Industry

GT Trading/STEG Italy Appoints Rep-Corps Inc. to Distribute High End Italian Made Audio Solutions in North America

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RICHMOND, VA (05.22.23) – GT Trading, a global leader in premium car audio products, is proud to announce its partnership with Rep-Corps Inc. The collaboration aims to promote GT Trading’s high end lineup of Made in Italy 12-volt audio solutions to retailers throughout North America.

Featuring DSPs, high end standard and direct integration speakers, regulated power supplies throughout the majority of STEG’s amplifier lineup, class A amplification options, micro amplifiers, high current regulated class A/B and D options up to 40,000 watts RMS. The continuously evolving amplifier designs from AudioSystem Italy’s Twister line, which will be immediately familiar, as the inspiration for other Italian amplifiers currently available in North America.

Each amplifier undergoes rigorous testing on the bench.

Headquartered in St Stephens Church, Virginia, Rep-Corps Inc. principals, Ken and Logan Strzepka, bring decades of experience and expertise in the 12-Volt industry from being involved in retail, sales, and distribution aspects of the industry.

Ken Strzepka, Principal of Rep-Corps Inc., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with GT Trading. Their commitment to quality and innovation in Europe and Asia is already very well established, and we are excited about working to expand their business into the North American market. We look forward to working with our expanding dealer base to provide them with the best audio solutions available in the market.”

The precise workmanship in the Master Stroke Classe A amplifier is shown with the cover removed.

All STEG/AudioSystem products include a standard 3 year warranty when installed by an authorized retailer and have no authorized internet retailers in the Americas, In addition to zero minimum free freight there is an estimated delivery time of 4-6 days to retailers in the U.S. Mexico, and Canada.

To learn more about STEG please visit https://stegaudio.com

Rep-Corps plans to launch the North American AudioSystem Italy website in the coming weeks

For more see Rep-Corps Inc. Email: sales@rep-corps.com

DEI Announces Partnership with Summit Motorsports Park

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AVON LAKE, OH (05.19.23) – America’s Racetrack and one of the nation’s premier producers of automotive heat control products are teaming up in 2023.

Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI) is pleased to announce a marketing partnership with Summit Motorsports Park, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Opened in 1963, Summit Motorsports Park specializes in presenting family entertainment and hosts a variety of touring motorsports events throughout the year. It hosts more than 100 events every year, attracting more than 500,000 guests.

“Summit Motorsports Park has a long tradition of excellence, from promoting motorsports competitors to providing high-quality experiences for fans and enthusiasts,” said Steve Garrett, DEI Creative Director. “Their values strongly align with our own, and DEI is proud to support them as part of their 60th anniversary.”

“America’s Racetrack,” located in Norwalk, Ohio, has been selected a national “Track of the Year” 20 times in the last 60 years, including nine times by the National Hot Rod Association.

For racing fans, Summit sums it up with their philosophy, “We believe our customers are guests in our ‘home’, and our park is our living room.”

DEI’s first event where they will have a full booth for you to stop by and say “hi” will be the Cavalcade of Stars, June 2, 3 and 4, along with many other events throughout the season. If you can’t make it to the Cavalcade of Stars, don’t worry – DEI will be part of many automotive and motorsports events throughout the year. Stay tuned to hear about those events as they get closer.

For more information about Summit Motorsports Park and its upcoming schedule, visit summitmotorsportspark.com/home.

Visit designengineering.com for more.

U.S. Senate Committee Passes SEMA-Supported Bill to Expand Outdoor Recreation

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.19.23) – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA) (S. 873) by a voice vote. This SEMA-supported bill will help to expand access and increase the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy. As a result, this historic public lands and recreation legislation is the first comprehensive recreation package since 1963. It will help improve and grow America’s outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities. 

The bill requires federal land-management agencies to increase opportunities for motorized and non-motorized access to public lands, and it includes provisions to streamline the process and expenses associated with obtaining special recreation permits. Additionally, the legislation directs the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to make maps available to the public depicting where vehicles are allowed and prohibited and to update them periodically to ensure that the maps do not become outdated.

SEMA, along with our partners that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, thank Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY) for their leadership in passing this vital legislation that benefits public lands, access to the outdoors, and the economy.

Click here to sign a letter to your U.S. Senators asking them to support S.873.

For more information on the American Outdoor Recreation Act, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

Mobile Solutions’ In-Person Boot Camp Training on June 10-13, 2023

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TEMPE, AZ (05.18.23) – Mobile Solutions announces its next in-house training workshop; MasterTech Boot Camp Training occurring June 10-13, 2023. This popular workshop is jam packed with fundamentals in the aspects of design, fabrication, audio performance and system tuning. Along with the Mobile Solutions cavalcade of seasoned fabrication instructors, special guest presenter Andy Wehmeyer of Audiofrog, Inc. will present the audio and system tuning segments of the workshop. “It’s a training workshop that we’ve re-tooled to include many of the more up-to-date topics and skills training that today’s emerging technicians are asking for” commented Mobile Solutions founder and CEO Bryan Schmitt.

