POMPANO BEACH FL (07.15.22) RDV Automotive Technology, the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration, has announced the launch of a Digital Instrument Cluster for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. This new screen adds Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. The screen also provides users with the basic vehicle information they would normally find on a gauge cluster. The TESLA-SCREEN IS AVAIABLE NOW!
Rich De Sclafani shows the Tesla Screen in the RDV office in Pompano Beach FL.
Rich De Sclafani the owner stated: We are extremely happy to launch this product. We are adding Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto to a brand new vehicle that does not come with CarPlay. Most people who do not own or drive Tesla vehicles have no idea they do not come with CarPlay or a gauge cluster. This screen displays vehicle information by providing a gauge cluster that was non existent. This makes it a lot easier to keep the driver’s eyes on the speed and basic vehicle functions.
This image shows the RDV Tesla Screen mounted on a Tesla dash pedestal showing actual engine functions on the screen.
Tesla Screen adds Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto to an owners Tesla as it should have come from the factory. The RDV Tesla Screen gives the driver a digital instrument cluster that is touchscreen controlled and works with all Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The feature set includes Wireless CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, Battery Life (amount of charge remaining), Speed, Mileage, Indicators (lights, turn signals, seat belt), HD Display, Touchscreen Control and 3 Year Warranty.
The scope of information available is virtually unlimited.
Vehicle COMPATIBILITY: TESLA: MODEL 3: 2017 – 2022 and MODEL Y: 2020-2022.
Three customized third-generation Toyota 4Runners and two Jeep Wrangler TJs will be available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com, beginning July 18, as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers, and was installed by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.
The public is invited to bid on the vehicles beginning July 18 through BringaTrailer.com. One vehicle will be released each day, for five consecutive days, and will be available for bidding for seven days following its respective launch date.
The five vehicles and details on the bidding are:
July 18: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by John Hersey High School in Chicago. The vehicle features the factory Desert Dune exterior color with a tan interior. Upgrades also include Alpine 7-in. screen multimedia head unit and backup camera, K&N cold-air intake, ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 suspension, as well as a True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers and a WARN winch.
John Hersey’s ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
July 19: An ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Career Center High School in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The vehicle’s exterior has been fully custom painted in red, roll cage in black, with a complementing black vinyl soft top. Upgrades also include Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Azzy’s gauge overlay kit, and Rugged Ridge Drakon wheels on Atturo 33×12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.8-in. height.
Career Center High School’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 20: A ’96 Toyota 4Runner customized by OPS Career Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The exterior is Sunfire Red Pearl with a black and tan interior. Upgrades also include PRP Enduro reclining seats and a custom back bench seat, Borla cat-back exhaust,True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout and RBP Saharan wheels on Atturo LT275/65/R18 Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.3-in. height.
OPS Career Center’s ’96 Toyota 4Runner.
July 21: An ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Santa Fe ECO in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The vehicle is custom painted in a USC Dominator Bed Liner tinted Matte Green with the original black hardtop. Both the OEM doors and trail doors are included, each with their own set of mirrors. The frame and under body are detailed and painted with 3M undercoating, topped with SEM semi-gloss hot-rod black.
Santa Fe ECO’s ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 22: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by Comstock HS in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The vehicle features a full exterior repaint in Quicksand Tan, Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Borla cat-back exhaust, True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout, and bronze-finished ICON wheels on Atturo 35×12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 34.8-in. height.
Comstock HS’ ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
Visit BringaTrailer.com to see all the upgrades and build details of each vehicle in the upcoming auction.
Ten participating high schools participated in the 2020 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, which was put on hold due to COVID-19 and resumed earlier this year. The program helps students learn about the automotive customization hobby and give them real-world, hands-on educational experiences. They also received build training directly from product manufacturers and industry members who visited the schools.
The remaining five vehicles will be auctioned off in late September. Proceeds from the auctions will be reinvested back into the program and other SEMA Education Youth Engagement initiatives.
OXNARD, Calif., July 14, 2022 – SSV Works (www.ssvworks.com), the market leader in powersports and off-road audio systems, is proud to announce the new Overhead Soundbar with 8-inch SSV Works Speakers for 2007-17 Jeep Wrangler JK (p/n JJK-O8A). Now available, the new soundbar has an MSRP of $699.99 in grey (and is also available in red, white, or blue for an additional $15.99).
“Add more sound to your Jeep JK by upgrading the factory 6.75in speakers with the all-new SSV Works Overhead Soundbar including pre-installed ultra-efficient 8in 150Watt speakers,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Using factory mounting locations and plug-and-play wiring, installation is completed within minutes, leaving this one of the easiest upgrades you can do on a JK.”
The soundbar retains the factory overhead light and includes a bypass harness to add an external amp, if desired.
“Our overhead soundbar is built to withstand the sun and other harsh environmental elements, so driving a topless Jeep is no concern for our high performance enclosure and speakers,” Kaplan concluded.
Regarded by many as the industry’s top awards, the SEMA Industry Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a year-long period.
