HOUSTON, TX (03.30.23) – Wednesday, March 22nd, was the date of the latest Alpine Training for Houston TX area dealers. The location was Pappas BBQ in Houston, TX. Alpine invited both Direct Alpine Dealers & Tri-State Enterprises Alpine Dealers to the event.
When dealers arrived at Pappa’s BBQ for the Alpine training they were directed upstairs to the private Party Room.
The training was conducted by Alpine’s Texas based Brand Specialist, Dan Greenwood. Dan also brought the Alpine Toyota Tundra Demo Truck equipped with a completely new system for 2023, featuring Status Series Hi-Res Amps, Speakers, DSP & Head Unit.
The newest addition to the Tundra system is Alpine’s brand-new R Series Shallow Subwoofer Enclosures, which feature the new RS series shallow subwoofers. Dealers were able to come away with valuable information about many new products that Alpine is shipping NOW for 2023!
Dan Greenwood, Alpine’s Texas-based Brand Specialist, set to get the Alpine training meeting started.
Lucky Alpine Turn 1 Bluetooth Speaker winners flank Dan Greenwood. Eli Larios from Xochilt Car Audio and Lucas Buluc from Stereo Max are both with Houston-based 12volt retailers.
There was a lot of excitement about the new product – especially the new RS Shallow woofers. Jake Jesty, from Sound Evolution in Houston, said “These are the best sounding shallow woofers on the market. They sound just like a standard woofer…but with less than 3.5” of depth needed!”
In addition to tasty hot BBQ from Pappa’s, Alpine also gave away Turn 1 Bluetooth Speakers to two lucky attendees. The winners were Eli Larios from Xochilt Car Audio and Lucas Bulux from Stereo Max. Both stores are located in Houston, TX.
Andy Allen, Alpine Brand Representative in the South Texas, contributed this coverage of the Alpine Houston training.
ENGLEWOOD, CO (03.30.23) – VAIS Technology has released new satellite radio integrated solutions specifically designed for 2022-23 GM and GMC vehicles. This solution allows owners of these models to add SiriusXM satellite radio to their existing factory stereo, without compromising factory functionality.
“Since 2003, VAIS Technology have been developing satellite radio adapters for vehicles that aren’t equipped from the factory with SiriusXM tuners,” Dennis Hopper, EVP, says. “While satellite radio is more popular than ever, many new OEM vehicles still don’t come equipped from the factory with satellite tuners. For 2023 several more OEM’s have removed satellite tuners from their platforms. Over the last few years Ford, Honda, Kia, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, and other have removed satellite tuners from their base model vehicles. VAIS Technology develops simple, easy to install integrated solutions that add satellite radio, but preserve factory functions.”
The new kits provide coverage for new GM and GMC models. Also, all these models are compatible with the GSR-UV01 (universal unit) which can be flashed using online software. This allows dealers to only stock one unit to do almost all applications. This adapter connects directly to the original factory radio and allows the vehicle owner to listen to satellite radio through the existing factory system. The VAIS integrated solution also allows for full control of satellite radio functions – changing stations, setting presets, steering wheel functions, etc.
GSR-GM05 and GSR-UV01 is available for order now. Retail price is $349.99 with SXV300 tuner included.
TULSA, OK (03.29.23) – DOW Electronics recently hosted a 3-City Sony and Mobile ES training swing in the territory. Richard Wong conducted the sessions in Dallas/Ft Worth, Oklahoma City and Little Rock. The Sony trainings covered the product line up plus Mobile ES.
Charles Stewart and the entire Car Toys Tulsa closed the store early and made the 100 trip to Dave & Buster’s in OKC on Wednesday, March 22nd.
Stewart related “The guys came away with some install techniques about the Sony products they didn’t know about. I thought Richard did a great job with his entire presentation. Learning about the new double DIN models AX4000 and AX6000was very helpful. We enjoyed the meal too and got back to Tulsa a little after 10PM.”
The Car Toys Tulsa crew, all in black company shirts, at the Sony meeting in OKC.
Sony radio prize winners Mark Adams and Gabe Morgan pictured in front of the Sony display in the Car Toys Tulsa showroom.
The Car Toys Tulsa crew included Mark Adams, Chance Rotert, Kyle Nixon, Frank Fransein, Gabe Morgan, Matt Bowman and Stewart.
“As an added bonus Mark Adams and Gabe Morgan both won a new Sony radio…an AX4000 and AX6000” Stewart add.
Car Toys Tulsa was a Top 10 Finalist in the recent National Sony ES build competition earlier this year.
AVON LAKE, OH (03.29.23) – It’s a challenge to stay cool during races, and a cold drink can keep drivers refreshed and focused. A new In-Car Drink Bottle Insulator from Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI) keeps water or a favorite sports drink cooler for longer periods of time.
