JL Audio to Sponsor Dinner with Night Training at the Mobile Solutions Master Tech / OEM Integration, March 6th Class

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MIRAMAR, FL (03.05.2020) – JL Audio is collaborating with Mobile Solutions and their Master Tech OEM Integration class on Friday, March 6th. JL Audio will be sponsoring Bryan Schmitt’s class by providing a dinner for attendees. While everyone is enjoying Tacos from a local food truck, Rob Haynes, Technical Trainer with JL Audio, will be providing an educational training to support the OEM integration class Schmitt and the team at Mobile Solutions provided during the day.

Rob Haynes, JL’s Technical Trainer

JL Audio will also have several demonstration vehicles on hand; most featuring JL Audio’s premier C7 component drivers for active systems and VXi amplifiers with integrated DSP.

The evening training session and dinner is open to all local dealers to attend, so make your plans join JL Audio and Mobile Solutions for Tacos and Tunes.

This is a night you don’t want to miss.

When: Friday, March 6th starting at 6 PM

Where:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix/Tempe ASU Area (Click for info)
2104 E Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281, US

What:
FREE food from a local Taco Truck and outdoor dining during Arizona’s best weather of the year. Experience a fleet of demo vehicles with JL Audio’s premier C7 and VXi products with

JL Audio’s Technical Trainer, Rob Haynes, providing an educational training.

Visit jlaudio.com for more.

Mobile Solutions and West Coast Customs Take a Ride

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TEMPE, AZ (03.04.2020) – Mobile Solutions has expanded its long-running partnership with West Coast Customs (WCC) by providing fabrication tools for the new West Coast Racers roller coaster ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA. Mobile Solutions and WCC have been partners for many years as WCC uses MS tools and Smart Templates™ for numerous high-visibility vehicle customization projects, many of which have appeared on television.

· Top shows the front entrance to the roller coaster ride.
· Lower left shows one of the two passenger cars (one blue, one red).
· Lower middle shows Kenny Williams of WCC (left) and Bryan Schmitt (right).
· Lower right shows one of the mocked up shop scenes with MS Smart Templates on the wall.

The WCC-themed roller coaster ride, which opened to the public January 9, 2020, features mocked up vignettes that replicate the various shop areas at the real West Coast Customs facility in Burbank, CA. The idea is to give riders the feeling that they’re touring the WCC shop seeing the tools and experiencing what happens as vehicles are built. Riders travel through the metal shop, paint booth and fabrication areas. Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions commented “This is a proud moment for our company seeing our tools on the wall and staged just like the WCC shop for millions to see every year.” It’s estimated 12 million people will ride West Coast Racers every year.

Schmitt and his team recently met with West Coast Customs Founder and CEO Ryan Friedlinghaus at the WCC company headquarters to hear Ryan’s vision on the roller coaster and how it’s taken over eight years to turn the idea into reality. Schmitt and his team were then escorted by Kenny Williams, WCC’s Operations Manager, along with a other WCC team members to the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park where they all enjoyed a VIP tour of the ride and, of course, experienced the roller coaster firsthand. During the three-minute ride, each of the two cars running takes a pause and pulls into a replica of the West Coast Customs shop to listen to a narration given by Ryan [Friedlinghaus] before moving back on to the tracks.

Bryan Schmitt and his team thank Ryan Friedlinghaus and Kenny Williams for the inclusion of Mobile Solutions in the West Coast Racers project. “Kenny has really been our ambassador to being closely involved with both the WCC shop and the roller coaster ride. We enjoy working with West Coast Customs and look forward to continuing the relationship and having even more of our products involved in the ride” remarks Schmitt.

For more information on the West Coast Racers ride at Six Flags Magic
https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/attractions/west-coast-racers

AAMP Global Introduces EchoMaster Fleet Solutions

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN (03.04.2020) – AAMP Global announces today the launch of their new division, EchoMaster Fleet Solutions, at the NTEA Work Truck Show 2020.

EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is a full-service provider with a passion for engineering efficient solutions for Fleet, Commercial and OES. From safety and security products, custom wiring harnesses, fleet monitoring, national installation services, and more – EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is dedicated to help deliver excellence for any upfitting need.

AAMP Global acquired Nagy FleetNet last year to join forces in the Fleet industry. Combining AAMP Global’s engineering and product development capabilities with Nagy FleetNet’s experience in fleet solutions inspired the merge of the entities into EchoMaster Fleet Solutions.

“The capabilities of our team inspired us to take a step forward and combine the two companies into EchoMaster Fleet Solutions,” said Derek Prentice, Director of Commercial Sales, “we will be the full-service solution provider for Fleet, Commercial, and OES.”

The NTEA Work Truck Show 2020 starts today at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is exhibiting at booth #2001 showcasing their newest products and capabilities.

