Industry

Drop Your Guard with Brandmotion CurbAlert

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

SOUTHFIELD, MI (12.09.2019) – There’s a lot of discussion out there around the bright protective covers that companies put on splitters to protect them during shipping. Some customers continue to leave these bright shipping pieces on their new, high-performance car or SUV so they don’t damage the splitter when parking. The patented Brandmotion CurbAlert Parking Sensor system gives you peace of mind when parking that you won’t damage your splitter (and you get to take the look of the vehicle back to what it was meant to be).

Key Product Features:

  • Professional grade version designed for the professional 12 Volt Installer, with ignition key on/off control
  • Provides low-speed curb and parking warnings for any vehicle to prevent expensive curb damage
  • Prevents embarrassing moments when your fascia scrapes over or worse – catches on a curb
  • Adjustable warning distance from 12-30 inches to curb or garage wall
  • Sophisticated weather-proof infrared sensor
  • Simple self-calibration procedure once during install
  • Draws 35 milliamps when activated
  • Sensor dimensions: 1″ tall x 1.5″ wide x 2″ deep
  • Adjustable warning volume from low to high
  • No drill, universal application (4 different installation bracket designs included)
  • Easily removed from your vehicle with no after-marks

Click here to view a product video on Vimeo.

For product information, click here. Visit brandmotion.com for more.

SEMA Market Research: Retailers Adapt to a Changing Landscape

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.09.2019) – Last year, nearly one-third of specialty-automotive parts sales were made online. And 79% of specialty-automotive retailers expect online sales growth to have a significant impact on the industry over the next few years. This growth is driven by changing consumer behavior. Customers now have more outlets to research specs, compare brands and purchase products than ever before.

As a result, many retailers are adapting to a customer base that is more informed about brands and products, more aware of price differences and may be less loyal to any retailer. Nearly two-thirds of retailers have added or grown their social-media presence to reach more customers effectively. And 59% find that providing advice and expertise offers a way to stand out in the market rather than competing on price.

To learn more about the key challenges and opportunities specialty-automotive retailers are facing, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research

BOSS Audio Launches New All-in-One Weather Resistant Powersports Bluetooth Soundbar

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

OXNARD, CA (12.06.2019) – BOSS Audio Systems has announced the launch of its new weather resistant 450 Watt (Max) all-in-one Bluetooth soundbar. Now shipping, the 6.5-inch ATV65BRGB (MAP: $149.99) is compatible with the audio output of Smartphones and MP3 Players.

Click here to visit the ATV65BRGB product page.

“The self-powered, Bluetooth-enabled, IPX5-rated ATV65BRGB is the ideal soundbar for Powersports applications,” explained Jason Hannon, head of BOSS Audio’s Powersports lineup. “The aux in and Bluetooth connectivity allows the user to stream and control their favorite apps hard-wired or wirelessly directly from their smart device, putting their favorite music, such as from Spotify or Pandora, directly at their fingertips. Ruggedly built for all terrains, 450 Watts of power and RGB illumination make this soundbar look as great as it sounds wherever your ATV, UTV, or Side by Side may take you.”

Additional features and specifications of the ATV65BRGB include:
• Weatherproof 1-inch tweeters
• 3.5mm Aux input
• Controlled via Smartphone or MP3 player
• Frequency Response 45Hz – 22kHz

“BOSS Audio recently relaunched the brand in both looks and expanded products offerings,” Hannon concluded. “The ATV65BRGB is just the latest of our added Powersports offerings sure to excite the Side by Side, ATV, and UTV enthusiast.”

Visit www.bossaudio.com for more.

DEI Introduces Black Floor & Tunnel Shield

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

AVON LAKE, OH (12.05.2019) – DEI now offers its popular Floor & Tunnel Shield in an attractive deep matte black finish providing a new option for underhood aesthetics. Manufactured with a high temperature thermal coating, it is ideal for protecting electronic components from damage while keeping the vehicle’s interior cool and comfortable.

Easy to shape and designed with a low profile that is only 3/16” thick, the shield can be used most anywhere to block heat – firewalls, transmission tunnels, under floor boards, fuel cells and more. Simply trim to fit, then peel and stick to install. The aggressive high temperature adhesive backing keeps the shield securely in place with minimal to no affect from wind, water or adverse weather conditions.

DEI’s Black Floor & Tunnel Shield is available now in either a 7 sq. ft. or 14 sq. ft. size – 21” x 48” (part #050552) or 42” x 48” (part #050549). Both can be purchased wherever DEI heat and sound control are sold.

