German Maestro Distributor Rep-Corps Launches New Dealer Ordering System

RICHMOND, VA (12.09.22) – Rep-Corps Inc. is launching their in-house designed dealer ordering system, in development for the past few years. Built on a modern backbone on cloud infrastructure, streamlined and optimized for Mobile, Tablet, and Desktop access, with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Square processing integrated from the start. They expect their new dealer-oriented system to set the benchmark for ordering platforms in the industry.

One of the design goals was streamlining the process for Just-In-Time ordering, thanks to their agreement with German Maestro to offer 3-Day international free freight at only a $500 threshold to the continental U.S. and Canada. This allows retailers to prioritize ordering exactly what their clients need, as an alternative to the traditional model of pressuring retailers to stock thousands of dollars worth of product that may end up not being exactly what is needed for a given client, especially in the high-end space where system designs are sometimes completely bespoke.

With the example from the German Maestro line of mixing a’la carte [YWC] parts with standard kits, or using the YWC parts entirely to build custom sets that are not currently available, an example of such being ordering a pair of flat 8” subwoofers with passive crossovers and tweeters from the standard 8” EPIC line kit to make an ultra shallow kit for depth constrained large driver installations, or forgoing passive crossovers entirely and using active processing to instead combine their flat drivers with the higher end Status or M-line mid driver and tweeter options, the system allows easy sorting and access to these truly custom solutions for the modern high-end retailer. Especially with new lines to be added in the near future with similar customization options.

One unique feature of the system is integrated “Progressive Web App” [PWA] functions, which is a modern standard that allows a website to be “installed” to your device, and function as if it were a native app. As a result, the ordering portal can be saved to your Phone or Tablet’s home screen/app drawer for faster and easier access [It can also be saved as a traditional bookmark if the user desires]. Helping to ensure items are placed in their cart to be ordered immediately instead of having to wait to use a desktop/laptop computer as is the case with many existing systems that are designed without mobile use in mind.

Ultimately, the platform’s design goals are meant to address the issues that the founders of Rep-corps believe that many current industry B2B ordering systems have, coming from their experience of operating a storefront in the retail space. The system is designed to be a B2B experience in line what is expected from modern consumer-facing E-commerce platforms, and what they believe dealers need but has been largely unaddressed – systems that are fast, secure, and easy to use with suggestions and criticism encouraged instead of ignored.

Contact Ken or Logan Strzepka at 804-277-4141 or Sales@Rep-Corps.com to inquire about joining their growing network of retailers.

SEMA: Applications Open for Professional Development Program with Dale Carnegie

DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.09.22) – Following the debut of the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP) in early 2022, the network will again host the event in 2023. Aspiring leaders and those who want to sharpen their leadership and communication skills are invited to apply for the two-day conference, which is being offered at a significant cost savings. 

Sponsored by FLN in partnership with the world-renown Dale Carnegie Training, the program fee is $1,600 direct from Dale Carnegie. Through the FLN, the fee is only $800 and includes complimentary meals and rooms for two days.

“We held the first PDP in 2022 and it was a massive success with a 100% instructor approval rating from all participants,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso. “We’re excited to offer the program for a second year and help our future leaders build upon their skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.”

The program will help participants:

Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations.
Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening.
Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios.
Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward.
Use emotional controls to sustain success.
“Reflecting on my experience in Diamond Bar for my first-ever FLN Professional Development Program, I am more than excited about the knowledge that I was able to absorb along with the lifetime of friendships I was able to walk away with,” said Kia Aghai of WARN Industries. “The instructors instilled excitement within the group with their teaching style, which in turn allowed all of us to be extremely open and vocal about our experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.”

Aspiring leaders and those who want to sharpen their leadership and communication skills are invited to apply for the two-day conference, which is being offered at a significant cost savings. 

The program is limited to 25 FLN members. (Anyone age 39 and under who works for a SEMA-member company can join FLN at no cost.)

