AUSTIN, TX (04.28.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its new location in Buda, Texas.
Tint World Buda, owned by military veteran Jason Gerstenhaber, introduces drivers throughout the South Austin-San Marcos metropolitan area to premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.
“Buda is one of the Austin-area’s fastest growing suburbs, and as more families and individuals move in, the demand for automotive solutions will only increase,” Gerstenhaber said. “Tint World Buda is a trustworthy, locally owned business that our growing number of neighbors can rely on for everything from ultra-premium window tint, paint protection film, and Nano Ceramic Coatings to audio and video, performance upgrades, and even safety and security technology. We’re proud to have a team of highly trained professional technicians and installers to take care of our customers, and we look forward to serving drivers throughout the South Austin region.”
Tint World Buda, located at 118 Trademark St #502, Buda, Texas 78610, serves South Austin, Kyle, Wimberly, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Lockhart, Mountain City, Reedville, Maxwell and Uhland. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (512) 201-4016 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/tx/buda-096/.
“Jason brings tremendous vision and experience to our growing network of Tint World stores across Texas, and he’s a valuable addition to the Tint World family as a whole,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We’re proud to have him and other veteran franchisees as part of our franchise system. Through his service, Jason has demonstrated that he has exceptional dedication and discipline, and we’re confident he’ll lean on our world-class franchisee support to deliver the best customer service and automotive solutions to his market.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.27.23) – At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. Combined with the SEMA Show and officially called SEMA Week, the goal of the expansion is to create the most exciting automotive event in the world.
During the planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show–the premier automotive trade show that puts the latest products from top companies in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers representing every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Companies that would like to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show provides exhibitors with the aftermarket’s most valuable venue for creating more business, expanding brand awareness, introducing new products and engaging with automotive professionals.
Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 SEMA Show will take place Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3. For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to exhibit, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
SEMA Fest is an enthusiast-focused event that is open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue–the Las Vegas Festival Grounds–Friday and Saturday, November 3-4.
The festival will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.
To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit SEMAFest.com.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.26.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the 2023 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in booth 402 from Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29 where they will have vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.
Two Alpine 2018 Jeep® Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep® driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep®interior and retain the features Jeep® drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready® head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep® driver.
A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.
Alpine’s 2015 Jeep® Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep® specific solutions designed for older Jeep® Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.
Two Alpine-customized Jeeps will also be onsite to demonstrate the music-loving active weekender lifestyle of the Jeep® driver. “Hellbender,” Alpine’s 2017 Jeep® Wrangler, features a tee shirt cannon and custom-built motorized sled that pulls out from the rear of the vehicle to reveal two custom black Alpine I.C.E. Coolers.
An airconditioned Alpine Event Trailer will be parked on-site at the booth for visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology.
All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine staff and Alpine Authorized Retailer Soudwaves will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep®
METAIRIE, LA (04.25.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce its new patented Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco (p/n 5886-001/005/0023) is now shipping with an MSRP of $789.95.
“Our new Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights features a unique modular design, easy plug-and-play installation, and advanced LED projection with 5,200 Lumens of high-quality illumination for enhanced driver visibility in all weather conditions,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The Oculus headlight is compatible with both the standard and signature Bronco lighting models.”
These headlights include precision LED lighting projector for optimum light distribution and beam angle and installs using original mounting hardware and headlight wiring without requiring additional relays or harnesses. Halo is available in White or Amber LED and features more than 200 bright LEDs for a vivid lighting impact.
“These all-new headlamps provide enhanced driver visibility with increased and focused LED light output,” Hartenstein continued. “It features a high-precision sharp cut-off line which reduces glare and prevents blinding oncoming traffic even when installed on lifted Broncos. The package also includes a tool for easy beam angle adjustability.”
The new modular design allows separate components (turn signal, marker lights, and mounting tabs) to be installed independently and provides a smaller packaging size for lower shipping costs for the end user and prevents possible shipping damage. The modular design also allows for these individual components to be replaced or upgraded down the road when future options are available.