To find out more about EchoMaster Fleet Solutions, visit us at booth #2001 during the NTEA Work Truck Show or visit echomasterfleetsolutions.com.

SEMA Student UTV Build Tours Off-Road Events

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.04.2020) – The UTV Student Build Pilot Program, a program launched by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) to connect young aftermarket professionals with aspiring automotive students, will showcase the completed 2019 Honda Talon in a multi-city tour before being auctioned off at the world’s largest collector car auction, the Mecum Auction, in November. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards benefiting the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.

Sponsored by YEN, the customized Talon was completed by students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), who throughout the course of the semester worked alongside industry mentors to produce a one-of-a-kind UTV using products donated from 16 SEMA member companies. Skills learned include project management, 3-D scanning, CAD, manufacturing, installation, fabrication, suspension, body styling, wiring, and testing.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) UTV Student Build Pilot Program will showcase the completed 2019 Honda Talon in several cities before being auctioned off at the Mecum Auction to benefit the SEMA Scholarship Fund.

“The purpose of the build was to inspire youth to become automotive hobbyists and to encourage career paths into the automotive aftermarket,” said Kirstin Stone, Chairman of the SEMA Young Executives Network. “This UTV build allowed YEN members to introduce the greater scope of the opportunities available in the aftermarket while encouraging trade skills.”

After weeks of mentorship and instruction from YEN members, the students’ labor culminated in a unique build that was displayed at the 2019 SEMA Show. The UTV will now tour at various off-road events throughout 2020, which includes The Mint 400 in Las Vegas, L.A. County Fair in Los Angeles, and the Off-Road Expo in Pomona, CA.

“SEMA is invested in the future of the automotive industry and is proud to support a program that has offered students a wide variety of professional development and training opportunities,” said Zane Clark, SEMA Director of Education. “With the proceeds being invested into the SEMA Scholarship Program, we can continue to help automotive students pay for their college tuition and SEMA members pay off their student loans.”

For more information on the UTV Student Build, visit sema.org/utv-build. To donate to the SEMA Scholarship Fund, visit bit.ly/394xSUf.

PCH Custom Audio Gets Their Shine On

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WILMINGTON, CA (03.03.2020) – When PCH Custom Audio followers and consumers see the company’s social media posts they are immediately engaged. A wide variety of vehicles, positioned in front of the store, are showcased in frequent posts. Customized classics, SideXSides, Pickups, Motorcycles, Jeeps and cars, along with systems installations and Lambo doors have been featured in just the last 2 weeks. Each post grabs attention.

This shot shows a sampling of PCH Custom Audio posts..a SXS, Jeep, Lambo doors plus lifted pickup with wheels and tires.

Sam Benitez related to 12voltnews.com “We are very pleased with the work we do for our customers. The PowerSports category is very strong right now. These customers, in many cases, are looking for full systems and lighting which leads to bigger tickets.”

PCH is located in LA County a mere 3 miles from the ocean which means marine is also a strong category for the company.

Customized Classics are special at PCH also. Check out the custom floor mats that protect carpet and shows the Company’s attention to taking care of their customers.

Benitez continued “We have many repeat customers A customer with a new pickup will bring it to us for wheels, tires and a lift kit. Often we will see that happy customer return to have us deck out his new UTV.”

The PCH Custom Audio facility has an installation bay that will handle 7 cars and a 2,500 sq ft showroom. A staff of 12 dedicated employees keeps all at Pacific Coast Highway Custom Audio very busy.

Overhead video systems too at PCH.

A big 12volt News hat’s off to PCH Custom Audio.

Visit https://www.pchcustomaudio.net and @pchcustomaudio_lb for more.

Velocity Distributing Hosted a Heise LED Lighting Systems Training

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HOUSTON, TX (03.03.2020) – The LED lighting category is becoming a profit center for many 12volt retailers. Houston-based Velocity Distributing hosted a Heise LED Lighting Systems Training at the company’s facility on Monday evening, February 24th.

George Cantor in the Velocity showroom with the Heise LED Lighting display.

Metra’s Jon Brothers conducted the training session that covered in detail many of the new Heise products that were introduced at CES 2020.

Velocity used this graphic in social media posts to let dealers know about the Heise Training session.

Velocity’s George Cantor offered “Jon made a super presentation that dealers related to very well. We had 14 dealers in the training room and several picked up new Heise products for their stores after the meeting was over.”

Prior to the training session dealers enjoyed a catered Italian meal. Brothers also had Heise caps sunglass holders for dealers attending. Raffle prizes awarded included Heise LED headlight bulbs and 2 Axxess ASWC-1 steering wheel control interfaces.

Visit velocitydistributing.com and heiseled.com for more.

