Industry

Introducing the RetroSound Dallas, Officially Licensed Radio Face for 1985-1986 Ford F-Series Trucks and Broncos

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HENDERSON, NV (03.09.23) – Joe Rock, Retro Brand Manager, proudly shows the new Dallas Radio Face for Ford F-Series and Broncos 1985-1986 in the company’s Henderson NV HQ.

The RetroSound Dallas Radio Face is the latest officially licensed Ford Radio Face by Retro Manufacturing, designed to replicate the original factory radio in 1985-86 Ford F-Series trucks and 1985-86 Ford Broncos. Dallas’s subtle and straightforward design features replica black plastic knobs, rounded push-buttons, and a thin seek bar, finished in matte black with the official Ford logo for added authenticity. The Dallas mounts directly into the factory opening in these vehicles with the included mounting kit and vehicle-specific wiring harness for an easy installation and OEM appearance.

Joe Rock, Retro Brand Manager, proudly shows the new Dallas Radio Face for Ford F-Series and Broncos 1985-1986 in the company’s  Henderson NV HQ.

The Dallas is compatible with all RetroSound Radio Motors giving Ford fans all the features of a modern car stereo. Available features include HD-Radio technology, built-in Bluetooth, Made for iPod /iPhone compatibility, USB inputs for flash drives and media devices, and nonvolatile memory. The Dallas is SiriusXM Ready connecting directly to an SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner without needing special cables or adapters. The SXV300V1 tuner adds SiriusXM broadcasts to a RetroSound radio and integrates with the radio’s display and controls. The 32,000-color display allows users to browse through media by artist, song title, or album, with the option to customize the display color to match their gauges.

A selectable AM/FM Tuner with USA, EUR, AUS, JAP, and RUS tuner frequencies lets users set their specific broadcast region, with 30 presets to store favorite stations. The Dallas is also available with DAB+ for consumers outside North America and receives crystal clear digital broadcasts in regions where DAB+ is available. A powerful built-in 300-watt (peak) amplifier pushes plenty of power over four channels with RCA pre-outs and a subwoofer output for customers that want to expand their audio system further.

The Dallas will be available in 2023 at www.retromanufacturing.com.

The Value of SEMA Show Face-to-Face Meetings

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.09.23) – The SEMA Show is driven by connections, and brings exhibitors, buyers and media from around the world together for the automotive aftermarket’s most valuable, in-person, transformative business experience.

The Las Vegas Convention Center is annually reshaped into the definitive gathering place of the world’s professional automotive community, where the industry’s sights and sounds combine to create an energy that fuels the imagination, sparks new trends, expands business relationships and drives the industry forward.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with buyers from all segments of the aftermarket, and can conduct multiple meetings each day to create new business, or reinforce existing customer relationships. Meeting face-to-face is the ideal way to build trust and to communicate ideas more clearly, and it helps avoid potential distractions or the technical difficulties that can disrupt online meetings.

Here are some additional advantages of meeting in person.

  • When you meet in person, you can read body language, see facial expressions, use context clues and better get to know someone’s personality.
  • The automotive aftermarket prefers to meet face-to-face, without potential distractions or technical difficulties.
  • It’s more effective to brainstorm, generate ideas and discuss what is working, and what is not, face-to-face.
  • Conducting business in person provides the opportunity to engage in purposeful small talk, deepening relationships, loyalty and trust.
  • Research shows face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than those sent by email, and that a physical handshake promotes cooperation and influences negotiation outcomes for the better. (MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab)
  • According to a study by Forbes Insight, 85% of people say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person meetings and conferences.
  • According to a study by the Harvard Review, 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships.

The 2023 SEMA Show takes place Tuesday–Friday, October 31–November 3. For more information about the 2023 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. To exhibit, get started at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

GoFast Solutions Announces the 2023 Mobile Expo April 12th in MassMutual Center – Springfield, MA

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SPRINGFIELD, MA (03.08.23) – GoFast Solutions is excited to announce the official date for the 2023 Mobile Expo… April 12th at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA from 8 AM – 6 PM.