Visit www.sema.org/fln-pdp to learn more and apply. Questions can be directed to Denise Waddingham, FLN director, at deniselw@sema.org.

You’re Invited to Come Chill at DEI’s PRI Booth

RAPID CITY, SD (12.08.22) – The Design Engineering Inc.’s Booth at PRI this year features a cool Trans Am Series racecar, built by Pancho Weaver from Weaver Racing Concepts.

The Boris Said racecar includes several DEI heat control solutions from DEI’s Heat Screen, Floor and Tunnel Shield, Reflect-a-Cool, Titanium Exhaust Wrap & more. The Trams Am series Dodge Challenger will be on display at DEI’s PRI Booth (#301).

Visit designengineering.com for more.

The 2023 PNWCEE Set for May 15-17 2023

SEATTLE, WA (12.08.22) – The 9th Annual PNWCEE is set for May 15-17 at the Hilton Doubletree Suites at South Center near the Seattle Airport.

Mark Giovannetti and Dan McMilan, who spearhead the event related, “Learning from Factory Trainers in Educational Classes and industry peers is an opportunity to experience the newest Solutions, Technology and Award-Winning Products from Leading manufacturers. We look forward once again to seeing members from the 12volt industry in Seattle.”

Free registration for all Dealers, their Salespeople & Technicians starting December 15.

Go to www.pnwcee.com for updates.

DEI’s All New GEN-3 ONYX Turbo Shield at the PRI Show

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (12.07.22) – Stop by Design Engineering Inc.’s Booth 301 at the PRI Show to get an up-close look at the new GEN-3 Onyx Turbo Shield, along with DEI’s complete line of Turbo Heat Shields.

This new product is like wrapping a turbo in a tuxedo T-shirt. Keep your Turbo cool and running strong with a custom Turbo Heat Shield from DEI.

Available in a variety of styles and fitments for all turbo types, the shields reduce under hood temperatures while protecting sensitive components and encouraging faster spool-ups.

All this and more can be found at the DEI PRI Booth (#301) at the Lucas Oil Convention Center December 7th through 9th.

Visit designengineering.com for more.

Retro Sound Releases RetroPod 6A: Surface-Mount Speaker Modules

HENDERSON, NV (12.07.22) – The RPOD6 has been re-designed to have a slimmer mounting depth of just 2.44” and accepts the same 6.5” speakers as before. With the new slimmer profile, the RPOD6A can be mounted in a variety of new locations to add speakers to any classic car that didn’t originally come with an audio system without the need to cut or modify the interior.

RetroPods are built with a rugged ABS plastic that can either be painted, wrapped in vinyl, or carpeted to match a vehicle’s interior for a fully customized look. The angled design directs sound towards the listener for better stereo imaging and an enjoyable listening experience. The RPOD6A accepts a 6.5” speaker and is available with RetroSound®’s S-62 Stereo Speakers or their Premium R-652N Stereo Speakers.

The RPOD6A  is available now for $51.99 at www.retromanufacturing.com

Oracle Lighting’s New LED Off-Road Side Mirrors for Jeep Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT Now Shipping

METAIRIE, LA (12.06.22) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the new LED Off-Road Side Mirrors for Jeep Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT (p/n 5855-001) are now shipping with an MSRP of $399.95.

“This patent-pending new product features a set of high-powered LED light bars integrated into the factory-style side mirrors on the Wrangler JL and Gladiator,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Ideal for off-road activities, such as trail riding where the driver needs to clearly see obstructions and other possible hazards not directly in front of them, this integration allows for easy installation and a clean, almost OEM look while providing a functional 45 degree peripheral beam angle for optimized illumination for the driver. The LEDs are custom design that features a total of 24 LEDs producing approximately 2250 Lm.”