“It is undeniably important to implement proper thermal management tools for high-performance LEDs to operate with reliability in various environments,” Hartenstein explained. “Oculus utilizes both active and passive cooling methods to sustain low LED temperatures. Remote mounted heat sinks and an internal cooling fan work in conjunction to insure proper temperature control and longevity of the LEDs.”
Light focus is very important for not only driver safety but others on the road that can potentially have their vision obstructed by glare. This is especially significant on lifted vehicles where the light source is raised and, in a position, to interfere with the field of vision of other drivers. These new Oculus headlights feature a very sharp cut-off line and focus light with precision specifically to avoid such issues.
Additional product specifications include: • Headlight Wattage: 36W each • Total Lumens: 5200LM • Headlight Color Temp: 5500K (Pure White) • Halo Color: Optional White or Amber LED or Amber/White Switchback • Certification: DOT SAE 5839-504 HL VOR 19 • Patented Design: USPTO Patent D 877,404 • Designed and developed in the USA • Warranty: 2 years
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (04.24.23) – KICKER stretched West from Stillwater, OK to join dealers and fans with festivities at Desert Storm, running April 19-23, on Lake Havasu and in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
The KICKER XRV rolled out of KICKER HQ for the 1100 mile trip to Lake Havasu AZ. Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, was behind the wheel and Steven as the navigator as the XRV hit the road.
This was the 7th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 4 years KICKER has been onsite as the Title Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake with the Poker Run and boat parades through the days and evenings Friday and Saturday.
The Havasu Downtown Street Festival drew thousands to check out a variety of boats and vendors.
Tracy Focht related “Another amazing show in Havasu! The weather was perfect with a perfect vibe from the crowd. The people who attend Desert Storm are always happy, and just want to have a respectful good time with their friends and family. Thanks again to Elite Audio in Lake Havasu plus Eliminator Boats for showcasing the 27’. Also thanks to 187 Customs for allowing us to bring the Firedock of Street Outlaws that was a hit. Plus a big thank you to Frank and Annette Zepeda, owners of the BoomToon, for treating us like family.”
Continuing “The staff at Murfco provided strong assistance and equipment throughout the event. Desert Storm has grown into a family event and we love them all out there. We look forward to 2024!”
Dan Murphy’s Murfco is the Southern Nevada, Arizona and SoCal Rep Firm for KICKER.
The KICKER XRV drew attendees throughout Desert Storm to check out demo vehicles and the BoomRoom with 40,000 watts driving a wall of 15” subs.
This @havasuorbust post shows helicopters keeping up with powerboats.
Focht concluded “We feel this grass roots event is the perfect event to work directly with both boat manufacturers, dealers and end consumers. This allows us and our dealers to learn more about what customers are actually looking for and where the the target market is headed. Each year we work diligently to better our approach and showcase KICKER at the event.”
Jeremy Wynn offered “It’s so great to see attendees in and around the KICKER XRV. They definitely see and Hear, in the BoomRoom, KICKER was definitely Livin’Loud. Having Carlos Jimenez on site to connect with members of the crowd in the XRV BoomRoom worked out very well.”
Throughout the city the grounds were packed as attendees enjoyed the perfect weather and a wide variety of exhibits.
Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, is on site at many KICKER consumer events…including Desert Storm. Morrell related “The attendance at this year’s Desert Storm looked like an increase from last year. I was busy across the venue, including driving a filming boat on the lake, and got the feeling this year was bigger to 2022. We will watch for the attendance estimates to be released.”
Elite Audio in Lake Havasu showcased the 27’ Eliminator Boat.
From the first night kick-off vendor party, to the hustle of the street party, to the Poker Run and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2023 at Lake Havasu City was amazing. Lasting friendships were created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2023 KICKER went overboard and was definitely Livin’Loud.”
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) today launched the TikTok account “@alpinesound” to reach a younger demographic of audio enthusiasts and further expand the Alpine brand.
“It’s no secret that the average age of the aftermarket car audio customer is increasing. That’s why social media platforms like TikTok are key in reaching a younger demographic,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America. “Alpine’s TikTok will be instrumental in introducing the brand to a younger audience who might be unfamiliar with aftermarket car audio.”
TikTok has seen rapid growth since its initial launch in 2016 and now boasts one billion active monthly users globally (150 million in the United States). With 80% of users between the ages of 16 – 34, more commonly referred to as Generation Z and Millennials, TikTok is quickly becoming a key social media platform to engage with the next generation.
