Drone X2MAX-LTE Now Supporting Advanced Vehicle Health Data via CAN

SEATTLE, WA (02.21.25) – Firstech, maker of DroneMobile connected car solutions, today announced shipment of the Drone X2MAX-LTE telematics device for vehicles. This powerful new offering provides consumers and fleet users with an all-in-one tracking and security solutions for protecting their vehicles.

X2MAX-LTE is an LTE and GPS connected device that can be installed in any vehicle using either of the included hardwire or OBD-II wiring kits. Additional features and benefits include:

  • Advanced vehicle health data for most vehicles – Monitor important vehicle components, such as fuel level, tire pressure, true odometer and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These features can be activated by using the included OBD-II wiring kit or hardwiring connections to the vehicle’s CAN network. Vehicle coverage for these features can be downloaded from https://my.firste.ch/dronemobile-obd-ii-coverage.
  • Real-time vehicle tracking – Open the DroneMobile App and see your vehicle’s location, engine status, speed, and heading with a tap of a button.
  • Integration with alarm and remote start systems – Enable vehicle control and remote start by connecting the Drone X2MAX to a compatible Firstech remote starter or alarm.
  • Flexible pricing plans – Exclusive to the Drone X2MAX, users can select tracking-only plans that optimize the mobile app experience for tracking customers. Prices starting at $11.99/month.
  • Multi-vehicle discounts – For DroneMobile accounts with 10 or more vehicles, subscriptions will be renewable at a 10% discount. All vehicles must be active with a GPS-enabled subscription to be eligible.

With the launch of the Drone X2MAX-LTE, existing DroneMobile customers will also see new improvements to the DroneMobile app and website.The DroneMobile App now shows vehicle heading to indicate a moving vehicle’s general direction. Vehicles can be assigned to “groups” allowing for quick filtering of the vehicles shown on the map. In addition, the company has enhanced the breadcrumbing frequency for Premium Plus and Ultimate subscribers at no additional cost.

Fleet managers using desktop/tablet devices will notice a major update to the DroneMobile.com website, which features an enhanced “Control Center” for monitoring multiple vehicles simultaneously. In future updates, users will be able to export detailed reports regarding the safety and health of their fleets.

X2MAX-LTE has an MSRP of $149.99 with a free 30-day trial to DroneMobile Premium. Subscriptions for tracking start at $11.99 per month, with additional discounts available for longer-term prepaid plans. To learn more about Drone X2MAX-LTE and DroneMobile for fleets, please visit www.dronemobile.com.

Light Up Your Hummer EV with ORACLE Lighting’s New Roof-Mounted LED Bar

METAIRIE, LA (02.21.25) – ORACLE Lighting, a leading innovator in high-performance automotive lighting solutions, is excited to announce that the Hummer EV Roof-Mounted LED Light Bar is now in stock and ready to ship. Designed specifically for the 2022-2024 GMC Hummer EV (SUV and Truck), this high-output, low-profile lighting system delivers an impressive 18,000 lumens with a projection distance exceeding 2,000 feet. 

The curved 50” LED light bar features reflector-facing LED technology, optimizing performance and outshining common forward-facing LED light bars. With 30 individual 8W LED emitters, this system ensures maximum brightness and clarity in off-road and low-visibility conditions. 

In addition to its powerful illumination, the light bar includes selectable Amber or White clearance lights, giving users the flexibility to integrate them with auxiliary switches, parking lights, ignition power, or leave them disconnected based on preference. 

“At ORACLE Lighting, we prioritize performance, innovation, and design,” said Justin Hartenstein, Founder and Director of Product Development. “This light bar was engineered to not only provide exceptional visibility but also maintain a sleek, factory-style look while minimizing wind noise—something often overlooked with traditional roof-mounted lighting.” 

The low-profile mounting system is crafted from CAD-designed cast aluminum brackets, allowing for a seamless installation without any modifications to the vehicle. The design ensures minimal wind noise, with only a slight 5dB increase at highway speeds (80 mph), making it one of the most refined roof-mounted light bars available for the Hummer EV. 

Key Features & Benefits:

  • 18,000 Lumen Output – Bright, high-intensity lighting for maximum visibility
  • Low-Profi le Design – Reduces wind noise and integrates seamlessly with the Hummer EV
  • Selectable Amber or White Clearance Lights – Customizable to suit any driving scenario
  • DIY Installation – Mounts using factory locations, no fabrication required
  • Extreme Durability – Waterproof (IP68), impact-resistant, and engineered for rugged environments

 For those looking to enhance their lighting setup further, ORACLE Lighting also offers A-Pillar Light Brackets for mounting LED pod lights to the lower A-pillar/hood line. Pairing the VEGA™ Pod Lights with the roof-mounted LED light bar ensures the brightest and most comprehensive illumination package for your Hummer EV. 