KENWOOD Promotes John Lucas to Director of National Accounts

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LONG BEACH, CA (03.03.2020) – KENWOOD USA announced it has promoted John Lucas to the position of Director of National Accounts. In this new position, he will be responsible for spearheading KENWOOD’s efforts to ensure world class leadership for several of their largest accounts.

Lucas brings 32 years of consumer electronics industry experience with him, of which his first 16 were spent working in various aspects of sales, sales management, and then as a buyer for several key retail businesses, including Audio King, Best Buy, and more. In 2004, he joined KENWOOD as their Manager of National Accounts, and was then promoted to Senior Manager of National Accounts in 2010.

Now serving as their Director of National Accounts, he will leverage his extensive experience to lead the national accounts team to continue the level of leadership and guidance of which their national accounts have come to expect.

Visit kenwood.com/usa for more.

Tint World Toasts Top 2019 Franchises and Charts Future Success at International Franchise Convention

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BOCA RATON, FL (03.02.2020) – Leading automotive customization and window tinting franchise Tint World Automotive Styling Centers honored its top franchise owners at the company’s 12th annual International Franchise Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, earlier this month.

The 2020 Tint World International Franchise Convention featured a vendor trade show, seminars and training, and an awards banquet to recognize top-performing franchises.

Charles Bonfiglio, front row in the white shirt, pictured with a large group of Tint World Franchise Award Winners.

“The annual convention is one of the highlights of the year for the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We take some time to celebrate our success, but our franchise owners and the corporate team both are always focused on the future. The franchisees show up focused for the training and education we provide here at the convention, and it’s a chance for us to learn from them, too. The connections that we make at this event are a big inspiration to reach even further in 2020.”

Tint World presented the following awards at the 2020 Tint World International Franchise Convention:

  • Franchisee of the Year Award: Jeff and Penny Rackley (The Colony, Texas)
  • Best Performing Franchise Award: Pedro Flores (Midland, Texas)
  • Most Improved Franchise Award: Paul Sawhney (Baltimore)
  • Rookie of the Year Award: David “Kit” Pelletier (Jacksonville, North Carolina)
  • Local Marketing Impact Award: Pete and Barbra Muller (Longwood, Florida)
  • Top Gun Franchise Award: Tim and Stacy Kjaer (Medford/Long Island, New York)
  • Franchise Mentor of the Year Award: Austin Gurba (Lenexa, Kansas)
  • Franchise Ambassador of the Year Award (Canada): Trevor and Sue Dwyer (Ontario)
  • Franchise Ambassador of the Year Award (U.S.): Daniel Apicella (Greensboro, North Carolina)
  • Social Media Achievement Award: Randy and Austin Silver (Cary, North Carolina); Pete and Barbara Muller (Longwood, Florida); David “Kit” Pelletier (Jacksonville, North Carolina); Santiago and Dominica Rojas (Messapequa, New York); Todd and Michelle Simms (Saint Petersburg, Florida); Tim and Stacey Kjaer (Medford/Long Island); Paul Sawhney (Baltimore); Jeff Moolevliet (Coconut Creek, Florida); Michael Richards and Dylan Thiel (Rowlett, Texas)

Tim and Stacy Kjaer, co-owners of the Medford/Long Island store, along with store manager Kurt Kaufman, were once again honored as members of the $2 Million Club. The $1 Million Club included Jeff and Penny Rackley; Michael Richards and Dylan Thiel (Rowlett, Texas); Acey and Kerri Lightt (Lubbock, Texas); Santiago and Dominica Rojas (Massapequa, New York); and Randy and Austin Silver (Cary, North Carolina).

Visit www.tintworld.com and tintworldfranchise.com for more.

ZZ-2 Is a New Company Specializing in Automotive Integrations with Rich DeSclafani at the Wheel

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BROOKLYN, NY (03.02.2020) – ZZ-2 is an engineering company specialized in automotive integrations, such as CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear camera interface, video input interface and more. ZZ-2 is bringing to the 12v market a new way of business that will provide clients with a complete range of automotive solutions, with a brand new line of premium automotive integrations. Our interfaces were developed to help automotive enthusiasts improve their factory system by adding extra features as desired.

Visit zz-2.com to learn more.

Co-founder Luis Guilherme Rocha states “on this new journey, ZZ-2’s main goal is to provide a big variety of solutions to add new technology to all vehicles, regardless of the year, make and model. We have a successful history in South America and Europe, and we are proud to bring our model of business to America. I believe this will be a great addition to the market, especially for the audio shops and dealerships spread all over the country.” 