Multiple aluminum heat sinks are used to effectively wick heat away from the LEDs and are designed to use the airflow through the mirror housing to increase cooling, similar to a radiator. The housing material is made from rugged Polycarbonate, which is two times stronger than the factor ABS housing and bolts onto the vehicle using the factory mounts for easy installation. A set of anodized rock guards protect the LED acrylic lenses, which also houses the advanced LED optics. The efficient optics focus the light for optimal visibility from the driver’s seat position.

Additional product features and specifications include:

  • 24x 1W Cree LEDs
  • 6000K color temperature
  • 2 Amp power draw
  • Patent Pending design
  • 2-year warranty

“Our goal in developing this product was to create a LED light bar that could seamlessly integrate into the vehicle design and appear to be factory,” Hartenstein concluded. “Light bars and ditch lights tacked to bumpers and roof racks have poor integration and appear to be an afterthought. These mirrors are more integrated than traditional ditch lights, provide a functional purpose, and look good at the same time…the best of all worlds.”

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets 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.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

Design Engineering Releases New Heat Control Products for Exhaust Pipes

RAPID CITY, SD (12.06.22) – Design Engineering Inc.’s long list of proven heat and sound control solutions, includes its popular Titanium Knit Exhaust Sleeves.

Designed to protect vulnerable components and prevent heat from transferring into vehicle cabins, the sleeves are made from a thick basalt material that expands over sensor bungs and flanges and can be rolled at the ends. Available in 12”, 24″ and 36″ lengths to fit 3″ to 5″ pipes, the sleeves have a max temperature rating of 1800°F (982°C ) and a continuous rating of 1382°F (750°C ). They can be cut to fit any application, and are also available in special-order custom lengths.

For more information about Titanium Knitted Sleeves and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit PRI Booth (#301).

The PRI Show takes place at the Lucas Oil Center in Indianapolis on December 7-9.

Visit designengineering.com for more.

SSV Works Announces New Rear Speaker Pods for 2021+ Ford Bronco

OXNARD, CA (12.05.22) – SSV Works is proud to announce the launch of the new plug-and-play 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons for 2021+ Ford Broncos. Available loaded (p/n BR-B65A) or unloaded (p/n BR-B65U), the patent-pending system is now shipping.

“The new Broncos have become immensely popular in a short period of time, and we quickly realized its audio system needed an additional audio option,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Designed specifically for the new Broncos, our new 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons provide easy installation in the rear factory roll cage using factory mounting locations. Optimized for sound quality, these pods are weather-proof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, making them the ideal audio systems when out on the trails or on the beach.”

The loaded pods come with 6.5in., 120 Watt (peak) SSV Works powersports speakers with a 25mm tweeter and weather-proof EPDM dual-lock gasket with an MSRP of $339.99. If you already have the speakers, the unloaded pods have an MSRP of $229.99.

Additional features and specifications include:
• Includes stainless steel hardware, molded grommet, & integrated speaker terminals
• Plug-&-Play harness allows for both factory or external amplifier connectivity
• Dimensions: 19.75in x 11.5in x 8.6in
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty of both the pods and the SSV Works speakers

For more information, please visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

Vision Tech America Launches New VCT700AI-4 Featuring AI Technology

FULLERTON, CA (12.05.22) – Vision Tech America, Inc. (BOYO ) believes in providing customers with the state-of-the-art technology in automobile engineering with the best possible prices to modernize vehicles.

Richard Hong, BOYO VP of Sales, in the company’s SEMA booth with new products featuring AI Technology.

In that regard, BOYO has unveiled the new VCT700AI-4 with AI (Artificial Intelligent Technology) featuring 7” 4 Channel AHD AI Monitor with intelligent detection and warning alert. See the spec sheet graphic for complete details.

“AI (artificial intelligent technology) is becoming increasingly important in the automotive aftermarket industry.  With this in mind, we  launched the VCT700AI-4. This product will help our customer with much more safety, efficiency, and performance on the road.” stated Richard Hong, VP of Sales.

Visit visiontechamerica.com for more.