“The Mobile Expo is the traditional kick-off to the season,” said David Prinz CEO of GoFast Solutions. “As the weather starts to turn and the days get longer, consumers are anxious to break out recreational vehicles [cars, ATVs, boats, motorcycles, etc.] that were stored for the winter.”

“The one constant in our industry is CHANGE. We feel that it is a responsibility of a true distributor partner to provide our customers with the tools they need to navigate the changes and succeed. This is why we have challenged our vendor partners to provide level 2 training for their brands at the GoFast 2023 Mobile Expo.”

David adds, “When I had my retail store, I was always looking for new ways to generate income in the shop. With that in mind, we are focusing on helping our customers explore new opportunities to add to their core business, maximize the space that they already have, and ultimately increase profit. This isn’t a typical car stereo show, it’s a business show geared towards small business owners specializing in the automotive aftermarket industry.”

This One-Day Only Live Show will Feature:

• Keynote Speaker Steve Greenfield Founder and CEO of Automotive Ventures
o “The Future of Automotive Retail”
• Chris Cook MEA President
o “Pulse of the Industry”
• Live Training & Presentations
o P&S Detailing’s featuring Social Media Sensation Syndi Gwinn
o Solar Gard Featuring Tint “Yoda” Ismail Pereira
• New Product Launches
• Catered Breakfast & Lunch
• Cocktail Hour
• Prizes & Giveaways
• Networking Opportunities

The GoFast Solutions 2023 Mobile Expo is being held LIVE & In-Person at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 12th, from 8 AM – 6 PM.

Register for the 2023 GoFast Mobile Expo at https://expo.gofst.com/

Introducing The Epicenter Edición México from AudioControl

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CLEARWATER, FL (03.08.23) – For nearly three decades, The Epicenter has been revolutionizing the world of music by delivering powerful, rich bass tones that bring life to every genre imaginable. But it is among the fans of Mexican music and culture where The Epicenter has become a beloved symbol of excellence in sound, with the authentic and powerful bass it brings to the mix.

“To celebrate this special connection between Mexico and its music, we are proud to present The Epicenter Edición México. Featuring the iconic colors of the Mexican flag – green, white and red – adorned with vintage-style native glyphs and illuminated in a vibrant tricolor logo, The Epicenter Edición México maintains the renowned sound quality and unmatched bass restoration that have made The Epicenter an integral part of listening experiences worldwide.”

Accompanying every unit, a certificate of authenticity with matching serial number will provide customers with peace of mind, knowing that they’ve received an authentic AudioControl Epicenter Edición Mexico.

The Epicenter Edición México reflects our dedication to creating products that enhance music lovers’ listening experience. We firmly believe that this special edition of The Epicenter will offer fans an immersive and truly unique experience, enriching their enjoyment of the music they know and love – now with a distinctive Mexican flair!

Additionally, this product is offered at an affordable price point of $199.00 MAP ($279.00 MSRP) making it accessible to customers of all budgets.

We are now accepting preorders! To ensure that our customers have access to this exclusive product, orders will be capped at 10 pcs per account/store location—so don’t wait! This item is intended for brick-and-mortar retailers only, not to be sold online.

For more information about The Epicenter Edición México or any other products, please contact your AudioControl sales rep or visit our website.

Wet Sounds Unveils a Concept Vehicle at MasterTech 2023

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MESA, AZ (03.07.23) – Wet Sounds has taken a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and modified it to house a full Wet Sounds audio system that is on display at MasterTech. This concept is to appeal to the Jeep and aftermarket community as a plug-and-play system as these owners are seen to modify their vehicles for off-road applications. This vehicle is equipped with: 1x SYN-DX6-DSP 6 channel marine amplifier, 1 SYN-DX4-DSP 4 channel marine amplifier, 4x ZERO Series 6 6” high-output coaxial speakers, 2x ZERO Series 12 XZ 12” sealed enclosure subwoofers, and 2x REV 12 HD 12” marine tower speakers.

