AVON LAKE, OH (12.05.2019) – DEI now offers its popular Floor & Tunnel Shield in an attractive deep matte black finish providing a new option for underhood aesthetics. Manufactured with a high temperature thermal coating, it is ideal for protecting electronic components from damage while keeping the vehicle’s interior cool and comfortable.
Easy to shape and designed with a low profile that is only 3/16” thick, the shield can be used most anywhere to block heat – firewalls, transmission tunnels, under floor boards, fuel cells and more. Simply trim to fit, then peel and stick to install. The aggressive high temperature adhesive backing keeps the shield securely in place with minimal to no affect from wind, water or adverse weather conditions.
DEI’s Black Floor & Tunnel Shield is available now in either a 7 sq. ft. or 14 sq. ft. size – 21” x 48” (part #050552) or 42” x 48” (part #050549). Both can be purchased wherever DEI heat and sound control are sold.
For more information about DEI’s new Black Floor & Tunnel Shield and many other new products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
CHICAGO, IL (12.04.2019) – The 7th Annual Toys for Tots Run, presented by Jeeps on the Run, was a HOME RUN! Nearly 700 Jeeps, and a crowd estimated at 2000 Jeepers, were on site at Napleton’s Northwest Jeep Dealership in Chicago IL for the event on Sunday, December 1.
This overhead shows Jeeps filling the Napleton’s Jeep dealership. More Jeeps were parked across the street.
Mike Missak, the driving force behind and coordinating the event, stated “4800 toys were donated along with $20,000 in merchandise. Two 7-ton Marine Reserve trucks were needed to haul away the toys. We thank Alpine for donating 2 new in-dash X409-WRA-JL Navigation Systems. The success of this event is always a community effort and we thank all for everyone’s support.”
The Napleton’s Jeep showroom was wall-to-wall Jeepers.Chris Reavis conducted demos throughout the day in this Jeep decked with Alpine.
Missak owns a local specialty retail business Insomnia LED in the Chicago suburb of McHenry. Insomnia LED provides professional work geared to best lighting for cars, trucks, motorcycles, side-by-sides and marine. Missak started the Annual Toys for Tots Jeeps on the Run event 6 years ago and there were 35 Jeeps at the initial event. “We didn’t know what to expect with the first event. At that time we saw the opportunity to help bring some Christmas cheer to youngsters in need. As this Toys for Tots event grew we had a lot of help along the way and we are very grateful to all those who have helped grow this annual event” Missak added.
These 2 Marine Reserve 7-Ton Trucks hauled away 4800 toys.Mike Missak’s children hold a Certificate of Appreciation from the local Marine reserve as volunteers and Marine Reserve members gathered for a photo.
Alpine staff members on site at Napleton’s Jeep included Dan Sparks and Chris Reavis along with area Alpine representative Rob Osheaski-Echo Sales. Reavis, Alpine Brand Specialist, provided demos to members of the huge crowd throughout the day in Napleton’s packed showroom.
Alpine was set to demo products and the only vendor in the Napleton’s showroom.
Osheaski related to 12volt News “The Jeeps on the Run Toys for Tots event was really amazing. It’s hard for many people to believe there were nearly 700 Jeeps at any event. When people see the images they believe and say WOW. The Napleton’s huge showroom was absolutely filled with Jeepers from wall-to-wall. Having that many people experience Alpine products for their Jeeps was tremendous. Having Chris doing demos of the Alpine system in the Jeep in the showroom was huge. Dan, and I, spent the day answering questions for members of the crowd about Alpine gear for their Jeeps.”
Wall-To-Wall Jeeps in the Napleton’s parking lot.
A big 12volt News ‘Hat’s Off’ to all who contributed to this very successful Toys for Tots event.
LONG BEACH, CA (12.05.2019) – JVCKENWOOD USA has hired Josh Bowen and Marcus Vasconcellos as Mobile Electronics Product Specialists for the company’s car electronics division. These new positions will provide enhanced support to JVC and KENWOOD retailers, reps, and distributors through training, advanced technical assistance, and event support.
Josh Bowen brings 10 years of retail mobile electronics experience, serving in various aspects of sales, installation, and management, most recently serving as sales/installation manager for Sommer Sound Systems in Panama City, FL. Josh’s drive for the industry shines clearly, boasting a Top 50 Installer of the Year position in the 2019 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards.
