DETROIT, MI (12.30.2020) – Tesla’s are aspirational vehicles for many because they can be super fast, drive by themselves with supervision for short periods of time and they’re the first viable daily driver EV that is kind of affordable in the U.S.
However, it’s also the irreverence that CEO Elon Musk continues to infuse the Model S, 3, X and Y with that also makes them appealing. Being able to watch movies, play games or even enjoy a fire (or at least a looped video of one) while you’re in the vehicle is just icing on the cake.
Tesla’s latest update for its vehicles allows some of them to fart at passersby.
Now, the California-based EV leader is looking to share his innate silliness enjoyed by owners with people outside the vehicle with a new feature called “Boombox.” Part of the latest vehicle update package, it allows owners to download up to five sounds that drivers can use to “honk” at passersby — and yes, a fart noise is one of them.
The engineers patch these sounds through a small speaker in the front of the vehicle, which already emits a low whirring sound designed to inform pedestrians that a Tesla EV is nearby. Unfortunately, this speaker only arrived in 2019 or new model year Teslas.
In addition to passing gas at people on the street, you can bah like a goat, applaud, play the song “La Cucaracha” as well as other sounds. Once you load the noises of your choice into the system, drivers only need to hit the horn to brighten people’s day with applause as they walk down the sidewalk.
Using the massive touchscreen, Tesla owners can set up their 2019 or new vehicles to play music outside like the ice cream man or for a tailgate.
There are a few “restrictions.” The sounds are deactivated while the vehicle is in motion so the only sounds coming out of the speaker is the aforementioned whirring noise or the regular horn so the driver to express dismay, alarm, anger or some other necessary warning to others on the road.
However, since there are no rules on what sound must come from the vehicle to warn pedestrians of that an EV is in the area, the system can be set up to play downloaded noises continuously. The siren from a fire truck, ambulance or police car, although appealing, is not an option here. The speaker can also be used to stream music while parked as events like tailgates, picnics, etc.
PITTSBURG, PA (12.29.2020) – Team Nutz is a very proactive 12volt and automotive aftermarket retailer in Pittsburgh PA.
With the Holiday Season approaching Team Nutz purchased a 22’ tall inflatable, lighted Nutcracker to place in front of the company’s store to grab attention from people driving down the busy street. The Nutcracker was put in place right after Thanksgiving.
This creative Team Nutz post wished all on social media Merry Christmas.
Nina and Ed Nuttall related “It gets dark early this time of the year. People can see the lighted Nutcracker from a couple blocks away. We will leave up until the New Years and then put it away until the Holiday Season 2021.”
The 22’ tall Nutcracker, with alternating red and green lights, grabbed attention from blocks away on the street.
Legend has it the Nutcracker represents power, strength and service like a trusty watch dog guarding a family from evil spirits and danger. The Nutcracker also serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and good will.
Santa Bob Jones is flanked by Nina and Ed Nuttall by the Team Nutz front door.
The Nutcracker, with alternating red and green lights, attracted many families to stop outside and take a family Christmas photo. “It was great to see families stopping for a photo. While taking the photo they certainly had a chance to see all we offer at Team Nutz” Ed Nuttall offered.
This image shows the height of the 22’ Nutcrackers out front at Team Nutz.
On Thursday, the day before Christmas, Santa was in the house. Bob Jones, area sales representative for Davis Distribution, dressed as Santa paid a visit to Team Nutz.
Collen Gregory, Natasha Davis and Doug Macher (LtoR) with masks on are pictured behind the sales counter on the Team Nutz showroom floor.
Jones related “I like putting on the Santa suit and seeing people smile at Christmas time. On Thursday I visited a few dealers and spent some time on their sales floors. Team Nutz is a very good customer and I enjoyed spending time with their team and thanking them for their business.”
The team of Tom Mays, Ben Bjerknes, Chris Adams and Ian Spochacz has been very busy in the install bay at Team Nutz.
Over the past several weeks Team Nutz staff members have redoubled their efforts via social media channels to showcase their products and services. Team Nutz also offers a selection of PPE products as well as services area auto dealerships and construction companies with a variety of services.
DALLAS, TX (12.29.2020) – Nemesis Audio, maker of competition speakers and amplifiers since 2014, is shipping a new 33″ Competition Subwoofer. The subwoofer which falls under the “Team Nemesis”Category Line, packs a whopping 10,000W RMS Power, and comes with a 6” Flat Wire Voice Coil.
