A Cybertruck positioned outside of the Tint World location in Orlando.

ORLANDO, FL (07.09.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has achieved a major milestone in the automotive aftermarket industry by completing one of the first audio and lighting system upgrades for a Tesla Cybertruck at its location in Orlando, Florida.

“This is a real breakthrough and demonstrates why Tint World is the leading installation center for automotive accessories and aftermarket service,” said Pete Muller, owner of Tint World Orlando. “I’m incredibly proud of the innovation and expertise our team has shown. We were able to deliver something unique that many people in the industry have never tried. This successful Cybertruck upgrade proves Tint World’s value and unlocks amazing new opportunities for us and for the industry as a whole.”

The popular Cybertruck is one of the first vehicles to run on a 48-volt battery. Until now, car stereo professionals had not been able to power a conventional 12-volt audio system through Tesla’s proprietary power source.

Technicians at Tint World Orlando identified multiple 48-volt sources inside the Cybertruck and installed an auxiliary 12-volt battery with 48-volt converters to power a full transformation of the factory sound and lighting systems. The innovative system includes 16 top-of-the-line Arc Audio Reference Series speakers and an Arc Audio amplifier powering two Arc Audio subwoofers in a custom enclosure. The wiring, accessories, and lighting feature products from Metra Electronics, including an underglow system and custom-designed backlit Cybertruck emblem.

“We have seen some workarounds that have allowed other teams to develop major modifications on the Cybertruck, such as tapping into the Cybertruck’s 110-volt AC outlets to power aftermarket products,” Muller said. “But we wanted to use the 48-volt system rather than circumvent it. That makes this much more like a traditional car stereo install, and it represents a huge step forward for potential aftermarket upgrades on one of the most exciting and in-demand vehicles on the market.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

LONG BEACH, CA (07.09.24) – JVCKENWOOD announced they have hired Kelvin Rivera as the East Coast Product Specialist for the company’s car electronics division. This new position will provide enhanced support to JVC and KENWOOD retailers, reps, and distributors through training, advanced technical assistance, and event support.

Kelvin Rivera brings six years of installation bay experience, offering hands-on expertise and in-depth knowledge of product installation and technical support. His prior role in installation positions him perfectly to deliver exceptional technical support to all dealers east of the Mississippi River.

“Kelvin is the perfect addition to the team, being able to relate and communicate seamlessly with dealers through his installation experience,” said Josh Bowen, Digital Content & Marketing Manager for JVCKENWOOD USA. “Excellent technical support is vital to our operations, and we believe that Kelvin will perform exceptionally in this role.”

Kelvin will focus on both JVC and KENWOOD dealers east of the Mississippi. He will report directly to Josh Bowen, Digital Content & Marketing Manager, who will work closely with Kelvin to create training materials, including online materials and video content.

“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,” Kelvin commented.

Kelvin can be reached at krivera@us.jvckenwood.com.

Visit us.jvckenwood.com for more.

MT LEBANON, PA (07.08.24) Business partners Fuel Required and Team Nutz were on site at the 27th Annual Classic Car Show and Street Festival in Mt Lebanon on Sunday July 7h under a sunny sky. Enthusiasts started arrivng early and there was a stong crowd before noon. Classic and show cars lined the main street for all to check out. Food, vendors and live music added to the day’s enjoyment for all. The first 150 cars on display received dash plaques. Additional awards were presented to the top 60 cars.

Team Nutz is a proactive 12volt retailer based in Pittsburg that also markets other automotive products. Sister company Fuel Required offers sales, service and consignment services for classic automobiles.

Ed Nuttall offered for Team Nutz “The Classic Car Show was a great opportunity for our retail store to connect with a large crowd of people interested in cars. The crowd had a lot of families who spent their time checking out all the vehicles. When they checked out the new Team Nutz Jeep and Excursion they experienced the wide variety of upgrades available for their rides.The kids were really drawn to the new Jeep and lots of folks were snapping images with the Team Nutz Jeep.”

At the event there were Team Nutz stickers for attendees to pick up in addition to cards with special offers at the store. Nina and Ed Nuttall were on site along with Team Nutz crew member Rob Gratton.

The new Team Nutz Jeep was unveiled at the recent Bantam Jeep Featival a month ago. Since that time it has been drawing attention out front on the busy in front of the Team Nutz location and every time it hits the streets.

For more see teamnutz.com

Auburn Hills, MI (07.05.24) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) announced that they will return to the 2024 New Jersey Jeep® Invasion as the Official Audio Sponsor.

“Alpine is excited to return to New Jersey Jeep® Invasion as the Official Audio Sponsor,” said Gregg Thomas, Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “Our reputation in the Jeep® community speaks for itself as we continue to be the number one audio brand that offers premium dash and sound solutions designed specifically for the Jeep® Wrangler and Jeep® Gladiator customer.”