Nominations are open for:
Person of the Year
Channel Partner of the Year
Manufacturer of the Year
Gen-III Innovator of the Year
The Channel Partner of the Year award, along with the Manufacturer of the Year award, will be presented for the first time at the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday morning, November 1, before the SEMA Show officially opens. Other industry awards, including the SEMA Person of the Year and GEN-III Innovator of the Year, will be presented at the Thursday evening SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet. Submit your nominations at www.sema.org/awards.
CORNELIUS, NC, July 13, 2022 — Brian Tedesco, President/CEO Blaupunkt Americas, and David Wall, CEO Freeman’s Car Stereo announced a strategic partnership that will relaunch the Blaupunkt brand in the United States with Freeman’s Car Stereo as the first Authorized U.S. retailer. Blaupunkt’s relaunch is aiming to become a premier Tier 2 mobile electronics brand in the United States by offering quality products to select dealers, while vigorously protecting margins and MAP.
The Blaupunkt Monte Carlo 750, a Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto unit with $449. price point, pictured in an installation by Freeman Car Stereo.
Tedesco’s relationship with Freeman’s Car Stereo began in 2021 when he brought his Porsche into Freeman’s Charlotte location to have a Blaupunkt MonteCarlo 750 radio installed. During that job, Tedesco revealed to store manager, Robert Yates, that he was in fact the CEO of Blaupunkt Latin America Division and lived in Charlotte as well. In hopes of finding a new source for radios during a time when they were difficult to acquire, Yates connected Tedesco to Freeman’s CEO David Wall to see what was possible. From there, the relationship has developed and as result, the reintroduction of the Blaupunkt brand in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to be a strategic partner, help Blaupunkt relaunch the brand in the U.S., and be the first authorized dealer to bring their product to market,” said David Wall. “Blaupunkt is still a name that consumers recognize and trust, and we look forward to working with Brian to continue building the brand again here in the United States.”
“Relaunching Blaupunkt in the United States is important to Blaupunkt’s global presence. We have the technology and the know how,” Brian Tedesco said. “Our goal is to build a high quality product that customers love and is profitable to our select dealers. I couldn’t be happier to be going into this launch with a retailer that has the history, reputation, and footprint that Freeman’s does.”
Blaupunkt product is expected to be brought to the U.S. market within the next 60 days.
MSC, North American Distribution Partner for BLAM, Brax, Helix, Match, and Stinger Radar, is proud to announce the addition of Nik Edmonds to their Specialty Dealer Development Team. MSC looks to further enhance their ability to provide unmatched support to Dealer Partners throughout the North American market by adding Edmonds’ experience as a technician of nearly two decades.
Nik’s career has carried him though a wide range of industry experiences including an automotive dealership, big‐box retail, and most recently, more than 8 years with MEA retailer of the year, Handcrafted Car Audio.
“After moving to Arizona in 2014, I took a job with Handcrafted where Jon Kowanetz taught me what it was to be a true high‐level technician. I am forever thankful for the opportunities I’ve had there.” Edmonds stated. “Now, I’m very excited for the opportunity to join MSC America and continuing to serve the 12v community in my new role there. MSC embodies everything that I could ask for in a company and I look forward to getting started with my new family.”
President of MSC, Larry Penn commented “We are ecstatic to have Nik joining the MSC crew. His long‐ standing tenure in the bay will be an asset when it comes to offering practical input and support to our Dealer Partners. His hands on and real‐world insight is what MSC is all about, and Nik will fit right in with our core values and help push our support level to the next tier!”
Nik will be based out of MSC’s Mesa, Arizona office and can be reached at nik@msc‐america.com.
Auburn Hills, Mich. (Jul 12, 2022) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the New Jersey Jeep Invasion at Wildwood Beach, New Jersey from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17 where they will have exciting new vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.
Featuring the latest in Jeep®-specific dash and sound system offerings from Alpine, a 2018 Jeep® Wrangler will be on-site for product demonstrations so attendees can experience the new High-Resolution i509-WRA-JL with a High-Definition, Weather-Resistant 9-inch screen and wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The i509-WRA-JL 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. High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) can stream music from popular Hi-Res streaming platforms or directly from a smartphone for incredible music detail and high-precision music reproduction.
To demonstrate the head unit integration capabilities, the 2018 Jeep® Wrangler will also feature a premium night vision DVR-C320R Dash Camera with built-in drive assist and impact recording. 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.
“Switchback,” Alpine’s 2020 Jeep® Gladiator, will also be on-site with a custom truck bed build that features 40 motorized Bluetooth® speakers that articulate for optimal sound positioning, and a tailgate designed to look like an early Alpine® stereo, complete with a large, functional volume knob and six classic “Alpine green” buttons on the faceplate to control the automation.
The Alpine Event Truck and Trailer will be open to visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned lounge area located in the trailer.
All Alpine® products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine Authorized Retailer Proline Car Stereo 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®.
MSC, North America Distribution Partner for BLAM, Brax, Helix, Match, and Stinger Radar, is proud to announce the addition of Jon Kowanetz to their Specialty Dealer Development Team. MSC looks to further enhance their ability to provide unmatched support to Dealer Partners throughout the North American market by adding Kowanetz’s experience as a specialty retail store owner and industry trainer.