The ORACLE Lighting Hummer EV Roof-Mounted LED Light Bar is available now. For more information or to place an order, visit oraclelights.com

Bryan Gary Accepts SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Installation Co-Chair Position

LEESVILLE, VA (02.20.25) – The SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Installation competition is happy to announce that Bryan Gary has accepted the position of SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Installation Co-Chair.

Bryan Gary

Bryan has been in the consumer electronics industry for more than 30 years and has worked in various capacities of the which include retail management, manufacturing, representation and installation. He will be working closely with and assisting Chris Jack, who has been the National Tech Chair for over 10 years.

Chris is looking forward to sharing the day to day responsibilities with Bryan, and teaching him what it takes to organize and run the national contest.

Chris and Bryan, along with tech committee member Scott Dilbeck, will be at Mastertech next month. They will also be joined by some of the winners of the 2024 SkillsUSA Championship.

For more contact Bryan W Gary at bwgary@msn.com

SEMA Urges Immediate Congressional Action on Advanced Clean Cars II

DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.20.25) – With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday transmitting to Congress the Clean Air Act waiver granted to California for the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), on behalf of its members and the nation’s community of automotive enthusiasts, urged federal lawmakers to swiftly strike down the waiver using their authority under the Congressional Review Act.

SEMA thanks President Donald Trump and the EPA for ensuring this policy is given the scrutiny and consideration it is owed, due to its broad applicability to the nation’s economy and individual freedoms.

“During the November election, voters resoundingly rejected candidates who support electric vehicle mandates, only to see their voice suppressed in the final days of the Biden administration when a waiver was granted to California to prop up its radical, economy-killing Advanced Clean Cars II policy. Today, Congress has the opportunity to make right by the American people,” said Mike Spagnola, president and CEO of SEMA. “SEMA calls on lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to use their Congressional Review Act authority to stand up for American ingenuity and innovation, for the power of the free market, and for the individual freedoms of people to choose which vehicle is right for their lifestyle and needs. Congress must reject the Advanced Clean Cars II waiver and stop California’s regulatory land grab in its tracks.”

BACKGROUND
SEMA is not anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts to preserve Americans’ rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry’s ability to design, manufacture, and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, SEMA, through its Driving Force Action Super PAC, educated voters about the damaging impact of EV mandates, and the profound importance of empowering the automotive aftermarket to develop innovative solutions to carbon emissions using American ingenuity.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

Nemesis Audio Announces Strategic Partnership with Hazim Jainoor of Aligned Sales & Marketing Group (ASM)

DALLAS, TX (02.19.25) – Nemesis Audio, a leading innovator in high-performance car audio solutions, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Hazim Jainoor of Aligned Sales & Marketing Group (ASM). With an impressive track record of driving brand growth and market expansion, Jainoor brings invaluable expertise and strategic insight to further strengthen Nemesis Audio’s industry presence.

A seasoned sales and marketing professional, Jainoor has played a pivotal role in elevating numerous brands within the 12-volt industry. His ability to develop strong market positioning and accelerate business growth makes him an invaluable addition as Nemesis Audio continues to expand its reach and enhances its customer experience. “I’m honored to join the Nemesis Audio family. Nemesis has set a benchmark for excellence while organically cultivating a loyal following, and I’m eager to contribute to that legacy. With our shared passion and vision, I’m confident we’ll unlock new opportunities and elevate the car audio experience to new heights” said Hazim Jainoor, Principal of Aligned Sales & Marketing Group (ASM).

Since its inception, Nemesis Audio has remained committed to delivering cutting-edge technology, superior craftsmanship, and uncompromising quality. Renowned for its powerful subwoofers, high-performance amplifiers, and premium speakers, the brand has built a strong reputation among car audio enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

This partnership marks a new era of innovation and market expansion, setting the stage for a dynamic collaboration that will further solidify Nemesis Audio’s leadership in high-performance audio solutions.

“We are excited to welcome Hazim Jainoor to the Nemesis Audio family,” said Uzair, CEO of Nemesis Audio. “His deep industry knowledge, passion, and strategic vision align seamlessly with our commitment to delivering the ultimate car audio experience. Together, we look forward to driving new opportunities and pushing the boundaries of car audio excellence.”

For more information about Nemesis Audio and its industry-leading products, visit nemesisaudio.com.

Rydeen Founder Phil Maeda Visits Sound Sensations

MARIETTA, GA (02.19.25) – Phil Maeda, founder of Rydeen, recently visited Sound Sensations, where he met with owner Marc Vickers alongside Mark Barber from Tech Marketing.

RYDEEN Founder Phil Maeda is flanked by Mark Barber (L)-Tech Marketing and Sound Sensations owner Marc Vickers. They are behind the counter in the Sound Sensations showroom in Marietta spotlighting RYDEEN products.