This concept vehicle has all new, never before seen modifications. The entire kit utilizes the factory mounting locations. There is no cutting or modification of the vehicle. New speaker grilles were created that integrate into the factory mounting locations. The design matches the aesthetics of the factory interior. The goal was to make it easier for the user to install and reveal a seamless installation. ZERO Series component speakers were created specifically for the Jeep to be able to sit stylishly in the dash.

The Wet Sounds modified 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon setup at the MasterTech Expo.
The Wet Sounds interior speaker system set for demos in Mesa AZ.

DSP Amplifiers were used so that the ZERO Series speakers could be optimized for the vehicle. This DSP tune, specified for this Jeep Wrangler, will sound the best that it can, right out of the box. A roto-mold enclosure was designed to house 2x ZERO Series 12” subwoofers and the amplifiers to set at the base of the back trunk area. This enclosure still provides enough airspace around the amplifiers for heat dissipation.

The Wet Sounds speakers utilize the factory mounting locations.
Exterior graphics draw attention to the Wet Sounds audio system in the Jeep at the MasterTech Expo.

To mount the REV 12 HD tower speakers, aluminum mounting brackets were built to utilize the factory threaded mounts on the roll bar. These tower brackets are currently only designed for a hard top Jeep, but there are future designs in the works. A new wiring harness was designed specifically for Jeep vehicles and it is compatible with any aftermarket radio or OEM integration pieces. For user discretion, a tower and subwoofer master control unit was added to the center console.

The Team Nutz crew from Pittsburgh-Ed, Ben and Tom- attended the Wet Sounds training presented by Carl Campbell on Monday evening.

This plug-and-play design was created in hopes to appeal to the Jeep and aftermarket community that would be a simple upgrade option or add on, making it more available to buyers.

Wet Sounds hosted a Training Session at MasterTech on Monday, 3/6 called “Marine Tips & Tricks You Wish You Knew”.

Carl Campbell, Wet Sounds National Training Director, supplied the images and information for the onsite MasterTech Expo images.

Visit wetsounds.com for more.

RDV Automotive Technology Unveils New Wireless Carplay Hardware Platform

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (03.07.23) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration is proud to announce the release of a brand-new hardware platform for the RDV Wireless CarPlay interfaces. The NEW CP1 platform uses the highest quality and newest chipsets available.

Rich De Sclafani proudly displays the new Wireless CarPlay hardware-the CP1 platform.

Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV said about the new upgraded hardware being released. “I am extremely excited to launch this upgraded hardware platform. The new chipsets are a big upgrade over the previous generation and the improvements are substantial. The new hardware is faster, smoother, more responsive, provides a more stable WiFi and Bluetooth connection, uses the OEM in applications where an aftermarket mic was required and is less expensive than some of the SKU’s the new hardware replaces. I strive to offer the highest quality products and the best 24/7 support in the industry.”

The NEW CP1 line of products offer the highest quality and best warranty in the industry. With over 25 years of experience, we stand behind our products 100%.

These kits offer the most seamless integration available by using all your OEM radio controls and OEM Microphone.

Visit RDVFL.com for more.

2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season on SiriusXM

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NEW YORK, NY (03.06.23) – SiriusXM will begin its season-long coverage of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES® season with live coverage of this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, running Sunday, March 5 (coverage starting at 11:30 am ET).

SiriusXM subscribers will have access to the live call of this race and every one of the 17 events on the INDYCAR calendar, including the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge (May 28), plus coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying and practice sessions.

In addition to NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, SiriusXM will air INDY NXT by Firestone series races throughout the course of the season. The INDY NXT series features some of the world’s best young open-wheel drivers and has produced many of the stars in INDYCAR today.

