CARLISLE, PA (07.25.22) – The 26th Annual All Breeds Jeep Show drew literally thousands of Jeeps and Jeepers to the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Carlisle PA on Saturday and Sunday July 23rd and 24th. There were 2 full days of Jeep only access and over 100 vendors representing top companies showcasing aftermarket products for Jeeps. In addition Jeepers could run the obstacle course plus an off-road adventure that was off site.
The @kickinjeeprod positioned up front in the 717 Car Audio Booth.
717 Car Audio was one of the top vendors and had major presence highlighted with the official unveiling of the amazing @kickinjeeprod project. To mark the company’s 5th Anniversary the custom ground-up Jeep Rod was created. The amazing build includes a Cummins 12 valve diesel that runs an automatic transmission and transfer case driving the super duty one ton axels. The PSC steering cylinder tells the Black Rhino in 38.5” TSL Boggers which way to go while riding on Slamair bags. The machine also features right hand drive to accommodate the 9’ 3-piece drive shaft for 4 wheel-drive.
Jeremy Lease and Stephanie Stryjwski, 717 Car Audio owners, flanked by Opus Marketing’s Chuck Ottati (L) and Bruno Berg under the booth tent.
Thousands of Jeepers braved the heat wave to attend the 26th Annual All Breeds Jeep Show in Carlisle, PA.
Keeping up with the KICKER LivinLoud theme 4 solo-baric 12” subs and 6 marine cans are powered by 5000 watts of KICKER power.
717 Car Audio is located in Mountville PA which only about an hour from Carlisle. On Friday morning, July 22nd, the team rolled into Carlisle after the fairly short trip. 717 Car Audio is part of the 717 Companies group that includes 717 Wraps and Graphics plus 717 Shirt Shop. The company’s 40’ Toy Hauler was filled with inventory, tents and supplies for the weekend. A 22’ trailer carried the new @kickinjeeprod and more. The Pink ‘Fight Like A Girl’ Jeep added to attractions in the booth.
717 Car Audio prepares to roll to the All Breeds Jeep Show.
There was plenty of action in the 717 Car Audio booth throughout the event.
There was 717 Car Audio staff, with owners Jeremy Lease and Stephanie Stryjwski, who worked the event along with Opus Marketing’s Chuck Ottati and Bruno Berg. Ottati related “It’s always super to work a consumer event with 717 Car Audio. They come prepared and do it right. Over the course of the 2 days attendance was hamper somewhat by the extreme heat… business written too. The @kickinjeeprod out front was a magnet for Jeepers to snap images… Stephanie’s ‘Fight Like A Girl’ Pink Jeep too. That brought Jeepers to the displays and KICKER Livin’Loud deals under the tents.”
The Jeep brand and community has definitely been a big boost across the board for the 12volt industry.
At the event in Carlisle the 717 Car Audio Team booked numerous jobs and appointments for customer jobs back at their Mountville store. A Big Thank You to Chuck and Bruno for their input.
NAPLES, FL (07.25.22) – The new Thomas 40-Channel CB model features FM capacity which provides superior reception than AM-based CB Radios. The Thomas is the first FCC Approved FM CB Radio in the USA.
Additional features offered by the Thomas include 7-Color Display, PA Mode and Large display with LCD. The unique TalkBack feature allows others in the cabin to join the communication.
LESCO Distributing, based in Orange City FL, has the new President Thomas in stock. Neil Brookmyer, LESCO Merchandise Manager, related “We received our first order and the initial response from dealers has been positive. There is a $20. consumer rebate offer in place for purchases between July 15 and August 15 that will add to the sell through of he new Thomas from President.”
“We are excited to introduce the first FCC approved FM CB radio… The President Thomas,” Kavi Sharma, CEO/GM of President Electronics, stated from the company’s Naples FL HQ.
The CB Radio category is another profit opportunity for 12volt retailers.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.22.22) – Fifteen entrepreneurs and small business leaders recently gathered at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, Calif., to pitch their automotive-related products for a chance to win prizes, cash, and business support as part of the 10th annual SEMA Launch Pad competition.