What attendees will learn in the MasterTech Boot Camp workshop:

  • Drawing and interior design processes – visualize it, plan it then build it
  • Subwoofer enclosure design. table saw and perfect circle techniques
  • Styling and design ideas for subwoofer and amplifier trim panels (inlays, serviceability, etc.)
  • 3-Dimensional (3D) routing techniques for OEM speaker grilles and layered panels
  • All new plastic fabrication segment including bonding, shaping and surface finishing
  • Fundamentals of stitching and sewing for automotive upholstery with live demos
  • Fundamentals of steel and aluminum fabrication with live demos
  • Introduction to CAD design and use in automation (CNC Laser, CNC Router)
  • Audio system fundamentals and design
  • Audio measurement tools and techniques
  • Proven – Step-by-step tuning techniques
  • Advice on how best to charge clients for these premium skills and services

Day-to-Day Overview

Saturday 6/10/2023

This training day is all about designing and planning the fabrication you will do in a custom interior or audio system installation. Many of the fundamental techniques for designing/building subwoofer enclosures to router work and more are presented.

Sunday 6/11/2023

This training day highlights designing in the digital world for low-volume production of customized fabrication pieces. It also provides a fantastically easy-to-digest introduction and hands-on training for upholstery techniques, including using a sewing machine.

Monday 6/12/2023

This training day is a solid fabrication training day covering everything from metal to plastics to techniques that implement these materials, along with lighting, into your most custom installations with efficient techniques.

Tuesday 6/13/2023

For those wishing to expand their audio system knowledge and rate of success in outcomes, this training day is essential to those goals. A full day is dedicated to audio system design, measurements and tuning.

“We are hyper-focused on getting working technicians to elevate their skill sets and get targeted knowledge that pay dividends to their work product once back in their stores” added Schmitt regarding the upcoming revised and popular MasterTech Boot Camp workshop. Many former attendees know it’s always a different experience at an in-person MS workshop each time because of the range of guest instructors, projects and hands-on activities going on. The June 10-13 Boot Camp will also include a take-home student project that attendees build themselves over the course of the four training days.

Lunch and snacks each training day is included in the $1999.98 tuition cost. The Tempe Hilton Garden Inn with special rates also offers a free shuttle to and from the Mobile Solutions facility.

To register for the MasterTech Boot Camp, book the host hotel or simply learn more info – click here or visit https://www.mobilesolutions-usa.com/mastertech-bootcamp

Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2024 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 3-6, 2024 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.

BILSTEIN Jeep Wrangler JL Lift Kit Boosts Performance for Rubicon Models

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POWAY, CA (05.18.23) – BILSTEIN is ready to lift your spirits. The premier automotive parts provider is offering a new complete suspension system for the Jeep Wrangler JL.BILSTEIN has provided the B8 5100 1.5” Lift Kit for the Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited. Thiscomplete suspension system includes BILSTEIN B8 5100 monotube shocks and sway bar links, long travel cold wound springs, and other enhancements to provide enhanced performance, wheel travel and articulation for off-road lovers.The lift kit will allow Rubicon models to fit 35-inch tires on stock or aftermarket wheels, and non-Rubicon models to fit 33-inch wheels on aftermarket wheels. The B8 5100 1.5” Lift Kit will maintain proper suspension geometry without needing additional aftermarket components — and installation is easy.

This B8 5100 1.5” Lift Kit will fit all Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited 4-door models with a 2.0L or 3.6L engine, except for the 4Xe and Extreme Recon Package.Product highlights include:Long travel cold wound springs for increased wheel travel and articulationBilstein 5100 monotube shocks to enhance extended droop travel and provide a comfortable rideOEM-quality extended sway bar links allow for full range of suspension motionBillet bump stops to allow for larger tiresRear sway bar drop brackets for Rubicon models will allow running 35-inch tires on stock wheelsFront spring isolator provides for proper spring alignmentDetailed instructions for easy installation

To learn more about BILSTEIN B8 5100 1.5” Lift Kits or any other BILSTEIN products, visit https://cart.bilsteinus.com/details?id=1890330713359977482.

AlloyGator Names CE Global Pro to Cover The Pacific Northwest

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BEND, OR (05.17.23) – The AlloyGator line on rim protection products is gaining traction across the 12volt industry. John Haynes, National Sales Manager, related “After Glenn formed his new rep firm to serve the Pacific Northwest he contacted us to represent AlloyGator products. We saw his vision of getting out on the road to deliver our brand’s message to 12volt retailers. He already has samples and is our stocking representative for the AlloyGator brand in the Pacific Northwest.”

