New ZZ-2 Product Converts Factory Wired to Wireless CarPlay in Seconds

ZZAIR-CP is the new addition of convenience to your vehicle, converting factory wired CarPlay into a wireless connection in seconds. Don’t take your phone our fo pocket anymore, make it wireless with ZZAIR-CP

ZZAIR-CP converts factory wired to wireless CarPlay in seconds. (Car MUST be equipped with factory wire CarPlay.)

For your convenience, ZZ-2 added the ZZAIR-CP to our line of products to provide a better experience with the factory wired CarPlay system. In seconds you will be able to get the most out of CarPlay without taking your iPhone out of your pocket. Simple to use, plug and play, and the best part, no more wire.

Ditch the cable, unlocking the full potential of your iPhone.

Click to visit the ZZAIR-CP product page.

Contact ZZ-2 at 929-220-1212 or email us at sales@zz-2.com for pricing or more information about our products.

Industry Shows Strong Support for SEMA360

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.21.2020) – The specialty equipment aftermarket industry is ready to come together for SEMA360, the new online event taking place Nov. 2-6, 2020, that will allow industry professionals to connect and conduct much-needed business.

More than 650 manufacturers will headline SEMA360 with a Showcase page at the event, which was created by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as an alternative after announcing that the in-person SEMA Show would not take place in Las Vegas in 2020.

“The automotive specialty equipment industry has a history of successfully pivoting to meet market needs and finding innovative solutions to accomplish a goal,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Given that the year 2020 has been filled with challenges and uncertainty, the industry is hungry for a platform where they can get together and focus on doing business. SEMA360 is the ideal solution for companies that want to connect and discover what’s new in the market – whether it’s racing and performance, trucks and off-road, hot rod and restoration or collision and tools. Manufacturers from every segment are participating and they have lots of news to share.”

Open exclusively to the industry and not to the general public, SEMA360 is designed to make it easy and efficient for attendees to see new trends and products, meet directly with manufacturers, hear from industry leaders and experts and engage in conversations. The exclusive features in SEMA360 will allow buyers to:

  • Connect with more than 650 industry-leading manufacturers
  • Explore more than 2,200 products in the New Products Showcase
  • See more than 300 unique builds in the Builders Showcase
  • Choose from more than 30 education seminars to attend
  • Witness the winner announcements of the Launch Pad and Battle of the Builders competitions
  • Access manufacturer press conferences, celebrity interviews, and breaking news

Additionally, more than 100 companies that have never exhibited at the SEMA Show have signed up to showcase their products at SEMA360, providing new business opportunities for buyers.

SEMA360 will feature more than 650 manufacturers from every market segment connecting with attendees from throughout the world.

Buyers and attendees are encouraged to register now to secure their credentials in time for SEMA360. The fee is $25 for qualified buyers who are not SEMA members, and the fee is waived for buyers who are SEMA members.

“Attending SEMA360 is a great return on investment for buyers who want to stay on top of the latest trends, products, and technology coming into market,” said Gattuso. “It’s the only event where they’ll be able to interact and engage with hundreds of companies and see thousands of new products from the comfort of their home or office.”

To register for SEMA360 or for more information, visit www.SEMA360.com. To see the list of participating manufacturers, log on to www.sema360.com/manufacturer-list.html

Shopmonkey Teams with Tint World to Maximize Franchisee Operations

SAN JOSE, CA (10.21.2020) – Shopmonkey, a San Jose, California-based software company serving the automotive industry, and Tint World Automotive Styling Centers have announced an enterprise partnership that equips Tint World franchisees with the leading auto shop management software to maximize efficiency and customer experience while positioning Shopmonkey to continue its rapid growth and innovation.

“Shopmonkey is transforming the auto service industry,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We recognized an opportunity to support our franchisees with technology that will allow them to streamline their operations, giving them more time to focus on delivering the high-quality products and service that Tint World is known for.”

With Shopmonkey’s cloud-based shop management software, franchise owners at 80 Tint World locations across the United States can increase revenue and streamline daily tasks by automating scheduling, inventory, payment processing and communications in one platform. Shopmonkey’s intuitive interface and clean design ensure optimal user experience and minimize training and onboarding.