Marcus Vasconcellos is a 17-year industry veteran who also comes directly from the retail circuit. He has served in various capacities including sales, installation, and marketing in the lower Midwest for stores including Audio Tech in Lawton, OK and Big Daddy’s Stereo in Longview, TX. Marcus’s passion for 12 Volt doesn’t stop with his custom fabrication and design skills, but also becomes evident with his love for music.
“Bowen and Vasconcellos are the perfect additions to the team, being able to relate and communicate seamlessly with dealers through their direct and recent 12 Volt retail sales and installation experience,” said Scott Caswell, Senior Marketing Manager for JVCKENWOOD USA. “As we develop new and innovative ways to reach and support our dealers in a rapidly changing industry, we will be able to leverage their skill sets accordingly.”
These new positions will be largely split East and West of the Mississippi, with Bowen focusing on JVC and KENWOOD dealers and events to the East, and Vasconcellos to the West. They will report directly to Seth Halstead, National Training and Content Development Manager, of whom will be able to further focus on and work with them to create training materials, including on-line materials and video content.
Bowen commented, “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such an amazing organization that is focused on providing solutions that meet the needs of sales, installers, and consumers.”
Vasconcellos added “This is an incredible time to be a part of a growing company that is committed to the future of the 12 Volt industry!”
CORAL SPRINGS, FL & COSTA MESA, CA (12.05.2019) – NAV-TV Corp. has announced the appointment of Belair & Associates as Factory Representatives for the Southern California Territory.
“Michael Belair and Russ Brayall have been closely associated with the NAV-TV brand on both the retail and distribution side for years. Their technical aptitude and firsthand experience with our product line will enable them to properly service NAV-TV dealers in and around the Southern California market. We are pleased to have Belair & Associates on board,” stated NAV-TV Vice President, Derek Schmiedl.
Michael Belair, Firm Principal, is already on the road with a NAV-TV sample at Audiolab Car Stereo in Laguna Hills, CA.
“We are excited at the opportunity to work with NAV-TV. With the complexity of vehicles today, having a partner in NAV-TV gives our customers the opportunity to be able to say YES to integration from audio, to back up camera systems, and even to the protection of your vehicle. Having them along with our other vendor partners gives us an opportunity to deliver a complete solution from an integration standpoint, which is a big focus for our company, and with what is happening in our industry today,” stated Rep Principal, Michael Belair.
Belair & Associates began representing NAV-TV in Southern California on December 1, 2019. For more information, Belair & Associates may be reached at 714-376-6231, or via email at mikeb@belairandassociates.com
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (12.04.2019) – Celsus UK had a much larger presence, with a corner stand, at the 2019 METSTRADE Show in Amsterdam November 19th-21st. During the event Celsus UK presented KICKER Marine Audio and Dynamat Sound and Heat Control products. The UK based distribution company occupied a position double the size of previous years in Amsterdam’s RAI Center. The METSTRADE Show is the main marine equipment industry show for Europe.
The Celsus UK stand at the METSTrade Show showcased Kicker and Dynamat products to attendees from across Europe.
Celsus UK staff members Paul Baker, Mike Keenan and Mark Baker traveled from the UK to meet with dealers in the stand. Kicker’s David Glasgow and Jeremy Bale traveled from Stillwater OK to work with the Celsus UK team in the stand.
Mark Baker stated “Dealers stopping at the Celsus UK stand had the chance to learn all about premium performance marine audio from U.S manufacturer KICKER. The range of premium 12volt audio equipment from the Oklahoma based manufacturer provides the perfect balance of marine engineering, sound quality and value. From source units to speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers KICKER brings an exciting new dimension to the marine entertainment segment… and live by the mantra #GoOverboard! Visitors to the booth also gained insight into the brand’s expanding range of source units for 2020-2021. This much anticipated group of products, which will contain leading edge features, are in line with consumer demands including NMEA compatibility.”
Celsus UK’s Paul Baker (R) and Mike Keenan pictured with Kicker and Dynamat products they showed attendees at METSTrade Show.
Recent growth of KICKER in the European market, since its introduction at METS 2018, is something the company plans to build on by developing further distributor and OEM relationships.
Continuing Baker stated “We had a great show,presenting Kicker and Dynamat, plus meeting with our customer network. In addition we gathered over 60 new leads with a mix of distributors, OEM’s and technical dealers from all across the globe.”
Mike Keenan (L) and Paul Baker are pictured after packing up the Celsus UK stand as the METSTrade Show 2019 wrapped in Amsterdam.
Glasgow, Kicker International Sales Manager, related “We knew going into the METS 2019 that we had some pretty lofty goals for Kicker Marine in Europe. With a lot of hard work, on both the Kicker and Celsus side, we are now poised to accomplish those goals. METS 2019 was bigger than ever and extremely busy with a lot of traffic from all over Europe. It wasn’t just the number of leads this year that Celsus received but the quality as well. Kicker is extremely blessed to be working with such a truly professional organization such as Celsus UK and their Team.”
Beth Maranda, for Dynamic Control, relayed “Celsus UK is a great partner with us. Their success at the MetsTrade show will certainly set the stage for a very good 2020.”
“We were excited to expand our presence at our 6th METS. We believe we have a unique proposition with Kicker and Dynamat in what they currently offer and future product roadmap. Both brands have been very well received in the market and our search for prospective new partnerships continues” Paul Baker, Managing Director, Celsus UK offered.
In the Celsus UK stand dealers also checked out Dynamat’s wide range of acoustic and thermal control materials that address common noise and heat problems on board all manner of vessels. Dynamat products help control noise from vibration, conducted noise and audio/ sound migration as well as insulate areas to help create a more enjoyable environment on-board. The unique DYNABOX speaker enclosure was a focus for many demonstrations.
Concluding, Baker stated “METS continues to be the best show on our marine calendar and allows us to with new and existing contacts. Our much larger stand and position at this year’s MetsTrade Show definitely paid dividends.”
BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC (12.04.2019) – Fortin has introduced its new ultra-long-range EVO 9 SERIES 2-way RF solutions.
The EVO 9 SERIES has been engineered and designed to ensure responsivity, stability and reliability even under the most extreme conditions. Based on a solid 2-way LoRa SST (Spread-Spectrum) FM 900 MHz Technology, the platform provides a fully responsive control experience covering up to 6,000 feet (2 km) of urban range.
Each of the 9 SERIES devices is equipped with shock-resistant plastic snaps, stainless steel screws and a custom metallic fastener that reinforce the device’s structure, making it one of its outstanding features.
Every EVO 9 SERIES devices are equipped with a state-of-the-art Anti-Code Grabbing Technology that secures the communication process between the device and the vehicle, thus limiting the possibilities for the vehicle to be stolen using emerging code sniffing technologies. EVO 9 SERIES devices are also equipped with Eco-Connect Technology, which has been developed to maximize battery life for long-range RF devices. The devices will scan for short-range responses before using power to search a wider area if no short-range response is received. The result: the remotes’ battery life is considerably extended.
EVO 9 SERIES’ lineup includes two RF control kits: the RFK942 and the RFK912. The RFK942 RF kit consists of two RM942 4-button remote controllers, an ANT900 Antenna and an antenna cable, while the RFK912 RF kit consists of two RM912 1-button remote controllers, an ANT900 Antenna and an antenna cable.
Fortin Electronic Systems is a world-leading developer and manufacturer of integrated consumer solutions for vehicle control and connectivity.
Visit www.fortin.ca to discover more remote starter, immobilizer bypass and security system solutions or contact us at sales@fortin.ca to receive additional information about our products and solutions.
HOLLY HILL, FL (12.04.2019) – Metra Electronics has improved its Raptor car audio accessory line with upgraded products launching at CES. Raptor’s Pro Series product line will feature 15 upgraded fuse holders and distribution blocks to create a unified ecosystem of accessories with fresh appearances and gold plating.
Designed with the installer in mind, the new fuse holders and distribution blocks have a one-tool design model to work exclusively with only 3mm Allen head screws, allowing for an easier installation. Metra has stepped away from the traditional look of the previous generation and is highlighting a unique style for these new Raptor products. With internal screw mounting locations and an improved latching system to secure the cover to the base, the new modern design improves upon both its function and aesthetics. It also provides a better visual of the fuses through the covers.