The CE Global Pro staff members Glenn McCarthy, wife Jana DuMond and Britney in the firm’s new Bend OR office… AlloyGator in hand.

Industry veteran of 30 years McCarthy, who recently jumped back into the 12volt industry, stated “I am thrilled to be doing what I love, which is selling, and am excited to be able to do it in these picturesque states. I see the value of meeting with dealers in their stores. Dealers are already seeing the profit potential that AlloyGator represents with a small inventory investment.”

The AlloyGator rim protection product shown in action.

Cicada Audio recently appointed CE Global Pro in the PNW region to penetrate the 12volt marketplace as well as, UTV and Motorcycle plus other applicable resellers.

Look for more to come from CE Global Pro in the PNW.

Visit alloygator.com for more.

AccuAir Launches New Dynamic Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler JKU Models

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MERRITT ISLAND, FL (05.16.23) – AccuAir Suspension, maker of next generation air suspension control products, has launched a first-of-its-kind, dynamic lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler JKU models.

The full bolt-on kit enables an additional 3-inches of lift for Jeep Wrangler JKU. The system includes JRi shocks and an AccuAir e-Level Plus control system, which can be controlled via a hardwired Touchpad+ or by Bluetooth through the ePlus app. It supplements kits currently offered for the Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler JL models.

The new kit features low-speed adjustability for “Crawl Control” on the trail, enabling on-the-fly height adjustments under 25 mph while also making it possible for drivers to lower the vehicle to stock for ease of cabin access or cargo loading.

“This cutting-edge suspension system offers unparalleled adjustability and conveniences to Wrangler and Gladiator owners,” said Mark Turner, president, AccuAir. “Under 25 miles-per-hour, the system enables drivers to adjust upward to crawl over obstacles, or down for easy access for people and pets, or even independently adjust each corner for leveling while overlanding. It’s a complete game-changer for the off-road community.”

The new kit provides “Tow Control” to eliminate sagging when towing. Easy hitch connecting is achieved through pressing a button to lower the rear, backing up to connect the hitch, then pressing a button to return to a level ride height.

The Made-in-the-USA system includes:

  • An underbody mounted 3-gallon air tank for regulated onboard air for inflating tires and tools – saving valuable cargo space in the cab.
  • A fully bolt-on system with new lower control arms, sway bar links, and front track bar for increased strength and FMVSS 126 compliant handling.
  • The full bolt-on kit only requires drilling a few holes for mounting, with zero cutting or welding, uncommon in the truck space, which consists mostly of static kits.
To purchase the new Jeep vehicle kit, visit: https://accuair.com/collections/jeep-dynamic-lift-kits.

Maxxsonics and MB Quart Kicked Off New International Relationship with CAV

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL/KIAMA, NSW AUSTRALIA (05.16.23) – Maxxsonics and MB Quart have expanded their international relationship with Connected Audio Visual (CAV) to Australia and New Zealand. Connected Audio Visual is now the exclusive distributor for MB Quart products specializing and selling the entire product lines of Powersports, Marine, and Mobile offerings.

This brand-new international relationship with Connected Audio Visual (CAV) catapults MB Quart to new heights overseas. Opening another outlet for others to hear and feel Music. Defined. products throughout Australia and New Zealand regions will gain more notice to the MB Quart brand and Maxxsonics (as a company), business and support to MB Quart product lines, and more followers of Music.

Connected Audio Visual is located in this Kiama NSW Australia HQ

Beata Wasilewski, Director of Customer Support, said, “I am so excited that Matt Psaras from Connected Audio Visual reached out to become a Distributor for MB Quart. Working with Matt has been a blast and the relationship that we are building will lead both companies to a great partnership and friendship!”

Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “This is an incredible opportunity for Maxxsonics and MB Quart to branch out to the Australia and New Zealand regions. I’m very excited to see the partnership grow and flourish throughout the rest of the year and beyond. This is a great opportunity for both sides of this international relationship!”

Pallets of MB Quart products from Maxxsonics HQ in Illinois in the CAV warehouse.

Connected Audio Visual (CAV) has two distinct divisions that include (1) Retail division Specialties in Integrated Technology Solutions and Complete Automation Solutions for the world’s smartest buildings and smart homes (including centralized smart lighting, heating/cooling, distributed audio and video, cinema, security, surveillance, and more), and (2) the Wholesale division that chooses to partner with manufacturers that are leaders in their chosen field and all brands have a unique synergy within the Mobile market.

The CAV crew stocked the warehouse shelves with the MB Quart products. Matt Psaras, Jason Aboozaid, Jarrod Carter and Dylan Roach (L to R).

