Industry

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.

Morel HIFI Chooses Celsus as Partner for UK Market

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POOLE, UK (02.27.23) – Celsus UK are delighted to announce their appointment as the Morel distributor for the Israel based company’s car audio product line in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Morel design, engineer and manufacturer market-leading handcrafted loudspeaker products from their headquarters in Ness Ziona, south of Tel-Aviv in Israel. Their product’s quality and performance are revered in the 12volt industry and are the equipment of choice for any celebrities and musicians.

Celsus will give Morel a greater presence in the UK market through their experienced network of in-car specialist installers, vehicle upgraders and boat builder partners.

“We are extremely excited to represent Morel, we have long admired the company’s products. Business is all about people, with Morel we believe we have a partner that will help us deliver amazing products to our customers and have real enjoyment along the way. The brand’s sound is exceptional and we cannot wait to grow together.” Said Paul Baker, Celsus UK Managing Director

The award winning Virtus Nano Carbon slim line speakers and flagship Supremo line stand out in the portfolio, alongside the most recent addition of the Integration direct-fit audio for BMW putting the brand at the pinnacle of this category. With an extensive product development roadmap, the future for lovers of music and audiophile-grade equipment is bright.

Nir Paz, Morel Hifi Sales Director adds “Celsus is a perfect fit for Morel and we are very privileged to have them join our family. They are some of the most genuine people I have met in the industry, and their excellent track record developing some of the best brands in the UK and Europe is a testament to their ability to forge meaningful relationships with dealers.

Producing some of the most innovative and best sounding speakers in the world is not enough if you can’t build a solid support system… and that is a Celsus specialty! We have done wonderful things in the UK market in recent years and I am confident that with Celsus amazing team we will take Morel to the next level. “

Inventory will be available late March in Celsus’ Poole based warehouse facility and in the specialist retailer network shortly after. Contact Celsus for details of your closest retailer to arrange a demonstration.

For more info, visit celsusice.co.uk/brands/morel and morelhifi.com

The 12Volt 6-Pack Delivers Fresh Industry News to Members of the 12Volt Industry

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.27.23) – It’s the 12volt Central Studios 12volt 6-Pack. As the 12volt Central Studios works to deliver fresh industry news each day of the week the 12volt 6-Pack is a way for 12volt industry members to catch up on news from the day as they refresh in evening after a busy.

Utilizing the 12volt STP Tool industry members on the road could highlight their day’s activities in the 12volt 6-Pack.

The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to txt their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO… your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry. On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews there are over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.

Check out this 12Volt 6-Pack. Action from The KICKER Arenacross in Hobbs NM, Team Nutz in Pittsburg, Synergy Marketing and MTX in Houston, RPM and PowerBass on the road in Richmond VA, Kenwood 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner in Pasco WA and KICKER at the LoneStar ThrowDown in Conroe TX.

Use the 12voltSTP Tool to showcase your company’s brand and positive activities. Snap an image and Txt to 318 465 0844…PRESTO!

Look forward to seeing you in the 12volt 6-Pack. Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Celsus Appoints Avant Denmark A/S as Dynamat Distributor for Danish Market

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POOLE, UK (02.24.23) – Celsus UK, European distributor for Dynamat noise and heat control materials, have chosen Avant Denmark A/S as representation in the Danish market.

The appointment will greatly strengthen Dynamat’s presence in the Danish market ensuring that consumers can benefit from the world’s best performing in-vehicle sound proofing and heat insulation materials. Dynamat is world renowned as setting the standard for damping materials in vehicles and the chosen products are high profile car restorers and car audio enthusiast alike.

Pictured L-R: Thomas Schaarup – Purchaser, Avant A/S, Mike Keenan – European Sales Manager, Celsus UK, Lasse Thorbøll Juhl – Purchasing Manager, Avant A/S

“We are very happy to welcome Mads and his team at Avant to the Dynamat family. Their passion for their work, knowledge of the market and their impressive operation gives me confidence we will achieve great things as our relationship develops in the coming years,” said Mike Keenan, European Sales Manager for Celsus UK.

With over 30 years of successful installations Dynamat® Xtreme® is the perfectly balanced automotive sound damping material. These five key features– adhesion, thickness, effectiveness, ease of installation and American made – are designed to work together to create the perfectly balanced sound damping material which leads the way in performance.