“Tint World’s success is built on ensuring a world-class customer experience by providing franchisees with the industry’s best training and operations tools,” said Ashot Iskandarian, CEO and founder of Shopmonkey. “This is an opportunity for us to help them maintain the highest standard of franchisee support and continue the growth and expansion that the company has enjoyed to date and into the future.”

Shopmonkey’s shop management software simplifies all the complexities of running an auto shop business onto a single platform. The company, which announced in August that it raised $25 million in Series B capital, helps shops run, understand and grow their business with easy-to-use software that consolidates tools, saves time, and streamlines their entire operation while improving communication across the board.

“With Shopmonkey, we’re providing Tint World franchisees one of the auto accessory industry’s most innovative and effective tools,” said Jeff Stark, COO of Tint World. “We’re confident that this partnership offers our franchisees extraordinary benefits that are easy to implement and will deliver immediate returns.”

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto and marine accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheel and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection film, 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.

Visit www.shopmonkey.io and www.tintworld.com for more.

VAIS Tech Presenting at SEMA 360

ENGLEWOOD, CO (10.20.2020) – VAIS Technology, a Colorado based manufacturer of audio, video, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM and SEER convenience integration will be presented at SEMA360

EVP, Dennis Hopper comments: VAIS Technology will be presenting and discussing all its integration devices. SiriusXM integration for vehicles from 2004-2021. There will be live presentations on the operational and customization of the award-winning SEER proximity-based integration. SEER allows proximity-based control of all electronics in a vehicle such as hands-free locking, unlocking, triggering lights, audible and visual confirmations. There are round tables where dealers can come in and see live videos from the VAIS team. Check out and sign up on the SEMA360 website.

About VAIS Technology: Founded in 2003, VAIS Technology offers a wide variety of OEM factory radio upgrades, including SiriusXM add-on adapters, kits for adding a Bluetooth music streaming through a factory radio and SEER proximity devices. VAIS Technology currently offers products for most automotive brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Jeep, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mazda, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, VW and more. All VAIS Technology products are built to OEM standards and are designed to offer seamless functionality for best user experience. VAIS Technology products come with one-year warranty and do not affect OEM warranties.

Visit vaistech.com for more.

SiriusXM Completes Acquisition of Stitcher

NEW YORK, NY (10.20.2020) – Sirius XM Holdings Inc. has announced that it has completed its acquisition of Stitcher and is moving forward as the premier full-service platform for podcast creators, publishers, and advertisers.

With this acquisition, SiriusXM adds Stitcher, a longtime pioneer in podcasting, to its leading audio entertainment platform. Alongside Pandora, Simplecast and AdsWizz, Stitcher strengthens SiriusXM’s position in this fast-growing area. By combining Stitcher’s leading programming and advertising networks with SiriusXM’s existing suite of hosting and ad technology tools, the Company expands its pre-eminent position in digital audio advertising while generating new ways for creators to find and connect with a broader audience.

stitcher.com

Jim Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of SiriusXM, said, “We are deepening our position in podcasting, the fastest-growing sector in digital audio, and with completion of this transaction, our vision is taking shape. With Stitcher and its varied assets, we are now a one-stop shop able to meet the needs of podcast creators, publishers and advertisers, while also providing listeners with access to great shows, series and programming.”

To advance a powerful and coordinated content strategy, Erik Diehn, CEO of Stitcher, will report directly to Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer of SiriusXM, who also oversees content at Pandora. To help advertisers efficiently and effectively reach their customers across the largest digital audio ecosystem, Sarah van Mosel, Stitcher’s Chief Revenue Officer, will report directly to John Trimble, Chief Advertising Revenue Officer of SiriusXM.

Meyer added, “On behalf of everyone at SiriusXM, we are thrilled to welcome Erik, Sarah, and all of the other talented Stitcher employees to our team. We look forward to working with them as we continue delivering the best listening experiences in audio entertainment and enhancing stockholder value.”

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

The Mobile Electronics Syndicate to Go Public to the Industry

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (10.19.2020) – The Mobile Electronics Syndicate (MES) is now going industry public by offering membership services as well as Manufacture sponsor packages. The launch date is set on Friday 11/27/2020. If for any reason you are currently not a member of the MES and are an industry professional, Please make sure to send us a request to join the Facebook group (Mobile Electronics Syndicate) as well as follow our website at mesfamily.com for continued updates and details.  