“A well-known issue that many drivers face is keeping cool drinks cold. Drivers need to drink liquids during races to prevent dehydration, cramps and loss of concentration. We’re excited to announce a solution with our newly available drink bottle insulator,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “This product has been tested at the track and passed the heat test with rave reviews.”
The In-Car Drink Bottle Insulator is large enough to completely enclose a 42-ounce Longacre bottle. The design completely covers the Longacre 52-22551 and 52-22553 Drink bottle and holder. The insulation is made from a durable, washable neoprene material to make cleaning between races easy.
The hook and loop closure design makes installation and removal easy and retains access to the mounting bracket. A sleeve for the tube gives drivers access to the bite valve, for hands-free hydration.
Highlights include:
Washable Full-length hose cover Lightweight Easy to install Keeps drink cool and secure
For more information about this Drink Bottle Insulator (# 10910) and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (03.28.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) today released the free software update that includes SiriusXM-Ready with 360L on compatible head units, including the Alpine Halo11 iLX-F511, the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509, the iLX-507, and Jeep-specific head units i509-WRA-JL and i509-WRA-JK. Alpine is the first aftermarket car audio company to offer SiriusXM-Ready head units enhanced with the satellite and streaming capabilities of 360L – SiriusXM’s most advanced audio entertainment platform.
SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, providing more choice and a more customizable listening experience. SiriusXM with 360L delivers more SiriusXM channels (350+), SiriusXM’s Pandora Stations, “For You” recommendations, recorded on demand content and podcasts, and more. SiriusXM with 360L in Alpine’s head units will also feature individual SiriusXM listener profiles to allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own SiriusXM favorites and personalized recommendations, as well as voice search functionality.*
SiriusXM offers promotions for Alpine head unit owners that purchase and activate the SXV300 Tuner. Visit siriusxm.com/activatenow for offer details.
Subscribers can also listen to SiriusXM outside their vehicles on the SXM App, available on the App Store or Google Play, and on connected devices and speakers in their homes.
The free software update that includes SiriusXM-Ready with 360L is available now and can be found on the Alpine Knowledge Center (https://kb.alpine-usa.com). SiriusXM-Ready with 360L is available on compatible Alpine head units and requires the SXV300 Tuner and subscription (sold separately).
*Some 360L content and features require a Wi-Fi connection with internet access. Data rates may apply.
DANIA BEACH, FL (03.28.23) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and Tury Vehicle Enhancement products, have announced a new Representative for Hawaii.
There have been a lot of exciting changes going on with HKI USA, and they are pleased to announce a new member of the team. Coleen Matsumura and Paradise Marketing, Inc have chosen to take on the task of building the HKI USA brands in Hawaii.
Coleen Matsumura
“We are excited to have Coleen aboard with us on the islands. She has strong relationships with her dealers and an amazing understanding of her market which she has shown already since partnering with us at HKI,” said Tommy Spears, Director of Sales with HKI USA.
Look for her in her travels, and keep an eye out for what great things happen on the islands.
FORT WORTH, TX (03.27.23) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its new location in Benbrook, Texas.
Tint World Benbrook, owned by Mike Richards, offers drivers throughout the Fort Worth area premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.
Richards is also the owner of Tint World locations in Grapevine, Texas, and Rowlett, Texas.
“We deliver everything automotive enthusiasts in North Texas are looking for, from ultra-premium window tint, paint protection film, and Nano ceramic coatings to audio and video, performance upgrades, and safety and security technology,” Richards said. “With Tint World®’s comprehensive, industry-leading selection of products and services, plus our team of highly trained professional technicians and installers, customers know they can depend on us for their vehicle’s performance and styling needs.”
Tint World Benbrook, located at 6260 Southwest Boulevard, Benbrook, Texas 76109, serves Fort Worth, Arlington, Westover Hills, White Settlement, Burleson, Aledo, Cleburne, Crowley, Primrose, and River Oaks. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (817) 230-8211 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/tx/benbrook-020/.
“Mike has shown a passion for meeting the needs of Tint World customers throughout North Texas,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “The success he and his team are delivering is evidence of his dedication to the community as well as a reflection of Tint World®’s proven franchise system and processes. Our innovation and franchisee support help Tint World owners differentiate themselves from the competition and offer unique opportunities for growth.”
WASHINGTON, DC (03.24.23) – The bipartisan America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA), S. 873, was reintroduced in the 118th Congress by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY). This SEMA-supported public lands and recreation legislation is the first comprehensive recreation package since 1963 that will improve and expand America’s outdoor recreation economy while delivering sustainable economic boosts to rural communities.
2017 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 LE
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. The bill also 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 where they are prohibited, as well as to update them periodically to ensure that the maps do not become outdated.
