PALM BEACH, FL (01.27.23) – Is it possible to add a Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, front and rear camera and also mirror your phone to the factory Toyota screen for $450 retail cost + installation? The answer is yes, call ZZ2.
ZZ2 is super excited to announce a CarPlay and Android Auto solution for select Toyota vehicles fully integrated with the factory touchscreen.
The new ITZ-TOY is a completely plug and play solution compatible with most Toyota vehicles from 2014 and up. One SKU is compatible with the Camry, Corolla, Tundra, Prius, Highlander, Tacoma, Sienna, 4Runner and Rav4. It provides wired and/or wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear camera input and smartphone mirroring. The TOY kit keeps the factory MIC and allows you to use the factory Bluetooth, retaining the factory audio quality during phone calls.
METAIRIE, LA (01.26.23) – Oracle Lighting has launched its new universal fitment RGB+W LED Wheel Rings (p/n 4215-339). With an MSRP of $395.95, the new wheel rings are scheduled to ship February 2023,
“Oracle Lighting’s illuminated LED wheel rings are an easy and effective way to light up the wheels on your car or truck,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “This head-turning lighting product consists of a set of four LED illuminated aluminum rings which install around the brake rotor and attaches to the brake dust shield.”
Installation is easy with waterproof Plug & Play connectors that easily connect the individual rings to the central control box. Battery connection leads include ring terminals and in-line fuse for simplified wiring installation. There is also a pre-wired On/Off switch that can be used to manually turn the system on and off for maximum control.
“Now featuring ‘Dual-Control’ that allows the user to utilize both the free Bluetooth smartphone App control and the included wireless remote control, you can change colors, control brightness, access strobing patterns, and sync with music,” Hartenstein continued. “This kit also features a true white 6000K from separate white LEDs for a true white output for a crisp and clean white light. Our ColorSHIFT® technology allows you to select from thousands of colors, as well.”
Additional upgrades to Oracle Lighting’s LED wheel lights include thicker aluminum rings, black powdercoat anti-corrosive finish, waterproof connectors, and pre-installed brackets. If your vehicle does not have a brake dust shield, you will need to modify the brackets (watch this video for a step-by-step installation guide). Additionally, for vehicles with drum brakes, you may need to create a larger bracket or purchase the XL brackets, reach out to our customer service for more answers to any of your questions.
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.
HOUSTON, TX (01.26.23) – It’s a new year and Q-Power is fast out of the gate. Matt Bund related “In 2023 we added new Truck Box models to cover all the latest vehicles on the road. We added some new Front Facing 8″ and 6.5” Dual and Quad holed boxes. Our dealers like these boxes Front Facing because it allows for extra mounting depth for powerful woofers.”
The workmanship and quality of the Bed Liner finish is second to none in the new box introductions for 2023.
Continuing, “We are back to our normal selves, plenty of inventory, very fast turnaround times for orders… and still growing in the Bed Liner boxes category.”
“QPower in 2023 has more boxes, lower prices, and the best service!”
FRESNO, CA (01.24.23) The sky was sunny on Sunday, January 22nd for the Winter Showdown at Audio Concepts. Richard Papasin was in the lanes to once again working with Ray Aragon to present a successful sound-off in the Audio Concepts Fresno parking area in the industrial center.
Bass Wars and IASCA competitors arrived early on Sunday for the Winter Showdown event.
“It was a bit chilly but we had over 100 competitors in the IASCA and Bass Wars lanes. The cold weather, and the San Francisco 49er’s Sunday afternoon playoff game, did have an impact on the turnout of competitors I am sure. Richard stayed warm keeping competitors working for big numbers on the meter” Aragon related.
The cameraman gets some close up action as Richard Papasin looks on from the Bass Wars booth.
Continuing, “Our sound-off events create continuing interest in our area well past the event date. At this event we got a bit of a nice surprise when a local TV cameraman arrived. Seems he had seen a notice about our event on a local Facebook calendar and came to check out the event. That could lead to continuing visibility for this Sunday event” Aragon stated.
This interview from the TV cameraman may extend visibility across the Fresno area for the Audio Concepts Winter Showdown.