For more information about DEI’s new Black Floor & Tunnel Shield and many other new products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

JVCKENWOOD Expands Training & Product Support Team

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

LONG BEACH, CA (12.05.2019) – JVCKENWOOD USA has hired Josh Bowen and Marcus Vasconcellos as Mobile Electronics Product Specialists for the company’s car electronics division. These new positions will provide enhanced support to JVC and KENWOOD retailers, reps, and distributors through training, advanced technical assistance, and event support. 

Josh Bowen brings 10 years of retail mobile electronics experience, serving in various aspects of sales, installation, and management, most recently serving as sales/installation manager for Sommer Sound Systems in Panama City, FL.  Josh’s drive for the industry shines clearly, boasting a Top 50 Installer of the Year position in the 2019 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards.  

Marcus Vasconcellos is a 17-year industry veteran who also comes directly from the retail circuit.  He has served in various capacities including sales, installation, and marketing in the lower Midwest for stores including Audio Tech in Lawton, OK and Big Daddy’s Stereo in Longview, TX.  Marcus’s passion for 12 Volt doesn’t stop with his custom fabrication and design skills, but also becomes evident with his love for music.

“Bowen and Vasconcellos are the perfect additions to the team, being able to relate and communicate seamlessly with dealers through their direct and recent 12 Volt retail sales and installation experience,” said Scott Caswell, Senior Marketing Manager for JVCKENWOOD USA.  “As we develop new and innovative ways to reach and support our dealers in a rapidly changing industry, we will be able to leverage their skill sets accordingly.” 

These new positions will be largely split East and West of the Mississippi, with Bowen focusing on JVC and KENWOOD dealers and events to the East, and Vasconcellos to the West. They will report directly to Seth Halstead, National Training and Content Development Manager, of whom will be able to further focus on and work with them to create training materials, including on-line materials and video content.

Bowen commented, “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such an amazing organization that is focused on providing solutions that meet the needs of sales, installers, and consumers.”

Vasconcellos added “This is an incredible time to be a part of a growing company that is committed to the future of the 12 Volt industry!”

Bowen can be reached at jbowen@us.jvckenwood.com, and Vasconcellos can be reached at mvasconcellos@us.jvckenwood.com.

Visit us.jvckenwood.com for more.

NAV-TV Appoints Belair & Associates as Factory Representative for Southern California

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , .

CORAL SPRINGS, FL & COSTA MESA, CA (12.05.2019) – NAV-TV Corp. has announced the appointment of Belair & Associates as Factory Representatives for the Southern California Territory.

“Michael Belair and Russ Brayall have been closely associated with the NAV-TV brand on both the retail and distribution side for years. Their technical aptitude and firsthand experience with our product line will enable them to properly service NAV-TV dealers in and around the Southern California market. We are pleased to have Belair & Associates on board,” stated NAV-TV Vice President, Derek Schmiedl.

Michael Belair, Firm Principal, is already on the road with a NAV-TV sample at Audiolab Car Stereo in Laguna Hills, CA.

“We are excited at the opportunity to work with NAV-TV. With the complexity of vehicles today, having a partner in NAV-TV gives our customers the opportunity to be able to say YES to integration from audio, to back up camera systems, and even to the protection of your vehicle. Having them along with our other vendor partners gives us an opportunity to deliver a complete solution from an integration standpoint, which is a big focus for our company, and with what is happening in our industry today,” stated Rep Principal, Michael Belair.

Belair & Associates began representing NAV-TV in Southern California on December 1, 2019. For more information, Belair & Associates may be reached at 714-376-6231, or via email at mikeb@belairandassociates.com

Visit navtv.com for more.

Fortin Intros New EVO 9 SERIES LoRa SST 2-Way RF Solutions

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC (12.04.2019) – Fortin has introduced its new ultra-long-range EVO 9 SERIES 2-way RF solutions.

The EVO 9 SERIES has been engineered and designed to ensure responsivity, stability and reliability even under the most extreme conditions. Based on a solid 2-way LoRa SST (Spread-Spectrum) FM 900 MHz Technology, the platform provides a fully responsive control experience covering up to 6,000 feet (2 km) of urban range.

Each of the 9 SERIES devices is equipped with shock-resistant plastic snaps, stainless steel screws and a custom metallic fastener that reinforce the device’s structure, making it one of its outstanding features.

Every EVO 9 SERIES devices are equipped with a state-of-the-art Anti-Code Grabbing Technology that secures the communication process between the device and the vehicle, thus limiting the possibilities for the vehicle to be stolen using emerging code sniffing technologies. EVO 9 SERIES devices are also equipped with Eco-Connect Technology, which has been developed to maximize battery life for long-range RF devices. The devices will scan for short-range responses before using power to search a wider area if no short-range response is received. The result: the remotes’ battery life is considerably extended.

