MIAMI GARDENS, FL (06.11.2021) – DS18, a well-known player in the audio industry, notorious for their stylish, clear sounding, trend setting audio equipment for cars, marine, and on-the-go. Their slogan, “We like it loud!” is taking on a whole new meaning for those in Tennessee and Alabama, as DS18 will now be available in all Electronic Express storefronts.
Electronic Express is known for their wide array of electronics, ranging from home appliances to audio and video for the home and car audio.
Specializing in everything audio related, DS18 has a vast array of options for any audio project that any audiophile, from beginner to professional, can desire. DS18 has experts in OEM, Pro-Audio, Bass, Jeep Nation, Marine Specialization, and Off-Road, that live and breathe the industry and are true enthusiasts themselves. They have continued to lead the industry with products that have the latest and greatest audio technology, that allows you to stand out in any crowd.
STILLWATER, OK (06.10.2021) – KICKER will once again sponsor Slamology, the 2021 version at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. The automotive and mobile audio-heavy show will take place June 12-13.
A competitor at Slamology gushes over his power bank.
In its 18th year, Slamology is billed as a “family friendly, yet edgy” event put on by Donnie Babb, the show organizer and founder. In its third year of sponsorship, KICKER has frequently attended as a corporate brand.
“We (always) wanted a way to connect with (fans) and have a weekend-long party,” said Babb.
Billed as one of the largest car-stereo competitions in the country, Slamology plays host to competition organizations USACi, MECA, IASCA and dB Drag Racing, which will all have multi-point competitions at the Raceway during the weekend. In the spirit of mobile-sound competition, KICKER is the official car-audio contest sponsor for Slamology 2021 and will run a huge contest in which one lucky show attendee will win special KICKER product.
In addition to a “full-tilt demo session,” the show also features live bands along with RC racing, a tattoo competition, auto-limbo, a hydraulic contest, big-rig show, a bikini contest and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
OXNARD, CA (06.03.2021) – SSV Works is making available JVC’s acclaimed MR1 digital media receiver for the Kawasaki Teryx KRX (model years 2020+). The units are now available with an MSRP of $479.99 (p/n KX-R1).
“Last year, we announced a collaboration with JVC in which SSV Works is now the exclusive Powersports distributor for the KD-MR1BTS marine/powersports digital media receiver, and that success has led us to adding this incredible receiver to our KX-R1 kits,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Our customers asked for an easy plug-and-play upgrade, we listened, and now they have it!”
Like most of SSV Works’ kits, KX-R1 dash kit utilizes factory mounting points for ease of installation. It was carefully designed and engineered to match the factory look and feel. You can even add an optional backup camera to work with the full color screen, and easily plug-and-play with SSV Works’ Teryx KRX Kick Panel 6.5-inch Speaker Pods (p/n KX-F65A – sold separately).
The KD-MR1BTS digital media receiver features Bluetooth, USB, a 2.7-inch color display, global tuner with weather band, 7-Band EQ, rear view camera capability, and is SiriusXM-Ready.
The KD-MR1BTS’ waterproof housing withstands jets of water from any direction thanks to IPX6 waterproof compliance. As a result, the receiver can be safely used not only in cars, but also in other types of motor vehicles including marine and motorsports use. A conformal coating safeguards electronic circuits from harsh environments that may contain moisture or chemical contaminants, providing a barrier to airborne contaminants from the operating environment, such as salt-spray, thus preventing corrosion.
“JVC is a legacy in the mobile audio radio market, and we could not be more excited to partner with such a brand and provide our Kawasaki Teryx KRX customers with the best powersports radio and overall audio solution kits in the market,” Kaplan concluded.
JOLIET, IL (06.02.2021) – The Progressive American Flat Track Race at the Dirty O Track took place on Saturday, May 29th in Joliet IL. As a participating sponsor KICKER was on site and represented by Maddog_Media’s Lorin Morrell who rolled into the track with a big trailer. The trailer was loaded with a large KICKER tent, a decked out RZR and a selection of products for members of the crowd to check out.
Lorin Morrell, MadDog_Media, rolled onto the Dirty O grounds to prepare for set up.
“The turnout for the race was really strong. The gates opened at 3 o’clock for the race that began at 5PM. The KICKER setup was right in front of the entrance to the Dirty O Track. From 4:00 until 7:30 I was talking to race enthusiasts non stop. Many were Harley owners and people into motorsports. When they experienced the loaded KICKER RZR they were amazed by the sound quality, volume and bass. We also had audio, marine and KICKER LifeStyle products on tables under the tent.”
The KICKER Tent set on Saturday morning for the American Flat Track Race in Joliet, IL.
The parking lot filled on Saturday evening for the race.
Additional branding for KICKER was the PA system on the award stage and in the hospitality tent.
Continuing, Morrell stated “We also showed the KICKER Bag Lid speakers. The Harley riders really opened their eyes when they saw the Bag Lid setup.”
Racers in the turn on the Dirty O track jockeyed for position.
The Progressive American Flat Track Series is virtually nationwide and featured on NBC Sports Gold.
An upcoming American Flat Track event will be at Remington Park in Oklahoma City OK. A mere 40 miles from KICKER HQ in Stillwater this event will give many in the area an opportunity to see KICKER Livin’Loud at an American Flat Track event.
RALEIGH, NC (06.01.2021) – After years of being the company behind other brands, Zorg North America LLC. was formed in late 2020 with a mission to supply the best product at competitive prices to the 12 Volt industry.
“We brought together a USA-based team with over 125 combined years of proven experience in Automotive Electronics design and development, manufacturing, installation, and sales. Our company culture was built upon a foundation of expertise from years of working in the trenches with customers and industry partners. All Zorg North America products are designed and engineered in the USA to meet our customer’s requirements. Our team recognizes the specific market needs of companies and installers in North America,” stated Chris Luft, General Manager.
Zorg North America LLC is part of Zorg Industries Worldwide. Zorg / Smart Park products are distributed worldwide. The Zorg family of companies now has offices in the USA, Australia, UK, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, China & India. R&D and manufacturing facilities located in the United States & China. Facilities responsible for developing, validating, and manufacturing the Smart Park Brand are IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified. ZORG-NA product is certified to all major standards (FCC, CE, E-Mark, RoHS, JASO, etc..) These resources allow us to meet/exceed government standards such as DOT and FMVSS and prove this by providing actual test results and certified test reports for final vehicle certification.
Zorg North America supplies a full line of OEM plug-and-play rear-camera harnesses and other body harness’s for up-fitters. The product line continues with commercial/rough duty monitors, cameras, video cables, mounting accessories, and application solutions with a three-year warranty on all products.
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