various activities.
Steve’s desire to focus more on the business side led to his transition to Manufacturer Representative. He began with Brook Marketing, Inc, as an account executive, moved to Sales Network, Inc. and was then named Vice President of Leading Edge Sales and Marketing, Ltd. Throughout Steve’s career as a Sales Representative, Steve has represented many premium lines such as JL Audio, Focal, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, Lightning Audio, JBL, Bazooka and Clarion. In 2003, Steve decided to start his own Rep Firm, and Midwest Sales Group was born. Steve has been providing outstanding service and support to his Midwest Sales Group manufacturers, dealers, and distributors for over 17 years.
For those who knew Steve, please feel free to write a few words about Steve or extend your condolences to his family at this address or on his Facebook page.
WeConekt supplied this article “Remembering Steve Fahlmark.”
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.16.2020) – NEW HFEQ-2 processor from Hifonics utilizes higher sound quality with upgraded components. With 1⁄2 DIN ISO mount included; this perfect system upgrade can be installed right in the dash of your vehicle. At your fingertips, you’ll receive a 9-volt line driver offering a 4-band equalizer with a +18dB variable plus master volume, subwoofer volume control, and front to rear dual-amp fader.
Jim White, Quality Assurance Specialist, said, “With the HFEQ-2 processor, you’ll gain smoother sound and an all-around better listening experience. Obtaining full control of your music in every aspect is what we set out to achieve and the result is our most powerful and efficient processor that Hifonics has to offer.”
ABOUT THE HFEQ-2 PROCESSOR
With higher efficiency, drawing less power, the HFEQ-2 processor delivers a sound to your audio that creates a more dynamic experience letting you customize your music more than ever. High-pass filters allow complete control of every high, while low-pass filters allow for deeper low bass.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
1⁄2 DIN, 4-band, pre-amp EQ with front/rear active crossover
Audio input selector for switching between the head unit and another source
Input level controls for both car radio and any media device to ensure identical volume levels
Master volume control of the SPL-level for both sound sources
Front to rear dual-amp fader
2 audio inputs with level matching
45Hz sub-bass control
120Hz mid-bass control
The HFEQ-2 processor offers more control for you and higher sound quality for your audio. Obtain total control of your sound and hear every song in a new light.
Contact your sales representative, or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (11.16.2020) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. has announced that Matt Michielin has joined the company as marketing team leader.
“As Eleven Engineering has continued to grow, we needed to add to our marketing and customer service team in order to keep up with worldwide demand of our SKAA technologies and products offerings,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “Matt has stepped in and immediately taken the reins on some very important projects while keeping everything running smoothly. Besides his marketing and customer service skills, he is a heck of an accomplished musician, as well.”
Matt Michielin
Michielin, a trumpet player, has a MA (Jazz Studies) from San Jose State University, and has played with the likes of Tom Politzer (Tower of Power), Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, and the Super Soul Brothers, to name a few. His responsibilities at Eleven Engineering include maintaining the SKAAstore and the creation of the new SKAAstore website, customer service, office operations, database management, and social media and communications assistance.
Prior to joining Eleven Engineering, Michielin worked with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, The Government of Alberta, and Special Olympics Alberta.
“Eleven Engineering provides a great atmosphere to work in, which allows me to apply my formal music education,” Michielin said. “The team really works well together and supports one another to accomplish each and every project. I’m excited to be a part of the team.”
SKAA wireless lets the integrator easily create a dedicated multi-room home audio superhighway with a long range up to 150 feet with a robust, interference-free low-latency signal eliminating lip-sync issues with TV and gaming. SKAA-enabled products can stream music between them, up to four sets simultaneously – one transmitter to four devices. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals that are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.
SKAA is available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack.
SHREVEPORT LA (11.14.20) WTF…Win This Friday. Drive Customs won the 12volt News $100. Prize on Friday November 13th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, November 13th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 102nd time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Drive Customs slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We called the San Luis Obispo CA retailer and Jesse Sprister was very happy to hear the news. A $100. Check will be headed that way.