EVO 9 SERIES’ lineup includes two RF control kits: the RFK942 and the RFK912. The RFK942 RF kit consists of two RM942 4-button remote controllers, an ANT900 Antenna and an antenna cable, while the RFK912 RF kit consists of two RM912 1-button remote controllers, an ANT900 Antenna and an antenna cable.

Fortin Electronic Systems is a world-leading developer and manufacturer of integrated consumer solutions for vehicle control and connectivity.

Visit www.fortin.ca to discover more remote starter, immobilizer bypass and security system solutions or contact us at sales@fortin.ca to receive additional information about our products and solutions.

Raptor Launches Improved Pro Series of Car Audio Products at 2020 CES

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , .

HOLLY HILL, FL (12.04.2019) – Metra Electronics has improved its Raptor car audio accessory line with upgraded products launching at CES. Raptor’s Pro Series product line will feature 15 upgraded fuse holders and distribution blocks to create a unified ecosystem of accessories with fresh appearances and gold plating.

Designed with the installer in mind, the new fuse holders and distribution blocks have a one-tool design model to work exclusively with only 3mm Allen head screws, allowing for an easier installation. Metra has stepped away from the traditional look of the previous generation and is highlighting a unique style for these new Raptor products. With internal screw mounting locations and an improved latching system to secure the cover to the base, the new modern design improves upon both its function and aesthetics. It also provides a better visual of the fuses through the covers.

The ANL, MANL and AGU fuse holders range from 1/0 AWG to 8 AWG, are all 24K gold plated, water-resistant, and work with 3mm Allen screws. The new blocks offer multiple options for the installer from dual ANL and MANL blocks or even 4-position fuse distribution blocks. Raptor provides superior performance at entry-level price points, a mission based upon the belief that “affordable” and “cheap” installation accessories shouldn’t be one and the same.

These new and improved products will be shipping soon and can be seen on display at CES. Additional specifications and part numbers are available in the new 2020 Raptor catalog and Raptor-Online.com, which will be released on January 7, 2020. Metra Electronics will be at CES from January 7-10, 2020, at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center showcasing their new products from their 12volt brands and at booth 11435 in the Central Hall with Metra Home Theater Group.

Visit metraonline.com for more.

Alpine X-Perience Added to Black Friday Event at Extreme Car Audio

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

MARRERO, LA (12.03.2019) – It was a special Black Friday at Extreme Car Audio in Marrero LA on Friday, November 29th. An Alpine X-Perience event added to the Extreme Car Audio Black Friday promotion. Alpine‘s Jimmy Chauffe arrived with the Alpine X-Perience Tundra, tent and promo items for Ace Truong’s event. Truong, Extreme Car Audio owner, told 12volt News

“We had a terrific day… certainly more than 50 customers came into the store and sales were very strong. We had great Alpine specials and gave away a pair of Alpine 6×9 speakers every hour with a drawing. The 6 PM Grand Prize drawing was for an Alpine iLX-650. James Thibodaux was the very happy winner. We offered great food including gumbo for all. Jimmy was great and worked with customers and demo’ed the Tundra all day. One of our customer’s Ford F150, loaded with Alpine, got a lot of attention too. This was our third Alpine X-Perience event and we truly appreciate Alpine‘s commitment and support of independent 12volt retailers. The Alpine X-Perience event promo is terrific for driving consumer awareness and business for specialty 12volt retailers.”

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

SEMA Expands High School Build Program

Posted on by in Industry.

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is expanding to 10 builds for the 2019–2020 school year. As partners in this program, 10 high-school auto-shop classes will customize third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs. The program aims to bridge the gap between industry and auto-shop students to foster the next generation of hobbyists and the automotive aftermarket workforce.

Through this hands-on build program, students will expand their real-world auto-tech skills by working with aftermarket products while being introduced to a new career path to pursue their passion for customization. The builds will begin in January, and students will complete their builds by the end of the school year.

Comstock High School was one of five high schools that participated in the 2019 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. The students built an ’04 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

Aftermarket companies can support this effort through parts donations and/or mentorship opportunities. Sponsors will have their product(s) installed on the vehicle(s) and receive recognition through the build website and in SEMA build promotions.

Sponsoring the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program is not only giving high-school students a build experience of a lifetime, it’s also allowing them to open their minds to the possibilities of what can be accomplished using aftermarket products.

If you’re interested in supporting one or more of the student vehicle builds, please fill out the product donation form. If you’re interested in mentoring a school, contact SEMA youth engagement programs manager Katie Hurst at: katieh@sema.org

Click here to learn more and check out last year’s builds.