The 15 semifinalists who were chosen from a vast array of applicants presented impressive sales pitches, interactive demonstrations, amazing product innovations, and answered tough questions from four massively successful industry leaders serving as this year’s Launch Pad judging panel: Chip Foose (Foose Design), Jared Hare (Addictive Desert Designs), Myles Kovacs (TIS Wheels), and Alex Parker (Redline Detection). The judges spent hours carefully listening, learning, and evaluating the diverse products that included custom accessories and tools, performance aftermarket products, tire kits, retrofit kits, and mobile apps for the automotive community. Products also included those targeting the growing electric vehicle (EV) community and demands related to advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).
From left, Jared Hare, Myles Kovacs, Chip Foose, and Alex Parker recently listened to product pitches from the 15 semifinalists in this year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition at the SEMA Garage.
“This year’s SEMA Launch Pad competition is fierce,” said Launch Pad judge Parker. “The judges were blown away by the level of innovation, creativity, and sheer grit that these competitors brought. Their passion and their products are so inspirational, and each of these competitors should be very proud.”
The 2022 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists who recently pitched their products are:
• Fabian Araujo, COO, Armadillo Designs Inc. Armadillo Shell: Camper shell with a retractable roof aimed primarily at the construction industry and for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Andrew Auble, President/Co-founder, GlueTread Sidewall Repair Kits: Kit that allows consumers to repair the sidewall of their off-road tires without removing the tire from the vehicle.
• Robert Carale, Founder, Airflex Tire Inflator Systems Automatic Tire Inflator: An aftermarket adapter system that can be installed between a rotor and a wheel to allow air from an onboard compressor to inflate and deflate tires while a vehicle is moving.
• Jesse Freeman, CEO, True Blue Motorsport 6 Speed Automatic Transmission Retrofit Kit: System used to retrofit older-model RWD and 4WD vehicles with small transmission tunnels with a 6-speed automatic.
• Dustin Golat, Co-owner, GolaTTaylor Tools Thread Wizard: Tool that removes all grime, dirt, surface rust, and fouling from a bolt in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional methods.
• Jake Hamann, Founder and CEO, Autix Automotive Inc. Autix: Platform dedicated to highlighting not just a vehicle, but the owner behind the wheel, their unique story, and a curated value metric for their specialty ride.
• Jacob Hawksworth, CEO, Hypercraft Hyper-Pack: Modular EV battery pack system that allows builders to easily configure a custom high-voltage battery system for their electric vehicle project.
• Conrad Mohr IV, CEO, ACME HPL ACME Big Stick Traction Enhancement Module: Rear suspension module that rearranges factory IRS into a 4-link suspension for better traction and adjustability on Dodge/Mopar performance vehicles.
• Susan Pieper, Founder and CEO, DMOS Collective Inc. Stealth and Delta Car Shovels: Premium indestructible shovels that are easy to stow and mount on various vehicle racks and platforms.
• Frank Terlep, Co-founder and CEO, Auto Techcelerators LLC Test Drive CoPilot Technology Platform: System designed to help properly perform, document, and invoice for ADAS safety system verification testing, dynamic calibrations, seat belt function tests, and more.
• Irvin Vance, Founder, Vance Product Design LLC Quick Lift Engine Stand: Tool that gives users the ability to lift an engine without the use of an engine crane for inspection, repair, or modifications.
• Daniel Whittington, Owner, VenomAire LLC Smart Air Intakes: Air intake that uses a patented Force Air Induction (FAI) technology to improve air intake stability for volumetric efficiency.
• Andrew Wiess, President, ROV LLC Truck Trolley: Roller tray accessory that improves the convenience and accessibility of truck beds by allowing users access to items that would normally be a challenge to reach.
• Kevin Robinson, President, TRAC LLC TRAC Tire Jack: Tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler, and easier.
• Kai Tan, CEO, RevMatch LLC RevMatch Smartphone App: Digital app that allows gearheads the ability to manage vehicle projects from end-to-end with real-time parts data and inspirational content, all in the palm of their hands.
Each semifinalist will receive a one-year SEMA membership, a complimentary booth in the SEMA Launch Pad Pavilion at the 2022 SEMA Show in November, as well as other items totaling to a prize package valued at $4,000. Five finalists, who will be announced later this year, will advance to pitch their products at the 2022 SEMA Show, where they will compete for a grand prize that includes free advertising space in SEMA News, use of the services from the SEMA Garage, discounts on SEMA Data, and thousands of dollars in cash for a total value of up to $92,000.