While Alpine intends to promote products, demo vehicles, events, and traditional business activities using the entertaining, short-form video format made popular by the platform, the strategy behind the Alpine TikTok account is to engage with the younger audio enthusiast and identify new business opportunities that meet their unique interests.
New Ways of Marketing Featuring short and long-form video content designed to be everything from entertaining to educational, TikTok is a powerful marketing tool when increasing brand awareness. The main use case of the platform is to share and engage with video content that connects an entire audience through music, dance, trends, brands, experiences, and more. This fast-paced and often reactive form of engagement has yielded success for companies when testing marketing messaging, brand campaigns, and increasing product awareness.
However, beyond its social use case, studies have shown that TikTok is quickly becoming the preferred search engine for younger users, and with advertising capabilities that link to a website, app, and future plans of an in-app checkout system, brands and retailers can assume that TikTok will become a platform where a large majority of the purchase decisions are made. Studies have also shown that 37% of users who discovered a product on TikTok ended up purchasing the product, giving a whole new value to the trend “TikTok made me buy it.”
Joining the TikTok platform allows long-time and new Alpine fans to engage with the brand, learn about local and national events, and see products in action in a casual, entertaining format. Down the road, Alpine intends to leverage its TikTok account to introduce new products and campaigns that are geared toward the platform’s younger audience in hopes of inspiring the new generation of audio enthusiasts to become Alpine fans.
SPRINGFIELD, MA (4.20.23) – On Wednesday, April 12th, Cicada Audio set up on the event floor at the MassMutual Center in Springfield with dozens of other 12volt brands.
The Cicada Audio tent set up on the GoFast ME23 event floor.
Marty Deane, Cicada Audio Director of Sales, related, “We had recently partnered with GoFast Solutions so the timing was super to get Cicada Audio rolling in the territory. Under the tent in our booth we showcased a great Harley build from InFocus Mobile Audio. Owner Justin O’Neil and Harley owner Andy LaBranche brought the Harley from Windham NH which is about 100 miles away.
Attendees gathered around for a demo of Andy LaBranche’s Cicada Audio loaded Harley from InFocus Mobile Audio.
In the booth the Harley drew attendees from across the event floor when the volume was cranked. The modified Harley was on an old frame and motor with 2014 and up electronics. For the GoFast a Cicada Audio was added to the system.
“Andy’s Harley was definitely rockin’ with clarity as a 4-speaker system driven by Cicada Audio amplifiers,” Justin from InFocus Mobile Audio stated.
“The GoFast ME23 was definitely a good event for Cicada Audio. Our area rep Art Rickless was in the house and we were able to deliver information about our brand to attendees and definitely provided demos through the day,” Deane added.
Marty Deane Cicada Audio Director of Sales
Rickless, A.I.R. Associates, commented, “There was definitely the feeling of energy in the MassMutual center as industry members connected with vendors plus their fellow dealers and friends. We have several dealers in the territory turning out bikes loaded with Cicada Audio and our riding season up here is just around the corner.”
MIRAMAR, FL (04.19.23) – JL Audio, the leader in premium, high-performance marine audio systems, announced the launch of its MediaMaster® Remote app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Designed to work with the latest JL Audio MediaMaster marine audio source units and network controllers, including the MM105, MM105-HR and MMR-40, the MediaMaster Remote app connects via Bluetooth Low Energy technology and offers comprehensive control of all system features and settings.
“These apps represent an exciting control upgrade for the vast number of vessels that feature the latest MediaMaster audio source units as standard or optional equipment,” said Stephen Leigh, Sr. Vice President, Electronic Engineering, JL Audio. “The wireless control functionality and display of music data offered by the apps is comprehensive, far exceeding the features found on typical wired controllers and key fob-style remote controls.”
The MediaMaster Remote app from JL Audio furthers the brand’s mission of providing the absolute best sounding and feature-rich audio solutions for boating, powersports and RV customers. JL Audio’s MediaMaster Remote app features a clean, intuitive user interface that mirrors the UI layout and menu structure of its MM105 source unit, MMR-40 network controller, and the JL Audio control apps for popular multi-function display (MFD) systems.
