Industry

RDV Automotive Announces 3 New Products to Enhance In-Vehicle Wireless Connectivity

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (06.01.22) – RDV Automotive Technology has announced the launch of 3 new products. The CP/AA-MIRROR, STREAMER and DROID are new products that are IN STOCK and SHIPPING from the RDV Warehouse in Florida.

CP/AA-MIRROR: GO WIRLESS! Converts wired CarPlay AND wired Android Auto to Wireless CarPlay AND Wireless Android Auto. Yes this will make Android Auto wireless! The CP/AA-MIRROR will also wirelessly mirror BOTH Android and IOS devices.

  • RAM 2GB / ROM 8GB / SIMPLE USB CONNECTION

STREAMER: Game changing product for Video Streaming! The STREAMER allows the user to watch any video streaming app on their factory* or aftermarket radio* and control it right from the OEM Touchscreen or TouchPad! No more using your phone to control your video apps! The STREAMER has an HDMI Output to provide HD Video to external monitors such as headrest or flip down monitors. This will also convert Wired CarPlay and Android Auto to wireless as it uses the OEM CarPlay input for display and control.

  • RAM 4GB / ROM 32GB / HDMI OUTPUT / ANDROID 11 / SIMPLE USB CONNECTION
    *COMPATIBLE WITH MOST OEM and AFTERMARKET RADIOS

DROID: Another game changing product! The DROID adds Wireless Android Auto to vehicles that have CarPlay ONLY and no Android Auto at all. The DROID fully integrates Wireless Android Auto to the OEM system, uses all of the OEM hardware, screen, microphone, OEM controls and provides a seamless solution for Android users that got left out by the car manufacturers in their pursuit of CarPlay only radios.

  • 4GB DDR3 (QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 8-CORE) / ROM 64GB / ANDROID 10″

For more info, visit RDVFL.com, email sales@rdvfl.com, or call 561-922-7747.

Automotive Entrepreneurs: Win a Business-Launching Prize Package

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.01.22) – Emerging entrepreneurs and innovators of new automotive products are invited to enter their companies and brand-new inventions into the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition at www.sema.org/launchpad.

SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry. Through the program, selected applicants are hand-picked to receive brand exposure, access to business resources, and the chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to launch their product or service into the marketplace.

“The automotive aftermarket is comprised of countless entrepreneurs who are extremely passionate about creating new products and providing solutions for enthusiastic car owners who love to modify, maintain, restore, or personalize their vehicles,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing. “SEMA Launch Pad helps bring these emerging inventors to the forefront, providing a platform for them to potentially take their new creations to the next level.”

Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.

SEMA Launch Pad is open to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO or vice president) over the age of 18. Applicants must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale.

Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by June 13, 2022.

A Visit to Santa Ynez Valley HS in CA for SEMA High School Vehicle Build

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SANTA YNEZ, CA (05.31.22) – Ramsey Consulting, with Todd Ramsey leading the way, visited Santa Ynez Valley Union High School (one of the schools in the SEMA HSVB program) on Friday May, 27th. “We met up with Gary Semerdjian, the automotive instructor, on their Toyota 4Runner build project, talked to students and presented some of the career path options in automotive for those students interested in that direction” Ramsey stated.

Gary Semerdjian, Greg Bunch and Todd Ramsey (L to R) give a big group thumbs up as they met Friday morning prior to meeting with the auto shop class members.

Continuing, Ramsey related, “I brought with me two other professionals who are also in the automotive aftermarket business. Greg Bunch, who owns six independent automotive repair shops in the Colorado Springs, CO area (Aspen Auto Clinic), was on the visit. He and I grew up together in Camarillo, CA where we both first got into cars. Also Armando “Mondo” Roland, who owns a car audio shop (Atlas Custom Sound) located just north in Santa Maria, CA, joined us. These two businessmen spoke directly to the needs of independent businesses looking to hire motivated and qualified individuals in their growing businesses. The session turned out very nicely. Greg’s spoke to a group of over 2 dozen auto shop class members. It was perfect for Gary’s automotive class at the school.”

Greg Bunch addressing the auto shop audience of over 20 students.

Ramsey concluded, “The fact that Mondo came in as a car audio retailer was sort of similar to when Ed Nuttall came in to my visit to the Mon Valley CTC class south of Pittsburgh. Mondo actually helped Gary with a couple electrical wiring and audio install-related tips as the schools 4Runner gets closer to its mid-September finish line. All in all, we had a very productive visit with Gary and his shop class at the Santa Ynez Valley High School.”