The competition will be featured in a nationwide TV special airing after the SEMA Show. To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad, including details on the 15 semifinalists, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.
BOCA RATON, FL (07.22.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers was recently named to Franchise Business Review’s third annual Culture100 list recognizing the top 100 franchise bands.
Tint World offers sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.
“Tint World has worked incredibly hard to build a strong company culture that supports franchisee success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We especially value recognition such as the Culture100 list, which is based entirely on the satisfaction and experience of our franchisees around the United States and the world.”
Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in special interest reports throughout the year that identify the top franchises in specific sectors.
Tint World was among more than 300 franchise brands, representing more than 30,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchise cultures. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 12 questions that looked at perception of brand vision, team culture, honesty and integrity, and overall support.
“Every franchise organization has a different culture and vibe,” said Michelle Rowan, president and COO of Franchise Business Review. “Some franchises are more serious and formal, while others are more relaxed and casual. A franchise company’s culture — and your potential fit into that culture — should guide your franchise investment decision. Looking at data on how current franchisees rate a brand’s culture will tell you how well the franchise leadership team is executing on the vision of the brand, and how well the community of support staff and franchisees work together to achieve their business objectives. The best place to start is with the brands on this year’s Culture100 list. All of them had an FBR Culture Score of 80-plus on a 100-point satisfaction scale, putting them in the top quartile of franchises when it comes to culture.”
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.21.2022) –The HARV Arena at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort, in New Cumberland WV, will be the site of the 2022 Steel Valley Regional XI July 22rd thru 24th presented by ARC Audio.
“The excitement is really growing as we get closer to the event featuring MECA 4X, MECA 2X, IASCA 3X, EMMA3X and MASQ competitions. The HARV will be open Friday July 22nd at 1PM until 9 PM for staging and a day of Tweak n Tune. Competitors can also register for MECA 2X on Friday if interested for an additional $40. We are looking for a great event and will be excited to see competitors in the lanes with vendors and retailers set up to showcase their latest products in the HARV Arena for our SQL event,“ Larry Chijner related.
Continuing, Chijner stated, “The SVR features the Top 40 SQ Showdown where 6 judges will evaluate all the cars and rank them from 40th to 1st place. Prizes and Trophies will be presented to all who compete. Judges for this event are Harry Kimura (Head Judge), Brian Huston, Steve Tyler, Sharon Tyler, Steve Cornell and Curtis Helms. This is our 10th Anniversary Show and will be the biggest and best show ever!!
12volt companies planning to participate on site at the event include ARC Audio, Karma Audio, JL Audio , Italia Hi Fi, Focal, Mosconi, Gladen, Black Hole5, Illusion Audio, Dynaudio, Zapco, ESB, Audiowave Ltd, Accuton Automotive, Resonix, AAMP/Stinger, ART Technolgies, Audio Visions, Vibe Audio , Davis Distribution. US Acoustics, Stereo Installs, Erins Audio Corner, Vangaurd Designs and Audible Physics.
IASCA’s Travis Chin commented, “I’m looking forward to attending SVR XI and being part of the IASCA judging team. This event is one of a few on the East Coast that will prepare SQ competitors for the upcoming IASCA World Finals October 8th and 9th in Lebanon MO. There will be plenty of top sound quality vehicles to check out as they prepare for their runs at the 2022 Championship.”
IASCA Judges will be Travis Chin, Rusty Gregg and Keith Turner.
MECA Staff related “Larry Chijner’s SVR is a premier event on the MECA SQL schedule. This year we are bringing our enhanced 4X SQL program to the SVR with Arc Audio as Title Sponsor. Four of our top SQL judges will rate each system’s Sound Quality, individually, and scores are averaged for the most fair outcomes. Judges will give detailed notes for improvement leading to better scores for all MECA competitors. The MECA 4X events are designed to help prepare MECA competitors for our Finals event October Contests include 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 install classes, RTA Freq Out and two 2 seat (old School) SQ classes.”