Just last month Audio Concepts hosted their annual Toys for Tots. At that event nearly 500 toys were donated. Aragon and his wife loaded the Audio Concepts Silverado Sleigh and delivered the toys the day before and on Christmas Day to 5 area shelters in Fresno.
Later this year Audio Concepts will host competitors for the annual 911 Sound-off plus Toys for Tots.
FULLERTON, CA (01.25.23) – Vision Tech America, Inc., leading vehicle security and safety product manufacturer of backup cameras, dash cams, parking sensors, blind-spot detectors, and monitoring devices, was pleased to announce 2022 BOYO TROPHY AWARD Winners. Each year, awards are presented to company sales representatives based on their sales performance and quality of service.
Dave Gill proudly holds the SMS LLC Distinguished Sales Rep of the Year 2022 in his office in Baton Rouge, LA.
Dave Gill, SMS LLC was awarded a Most Outstanding Sales Rep of the year 2022 award. “Our firm is very excited to receive this Most Outstanding Sales Rep award from BOYO. BOYO has the largest selection of specific use cameras in the industry” Gill stated.
Vision Tech America’s DK Chung related “Congratulations to all award recipients. 2022 was a great year, outperforming the previous year, and we look forward to another successful year 2023.
MURRIETA, GA (01.24.23) – Global Audio Marketing was formed in 2022 with the purpose of providing exceptional service and highest quality Car Audio products to the U.S. It will do so with Direct to Dealer programs that are protected, profitable and mindful of each of our Brick-and-Mortar Retail Partners.
Chris joins Global Audio Marketing with a rich history of success in all aspects of the 12v industry. He was a successful retail shop owner in California with Audio Habitat before his work with several prominent vendors over the last 20 years. “His knowledge, understanding and passion for our Dealer Network will drive our growth and assure a positive impact in our industry and the MUSWAY Brand for years to come” says Andrew Bishara, President at Global Audio Marketing.
“Getting started in 2023 with the MUSWAY Brand is a dream come true” states Chris Bennett, VP of sales for Global Audio Marketing. “We will impact our dealers with amazing programs, solid products, and service beyond that of traditional manufacturers. We now have 29 new products that will launch in the 1st quarter and are heavily investing into products that exceed expectations.”
Global Audio Marketing looks forward to investing time and energy into building meaningful business partnerships with their Direct to Dealer protected product range. MUSWAY USA offers and provides the best-in-class Mobile Electronics and support possible. Please contact us to learn more and remember “Music is the Way.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.24.23) – SEMA is planning its 2023 education program and has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show—taking place in Las Vegas, October 31–November 3—and its year-round virtual education program. Dynamic and entertaining presenters have until January 27 to apply to share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket at www.sema.org/speakers.
Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate thought-provoking, forward-thinking seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.
SEMA’s year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry’s complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars. Likewise, the educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals come to learn new business strategies.
Topics of focus for 2023 include:
Aftermarket updates and future trends
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Electric vehicles
Emerging and executive leadership
Legal and regulatory
Sales and marketing
Small-business strategy
Vehicle technology
Specific industry segments
Speaker proposals for the 2023 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 27. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at www.sema.org/speakers.
For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.
MIAMI, FL (01.23.23) – Nakamichi will once again be exhibiting at KnowledgeFest this time at the Las Vegas show to be held February 3-5, 2023 at MGM’s Paris Hotel and Casino. New items on display will be two new wireless CarPlay/Android Auto NA3625-Series receivers with the new Susumo Platform providing faster response and more intuitive menus for an improved user experience. The two models are the companies first wireless units. The NA3625-WUX is the company’s first floating face multimedia receiver release in North America. It boasts a 4-way adjustable 10.1-inch glass HD touch screen. MSRP is $659.95.
Jason Proios holds an improved NDSK4085AU DSP.
Jason Proios, Product Development and Technical Services Manager, will be in the booth giving demos during the show. “This new platform has been completely revised and is superior to any operating system we have released thus far”, stated Proios. “This took some time but as you will see it was definitely worth the wait”.
In addition to the wireless receivers Nakamichi will showcase several other new items during the show including an improved NDSK4085AU 8-channel DSP with built in amplifier. “This DSP is so small and versatile it has limitless applications”, stated Proios.