The new Nemesis 33” subwoofer tops 100 pounds and is pictured at the company’s Dallas TX HQ.
To help attendees navigate the unique all-digital experience of CES 2021, a live anchor desk will be part of the show — featuring familiar faces from the tech media world. This central command will help attendees explore the show, hear the latest news and view interviews on critical tech topics.
Featured anchors: Justine Ezarik (iJustine) — Host and Tech Content Creator Rich DeMuro — Tech reporter for KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles Naomi Kyle — Actress, Producer and host of Star Trek’s The Ready Room on CBS Brian Tong — Tech Host & Content Creator Your go-to home base during the show, return to the main page on the digital venue at any point to hear from these anchors and find out what to see next.
Start connecting with fellow attendees, exploring speakers and exhibitors, and customizing your show.
The CES 2021 Keynote lineup includes: Mary Barra, Chairman and CEO, General Motors Corie Barry, Best Buy, CEO; Alan Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Media (USA) Corporation Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group; Michael E. Kassan, Chairman and CEO, MediaLink Doug McMillon, CEO, Walmart Michael Miebach, President and CEO-Elect, Mastercard; Julie Sweet, CEO, Accenture; Daniel Roth, Editor-in-Chief, LinkedIn News Brad Smith, President, Microsoft Dr. Lisa Su, President and CEO, AMD Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO, Verizon
SHREVEPORT, LA (12.28.2020) – WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Four weeks ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
Click to view on instagram.com/12voltnews
The week of December 20th, 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 108th time. “It’s always fun to go into the studio, place the camera on the tripod, call out the brands on the wheel and spin the wheel. Pulling out the winning retailer’s slip from the jar is sure to bring a smile to the winning retailer’s face” the Spin operator related.
Click to view on instagram.com/12voltnews
In today’s crazy ‘Robo Call’ world from time to time dealers hang up then told they are the weekly Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner. Following up in other ways always works.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Click to view on instagram.com/12voltnews
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ and the latest winner Duke’s Car Stereo. Congratulations to all.
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WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. With New Years falling on Friday, we will move the 109th Wheel Spin to Thursday, December 31st.
LONG BEACH, CA (12.24.2020) – The end of 2020 is finally here. While the economy continues to recover, growth is slowing as COVID-19 cases rise across the country. There is still significant uncertainty moving into 2021 that makes it difficult to predict the long-term economic outlook, but there is optimism as vaccines are beginning to roll out.
A key bright spot in the economic recovery has been the auto sector, which has outpaced many other industries. Overall, the auto industry has brought nearly 80% of the jobs it has lost over the last year.
Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll find:
Overall Economic Outlook
New Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
Consumer Sentiment and Spending
Economic Growth and Unemployment
Other Important Industry Insights
Download the December “SEMA Industry Indicators” report for free today at www.sema.org/research.
HOLLY HILL, FL (12.23.2020) – Metra Electronics has a universal floating mount kit and three new dash kits now available. These dash kits were introduced at SEMA360 and are now in stock.
The 107-UN02 is a universal floating mount engineered exclusively for the Pioneer Modular Solutions DMH-C2500NEX and DMH-C2500NEX 6.8-inch touchscreen in-dash receivers*. The 107-UN02 is designed to “float” the modular Pioneer touchscreen display panel in front of a vehicle’s original radio location using a series of included brackets, plus provide the ability to easily mount the Pioneer hide-away chassis into the radio/pocket location of more than 250 existing Metra Double-DIN kits for 1990 to current vehicle applications. This patent-pending solution completely encases the touchscreen display panel and works similar to Metra’s existing 108-UN02 and 109-UN02 floating mount kits for Pioneer. A vehicle-specific Double-DIN Metra dash kit, sold separately, is required for use with the 107-UN02.
Two new dash kits for 2011-2016 Mini Countryman and Mini Paceman models without the factory navigation are also in stock and shipping. The 107-MI1 is designed specifically for the 6.8-inch modular Pioneer receivers, the DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX*.