The Mon Valley CTC sent this Thank You to the SEMA HSVB team after Todd Ramsey’s recent visit to the school south of Pittsburgh. Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz retailer, accompanied Ramsey on the Mon Valley High School visit.

Ramsey’s firm provides services to SEMA and orchestrates visibility for the SEMA HSVB initiative.

Visit aspenautoclinic.com, ramseyconsultinggroup.com, atlascustomsound.com, and sema.org for more.

Tint World Announces State-of-the-Art Renovations at Loves Park Store

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LOVES PARK, IL (05.27.22) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the renovation and re-opening of its Love Park location serving Illinois’ second-largest metropolitan area.

Under owner Danny Shenko, Tint World Loves Park provides the greater Rockford area with premier automotive aftermarket accessories and styling and window-tinting services.

Owner Danny Shenko has renovated and reopened Tint World Loves Park to provide the greater Rockford area with premier automotive aftermarket accessories and styling and window-tinting services.

Shenko, Tint World’s 2017 Franchisee of the Year, has extensively renovated the location and installed state-of-the-art equipment to enhance Tint World’s industry-leading service and customer experience.

“I’m proud not only to expand Tint World’s presence in Illinois, but to offer this newly upgraded facility for customers and neighbors in the Loves Park and Rockford community,” Shenko said. “The effort and vision we’ve put into this space have transformed it into the ideal environment to experience Tint World’s comprehensive range of auto styling and performance products and services. It reflects our commitment to our community and Tint World’s dedicated support of the success of its franchisees.” 

Tint World Loves Park is located at 1510 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about what the store offers, call (815) 940-8000 or visit tintworld.com/locations/il/loves-park-055

“Danny has shown a passion for providing the best products and services to drivers and vehicle owners in the Loves Park and Rockford communities,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “This is his fourth Tint World location, and he and his teams are important parts of Tint World’s continuing success and growth.”

See the 12VoltSTP Tool at Work for Companies Across the US

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SHREVEPORT, LA (05.27.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

The images below show Boomin’Audio with Andy Teuscher at a USACi Event in Happy Valley UT, Jonathan Brothers conducting a Metra Training session at the SSR Distributors Show in Dallas and Pat Szeman during an Energie Sales call at LESCO in Orange City FL.  See even more @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook for more examples of the 12voltSTP Tool at work. To see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram. 

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

Competitors show their certificates at the Boomin’Audio USACi event in Happy Valley, UT Saturday May21st with Andy Teuscher at the meter.
Jonathan Brothers gives a big thumbs up in front of the standing room only Metra meeting he conducted at the SSR Distributors Dealer Show Sunday May 22nd.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send 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.

Pat Szeman gets a big thumbs up for the Energie 12v RGM Power Cell from Michael Bowman and Tad Bolt at the LESCO office in Orange City, FL.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry. To see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Android Auto Add On for CarPlay Only Equipped Vehicles

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CORONA, CA (05.26.22) – GCH Automotive Systems has announced the first ever ANDROID AUTO add on for vehicles ONLY EQUIPPED WITH CARPLAY.

This is the FIRST EVER system that will retain the CARPLAY experience and ADD ANDROID AUTO TO IT!

Greg Delgado related for GCH, “Although we know that APPLE products rule the car experience, we didn’t want to leave Android Clients high and dry! In fact, I myself am an Android guy! So we designed a plug and play, 10 second install solution, that works for any vehicle equipped with CARPLAY only. Some manufacturers like Honda and Toyota have released millions of vehicles with CARPLAY only so this device is a quick and profitable way to add it back in without stripping the vehicle or tearing the radio apart.”

Concluding, Delgado stated, “Simply plug the device in and you are on your way. These are in stock and shipping today!”

For more, call 951-847-5673 or visit gchauto.com

Indianapolis 500 Live on SiriusXM

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NEW YORK, NY (05.26.22) – SiriusXM, which airs live broadcasts of every NTT INDYCAR® SERIES race, announced today its on-track and off-track programming plans for the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

SiriusXM listeners will have access to the live call of the race from Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Sunday, May 29. Pre-race coverage begins at 11:00 am ET, with the green flag scheduled to start the race at approximately 12:45 pm ET, on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (SiriusXM channel 160) and NBC Sports Audio (SiriusXM channel 85). SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation will also air the Indianapolis 500 Carb Day Practice session on Friday at 11:00 am ET.

Leading up to race day, INDYCAR fans can also tune in to exclusive programming hosted by two of the drivers who will be competing in the 2022 Indianapolis 500 field on Sunday.