Spinning out a new 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit 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 and Audio Finesse in Santa Monica. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 20th.
POTTSVILLE, PA (11.13.2020) – 12volt Dave’s Audio is a 12volt retailer that has served the Pottsville, PA community, and surrounding area, for over 19 years. Owner Dave Clews is a people person with a lot of passion for his customers and his business. When it comes to connecting with his customers Mr Clews definitely has a clue!
Recently, I noticed Dave had liked a @12voltnews Instagram post highlighting a new product which prompted my call to 12volt Dave’s Audio. As with many 12volt shops business is rockin’ and the store’s answering system picked up.
Click above to hear Dave’s message on instagram.com/12voltnews
The answering system message at 12volt Dave’s is a perfect example that Dave is a people person. If unable to be answered in a few rings, the caller is greeted with an engaging “Thank you for calling” message in Dave’s voice that continues with some information about activity going on in store. The current message highlights the remote start season and lets them know he will get back with them as soon as possible.
Clews related to 12volt News “Sometimes we just can’t get to the phone quickly but I want the caller to know we appreciate their call and that we want to speak with them. We monitor the missed call messages and work to place the return call as quickly as possible.”
Click above to view this 12Volt Bite on instagram.com/12voltnews
Continuing Clews offered “I came up with the idea to create an answering message in my voice a few years back. Every couple of weeks I record a new message. The new message could be about a new product or seasonal in nature… like the upcoming remote starter season. A cool thing is customers tell me they really like the personal feel plus the way we engage and work to fill their 12volt needs.”
Clews records new messages in his office after hours. “I close the door and make a few notes for the new answering message. Then I speak the message into my smartphone and enter that file into the store’s phone system” Clews concluded.
Clews is a lifelong resident of the Pottsville area and in total has been in the 12volt industry for nearly 4 decades. Also, he is a member of the Pottsville City Council and works to build brick and mortar business in the city.
For more see 12volt Dave’s Audio on Facebook and @12voltdaveclews on Instagram
(11.13.2020) – ZZ-2 has released the IT-INF-Q-W for select Infiniti vehicles.
Rich DeSclafani stated “These interfaces provide a complete all in one solution for supported vehicles. They offer wireless connectivity, safety, and convenience. They are exactly what is needed to add the latest technology to these Infiniti vehicles. The interfaces use the factory touchscreen or jog wheel come with a 3 year warranty.”
FEATURES:
Wireless CarPlay
Android Auto
Backup Camera Input (w/Dynamic Moving Lines)
Front Camera Input (w/ Parking Mode)
Smartphone Mirroring/Mirror Link
USB A/V Playback
Touchscreen Control
COMPATIBILITY: 2014 and UP – Q50/Q50L 2016 and UP – Q60 2018 and UP – QX50
HOLLY HILL, FL (11.13.2020) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics, a leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive lighting, is now shipping a flush mount case for its existing 8 Gang Switch Panel System (HE-SWP8), introduced last week at SEMA360.
Heise first introduced the compact 8 Gang Switch Panel System, the HE-SWP8, at the 2019 SEMA Show. This product features a rugged design that works in all types of vehicles, including UTVs, Jeeps, and other outdoor applications. The HE-SWP8 can integrate lighting control into any vehicle and fit into the dash panel, center console, vehicle pillar or even the overhead sunglass holder.
This gang switch panel system controls up to 8 different auxiliary LED lights or electrical devices and has 50 different switch stickers included for customization. Blue LED backlighting illuminates the switches and it can handle all types of 12V DC accessories. The compact control panel measures 2.6 by 4.6 inches while the under-hood mounted control box has a 4.2 by 7.5 inch footprint.
Now, a flush mount case with a snap-on trim plate, the HE-SWP8C, is available to make installation clean and even easier. The switch panel screws securely to the case box and the cut template and hardware are included for added convenience.
A detailed video showing installation tips can be watched below: