Mobile Solutions Hosts Second So. Cal. Hot Rod Fab Class

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

TEMPE, AZ (01.21.2020) – Mobile Solutions is hosting a special one-day Accelerated Hot Rod Interior Fabrication 2.0 training session in Southern California on Thursday February 6th, just before the official kick off of MEA KnowledgeFest in Long Beach, CA. Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions leads the class, along with the all-star builders who’ve been part of other popular Mobile Solutions training classes including: Juan “JT” Torres, Tom Miller, Chris Pate and Gary Bell. The training session is scheduled for 1 pm – 7 pm and is hosted at Automotive Entertainment in Huntington Beach, CA.

Bryan Schmitt from Mobile Solutions comments “We had such a successful training event last year at Automotive Entertainment that we’ve stepped up the curriculum and added even more instructors so that it’ll be guaranteed to be an incredible event for those in attendance.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the most talented designers and fabrication minds in the business. Here’s a summary of what is presented in this can’t miss training:

• How to conceptualize an interior design and convert it to something you can build
• Detailed router work examples for greater safety, precision and efficiency
• Using aluminum in multiple ways for serviceable panel construction and cosmetic interest
• How to seam multiple materials together (vinyl, suede & carpet) and create interest
• New and refined vinyl embossing techniques to personalize hot rod interior design
• New and refined diamond pattern panel technique to emulate upscale vehicle interiors
• Technical leather and vinyl wrapping examples with time-saving tools and preparation
• Where to find premium OEM-grade leather, vinyl, fabric, glue and supplies

“In our automotive builder-centric community of Southern California, we appreciate the opportunity to present advanced interior fabrication techniques to 12 volt technicians and hot rod builders alike” says JT Torres of Automotive Entertainment who is hosting the event. Torres, Chris Pate and Tom Miller were all former ME-Mag Installer of the Year recipients in addition to each being accomplished business owners. Gary Bell, another guest instructor and business owner at Define Concepts, builds demo vehicles regularly for leading 12 volt manufacturers.

Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be served throughout the training day. Attendees are treated to a world-class Santa Maria-style BBQ dinner with all the trimmings at the close of the training session put on by Armando “Mandezze” Rolon of Atlas Custom Sound. Orca Manufacturing is co-sponsoring the dinner.

This is an incredible opportunity for professionals in interior design and custom fabrication to learn in a real shop environment, enjoy great food, meet and collaborate with like-minded industry professionals and get in gear for the KnowledgeFest event in Long Beach, CA that follows on Feb 7-9, 2020.

Though the training session is presented in English, Spanish speakers will have access to JT Torres and other Spanish-speaking fabricators to help translate questions on the content specifics during class breaks.

Find additional information and to register for the one-day So. Cal Accelerated Hot Rod Fab 2.0 training, visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

Tuition is $199 and includes the incredible Santa Maria-style BBQ dinner after the event. Registration closes Monday February 3, 2020.

Sound Storm Laboratories Launches Powersports Plug & Play Boom Tubes

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

OXNARD, CA (01.21.2020) – Sound Storm Laboratories is proud to announce the launch or two new powersports plug & play boom tubes. The BTB6L (MSRP: $203.00) and BTB8L (MSRP: $259.00) are now shipping.

“SSL’s two new powersports weatherproof boom tubes feature a simple plug & play design for easy installation and powerful built-in Class D amplification for unparalleled performance on your ATV, UTV, side by side…and even tailgating,” explained Greg Orlando, SSL brand manager. “Both models come with Bluetooth compatibility and a 3.5mm Aux input to retrieve your favorite music from your Smartphone or MP3 device.”

The two-way BTB6L features 450 Watts (Max) power with 6.5-inch speakers and 1-inch tweeters. The BTB8L features 700 Watts (Max) power with 8-inch speakers and 1-inch tweeters. Both feature built-in RGB LED lighting with wireless remote control.

“Affordable, rugged, and powerful, you won’t want to be without the BTB6L and BTB8L out on the trails, beach, or wherever your ride may take you,” Orlando concluded.

Visit www.soundstormlab.com for more.

Axxess Introduces STOP/START Engine Override Data Interface for GM Vehicles

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

HOLLY HILL, FL (01.21.2020) – Axxess Integrate by Metra Electronics is expanding its line of STOP/START engine override interfaces to now cover GM vehicles. The AXSSO-GM is an interface designed to automatically disengage the STOP/START engine feature on select 2016-up* GM vehicles.

This new and exclusive technology was previously introduced at CES 2019 for select Ford and Chrysler models. The patent-pending interface can be used with factory or aftermarket radios. The AXSSO-GM has weather-resistant housing and harnessing, with a simple two-wire installation under the hood.

As some newer vehicles come equipped with a way to disengage the engine’s STOP/START feature, there are still several GM models that do not allow the driver to turn this off. This may become bothersome at long traffic lights during hot or inclement weather, as it could affect the vehicle’s ability to cool or heat the interior.

The vibration of the engine turning on and off may also be annoying to some drivers during city driving. Now, installers will have the ability to offer GM owners the option to override their engine STOP/START feature with the new AXSSO-GM interface. This new interface is coming soon and will be on display with Metra Electronics at CES from January 7-10, 2020 at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Visit AxxessInterfaces.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

KICKER Awards the 2019 Sales Rep- and Firm-of-the-Year at CES

Posted on by in Featured and tagged , .

STILLWATER, OK (01.20.2020) – Stillwater Designs was proud to recognize Daniel Hernandez of Trent Partners and Associates (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) as the 2019 KICKER Manufacturers Representative-of-the-Year, and Marketing Pros (Conroe, Texas) as Manufacturers Representative Firm-of-the-Year during its annual meetings at CES in Las Vegas.

Covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, Marketing Pros were chosen for their attentiveness to dealers, their communication skills and ability to grow new business in their territories. The Marketing Pros team consists of Pete Daley (principal), Kevin Knox, Jim Wehling, Mike Penny, George Reed and Kristin Daley.

Marketing Pros – pictured left to right are Kevin Knox, Kristin Daley, Pete Daley and Brad Ganz

“Ultimately, the reps are an extension of us,” said Brad Ganz, KICKER’s Regional Sales Manager for the Central U.S. “If they’re doing a good job, dealers are happy. If there is a problem, we want the reps to be able to handle the issue quickly and effectively. It’s a well-oiled machine that keeps moving forward.”

Daniel Hernandez (left) with Matt Matheson

The KICKER Rep-of-the-Year criteria is similar to that of the companies for which they work. Individual service and communication skills are evaluated in conjunction with fiscal criteria.

“Daniel has impressed me with his work ethic,” said Matt Matheson, KICKER’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager. “He works very well with everyone internally. His product knowledge and extensive technical background in the car-stereo industry have all contributed to dealers in his territory valuing his input.”

KICKER places a premium on servicing its dealers.  Every year, KICKER celebrates the representative firm and individual reps that consistently exceed expectations, measured by financial growth, providing outstanding service to customers and maintaining clear, reliable communication with members of the KICKER corporate team.

Visit kicker.com for more.

RhinoBox Is Set for 2020

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

RICHMOND, TX (01.20.2020) – RhinoBox is ready for 2020. The company’s lineup of enclosures is designed to save dealers time and provide a strong profit opportunity.

Nassir Rizvi and Mosin Ahmed pictured in the warehouse with a portion of the inventory.

David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Rep Firm Principal, stated “RhinoBox provides the tools for our Distributors and Retail Partners to succeed with the broad selection of vehicle specific enclosures. New in-store posters and full catalogs are key tools as the products are covered in detail in the catalog and consumers can see models available on the poster.”

The RhinoBox in-store poster will grab attention on a wall on the showroom.

RhinoBox does not sell online and all of their boxes are stapled and glued for durability. Everything they sell comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Also, the company’s packaging has pictures of the enclosures on the box which makes it easy for inventory and displaying them on the showroom floor. 