Two episodes of Brick by Brick, SiriusXM’s exclusive INDYCAR show hosted by 2004 series champion Tony Kanaan and Jack Arute, will air during Indianapolis 500 week. The show will air in its regular timeslot on Wednesday (7:00 – 8:00 pm ET) on the NBC Sports Audio channel. On Friday, Kanaan and Arute will host a special three-hour episode of the show from the SiriusXM set (1:00 – 4:00 pm ET) outside the Pagoda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the Carb Day festivities. Arute and Kanaan – who won the 2013 Indy 500 and will be competing in the race for the 21st time this weekend when he drives the No. 1 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing – will interview many of the drivers in the 2022 Indy 500 field. The show will air Saturday (1:00, 4:00 and 7:00 pm ET) and Sunday (8:00 am ET) on the NBC Sports Audio channel and throughout the weekend on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation.

Drivers James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi will host a new episode of their SiriusXM podcast, Off Track with Hinch and Rossi, this week. Hinchcliffe is a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner who has competed in the Indy 500 11 times. Rossi, a seven-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner, won the Indianapolis 500 in 2016 as the first American rookie to win at Indianapolis since 1928 and will be competing in the race for the 7th time when he drives the No. 27 Honda for Andretti Autosport. Off Track with Hinch and Rossi is available on all major podcast platforms, and it will air prior to Sunday’s race coverage on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation.

2021 Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will be competing to be the first driver in history to win a fifth Indy 500 title. SiriusXM will be along for the ride on his historic #drivefor5 as the co-title sponsor of the No. 06 AutoNation/SiriusXM Honda he drives for Meyer Shank Racing. SiriusXM will also co-sponsor the No. 60 Indy car driven by his MSR teammate, 2019 Indy 500 winner and 2016 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Simon Pagenaud.

SiriusXM’s BPM channel will broadcast from the Indy 500 Snake Pit and air performances by Steve Aoki and more. The performances will air on Monday, May 30 on BPM (SiriusXM channel 51).

The SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation, NBC Sports Audio and BPM channels are available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM radios, the SXM App, and with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream at home. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s audio trials and most popular plans.

SiriusXM’s Listen Free event runs from May 26 through June 6, so everyone can listen to the SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel and SiriusXM’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500. During the Listen Free event, anyone can turn on an inactive satellite radio and listen to more than 100 SiriusXM channels for free, with no credit card required.

Go to www.siriusxm.com/listenfreeinfo to learn more.

SoundShield Welcomes Rob Kowatch As Sales Manager

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ANCHORAGE, AK (05.25.22) — SoundShield has announced that Robert Kowatch is joining the company as Sales Manager. Kowatch will be responsible for enhancing frequency of the company’s outreach to retailers as well as conduct sales training efforts to convey the merits of SoundShield products on the sales floor.

John Schwartz, CEO of SoundShield and Perfectionist Auto Sound said “Rob is currently our Sales Manager at Perfectionist. He and I discussed his interest in growing his career path so we both felt taking on the Sales Manager role at SoundShield was a great fit.” Kowatch will continue his duties at Perfectionist as the SoundShield sales training efforts and dealer outreach gets underway. These efforts will be over the phone, via Zoom, in-person store visits and, of course, trade shows such as the upcoming SEMA Show in November 2022.

Kowatch comes to the role with deep experience in sales, having started in the 12 Volt industry in 1998. He participated in various sales training platforms within that time and arrived at Perfectionist Auto Sound in 2015. What Kowatch said really got him dialed in with focus and intent for his process was his attending the Grant Cardone University for Sales Training courses. “It moved me off of being naturally a good sales person to actively building a client pipeline so that I was top-of-mind whenever people thought about audio, remote starter or other vehicle upgrades.” He has specific processes in place on presenting and selling noise control and sound deadening that will be the basis on which he builds SoundShield’s sales training efforts for their existing retail partners, as well as pursuing outreach strategies to new dealers.

To his credit, Kowatch’s hard work in the front end of a successful retail store garnered him top honors at the Mobile Electronics Awards earlier this year in Las Vegas, Nevada by winning Sales Pro of the Year. “Winning that award was an incredible honor” said Kowatch. He has since appeared on multiple industry podcasts and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Mobile Electronics Magazine. “This and all of his other ascents in the sales professional calling makes him an ideal fit for SoundShield’s Sales Manager” added SoundShield CEO Schwartz.

Rob Kowatch can be reached at 907-563-8112 or rob@soundshieldusa.com.

To learn more about SoundShield, check out the range of newest products and see updated dealer profiles, please visit www.soundshieldusa.com.