The ANL, MANL and AGU fuse holders range from 1/0 AWG to 8 AWG, are all 24K gold plated, water-resistant, and work with 3mm Allen screws. The new blocks offer multiple options for the installer from dual ANL and MANL blocks or even 4-position fuse distribution blocks. Raptor provides superior performance at entry-level price points, a mission based upon the belief that “affordable” and “cheap” installation accessories shouldn’t be one and the same.
These new and improved products will be shipping soon and can be seen on display at CES. Additional specifications and part numbers are available in the new 2020 Raptor catalog and Raptor-Online.com, which will be released on January 7, 2020. Metra Electronics will be at CES from January 7-10, 2020, at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center showcasing their new products from their 12volt brands and at booth 11435 in the Central Hall with Metra Home Theater Group.
RINGWOOD, IL (12.03.2019) – Race Sport Lighting has announced in partnership with Car-Tunes, Inc., MESA Dealer and MEA recognized TOP 50 Retailer, that JT Harmon has won Car-Tunes’ give away contest for $1,000 in free Race Sport Lighting products. The contest took place back in October as a part of Car-Tunes’ “Kick off to Lighting Season” campaign. Participants gained entries by engaging with the companies on social media.
Race Sport Lighting President Steve Jergensen commented, “At Race Sport Lighting we enjoy any opportunity to partner with our dealers, like Car Tunes, Inc., but we get extra excited when we get to hook up a member of the Race Sport Nation with free product. JT is an EMT, a firefighter, a lighting fan and all around great guy! Congrats JT!
Kimberly Trainer, for Car Tunes, related to 12volt News “Working with RaceSport and Henry Jasper on this Lighting Contest was terrific. Any promotions that we can do to create consumer interest is important. Showcasing a very good customer like JT is even more special. We are making very frequent social media posts which is drawing business from several hours away from our store in Greenville MS. We even have followers from as far away as Chicago commenting on posts we make. Lighting has so many facets. Automotive, marine, Powersports and farming lighting plus the safety aspects of HID headlights. Overall lighting is certainly an important and growing category for us at Car Tunes.”
MARRERO, LA (12.03.2019) – It was a special Black Friday at Extreme Car Audio in Marrero LA on Friday, November 29th. An Alpine X-Perience event added to the Extreme Car Audio Black Friday promotion. Alpine‘s Jimmy Chauffe arrived with the Alpine X-Perience Tundra, tent and promo items for Ace Truong’s event. Truong, Extreme Car Audio owner, told 12volt News
“We had a terrific day… certainly more than 50 customers came into the store and sales were very strong. We had great Alpine specials and gave away a pair of Alpine 6×9 speakers every hour with a drawing. The 6 PM Grand Prize drawing was for an Alpine iLX-650. James Thibodaux was the very happy winner. We offered great food including gumbo for all. Jimmy was great and worked with customers and demo’ed the Tundra all day. One of our customer’s Ford F150, loaded with Alpine, got a lot of attention too. This was our third Alpine X-Perience event and we truly appreciate Alpine‘s commitment and support of independent 12volt retailers. The Alpine X-Perience event promo is terrific for driving consumer awareness and business for specialty 12volt retailers.”
The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is expanding to 10 builds for the 2019–2020 school year. As partners in this program, 10 high-school auto-shop classes will customize third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs. The program aims to bridge the gap between industry and auto-shop students to foster the next generation of hobbyists and the automotive aftermarket workforce.
Through this hands-on build program, students will expand their real-world auto-tech skills by working with aftermarket products while being introduced to a new career path to pursue their passion for customization. The builds will begin in January, and students will complete their builds by the end of the school year.
Comstock High School was one of five high schools that participated in the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. The students built an ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.
Aftermarket companies can support this effort through parts donations and/or mentorship opportunities. Sponsors will have their product(s) installed on the vehicle(s) and receive recognition through the build website and in SEMA build promotions.
Sponsoring the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is not only giving high-school students a build experience of a lifetime, it’s also allowing them to open their minds to the possibilities of what can be accomplished using aftermarket products.
If you’re interested in supporting one or more of the student vehicle builds, please fill out the product donation form. If you’re interested in mentoring a school, contact SEMA youth engagement programs manager Katie Hurst at: katieh@sema.org
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