Jon brings a long history of specialty retail experience, with accolades including MEA Retailer of the Year, Installer of the Year and Best Customer Experience awards. These skills alongside his passion for educating and training provides a tremendous asset to MSC’s Dealer Partners. Jon will contribute to MSC’s Dealer Trainings and will also contribute to the new Systems by MSC product development.
In recent years, Kowanetz has rekindled a love of writing and exploring new creative ways of helping others including public speaking and experiential coaching. As he closes the chapter of Handcrafted Auto Marine & Off‐road, he looks forward writing the next one and to his new roles, both with MSC and outside of the industry. “I have known the MSC team for most of my career and have always admired their commitment and passion. This is why I am so proud to contribute to MSC’s vision,” Kowanetz stated.
Larry Penn, president of MSC commented “Adding Jon to the team was an easy decision. MSC is comprised of team members who live the retail life daily through our proof‐of‐concept retail store. This viewpoint allows us to make sure we are providing what our Dealer Partners need in ways that can only be learned hands on in the trenches. That’s a world we share with Jon, and our shared core values will help to contribute to our Dealer Partners successes even further!”
Jon will be based out of MSC’s Mesa, Arizona office and can be reached at jon@msc‐america.com.
RINGWOOD, IL – July11th, 2022 – Race Sport Lighting has announced that industry veteran JR Stocks will be joining the company as its Vice President in the executive management ranks. As VP of Race Sport Lighting, JR will be tasked with bringing the lighting pioneer to the next level and strengthening the reputation of the Race Sport Lighting and Marine Sport Lighting brands. JR will also oversee accelerating the growth of several strategic buying groups that the company is the premier lighting vendor on record. In addition, look for him to bring the companies award winning products and services global and outside their current North American footprint.
This comes at a pinnacle time in the companies 15th year in the industry since their inception. They have developed a product line of Niche lighting that spans across the 12-volt Industry, Offroad Industry, Powersport Industry, Motorcycle Industry, and the Marine Industry just to name a few. While many companies lost momentum in 2020 from the pandemic, Race Sport Lighting kept its inventory and fulfillment rates high and founds ways to grow and expand. JR will be coming in to support further growth and help manage the company’s growth and make sure they keep the focus on what got them to the top.
Race Sport Lighting announced that industry veteran J R Stocks has joined the company as its Vice President in the executive management ranks.
“Steve has built a great team and it is my pleasure and a privilege to join a company with such a great culture. I look forward to being a part of the evolution and continued growth of such a well-respected brand.” – JR Stocks, Vice President of Race Sport Lighting
Previously, JR was one of the founders of MESA Specialist buying group as well as its director for several years. He also was the CEO or President of a few well-known industry retail chains over the two decades. His last appointment was as the CEO of Wet Sounds for the last 5 years.
“I am looking forward to having JR bring his upper management experience and fresh perspective into our company. He has so many critical relationships in each industry that expand the globe. JR’s expertise is the missing link to help our growing company exponentially grow in the next 5 to 10 years.”. – Steven Jergensen, President and Founder of Race Sport Lighting
ROSENBERG TX (07.11.22) Wet Sounds has revolutionized the marine audio industry once again! When we said something BIG was coming, we meant REAL BIG! A NEW Revolution. A NEW Standard. A NEW Lifestyle.
“Wet Sounds has been building HLCD (Horn-Loaded Compression Driver) tower speakers for 16 years, long before many in the industry even existed as a brand. We redefined the standards of the marine audio industry in 2006 with the launch of our award-winning PRO Series – HLCD tower speakers, and we have now raised the bar once again with the release of our REV 12 HD” says Tim White, Co-founder and President of Wet Sounds.
The Revolution-HD series adds an even higher level of high-definition performance to the marine audio industry, bringing unprecedented volume and sound quality to a tower speaker design never achieved before.
With world leading performance and cutting-edge design, the REV series is thereference standard in the industry. Built upon the success of the Revolution Series, Wet Sounds took a ground up approach to develop a new REV TEC™ driver using proprietary materials to provide amazing mid-bass with a smooth yet powerful high frequency response.
The new REV 12 HD is the WORLDS FIRST 12” tower speaker! FEATURES include Wet Sounds 12” REV-TEC™ HLCD Driver, Integrated Front & Rear RGB LED Rings, Rotatable RGB backlit logo, Rotatable Grille mounting, Advanced Composite enclosure built for the harsh marine environment,1000-hour UV resistance (ASTM-D4587), Salt Spray Resistance (ASTM-B117),Stainless Steel Hardware, Sold in Pairs, 3 Grille Styles Available in Black or White including the all new XZ style grille. The new Wet Sounds Tower Speakers utilize Wet Sounds Patented TC3 Clamps (Swivel) “USA Patent 8,568,162” and New X-Mount. From the company that Revolutionized what a tower speaker is, when you want the absolute best and the absolute biggest, the REV 12 HD from Wet Sounds is the only way to go. Period.
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