Main control functions of MediaMaster Remote mobile app include: · Power ON/OFF · Source navigation and selection · Stored presets · All volume level controls (master & individual zones) · All subwoofer level controls (master & individual zones) · All tone & balance controls (master & individual zones) · Source specific settings ·
The JL Audio MediaMaster Remote iOS and Android apps are available immediately for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. App functionality requires no additional hardware but requires the latest source unit software (version 1.0.1325) to be installed, which can be downloaded here: jlaudio.com/MediaMaster-Support
STILLWATER, OK (04.18.23) – KICKER Marine Audio brings premium sound to two large powerboating events on Lake Havasu, Arizona–Desert Storm April 19-23 and Super Cat Fest West, April 26-29. The two events take place on back-to-back weekends of boating action to bring performance boat enthusiasts to Lake Havasu City, a boating Mecca for the country’s West Coast.
KICKER Marine Audio again joins the new owners of Desert Storm for this 25th Anniversary event. KICKER is especially visible as presenting sponsor for the annual Street Party on Thursday, April 20. Jim Russell, an event producer for 30 years, co-owned the event with its founder, Jim Nichols, Sr., who several years ago, sold it to his daughter-in-law and son, Christina and Jim Nichols, Jr. After several years under their operation, Russell and Lake Havasu realtor and community leader Steve Tichnor wanted to ensure that the event stayed in Havasu, so they invested in buying it back.
Says Russell, “Thanks to the wonderful long-term sponsorship of KICKER Marine Audio, joining with new title sponsor, Anderson Powersports, we were able to acquire the event and make minor changes, making sure it stays in Lake Havasu. We are boating enthusiasts and this event has a place in the hearts of everyone in Havasu—it deserves to stay here and grow!”
KICKER Marine Audio has traditionally brought its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle), a travel edition of its famous headquarters’ “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street for the “Eye of the Storm” Street Party. KICKER’s Real Marine sound equipment will also be seen on many of the millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats that will be displayed from 1-9 PM, including boats like the DCB owned by Rod Voegele of California-based Gatorwraps, also located in Lake Havasu, and the Rinker Flotilla owned by Jeff Cuvelier of Elite Audio of Havasu. Both boaters and businessmen are big KICKER Marine Audio fans as Gatorwraps adds the visuals to many KICKER-equipped customer boats, while Cuvelier has installed KMA products for years.
“Jeff provides an excellent example of what KICKER can bring to the party,” says Jeremy Bale, KICKER Marine Audio brand manager, “His own Rinker boat and his customers can attest to the top-sound quality of KICKER and its excellent performance in the marine environment. We are pleased to add our continued support to this anniversary event.”
Eliminator’s new Speedster with KICKER Marine Audio and Jeff Cuvelier’s Rinker loaded with KICKER gear!
Jake Fraleigh of Eliminator Boats is also planning to bring a new Ferrari Red 27 Speedster with twin Mercury 400 engines loaded with KICKER sound equipment to the event. Fraleigh calls the open-bow boat “a perfect example of the company’s dedication to lifestyle, functionality and performance—both with speed and sound.”
The event is moving this year to Havasu State Park where the white sandy beaches of “Windsor 4” will serve as VIP headquarters. On Friday, April 21, the Parade of Power will travel from Thompson Bay to the Bridgewater Channel, passing under the London Bridge. Then, a Poker Run where Russell says “the waters will boil” with over 100 participants, led by the area’s First Responders and a KICKER Boat, will round out the day and end with a party for all participants.
On Saturday, April 22, the Sugrue’s Shoot Out event will run from 9 AM- 4 PM from the Site Six Launch Ramp. The ¾-mile closed course Shoot Out is being organized by Russ Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises and promises to be an exciting event with the best fan viewing from the park’s surrounding bluffs. The King and Queen of the Desert top speed title awards will be presented at the party that evening with record breaking speeds expected.
Preceding the performance events on Wednesday, April 19 is the annual Kruisin’ for a Kause as volunteer powerboaters with big engines and big hearts take area residents with special needs on boat rides, culminating in a BBQ lunch with karaoke entertainment at Lake Havasu State Park.