ZZ-2 is also happy to have Rich DeSclafani part of our team, awarded as Manufacturer Sales Rep of the Year by the Mobile Electronics Association in 2012. Rich has over 23 years of experience in the 12v industry, over 12 years just working directly with high end OEM integration. DeSclafani held positions in sales, technical support and product training with multiple manufactures, such as Nav-TV, K40 Electronics and most recently at Crux Interfacing.

“Our goal is to provide a product that people can trust so they can be completely satisfied with their daily driven vehicle. I am very excited to be part of this new project. The company has phenomenal potential and a large variety of OEM integration interfaces. Our most popular line is the Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, which is one of the most frequent requests that I’ve been receiving for the last couple of years. Another big specialty is our line of vehicle specific smartphone wireless chargers, which makes a perfect combo with our CarPlay/Android solutions. We are also stocking vehicle specific front and rear cameras and other niche 12Volt products,” said DeSclafani.

To get more information about the complete line of products zz-2.com or contact the sales team at 929-220-1212 or sales@zz-2.com.

Directed Releases More T-Harnesses Including Popular Plug-n-Play Options

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VISTA, CA (03.02.2020) – Directed has announced the release of several new DS4 T-Harness solutions that cover a wide array of vehicle makes and models. The nine new solutions cover select Toyota, Scion, Lexus, Honda, GM and Subaru vehicles. The lineup includes three ‘completely plug-n-play’ T-Harnesses THGMN4, THHON7 and THSUN1.

“At Directed, we’re always innovating – and one place that truly shows is in our line of vehicle integration harnesses,” according to James Turner, SVP, Core Product Planning. “We’re especially proud of our ‘completely plug-n-play’ solutions like the THSUN1. These harnesses allow for installation of a remote starter with no hardwired connections to the vehicle. They’re an installation speed and simplicity game changer. We are also launching several new ‘mostly plug-n-play’ harnesses which speed and simplify installation by substantially reducing hardwire connections.”

The following ‘completely plug-n-play’ T-Harnesses are currently shipping:

  • THGMN4 is for 10-20 GM SmartKey vehicles like 19+ Silverado/Sierra, 13-20 Malibu and 15-20 Escalade. It works with GM9 firmware and is compatible with DS4 and DS4+ systems.
  • Coverage for THHON7 includes three Honda/Acura SmartKey vehicles including 19+ RDX, 16+ Civic and 17-19 CR-V. It works with HONDA9 firmware, supports the “takeover” feature and is compatible with DS4 and DS4+ systems.
  • The THSUN1 covers select 10-19 Subaru vehicles including 12-16 Impreza, 15-19 WRX and 13-15 XV Crosstrek. It works with SUBARU2 firmware and is compatible with DS4+ systems only.

The following ‘mostly plug-n-play’ T-Harnesses are now available:

  • The THHON9 covers select Honda/Acura SmartKey vehicles including 15-19 Fit, 16+ HR-V and 15+ TLX. It works with HONDA9 firmware, supports the “takeover” feature and is compatible with DS4 and DS4+ systems. It replaces THHON1.
  • THHON10 offers coverage for select older Honda/Acura SmartKey vehicles including 13-17 Accord, 14-15 Civic and 15-16 CR-V. It works with HONDA9 firmware, supports the “takeover” feature and is compatible with DS4 and DS4+ systems. It replaces THHON2.
  • The THTON7 offers coverage for Toyota and Lexus vehicles like 18+ Camry, 19+ Avalon, 19+ Rav4 and 20+ Corolla for both key and push-to-start vehicles. It works with TL8 and TL14 firmware and is compatible with DS4 and DS4+ systems.
  • The THTON8 is for select 13-20 Toyota and Scion ‘H’ and ‘G’ key vehicles like 13-18 RAV4, 16+ Tacoma and 14-19 Corolla. It works with TL10 firmware and is compatible with DS4+ systems only.
  • Coverage for THTON9 includes select 05-20 Toyota and Scion ‘H’, ‘G’ and ‘dot’ key vehicles such as 07-20 Tundra, 08-19 Sequoia and 07-17 Camry. It works with TL7, TL10 and TL11 firmware and is compatible with DS4+ systems only. It replaces THTON4, with six fewer hardwired connections at the vehicle.
  • The THTON10 offers coverage for select 04-20 Toyota, Lexus, Scion and Pontiac ‘H’, ‘G’ and ‘dot’ key vehicles like 04-19 4Runner, 11-20 Sienna and 05-16 tC. It works with TL7, TL10 and TL11 firmware and is compatible with DS4+ systems only. It replaces THTON5, with six fewer hardwired connections at the vehicle.

Directed T-harnesses utilize OEM connectors for a seamless installation, factory fit, and most importantly, many are plug-n-play to reduce installation time drastically. Directed firmware supports 95% of all 2010 to 2019 vehicle models.

Visit directed.com for more.