The 108-MI1 is designed specifically for the Pioneer 8-inch DMH-C550NEX modular receiver*. Since there is limited space within the vehicle’s dashboard that is too small to fit a standard Double-DIN radio, Metra has solved this obstacle by utilizing the same design from the 107-UN02 to “float” the Pioneer touchscreen in the factory radio location. Both kits include a blank-out for the factory radio controls that are removed from the upper panel and have a patent-pending design. The high polished processing on these kits provides a look that’s similar to both the aftermarket radio and the vehicle’s factory finish.
Also available from Metra is the 95-7020 dash kit. This kit is for an ISO Double-DIN radio provision and designed to fit 2018-2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES models. It has high polished processing to give a gloss plastic look to match both the aftermarket radio and factory finish.
AVON LAKE, OH (12.23.2020) – Racers, car builders and project vehicle creators looking for a leg up on the competition can apply to be part of the Team DEI 2021 Sponsorship Program.
Design Engineering, Inc. offers products and support to all corners of the automotive aftermarket, from motorsports competitors to custom car creators. Rewarding quality and performance, Team DEI members over the years have included Street Machine and Hot Rod of the Year honorees, Barrett-Jackson Cup winners, national and international driver and rider champions, and world-class builders.
“Team DEI isn’t just a sponsorship – it’s an elite group of the best of the best,” said Will Farkas, Sponsorship Coordinator for DEI. “Our heat and sound control products are second-to-none, and we are always looking for quality builders, top race teams and exciting vehicles to sponsor.”
What does a Team DEI Sponsorship mean for you?
The highest-quality products for improved performance
High-profile coverage through DEI’s social media & marketing outlets
Elite partnership opportunities, with full product & technical support
In return, sponsored partners will be expected to showcase the performance and quality of DEI products, help to increase brand awareness and loyalty, and provide high-quality content for the company’s marketing initiatives.
Getting started is easy. Applicants are asked to fill out an application form and email it to sponsorship@designengineering.com with all necessary supporting documentation.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.22.2020) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the iLX-F411 Alpine Halo11 Multimedia Receiver with an 11-inch floating touchscreen display. The Alpine Halo11 is the culmination of the Alpine Halo platform.
The Largest Display on the Market Since the first Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309 display in 2018, the Alpine Halo display platform has made waves in the industry for its oversized screen, “floating” display, and versatile installation. The sleek, tapered edges outlined in silver trim, along with the smartphone integration technology, modernizes the technology in any dash that can house a single-DIN receiver.
Not resting on their laurels, Alpine Electronics decided to go big in 2020 and create the largest aftermarket display on the market with the 11-inch iLX-F411 Alpine Halo11 Multimedia Receiver. The 11-inch display has 49% more surface area than the 9-inch display, with larger icons and a user experience that replicates a smartphone.
While the iLX-F411 is larger, the display still maintains the same versatility as the other Alpine Halo displays with a mount that allows the display to be positioned in such a way that it won’t block HVAC controls.
The Best of the Alpine Halo Platform When it comes to customer needs, Alpine keeps its finger on the pulse. The iLX-F411 is the culmination of everything customers love about the Alpine Halo platform, including three customizable home screens, media expandability with HDMI connectivity, and iDatalink Maestro Module compatibility.
Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming allow access to music, texts, phone calls, and maps on a smartphone via USB or smartphone connection and controlled through touch or voice commands with the included external microphone.
SiriusXM Radio is available with an optional tuner and paid subscription for even more music and entertainment.
System Compatibility Upgrading dash technology can often result in a loss of factory controls, like steering wheel controls and access to engine codes. The iLX-F411 is compatible with the iDatalink Maestro Module (sold separately) so vehicle information is retained and displayed on the large, 11-inch screen.
A reverse RCA camera input is included to add a rearview camera (sold separately) that overlays guidelines onto the camera image when in reverse. More cameras can be added with the KCX-C2600B Universal Front and Rear Camera Selector (sold separately).
While the iLX-F411 is mech-less (no CD/DVD player) an HDMI input and output is included to connect a CD, DVD player, or even a smartphone for an all-digital audio and video connection through a single cable.
Also new to the Alpine Halo platform is the KTX-HF11 Anti-Reflective Screen Protector, designed to shield the iLX-F411 from oils and dirt that can come from fingerprints. The KTX-HF11 is designed to follow the curves of the screen for a direct fit that keeps the screen looking new.
The iLX-F411 and KTX-HF11 are now shipping for $999.95 and $29.95, respectively, and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers or online at www.alpine-usa.com through Crutchfield. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
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