SEMA, along with our partners that comprise the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, urge swift approval of AORA so that many more Americans can enjoy outdoor spaces and their associated benefits to health and wellness. Studies have shown that enjoying time outside helps benefit a person’s mental and physical health. Additionally, outdoor recreation is a key driver of the U.S. economy with an $862 billion annual economic impact. It is also a major employer throughout the country providing 4.5 million American jobs.
For more information on the American Outdoor Recreation Act, please contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
NEW YORK, NY (03.24.23) – SiriusXM has announced that for the 17th year, it will broadcast live from the 23rd annual Ultra Music Festival at Miami’s Bayfront Park.
SiriusXM’s live broadcast of the festival will begin on Friday, March 24 offering immersive coverage of live DJ sets from headliners including Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, Kx5, Marshmello, Rezz, Swedish House Mafia, Tiësto, and more, all weekend long. SiriusXM will also go behind-the-scenes and feature exclusive interviews with Ultra performers.
UMF Radio will take over SiriusXM’s Diplo’s Revolution channel starting Friday, March 24 at 5 pm ET through Monday, March 27. Diplo’s Revolution is available to subscribers in their cars (channel 52), on the SXM App, and online at siriusxm.com. In addition to live broadcasts of DJ sets, the channel will feature “best of” highlights from this year’s festival airing all day long on Monday, March 27.
Listeners will also get a preview of what’s to come from SiriusXM’s new Miami studios, which will be officially opening soon, with exclusive live programming featuring some of the biggest names in Dance to kick off Ultra weekend. Multiple SiriusXM channels will air special interviews and performances leading into the festival today, March 23. On BPM (ch. 51) from 3pm-5pm ET tune in for performances and interviews with Joel Corry, Markus Schulz, Mau P, Regard, Shane Codd, Zara Larsson and others. On Chill (ch. 53) from 6pm-8pm ET listeners can tune in for sets by Cassian and RÜFÜS DU SOL, and airing on Diplo’s Revolution (ch. 52) will be live performances from Diplo from 9pm-10pm ET and Anabel Englund from 10pm-11pm ET. David Guetta will also sit down for interviews from SiriusXM’s Miami studios.
UMF Radio also broadcasts as a weekly show on SiriusXM’s Diplo’s Revolution channel. Hosted by Andy Pate, the two hour show features live recorded performances from Ultra’s events around the world. UMF Radio airs Fridays from 6 pm – 8 pm ET.
Pandora will also launch a limited-run station featuring wall-to-wall music from festival headliners. Pandora UMF Radio begins Monday March 20th and continues through festival season.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.23.23) – Automotive specialty equipment manufacturers are geared up to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show, taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas.
With an eagerness to connect with buyers in person to create brand awareness, introduce new products, develop relationships, and tell their company stories, exhibitors are signing up earlier than they had in previous years, demonstrating strong momentum for this year’s show.
Exhibitor commitments continue to come in at a constant rate, and with more than a third of all applications historically submitted a week before the April 3 priority application deadline, the 2023 SEMA Show is expected to grow to more than 2,000 exhibiting companies.
Exhibitors are signing up for the SEMA Show earlier than they had in previous years, demonstrating strong momentum for this year’s event.
The running list on www.semashow.com/participating-manufacturers shows major automakers, iconic aftermarket brands, and new, first-time exhibitors confirmed for the 2023 SEMA Show.
“The early commitment from exhibitors is a positive sign that companies are excited to reconnect face to face,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It’s also a sign that companies are confident that they will have new products and stories to share.”
Since the pandemic hit in 2020, the industry has gathered at the SEMA Show, making the annual event the go-to place for connecting with colleagues. In 2021 and 2022 the SEMA Show has been amongst the country’s highest attended trade shows, and momentum has increased as travel restrictions are lifted and businesses discover limitations of doing business virtually.
“Virtual meetings are great, but you can’t smell the burning rubber over a Zoom call,” said Gattuso.
Exhibitors that submit completed applications by April 3 will be included in the SEMA Show Priority Booth Selection Process, at which time they will select their space and learn how to get the most out of their investment. Exclusive benefits and opportunities include:
First to select their space at the SEMA Show and officially assigned a booth number
Immediately included on the online floorplan, which industry professionals use to determine what exhibitors to visit and how to plan their Show
Connect with account reps who will guide them on specific opportunities to boost brand awareness based on the exhibitor’s goals and target audience
Opportunity to sign up for the 2023 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, a two-and-a-half-day boot camp-style event where Show organizers guide exhibitors through important details and tips for success
Reminders about early-bird deadlines to save money on booth orders and hotel rooms for staff
Booth space applications, available at http://www.semashow.com/exhibitor, are open to companies that manufacture products that enhance a vehicle’s performance, styling, safety, or convenience. Registration for industry professionals to attend the four-day SEMA Show opens on May 1 at the early-bird rate until late June.
Visit www.semashow.com to learn more and to see the list of companies that have already committed to exhibiting at the 2023 SEMA Show.
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