The next weekend, Super Cat Fest West takes the annual Lake of the Ozarks event to Lake Havasu, thanks to event producer Alvin Heathman, joined by sponsor River Dave of River Dave’s Place. This boaters’ event boasts Title Sponsors KICKER Marine Audio, Eliminator Boats, Franko’s DLA-M44, Gatorwraps and Dixxon Flannel, the latter which will show its Dixxon Eliminator 28’ Fundeck, and new Eliminator 27’ Speedster. Other sponsors include Elite Sound; Ilmor Marine who will unveil a new power package; Horizon Motorsports, a local boat dealer sponsoring the Saturday night party; Hamilton Marine Finance; Detail Specialties; and Barrett Custom Marine. Private sponsors will also bring notable boats, like DCB and Mauricio & Angie Vivanco with their DLA-M44 DCB, Kenny Gonzales and his well-known 48 MTI, “Wave Adios” and many other high-performance cats.
Heathman says they are looking to get the town “more involved” as the event draws boats from across the country to explore Lake Havasu, which he sees as a similar boat culture to Lake of the Ozarks, “just with different scenery and smaller—but more concentrated. Lake Havasu is amazing in its own way—there is always something performance going on here—it’s a giant playground and I think it is the perfect setting,” he adds.
Since Heathman found logistics a bit more challenging in Havasu, he engaged a new development, Havasu Riviera Marina, to host the event. The marina has a new dock, boat ramp, well over 100 boat slips and can accommodate the many visiting boats and trailers for a three-day street party with food trucks, vendors and entertainment. “It will be like an offshore racers’ village,” says Heathman. He also plans a two-day fun run on land or water where people can explore on their own, visiting local businesses and bringing back receipts to turn in for poker hands. “It will be more casual—come and go as you please,” he says. The Friday and Saturday night parties include the popular Boom Bandits Entertainment group, along with awards, hot rods and boats—including the KICKER-outfitted “Boom Toon.”
The Saturday fun run and evening party will feature an auction for $5,000 in KICKER Marine Audio sound equipment for Super Cat Fest for Kids. The event benefits the “forgotten kids” of Lake Havasu and will give money directly to local schools for lunch programs that some underprivileged kids’ families cannot afford.
OCALA FL (04.17.23) – Reigning NHRA rookie of the year Camrie Caruso is off to a fast start this season, winning the NHRA Arizona Nationals and grabbing her second career No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Winternationals. The third-generation drag racer is also making noise with new sponsors, including the addition of Big Jeff Audio, which will be the primary sponsor on her Chevrolet Camaro for the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, April 28-30, and an associate sponsor the rest of the season. Caruso is looking forward to introducing a brand-new sponsor to the NHRA and its massive consumer audience.
“This deal came together quickly, and I am looking forward to introducing Big Jeff Audio to the NHRA community,” said Caruso, who will be racing four-wide in Charlotte for the first time. “They are doing amazing things with not just car audio but side-by-sides, home audio and marine audio, Power Sports, and CCTV Needs. We are heading into the summer months, so now is the time to update your audio needs for the lake, pool, or your road trips. I can’t wait to show off the Big Jeff Audio Chevrolet Camaro in Charlotte. It is going to be an eye-catching car, and Big Jeff is going to make an impact in the NHRA, I know.”
Big Jeff Audio is a part of Big Jeff Online Inc., a family-owned business that has been thriving since 2014, initially starting out on eBay and Amazon. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, they have now expanded to offer a vast array of products on their site, including car audio and CCTV security systems, all backed by their authorization as an online seller. They have a website full of products for everyone at www.BigJeffAudio.com and have a large social media platform that you can see by searching BigJeffAudio on all major platforms.
“We have never done anything like this before, but after talking with Camrie we saw this as a great opportunity to introduce our company and customer service to a whole new audience,” said Jeff Goldman, president of Big Jeff Online, Inc. “We love working with our customers to give them the best audio service for their cars, boats, side-by-sides, or Power Sports. We have a tremendous online business. I know NHRA is all about the noise and thrill of the racing, and everyone at Big Jeff Audio is looking forward to bringing even more sound to the races and the pits.”
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