INDYCAR broadcasts will be available to subscribers nationwide on the SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel in their cars (channel 160) and on the SXM App. For a schedule of races go to: SiriusXM.com/IndySeries.

In addition to on-track coverage, SiriusXM offers fans weekly shows and podcasts that feature active drivers delivering the ultimate insider’s perspective on the sport.

SiriusXM’s exclusive INDYCAR show, Brick-by-Brick will air every Wednesday (6 pm ET) on the NBC Sports Audio channel (SiriusXM channel 85). The show will also air on race days on the SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel and will be available on demand on the SXM App.

INDYCAR fans can also tune in to the podcast Off Track with Hinch & Rossi, hosted by Andretti Autosport teammates James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi. New episodes of Off Track with Hinch & Rossi debut weekly and can be heard on the SXM App and all major podcast platforms. The podcast will also air every Saturday at 9 am and 1 pm ET on NBC Sports Audio and on race days on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation.

SiriusXM will be the co-title sponsor on two cars in the field for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg – the No. 06 Meyer Shank Racing Honda driven by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves as well as the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda of 2016 INDYCAR SERIES Champion and winner of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 Simon Pagenaud. The cars driven by Pagenaud and Castroneves car will showcase the SiriusXM livery for all 16 races run in the U.S. this season.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Alpine to Attend the 2023 Master Tech Expo in Mesa, AZ

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.28.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will attend the upcoming 2023 Master Tech Expo hosted in the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona from Sunday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 8. This is Alpine’s first time attending the event as an exhibitor.

“Alpine is excited to attend the 2023 Master Tech Expo and connect with those in our industry who are committed to furthering their education and mastering their craft,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our 2023 Product Line and providing valuable education and training to support our Alpine Authorized Dealers.”

Alpine will be in exhibit #402 where staff will demo new event displays with High-Resolution sound and display audio family systems from the 2023 Alpine Product Line, including the High-Resolution Alpine Status line, High-Resolution head unit line, and the new Alpine Optim8™ 8-Channel Hi-Res Sound Processor and Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning.

Featuring the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status system, a Tesla Model S demo vehicle will also be available in the Alpine booth so attendees can experience the first premium car audio system that can achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system.

Alpine will host a training session during Master Tech that will focus on the 2023 Product Line:

Tuesday, March 7 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Superstition South
2023 Alpine Product Line and a New Faster Way to Tune with Optim8 DSP
Learn about the next generation of High-Resolution sound, display audio family, and the new Alpine “Optim8” automatic sound tuner and processor.

All Master Tech attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth, join the training sessions, and meet with Alpine staff from the sales, marketing, and product planning teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit https://www.mastertechexpo.com/ and use the “Workshops” link to register for the Alpine training sessions.

Visit mastertechexpo.com and alpine-usa.com for more.

Sundown Audio Welcomes Vice President of Sales Accelerating Its Growth and Expansion Plans

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(02.28.23) – Sundown Audio, a Systemic Group brand, is very pleased to announce that industry veteran, Shawn Simpson, joins as Sundown Audio’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Shawn brings over 33 years of sales and leadership experience to Sundown Audio, He is an experienced sales professional, with extensive expertise in strategic growth partnerships and sales management. His industry background includes many years in sales across all sections of the industry from retail to manufacturing. With the last 7 years of those years as a manufacturer’s representative with Momentum Marketing in the TX, LA, MS markets.

“We are excited to welcome Shawn to the Sundown Audio team and look forward to supporting his plans to strategically develop sales and significantly expand our market share,” said Scottie Johnson CEO of Systematic. “His in-depth knowledge of sales in all different fields from retail, distribution, and OEM will be a real asset to our sales channel and our customers.”

For more information or to become an authorized Sundown retailer, email Sundown at info@sundownaudio.com

Visit sundownaudio.com for more.