 The MES is the Largest Private 12-volt group that exists. We have 4.5K Member’s and growing. We are now offering a multitude of services for our members to grow their business as well as skill set and save time and stress on many platforms of 12volt retail sales, Installation & Fabrication.

Ethan Blau (L) and Ata Ehdaivand, MES Directors, shown hosting a presentation at a previous industry event.

“If Joe & Jane’s Car Stereo shop wants to learn more about branding, advertising, closing, financials, the back end of the business or anything tech related, we would love to be able to help them.  There are a lot of people willing to spend many hours a week to make their business better and more successful that may not know how to implement it or pull the trigger so to speak”. Ata Ehdaivand- Director

All MES Family members receive access to a vehicle fit guide that incorporates car audio products from many suppliers as well as many categories.  Instead of a salesperson or technician looking up an amplifier on one vendor site and subwoofer on another, or a wiring harness of three major manufacturers or a vehicle dash kit, or even remote start modules and immobilizer bypass modules,  They can now consult a single fit guide for the customer’s vehicle all in one place with the Correct information that is updated on a daily or even hourly basis. The fit guide is sponsored by various manufacturers.  Right now, a salesperson may have to go to 8-10 websites to find all the products that the 12v-Dashboard lists for the clients wants and needs. When you would spend 15 to 20 minutes of time looking up many aspects of products & install parts/types you can now go to one website and spend 2 minutes accomplishing the same tasks. With the fit guide, a rookie sales professional can feel comfortable and confident to quote a job and or an install on day one, and accurately at that.

The association will also offer a Certification Program for sales professionals as well as technicians, consisting of online tests written by our MECP Master tech as well as contributions from the top industry veterans and vendors. Dealers will receive a certificate upon passing these tests to get MES Certified. Not only can these dealers & techs hang these very professional plaques on the store wall, but there will be a website for consumers to see who is certified as well as a great selling tool and conversational piece.  This Certification Program can help sales professionals and technicians achieve the next level in their careers.

The MES Family will also offer YouTube instructional videos on business & Tech training. We are not a buying group although we will provide member discounts on expenses including health care, rental cars, office supplies and vacations. MES Family will also offer marketing services and Social media/Website graphics for Holidays, seasonal promotions, hot selling items, or even a custom one catered to your needs.  The Graphics will be customized to each store logo.

We are excited to have our sponsoring vendors announce their support for the MES Family at launch.  Some companies have already joined and fully signed on board, including Metra Electronics, Modern Media Geeks, and retail display companies 5-Axis and Audiostak.

As of now Board Members as well as the Admin team are only being compensated through the services of the Group. For example, they may receive the POS software at no cost as well as the 12VDashboard. We want to point out that many retailers, techs, and 12-volt professionals are already giving hours of their time to the Mobile Electronics Syndicate without any compensation. We want to point that out for the simple fact that we love what we do and want to help you as well as continually grow this amazing industry.

The MES Family will also publish a newsletter once a month that talks about the latest industry news, products and problem solving or even national events like COVID-19.  It will include a Technician Talk & Sales Talk that may also become part of a YouTube video series.

The Mobile Electronics Syndicate has been an industry Facebook group with 4,500 Plus members and growing, that first launched on November 3rd. of 2016.  This news article supplied by the Mobile Electronics Syndicate.

Visit mesfamily.com or the Mobile Electronics Syndicate Facebook group for more.

Contact the following Board of Directors for inquiries via email at:

Ethan@mesfamily.com

Eric@mesfamily.com

Ata@mesfamily.com

Tint World Expands to Iowa with Newest Location

URBANDALE, IA (10.19.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of a new location in Urbandale, Iowa, under the ownership of local entrepreneurs Earl and Shirley Macleod. This location is the first of three under the Macleod’s ownership, and the franchise’s first center in the state.

The sun is shining in Urbandale, IA as Tint World opens.

“We are happy to bring a great franchise like Tint World to Iowa and our local community,” Earl Macleod said. “Tint World allows us to bring quality auto styling services to the citizens of Urbandale in a way they haven’t seen before.”