Matt Psaras from Connected Audio Visual (CAV), commented, “Connected Audio Visual started over five years ago with a goal to offer customers great products with above and beyond service support. Thanks to a reputation that has been built up with over 40 years of knowledge and experience, the CAV team is renowned for offering superior support and service as the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor for IROAD Dash Cameras, INNOVV Powersport Cameras and is now exclusive for Maxxsonics starting with MB Quart. This new international relationship with Maxxsonics brings a fantastic opportunity for us. I am looking forward to working with MB Quart and their innovative line of audio products.”

For a complete breakdown of the entire line of MB Quart products selling throughout Australia and New Zealand regions, head over to the newly launched MB Quart Australia and New Zealand web page at https://www.mbquartau.com.au/.

Also, check out and follow the official brand-new Facebook and Instagram Australia and New Zealand international MB Quart social media product pages at https://www.facebook.com/mbquart.anz and https://www.instagram.com/mb.quart_anz/.

Mercedes-Benz USA and SiriusXM Sign Multi-Year Expansion of Agreement

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NEW YORK, NY (05.16.23) – SiriusXM and Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has announced a multi-year extension and expansion of their services agreement. Under the agreement, MBUSA is expected to make the installation of SiriusXM a standard feature on Mercedes-Benz models available in the United States, starting with model year 2024 vehicles. Additionally, SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s most advanced audio entertainment experience – is anticipated to make its Mercedes-Benz debut in future models.

“Mercedes-Benz has always offered their customers an exceptional luxury experience that combines performance, technology and elegance. We’ve worked together for more than 20 years and we’re thrilled to not only extend our relationship, but also expand the availability of SiriusXM to more Mercedes-Benz owners by making it a standard installed feature across their entire lineup in the U.S.,” said Gail Berger, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM. “Additionally, as we introduce SiriusXM with 360L to the Mercedes-Benz lineup, owners will be able to experience the benefits that our latest generation audio entertainment platform delivers.”

SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, which provides drivers and their passengers with more choice and a more personalized listening experience.

SiriusXM with 360L delivers more SiriusXM channels, plus thousands of hours of recorded on demand content and podcasts. The platform offers personalized “For You” recommendations and the ability to access related content, allowing listeners to discover more of the programming they love. A Live Sports category makes it easier to find broadcasts of games and other sporting events.

The Mercedes-Benz SiriusXM with 360L experience will also include SiriusXM’s Pandora Stations feature. Drivers can create their own ad-free music stations based on the artist they are listening to, then give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down within the SiriusXM service to create personalized channels that play more of what they want.

Mercedes-Benz customers purchasing or leasing SiriusXM-equipped vehicles in the United States will continue to receive a six-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM Platinum Plan. The SiriusXM Platinum Plan delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied content, plus access to SiriusXM outside the vehicles on the SXM App and on connected devices and speakers in the home.

SiriusXM’s music channels are expertly curated, ad-free, and deliver an exceptionally wide array of audio choices for listeners. Covering every genre across many decades, channels feature popular tracks and deep cuts from popular artists, as well as introduce listeners to new and emerging musicians and bands. Artist-branded channels from Hall of Fame and iconic talent feature original content that can’t be heard anywhere else. SiriusXM’s concept-based channels, such as Road Trip Radio and Yacht Rock Radio, or its many activity and mood-based channels, are designed to deliver a personalized music experience that fits the moment.

SiriusXM offers the most extensive lineup of professional and college sports in audio; news from around the country and the world from many sources and political perspectives; the scoop on the latest from the world of entertainment; hours of stand-up by the funniest comics; and more.

For more information on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways subscribers can listen, visit www.SiriusXM.com.

BOSS Audio Selects Crossover Marketing to Drive Next Phase of Growth in the Pacific NW

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BATTLE GROUND, WA (05.15.23) – BOSS Audio, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and video products, today announced the hiring of the Crossover Marketing Group, a full-service Manufacturer’s Representative to lead the company’s business objectives in the Pacific Northwest Territory.

BOSS Audio is committed to amplifying its sales growth and improving its position in the highly competitive automotive aftermarket. The company is looking forward to adopting a new approach in building on its recent growth and success.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Crossover Marketing as we look to take our brand to new heights in the Pacific Northwest,” said Doug Kern, VP of Sales at Boss Audio. “We feel that they will quickly take a leadership role in the territory thanks to their broad experience in the 12V industry.”

“We are really excited to have Boss Audio onboard as a foundational partner, and we’re grateful for their trust in our new Rep Firm.” said Rob Sutton of Crossover Marketing. “BOSS Audio is a dynamic and innovative brand, and we’re poised and ready to help them take their business to the next level.”

Visit www.bossaudio.com and www.crossovermktg.com for more,