Stacey David Joins DEI on Hot Rod Power Tour

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AVON LAKE, OH (05.25.22) – This year’s Hot Rod Power Tour is heading south again, and Stacey David from hit shows “GearZ” and “Restoration Series” will join DEI during day two of the tour at Nashville

“Having Stacey in our booth is an especially perfect pairing in Music City,” Steve Garrett of DEI said. “Since he used to play guitar professionally in Nashville, ‘Cars and Guitars’ have a special connection for a lot of people, and David’s work reflects that. Fans can meet Stacey and get an autograph.”

Known as “America’s Gearhead,” David has decades of experience custom building and restoring cars and working in hot rod shops. You may remember some of his memorable custom vehicles like Copperhead, The V8 Interceptor, or Sgt. Rock. He has a solid reputation for his mechanical abilities and fabrication skills, but he doesn’t just build good cars – he shows people how to build cars and trucks that are cool.

Basically, he’s the guy you want to help you with your automotive project.

Stacey David

The 28th Hot Rod Power Tour is a chance for hot rod and car enthusiasts to get together, celebrate cars and car culture, and drive across part of the country. A multi-city event, one of the highlights is of course taking the scenic route on some of America’s country roads from one city to the next. DEI will be on site at each stop along the way.

Last year, more than 3,500 cars ventured through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois for the tour. This year’s event starts in Tennessee and winds approximately 1,000 miles across Alabama and Florida before finishing in Georgia.

Stacey David

Here is this year’s route and schedule:

Superspeedway for a special appearance at 11 am on June 14th.

Day 1: Monday, June 13 – Liberty Park, Memphis, Tennessee.
Day 2: Tuesday, June 14 – Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tennessee.
Day 3: Wednesday, June 15 – Hoover Met Complex, Hoover, Alabama.
Day 4: Thursday, June 16 – Pensacola Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida.
Day 5: Friday, June 17 – Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Georgia.

Visit designengineering.com for more.

Rich De Sclafani Launches RDV Automotive Technology

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (05.24.22) – Rich De Sclafani is extremely proud to announce the formation of RDV Automotive Technology. De Sclafani, the owner of RDV has started this new company with his focus on providing top notch service and support for a variety of niche 12volt products, sold only through authorized dealers.

RDV will initially focus on fully integrated, vehicle specific Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto interfaces that work through the factory controls, Backup Camera Interfaces, OEM fit Handle Cameras, Video Streaming Interfaces and Interfaces that convert Wired CarPlay and Android Auto to Wireless.

FROM RICH: “I could not be happier to start this new chapter of my career with my own company! I am soo incredibly thankful for all of the support from the whole 12volt industry. I am especially grateful for all of the retailers, reps, distributors and friends that have stuck by me all these years and never stopped supporting me. There are truly no words to express my gratitude towards everyone and the love and passion I have for this industry. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! I am also extremely happy, excited and proud to have both my daughters Karina and Angelina working with me to grow and build this company together. I look forward to growing and evolving the company over time to become the top.”

CURRENT PRODUCT LINE:

  • Wireless CarPlay / Wireless Android Auto Interfaces
  • Backup Camera Interfaces
  • OEM Handle Cameras
  • Video Streaming / Phone Mirroring Interfaces
  • Wired to Wireless CarPlay AND Android Auto

ABOUT US: RDV Automotive Technology is a manufacturing and distribution company of 12volt electronics based in Pompano Beach, Fl. We handle all warehousing, sales and technical support for RDV products.

THE OWNER: Rich De Sclafani has been in the automotive electronics industry for over 25 years. Starting his career as an installer, specializing in wiring and circuitry. Since starting his career, De Sclafani has held almost every position in 12volt automotive electronics. He has worked and managed both retail stores and dealer expeditor companies. Also on the wholesale and manufacturing side De Sclafani has held such positions as sales, technical support, test engineer, sales manager, technical support manager, product trainer and Vice President for the top companies in the OEM Integration category for the last 15 years.

WHY BUY FROM US: Our goal is to provide the best possible support and products available! We are the go-to company for the type of integration products we sell. We only offer the highest quality products that we guarantee and stand behind 100%. We offer live sales and technical support for all of our products, you can actually call and speak with someone. We have a network of authorized dealers across North and South America. We are a US based company located in Pompano Beach, Florida and we provide all support and shipping from our Florida location.

SHIPPING INFORMATION: We ship Monday-Friday, we process and ship all orders placed before 5pm EST. that same day from our warehouse in Pompano Beach, Florida. We use UPS as our primary shipping method.

Visit www.rdvfl.com for more.