MECA Judges scheduled for SVR are Richard Papasin (Head Meca Judge) , Mike Flanagan , Vinny Taylor and Julian Ridi. A big thanks to Larry, Klifton and Keith Turner for working to make this one of the highlights of the MECA season.”
EMMA USA Judges are Tom Meyers(Head Emma Judge), Ben Zimmerman, Mic Wallace and Jeff Smith). EMMA is in its second year in the US and is Europes number 1 Sound Quality Format. Competitors are lving the new and fresh SQ format Emma offers. MASQ Sound Quality Organization will also be at the event as another option for the competitors to participate in. Howard Cantor and judges also plan on attending.
Klifton Keplinger is Head Scoring Technician along with help from Lori Wallace. Charles Knight from Alegius Design is our website coordinator. Tony Pasquale will be there to help competitors prepare for the show along with tuning support and helping Larry with show coordination.
Concluding, Chijner relayed, “Without the help from ALL the participating Sponsors and continued support from the competitors this show could never happen. It is very important to Thank ALL the Sponsors by using their products and saying Thank you to them when you see them”
ALL the information on the show and participating sponsors can be seen on the website below.
Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show’s Feature Vehicle Program.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company, allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app, which displays each vehicle’s image, make, model, year, color, the products used as part of the build, the builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.
When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. The competition is judged by industry experts with top honors presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.
AURORA, CO (07.20.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its successful expansion in Colorado with the opening of its second store in the state.
Tint World Aurora, CO, owned by Ray Ruiz, provides customers throughout the Denver metropolitan area and central Colorado with premier automotive aftermarket services and accessories, including window tint, mobile electronics, audio and video equipment, paint protection films, and more.
“Tint World offers a comprehensive selection of best-in-class products and services to enhance performance, comfort, style, and safety,” Ruiz said. “The predictable, proven Tint World franchise model positions franchisees for immediate success by empowering them to deliver unique value and premium service for all categories of drivers and vehicle owners. And the range and depth of ongoing franchise service and support available truly set Tint World apart from the rest of the industry.”
Tint World Aurora, CO serves Aurora, Denver, Commerce City, Broomfield, Littleton, Lakewood, Strasburg, Parker, Bennett, Golden, and Thorton.
“Ray’s commitment to the Aurora community and to customers throughout the Denver area, combined with Tint World’s superior offerings, have set him up for sustained success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “His dedicated implementation of our franchise model shows that Tint World is a powerful opportunity for ambitious owners who share our values and mission.”
Tint World Aurora, CO is located at 3155 Chambers Road, Unit F, Aurora, Colorado 80011. To book an appointment, request a quote or find out more about Tint World’s products and services, call (720) 338-6677 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/co/aurora-107/.
MIAMI, FL (07.20.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio is pleased to introduce a new single DIN multi-media receiver with built in DSP. The NQ723BD features time alignment, 40-band EQ and 3D surround sound all in a compact single DIN chassis.
Additional features include: • 2.5-line 12 bit VA LCD display (Multi-color custom color choice) • Optical Output (rear Toslink port) • Detach face • AM/FM with RDS • Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming (2-phone full time connection) • Plays MP3, WMA, FLAC, ACC, WAV, APE (Lossless Music) Front USB 2.0 and 2A/5V phone charging • 3.5mm Front AUX in, Micro SD/TF slot (behind face) • Maximum Output Power: 50W x 4 (4V Front, Rear and Subwoofer RCA Outputs) • Downloadable Nak APP Control for IOS and Android phones • SWI-Steering Wheel Interface compatible (adapter required) • Includes IR remote control • Short chassis (182x53x115mm)
“The NQ723BD is in stock now for immediate shipment”, stated Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio, “The new 2.5 line VCA LCD multi-color display can be configured to match any interior and is extremely easy to read.”
Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance audio, unveils new aftermarket audio solutions purpose built for 2019+ RZR Pro XP 2 and 4-seat vehicles. Six aftermarket solutions are now shipping with the option of either a PMX source unit or a Ride Command interface, kitted as a Stage 4, 5, or 6 audio system.