The full line catalog details the enclosure product lineup.

RhinoBox also offers unfinished enclosures that are available if dealers want to vinyl wrap an enclosure and put a custom touch on a prebuilt enclosure.

Product images and information on the box makes it easy for dealers to check inventory.

“Currently we are evaluating regional distribution partners and welcome the opportunity to expand the RhinoBox network nationwide.”  If you have interest or would like more information, contact David or Michelle Toliver at 281-750-5004 or email us at sales@synergyagency.net.

Visit rhinobassbox.com for more.

The DS18 LTI40AH Lithium Battery Is Now Shipping

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (01.20.2020) – The DS18 LTI40AH battery is an amazing investment. Now, with the technology of today, enthusiasts don’t need a lot of excess heavy lead acid or AGM batteries to power all of their aftermarket accessories.

Lithium technology has advanced in such a way that these powerful, small batteries have vehicle applications for daily use. From cars to boats, even ATVs and side by sides, can benefit from Lithium technology.

Why use lithium? With every ONE of DS18’s LTI40AH batteries, users are getting more power than five 100ah lead acid or AGM batteries… all while saving tons of weight and space.

Now with these high-powered, compact, and long living DS18 lithium batteries enthusiasts can enjoy their music for hours with the vehicle off and not have to worry about no-start or slow-start conditions because of the amazing sheer power each DS18 Lithium battery has to offer. The LTI40AH retails for $999.99.

For more info on DS18’s LTI40AH, visit DS18.com

Tint World Ranked as Top Franchise for 6th Year in a Row in Franchise 500

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

BOCA RATON, FL (01.17.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Placement in the Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry making it one of the company’s most competitive rankings ever. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks Tint World as 279 for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now,” says Entrepreneur editor-in-chief Jason Feifer. “They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin’ that’s ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they’re forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers’ needs—because in an ever-changing business environment, that’s what a franchise must do to thrive.”

An excited Charles Bonfiglio at a Tint World store in the Middle East.

The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

“Appearing in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for the sixth consecutive year proves the dedication and work ethic of the Tint World team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO of Tint World. “The Tint World staff and franchise owners are committed to maintaining the company’s position among the elite automotive styling franchises. We’re all extremely grateful this recognition, but it also inspires us to achieve even more in 2020.”

Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Tint World’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto and marine 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.

To view Tint World in the full ranking, visit entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2020 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands Jan. 14.

KICKER Welcomes Aziz Masri to the International Sales Team

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

STILLWATER, OK (01.17.2020) – KICKER announces the addition of longtime KICKER employee Aziz Masri to the International Sales Team.

In a new initiative spearheaded by International Sales Director Chet Weddle, Masri will serve several locations on every continent KICKER serves, as will every member of the International Sales Team.

Aziz Masri

“When you interview for a position like this, you search for someone who can become the face of the company outside these walls, and do so admirably,” Weddle said.  “We loved that Aziz would look at the position from a different perspective, and knew he would be an immediate fit.

“Based on this expansion, we’ve thrown a stick of dynamite at the traditional model. Instead of assigning territories to each member of the department, we are matching people to personalities,” Weddle said.

Masri has worked at KICKER for over two decades, starting in the Electronic Repair department and then transferring to Research and Development. He was then promoted to Electronic Repair Manager – a post he held for the past 15 years.

“I have always felt that because of my overseas background, that I could do a good job in the International Sales Department,” Masri said. “I wanted to do more for this company and move to a new challenge. Working in the technical side, you are trained to look at transistors and coils.  Now I look at how the product I have worked on for so long fits my customer, and how I can help make our products serve each territory.  I’m very excited to start.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

SCOSCHE Industries Previewed NEXS2 Full HD Smart Dual Dash Camera – Powered by Nexar, at CES

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , .

LAS VEGAS, NV (01.17.2020) – SCOSCHE previewed their feature-rich, Smart Dual DashCamera – Powered by Nexar, for attendees of the 2020 International CES.