Mads Lund Jakobsen, Customer & concept manager for Avant Denmark A/S added, “It is with great pleasure that Avant Denmark A/S adds the Dynamat range of market-leading sound isolation and noise/vibration reduction to our product portfolio. The brand will complement our high-end car hifi products from Alpine, JVC and Sony, strengthening Avant Denmark as the total supplier of high-end car audio solutions. Dynamat will be sold through our varied multi-channel distribution network with a few specially selected brand stores in which the end-consumer can see, hear and feel the quality of the Dynamat products.”

Commenting on the appointment Mike Good, President of Dynamat Inc said, “The Dynamat team and I are very excited to welcome Avant Denmark on board! We very much look forward to a long and successful partnership in the Danish market. At Dynamat we have an unapologetic focus on quality and making your vehicle a better vehicle, and it gives me great pleasure to know that Danish car enthusiasts can experience this through Avant A/S.”

Visit dynamateurope.com and biludstyr.dk and celsusice.co.uk for more.

SEMA: Supply-Chain Insights and The Road to Recovery

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.24.23) – The supply-chain issues that impacted the United States over the past few years largely peaked and are starting to recover.

According to the new “2023 SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” report, supply-chain issues are expected to improve in 2023, but it will take time to return to pre-pandemic levels, especially with supplies that affect the automotive sector like semiconductors (or chips).

According to the SEMA study:

The specialty-equipment industry has been affected. More than 90% of companies have been moderately or severely impacted by supply-chain issues. Most expect things to normalize by the end of 2023 or into 2024.
Ports are less congested. Container ports in the United States, like in Los Angeles or Long Beach, are no longer as congested with container ships waiting for berths. As a result, prices have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Trucking is improving nationwide. Demand for cross-country hauling by truckers has eased and the number of trucks available to ship things has increased. Prices have also dropped from their record highs.
Semiconductor, or chip, shortages continue. Shortages, most notably for the automotive sector, continue to linger. Average lead delivery times for chips decreased but remain high, at approximately 25.5 weeks as of October 2022.

For an in-depth analysis on how port congestion has eased, projections for supply-chain improvement by manufacturer / distributor / retailer, and prices for shipping by truck, download the “SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” for free at www.sema.org/research.

The RPM Team Traveled to the AIMEXPO in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV (02.24.23) – “The AIMEXPO was the best one I have attended. The Powersports industry used to have a huge show in Indianapolis that went away years ago. AIMEXPO has moved around from Orlando to Columbus, OH to Las Vegas and I have been to most of them. This was larger and I think they sold out of space in the upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendance was running double last year” Scott Hochmuth, Real Performance Marketing Principal, related.

The AIMEXPO took place on the upper level of the South Hall at the LVCC.
The new JBL Rally Bar grabbed a lot of attention along with Infinity Kappa products in the booth.

Continuing, “I was there along with our SC/FL rep Joe Stelmack and our Mid-Atlantic rep John Gray. We bounced from booth to booth all through the show running to meet with dealers and learning more about the product lines on the AIMEXPO show floor.”

The AIMEXPO ran from Wednesday to Friday February 7th-9th. The 12volt footprint was about a 50-50 footprint in 12Volt Audio and Powersports along with a nice cross-section in the Powersports and Marine Audio segment. RPM had six lines there including JBL that had booths and met with four more RPM lines that were there but were not showing. Overall a very successful trip.

Apparel is a growing category with motorcycle and Powersports enthusiasts.
E-Bikes is a growing category and RPM is seeing interest in the marketplace.

Concluding, Hochmuth relayed, “Overall it was a very successful trip, We had a helmet line, a clothing line, three e-bike lines, and JBL showing the new Rallybar to Powersports dealers for the first time. None of them have heard a soundbar with that kind of sound quality and low-frequency response. Pre-orders have been brisk. Expected to ship in Q2.”

The JBL booth staff and RPM team capped a busy day at the event with a dinner. (LtoR) Joe Stelmack-RPM, Fred Isensee-JBL, Troy Carter-Vanevery Marketing, John Gray-RPM, Scott Hochmuth-RPM, Jon Kluiter-VMC Pros and Shawn Spedding-JBL.

Scott Hochmuth supplied content for this article.

Visit realperformancemarketing.net for more.