Diplomat Trading is the exclusive agent for Nakamichi Mobile Audio in the U.S.A. For more information visit www.nakamichicaraudio.com
CHICAGO, IL (01.23.23) – As temperatures drop, so does an increase in the potential for a dead battery. Freezing weather drains a vehicle battery power by 30 to 60%. When a vehicle operator is stuck with a dead battery, many are tempted to jump start their vehicle from another vehicle, using jumper cables, or from a battery booster pack. But while this may get the vehicle going again, CTEK warns that jump starting can damage a vehicle’s sensitive electronics, leading to expensive repairs, as well as causing lasting damage to your battery. CTEK recommends to Safe Start their vehicles rather than using the traditional jump starting or boosting.
Today’s modern vehicles have more than 200 mini computers or ECUs (electronic control units) performing a range of tasks from engine management to controlling air conditioning, lights and parking sensors. These computer systems have a sensitive level of around 16 Volts, but jump starting the lead acid battery on your vehicle causes a surge of power of up to 20 Volts – rather like hitting your vehicle’s electrical system with a lightning bolt – and this sudden spike in voltage can quite easily damage one of these ECUs. And with replacement ECUs costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, this is a risk you really don’t want to be taking!
What happens when you jump start a vehicle?
When you jump start a vehicle, the battery booster pack – or, if you are using jumper cables, the battery on the connected vehicle – acts as a power reservoir to get the engine started, temporarily bypassing the drained battery. Then, once the engine is running and you disconnect the booster pack or jump leads, the alternator suddenly sees an empty battery and instantly reacts by opening the floodgates to refill it. This massive rise in current creates a spike in voltage, and this is what can cause the damage.
Jump starting a vehicle can damage your battery too, as the alternator is pumping in current at a higher rate than the battery can handle. This causes the battery to heat up, bending the battery plates, leading to the shedding of active material (lead dioxide) and causing a buildup of debris in the bottom of the battery. This damage will reduce the efficiency of your battery and dramatically reduce its lifespan, making earlier replacement necessary.
Safe starting with CS FREE There is a safe way to get your vehicle started if you find yourself with a dead 12 Volt battery. CTEK’s fully portable CS FREE uses patented adaptive boost technology to get you going again in around 15 minutes.
This is completely safe for your vehicle’s electronics because the CS FREE gently refills the battery with charge and will let you know when it’s safe to start the vehicle. Then, when the CS FREE is disconnected, the battery is already partially full, so the alternator only raises charge slightly, and within safe limits, to top off the battery.
The CS FREE is four great products in one portable unit. Along with being an adaptive booster, CS FREE also works as a battery charger, a smart maintainer and high tech power bank. And if you use the CS FREE to maintenance charge your battery on a regular basis, you can extend battery life by up to three times.
You can find more information about the CS FREE, which is compatible with all types of 12V lead-acid battery as well as lithium batteries on smartercharger.com.
RINGWOOD, IL (01.20.23) – Race Sport Lighting is pleased to announce the launch of their NEW IQ Series Quad Optical Auxiliary Lighting. This new auxiliary light series is 4 times brighter with more lumen and LUX Light output than any current products on the marketplace. IQ Series uses Race Sport Lighting’s New Exclusive Quad Optics that feature 4 high power diodes encased in one single long cast optic. The IQ series was designed and tested in the lab to Industrial grade standards, which exceed normal automotive grade testing standards and can take more abuse, more vibration, and are more durable in all environments they will have to endure.
The IQ Series auxiliary lights are in stock and shipping now out of their Midwest warehouse. There are 12 total skus in this simple line up featuring (4) round sizes, (4) square sizes and (4) rectangle sizes to choose from. There is a size and wattage for every install or job for the reseller or upfitters. The warranty is 3-years and is perfect for not only aftermarket offerings, but OEM, Dealership, and Upfitting vehicles and machinery.
“The IQ Series is going to be a great family addition to our lineup. As our auxiliary line up expands into multiple industries, there has been a growing demand for exponential brightness, more durability, and more variety of size and wattage requirements for various applications. The IQ Series gives our Resellers and Upfitters everything they are looking for in one product family and is unbelievably bright. This product was testing at 4x the performance of our flagship Street Series Auxiliary family on similar size lights. The lumen and LUX Outputs far exceed any of our competitors highest output product offerings and put us in the lead.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.
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