The NEXS2 is part of a range of new Scosche Smart Dash Cameras that leverages the technology of your smartphone and the Nexar safe driving app to record, capture, store and upload to your personal Nexar Cloud, video footage of your drives and significant incidents. Together, this Dash Cam, the Nexar safe driving app and a smartphone (iOS or Android), will help protect your vehicle, your livelihood, your reputation, and most importantly, your personal safety.

With its two cameras, the NEXS2 captures video footage both inside and outside of the vehicle. The front, forward-facing camera has a 1080p @30fps, Sony Starvis Image Sensor with 155-degree wide angle lens and ultra-low light visibility +HDR for superior night vision.The rear, inward-facing camera has a 720p @30pfs with 140-degree wide angle lens sensor paired with IR LED array for visibility within the vehicle cabin, even in dark conditions.

Whether you’re driving to the local store, or you’re a professional driver carrying dozens of passengers and driving hundreds of miles per week, you need to be prepared for anything. And, in the event of an incident, either inside or outside of your vehicle, it’s crucial to have a reliable witness. There’s nothing more credible than video footage and the Nexar app features One-Click reporting that sends a comprehensive incident report directly to (participating) insurance companies.

On a lighter note, dash cams also let you capture those strange, amazing, and often funny moments that have to be seen to be believed. The NEXS2 makes it easy to share your video footage of those moments with your friends and family, and on social media.

NEXS2 is equipped with a robust WiFi to quickly and reliably connect and communicate with your smartphone. It’s high-precision 3-Axis G-Sensor automatically detects, measures and records incidents and supports the Parking mode. Parking mode records and saves video of incidents and impacts that occur when you (and your phone) are not in your vehicle.

The Nexar safe driving app works with the NEXS2 to provide GPS data, and Siri Shortcut integration, The Nexar app works while you drive and stops when you do. The app also, very importantly, provides free storage of significant events to your personal Nexar Cloud. Once uploaded to the Cloud, the footage auto-deletes from your camera so you never run out of storage space.

Installation is simple and everything you need is included with the Dash Cam, including: 24W dual-port USB car charger, 90°-angle USB 11.5 ft. power cable, and installation tools, ties and mounts.

The NEXS2, part of Scosche’s SafeTech line will become available Summer 2020 at an MSRP of $199.99.

Visit scosche.com for more.

Cadence Exhibited at CES 2020 in Las Vegas

Posted on by in Featured.

Members of the Cadence, OnCore and Logic Team gathered for a group photo along with the hot bike and SXS in the company’s booth at CES.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA (01.16.2020) – Cadence exhibited at CES 2020 earlier this month with an exciting presence in the LVCC North Hall. OnCore and Logic brands also showed off new products to attendees and business partners.

In 2020, Cadence is delivering an even more refined product line that incorporates today’s needs in a very competitive atmosphere. These products meet real market demands. As an example, at CES Cadence displayed the new CSB 2014 SoundBar and horn-loaded SWB 60TWS wake tower/UTV speaker that features truly wireless sound. Enthusiasts can now enjoy quality Bluetooth stereo sound in marine and off-road settings.

Raffle winners for the booth drawings are pictured with Cadence Woofer prizes.

In the Cadence North Hall Booth a raffle was held everyday during CES for giveaway prizes that included Xlerator and US12″ subwoofers to 4 lucky winners! Retailers winning the raffle prizes included Car Audio City, Heat Wave, Andre’s Electronic Experts and Thibert.

The Cadence booth was well laid out to showcase new products, activities and demo vehicles.

The OnCore line was also featured in the booth. OnCore is designed exclusively for the skilled brick and mortar independent. New OnCore models are now shipping.

“A big thank you to all who came to visit Cadence at CES! We are excited for what 2020 will bring. See our new website at www.CadenceSound.com. It’s going to be a big year!” The Cadence Team offered.

For more information or to find out how to join the #CadenceTeam, contact CadenceTeam@cadencesound.com