The showroom in the new Tint World Urbandale location features outstanding product displays.

Tint World Urbandale will provide a full range of automotive styling and safety services including automotive tint, automotive paint protection film, vehicle wraps, ceramic coating, mobile electronics, advanced driver-assistance systems, car stereo upgrades, work truck upfitting, and residential and commercial window film installation.

“The new Iowa location allows us to continue our rapid expansion throughout the United States, and we believe Earl and Shirley Macleod have the passion to make it a success,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They will be great additions to the Tint World family.” 

Visit tintworld.com for more.

New Dash Kits for Nissan Sentra 2020-Up Models Now Shipping from Metra Electronics

HOLLY HILL, FL (10.16.2020) – Metra Electronics is shipping new dash kits for 2020-up* Nissan Sentra models. The 99-7638 dash kit is for a Single-DIN radio provision with a pocket while the 95-7638 is designed for specific Double-DIN modular radios.

The 95-7638 fits radios which have an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen, like the Alpine iLX-207. This kit is also compatible with Pioneer’s 6.8” modular radios and has special brackets included for installation of the Pioneer DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX touchscreen in-dash receivers.

Both of these dash kits are painted with a gloss black face, silver trim, and textured housing to match the factory finish. They are made in the U.S.A. and available now from Metra Electronics.

Visit metraonline.com for more.

Create Your Own Heat Shield with DEI’s New Form-A-Barrier Kits

AVON LAKE, OH (10.16.2020) – Looking for a custom automotive heat blocker? Why not create your own with Form-A-Barrier heat shields from Design Engineering, Inc.

The lightweight, formable rigid barriers provide excellent thermal protection up to 1,300°F with a minimal gap of 1 inch to the heat source, and mechanically fasten with pins, screws or bolts to stay firmly in place.

“Form-A-Barrier can be formed or bent by hand to conform to odd shapes,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Racers and builders can use them for an infinite number of applications, including firewalls, interiors, engines and other areas and many non-automotive applications.”

Form-A-Barrier is constructed of a high temperature rated foam material in between sheets of heat reflective thin dimpled aluminum. Offered in 12″x12″ (#011002) square sheet and new 12”x24” (#011013) rectangle sheet, Form-A-Barrier is resistant to most automotive lubricants and chemicals. Additionally, the Form-A-Barrier is available in custom sizes up to 45” x 75” as a special order, making it a great solution for any size project.

For more information about bendable Form-A-Barrier kits and DEI’s complete line of vehicle heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.

Bumpboxx Now Available in MINKS States

PAPILLION, NE (10.15.2020) Things are about to get LOUD in the MINKS states with ROCK-N-REV SALES now offering BUMPBOXX !  Rep firm owner Jeff (Boody) Budin announced Monday that with his distribution partner they now have all sizes and colors IN STOCK.

Jeff Budin headed down to the lake with a BUMPBOXX on his shoulder.

“I’m so stoked about this” explained Budin “Bumpboxx was a line I been after for about 3 years and now with a solid distribution partner it’s finally going down.  The first run of inventory shot out the door and several 12-VOLT shops had instant success.  I’m happy to say we now have every model and every color in stock and ready to serve dealers in the MINKS.”   

One of the instant success stories came from Nate Gibson at ACCESS AUDIO in Ft Dodge, IA. 

“I saw a fit for our store right away when Boody announced he had these Bumpboxx’s” tells Gibson “Our customer base loves making a statement with loud music and these things are LOUD!!!  We made a small display in our store and sold THREE on the first day.  I’m excited with having all models and colors available through local distribution and already placed my second order.”

“We were excited when Jeff brought the BUMPBOXX line to us. We brought it in and sold 3 the first day off the display we set up in the showroom” Nate Gibson, Access Audio-Ft Dodge IA stated.

With signature series product from the likes of SNOOP DOGG and the MOONSHINE BANDITS it’s easy to see how this line will be a huge hit over the holidays.

For more info on BumpBoxx availability in the MINKS states contact ROCK-N-REV SALES at rocknrevsales@gmail.com

Visit bumpboxx.com for more.