The Stage-4 kit includes an AM/FM/WB digital media receiver with 2.5-inch color screen, 6.5-inch front speaker pods, 6.5-inch rear speaker cans, 1500-watt 5-channel amplifier, and 10-inch enclosed subwoofer. The Stage-5 adds a SiriusXM option and camera input to the source unit and upgrades to M2 speakers and subwoofer delivering more output and higher quality sound. For the ultimate pro audio experience, choose Stage-6 that includes the satellite radio option and camera input plus a serious step-up to 8-inch horn loaded rear speaker cans. The Ride Command kits feature the same speakers, amp, and subwoofer listed above but use the Ride Command unit as the audio source.
For extra bass response from Stage 4, 5, or 6 systems, Rockford Fosgate offers a second subwoofer solution for 4-seat vehicles. This 10-inch 400-watt subwoofer is designed to seamlessly integrate under the rear seat on the driver’s side.
All components of the kits are Element Ready to perform regardless of water, dirt, mud, or UV rays. The speakers and subwoofer feature Color Optix LED lighting customizable via the included lighting controller and optional Color Optix app.
The plug-n-play design of these systems ensures a simple installation, now Rockford has made it even more efficient by creating a layered packaging system that makes components easy to find in the order that you need them. Rockford has also produced a complete series of instructional videos for technicians to view either at rockfordfosgate.com or on Rockford’s YouTube channel.
HOLLY HILL, FL (07.19.22) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics has added to their RGB Chasing LED product lineup. Now shipping is a Chasing Halo LED 7″ Headlights and 4″ Fog Lights Kit with Pro Controller and a Chasing Blade Halo RGB LED 7″ Projector Headlights and 4″ Fog Lights Kit with Pro Controller. These new lighting products fit JeepWrangler JK & JL models 2007-Up* and Jeep Gladiator JT models 2020-Up*, and are designed to provide dramatic, colorful lighting with minimal installation time.
The JP-707RGBKT and JP-708RGBKT include everything an installer needs to upgrade to chasing halo RGB LED headlights and fog lights. Each package includes a pair of 7″ chasing RGB LED headlights, a pair of 4″ chasing LED fog lights, and a Pro Controller. There are two different types of headlights offered in these new kits to fit the luminosity and style preferences of the consumer. Durable polycarbonate lens covers make these lights an ideal solution for adventurous Jeep owners. Additionally, these lighting sets work with other Heise Chasing RGB lighting products, allowing an entire system to use the same app and remote.
JP-707RGBKT Chasing Halo LED 7“ Headlight Features:
Pair of 7″ headlights
50 watts each
Lumens: 4200lm (high beam), 3200lm (low beam)
Color temperature: 6500K
Material: Die-cast aluminum alloy housing
Lens: Polycarbonate
IP rating: IP68
Operating voltage: 10-32V
(2) H4 to H13 connectors included
Canbus decoders included
JP-708RGBKT Chasing Blade Halo RGB LED 7“ Projector Headlights Features:
Pair of 7″ projector headlights
55 watts each
Lumens: 8000lm (high beam), 6000lm (low beam)
Color temperature: 6500K
Material: Die-cast aluminum alloy housing
Lens: Polycarbonate
IP rating: IP68
Operating voltage: 10-32V
(2) H4 to H13 connectors included
Canbus decoders included
Fog Light Features:
Pair of 4″ LED fog lights
30 watts each
Lumens: 3600lm
Color temperature: 6500K
Material: Die-cast aluminum alloy housing
Lens: Polycarbonate
IP rating: IP68
Each of these kits includes Heise’s HE-CHASE-CB Pro Controller, specifically designed for use with Heise Chasing RGB products. It has two wireless control options; an included remote control or the free Pro RGB downloadable app for a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to change colors, sync to music, and more. A customer can easily group multiple controllers together through the app to add more chasing products.
Pro Controller Features:
Addressable LED controller
170+ color-changing patterns
Two independent zones for left and right turn signal functions
DIY pattern function
Music sync function
App controlled (Pro RGB app)
RF card remote included
These products are in stock and shipping now. RGB lights are for off-road use only, and not for use on public roads. Chasing RGB products are incompatible with other RGB or RGBW products and require a separate controller. *Some Jeep models may require additional brackets that are not included.
Visit MetraOnline.com for more information and for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.
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