During the visit, Maeda showcased Rydeen’s latest innovation, the PV8 backup camera and rear mirror combo, highlighting its advanced features designed to enhance driver safety and convenience.

“We’re grateful to Phil for taking the time to visit and share the exciting new technology Rydeen has to offer,” stated Marc Vickers.

Rydeen continues to push the boundaries of automotive safety solutions, ensuring drivers have access to cutting-edge technology that improves their daily driving experience.

Visit rydeenmobile.com for more.

SounDigital USA Is Excited to Unveil an Amazing New Line

DANIA BEACH, FL (02.18.25) – After years of evolution, the team at SounDigital USA was proud to show off its new line of amplifiers at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas 2025. Focused on improving the sound signature of the brand while consolidation and simplifying for consumers and retailers alike, SounDigital USA has combined key features of the beloved EVOX2 and EVOPS lines, resulting in a best of both worlds thought process for all installation options. Welcome into the world, SounDigital XP.

Centered around power range models from 400 to 8000 watts RMS, this new series of amplifiers features improved internals to help decrease distortion while increasing efficiency and extending the frequency range of the amplifier. When chasing the goal of accurately reproducing music, every bit of refinement matters.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new amplifier line, culminating from over two years of meticulous development and rigorous testing. The final product is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise.”, says Diogo Iannaccone, CEO of HKI USA, official importer of SounDigital in North America.

Quality of sound is not the only update, SounDigital has spent quite a bit of time updating current flow capabilities within the amplifier to improve an already outstanding thermal control system, and altered the amplifiers vibration absorbance capabilities to help this new series of car audio amplifiers survive the harsh environments of the motorcycle audio world.

For more information about SounDigital, please visit SounDigitalUSA.com or e-mail info@soundigitalusa.com.

Tint World El Paso Location Honored with Prestigious Franchisee of the Year

EL PASO, TX (02.18.25) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues to earn recognition for the value provided to customers and franchisees alike. The company’s El Paso location, locally owned and operated by Alex and Myriam Guerrero, has been honored with the distinguished Franchisee of the Year Award from the International Franchise Association.

“As we searched for the best avenue to run our own successful business, the franchising opportunities provided by Tint World immediately stood out to us,” said Alex. “The onboarding process only confirmed that feeling, and right away we felt like were being given all the tools and support structures needed for our Tint World location to thrive.”

The Guerreros have been handling all the daily operations of their Tint World location since their launch in 2022, providing customers throughout El Paso with a quality selection of window tinting and film service. According to Myriam, who is heavily active in the El Paso community, the business has been a great way to know and to serve their neighbors.

“One of the joys of operating a Tint World location in our hometown is having the chance to win repeat business through our commitment to friendly, attentive service,” she said.

Both Alex and Myriam agree that the corporate headquarters has been fully supportive at every turn. The couple is especially thankful for the ways in which Tint World supports veterans. As a U.S. Army veteran with 28 years of service, Alex said he’s grateful for the incentives Tint World provides to help veterans find business success.

“The Guerreros are true role models within our growing system, embodying all the values we treasure here at Tint World” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They are fully committed to hard work and to following our proven systems for success.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award is awarded each year to local operators who contribute much to the success and reputation of their franchisor. Since 1979, this award has been one of the franchise industry’s most prestigious accolades. An elite group of franchisees are honored each year, with this year’s award ceremony held on Feb. 10-13 in Las Vegas.

“Myriam and Alex are the epitome of engaging, community-focused franchise business owners,” said Jon Garrett, vice president of operations at Tint World. “They are redefining, before our very eyes, the definition of success. Where the focus of business has always been the financial wellbeing of the company, Myriam and Alex have clearly adapted to a newer model of leadership. They combine these standard expectations of success and couple them with newer ideas within their community. By creating value beyond the books, they affect positive change within their neighborhood, workforce and throughout El Paso.”

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, and more. The company offers franchise opportunities worldwide.

Visit tintworld.com for more.

SiriusXM and VOXX Visited Sound Sensations in Marietta

MARIETTA, GA (02.17.25) – SiriusXM representative Paul Truman and VOXX representative Scott Hines visited Sound Sensations to showcase the latest advancements in satellite radio, video and security products.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Sound Sensations team to get an in-depth look at the new 2025 SiriusXM product specialist certification program and VOXX’s innovative offerings and discuss how these new technologies can enhance the in-car entertainment and safety experience.

Sound Sensations, established in1976 and a proud MESA member, has been a major force in the 12-volt industry in the Southeast, known for its expertise and commitment to quality in mobile electronics. The collaboration between VOXX and Sound Sensations highlights a shared dedication to bringing cutting-edge solutions to customers.

Pictured (L-R): Marc Vickers, Patrick Quinlan, Scott Hines, Paul Truman, Andy Drummond and Michael Pavuk.

For more information about SiriusXM, VOXX and its latest products, please visit www.soundsensations.com.