Alpine will have a booth during the vendor show from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14 where they will offer special, event-only pricing on all products. As part of their continued investment, Alpine will increase their booth presence by 2000 square feet to showcase more exciting solutions designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.

In addition to the vendor booth, Alpine will also have an installation bay, powered by Tampa-based Alpine Authorized Retailer Soundwaves, so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed. The installation space will be located directly next to the Alpine booth space in Install Alley.

Two Alpine 2018 Jeep® Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep® driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep® interior and retain the features Jeep® drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready® head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep® driver.

A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep® Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep®-specific solutions designed for older Jeep® Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.

All event visitors are encouraged to visit the Alpine booth and take advantage of the special, event-only deals and on-site installation services during the event.

Jeep® is a registered trademark of Stellantis NV

Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. (“Alpine”) is an automotive electronics manufacturer that provides consumers and leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation, and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies. Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe, and North America ensure that all products address the real-world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly automotive electronics products. For information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com or follow AlpineUSA on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Roblox.

ATLANTA, GA (07.03.24) – As part of KICKER’s sponsorship of the event, KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey traveled to Atlanta and judged competitions in the SkillsUSA Championships June 24-28 during SkillsUSA’s 60th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

Malin related “This was the third SkillsUSA national competition that KICKER has attended in Atlanta and provided a sponsorship. In 2023 KICKER had a total of 11 competitors from all over the country. This year, with local and Oklahoma state competitions, we had even more. We would certainly like to see that growth continue as we plan for 2025.”

KICKER had additional support at the SkillsUSA event with area participation. Scott Dilbeck from Sky High Car Audio was in the house and judged radio installation sessions. Industry veteran Bytan Gary was able to give a hand and that worked out very well. James Simpson, with Atlanta-based Vickers AV and Sound Sensations, was also lending a hand. KICKER expanded their presence at this years event. Several positive comments about those upgrades were given to Malin.

Kelley Vickers, Vickers AV and Sound Sensations, related “James Simpson, a Vickers AV Sales Representative, volunteered and judged installation competitions at SkillsUSA, supported KICKER and aided Randy Goodwin representing DB Drive. The event boasted an excellent turnout, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm in the industry. Simpson’s dedication and expertise were instrumental in the success of the event, making the experience both valuable and rewarding for all participants.

Erin Smith, a competitor from last year, came in from Savannah Technical College to paticipate in the KICKER booth. Smith works now part time at the college in the automotive aftermarket program and plans to do more on the mobile electronics area in the near future.

The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. These skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.

Continuing Malin offered “The KICKER Tech Force intends to continue our support of SkillsUSA in Oklahoma and at the national competition in 2025. We are actively encouraging other states to join the competition and increase the number of young men and women interested in joining the 12volt industry. We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire.The 12-volt industry needs more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table and SkillsUSA can provide a pathway.”

The event in Atlanta included a written examination covering the Basic MECP certification, a professional interview and five hands-on applications that spotlighted taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering and working with relay circuits plus troubleshooting electronic circuitry.

KICKER donated over $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.

“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level. As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in the very exciting and quickly evolving industry. Not only do students receive technical skills they learn important communication skills. It is terrific when I see that light bulb light up when a student grasps the idea” Malin concluded.

Visit Kicker.com and SkillsUSA.org for more

For information about Skills USA events contact Chris Jack cnjacklausd@aol.com

Auburn Hills, Mich. (July 2, 2024) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will exhibit at the 2024 X Takeover show at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, CA from Saturday, July 27 – Sunday, July 28 as the official audio sponsor.

“Alpine is proud to be the official audio sponsor for the 2024 X Takeover show,” said Gregg Thomas, Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “As the industry’s first manufacturer to offer a complete, plug-and-play audio upgrade for Tesla, we’re excited to showcase the precise sound upgrade Tesla owners can achieve with our system.”

Alpine will have a booth in the “The Fields” with a 2022 Tesla Model Y demonstrating the precision sound performance of the industry’s first complete sound system upgrade designed to fit the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Each system includes an 11-speaker (or 13, for factory premium audio systems) upgrade designed to easily replace the front, rear, and center dash Tesla factory speakers with Hi-Resolution certified speakers from Alpine’s “Blue Series” speaker line. The package also includes a powerful 10” subwoofer and 12-Channel Premium Digital Sound Processor and ultra-efficient EV-optimized Amplifier that’s tuned for the unique cabin environment for the Tesla.

Alpine’s sales and marketing staff members will be available during the event to answer product questions and provide vehicle demonstrations. Vacaville-based Alpine Authorized Retailer, Audio Xperts, will also be on-site with Tesla systems available at special, event-only deals.

X Takeover, formerly known as Tesla Takeover, is the world’s largest Tesla community event that features activities, influential speakers in the EV industry, and over 60 exhibitors that sell unique accessories, services, and products for Tesla. For more information, or to register for the event, visit https://www.xtakeover.com/.

Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. (“Alpine”) is an automotive electronics manufacturer that provides consumers and leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation, and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies. Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe, and North America ensure that all products address the real-world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly automotive electronics products. For information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com or follow AlpineUSA on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Roblox.

OMAHA, NE (7/01/24) – The 12VDashboard is excited to announce 2 new vendor partners in Q2 2024! We welcome KICKER’s Direct fit products and Epsilon’s motorcycle category, with SOUNDSTREAM and PrecisionPower. “Thanks to Team KICKER; we are excited to have them on board and partner with them in direct fit options now and in the future”, said Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales. “We welcome KICKER and EPSILON to the vendor family and look forward to significantly growing our reach and relationship with our dealer family with their brands while driving sales to them”, said Brian Hampson the CEO and founder of the 12 V Dashboard LLC.\

The Dashboard attended Knowledgefest in Atlantic City in June and found many dealers that were interested in the product tool and had inquiries into “just what this APP can do for my store”. They were constantly busy taking dealers through TEST DRIVES of the Fit Guide and the newly launched Vehicle Check-in program; available as an add-on inside the Dashboard at a nominal fee. The Dashboard will be attending Dallas Knowledgefest in September and showing the Fit Guide newest enhancements. They will be offering MEA special pricing at the show to become part of TEAM DASHBOARD.

For more information about the 12 V Dashboard contact Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales: Call or text at (531)-777-0877 or email at tkolar@the12vdashboard.com.

Or visit our website https://the12vdashboard.com

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.28.24) – Automotive specialty-equipment market sales grew to $52.3 billion in 2023, an increase of about 1% over 2022, according to the newly released “2024 SEMA Market Report.”

Produced by SEMA Market Research, the report is the Association’s largest report of the year and offers new insights into the size and scope of the specialty-equipment industry. The report includes detailed market sizing by parts category, consumer spending data by vehicle segment and information on where consumers shopped for aftermarket parts and accessories in 2023, along with other key industry trends.

“The economy continues to offer some uncertainty as we have emerged from the effect of COVID-19 and grapple with politics, global conflicts, and international trade policies,” said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. “Yet, consumers keep on spending, and that will always be good for our industry. Unless a big economic shock hits, we can expect to continue with a reasonable growth rate moving forward.”

Free to SEMA business members as a benefit of membership, the report is an example of the many resources available to help industry professionals and businesses succeed in the market and stay ahead of the curve.

The report finds that the light truck sector continues to drive the specialty-equipment industry, with pickups (32%), CUVs (15%), and SUVs (12%) accounting for over half of accessory and performance parts sales.

“Light trucks are a diverse and growing group of vehicles that have overtaken cars to represent the majority of vehicles on the road in the United States,” added Knapp. “They present a significant opportunity for the specialty-equipment industry due to their versatile platforms for accessorization, and this trend only seems to be growing as more companies recognize the potential in this space.”

Drivers are also accessorizing their alternative power vehicles, such as EVs and Hybrids, which brought in $2.5 billion in sales in 2023. While EV sales have climbed year-over-year, consumers aren’t flocking to this technology as some have predicted and many automakers are adjusting their transition plans. SEMA has lowered its forecast for EV sales, with the expectation that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will make up the majority of sales over the next decade.

Even with current economic uncertainty, sales across all sectors of the market continue to grow. Notably, sales of appearance and accessory products ($27.41 billion), engine and performance products ($12.56 billion), and wheels, tires, and handling ($12.38 billion) all increased over 2023.

• Additional findings from the report include:
• Most accessorizers are modifying their daily drivers; 58% of accessorized vehicles are used for commuting.
• Young people continue to drive the market, with half of accessorizers under the age of 40. Younger accessorizers are also likely to do more extensive builds, such as suspension and engine performance mods.
• More than half of accessorizers (58%) also own a powersports product, such as a trailer, UTV, or motorcycle, which can offer opportunities for cross-selling and promotions.
• New vehicle sales are likely to top 16 million in 2024.

The United States vehicle fleet comprises nearly 290 million passenger cars on the road. More cars on the road means more opportunities for drivers to personalize. Additionally, over 90% of specialty-equipment businesses surveyed expect their 2024 sales to equal or exceed 2023. This is positive news as the industry prepares for the SEMA Show later this year, where more than 2,400 brands are set to exhibit and reveal their products and services to thousands of qualified buyers.

SEMA business members can download the new “2024 SEMA Market Report” for free at www.sema.org/research. To learn more about SEMA membership, visit www.sema.org/membership.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.28.24) – Your customer’s off-road audio experience is about to receive an upgrade with ULTIMATE CONTROL. MB Quart Powersports UTV Dash Kits enhance every listening session exclusive for Polaris RZR and Polaris RANGER.

Get ready for your customers to receive more control with the MB Quart GMR7V1 source unit innovated for the ALL-NEW Polaris RZR and Polaris RANGER dash installation kits. Obtain complete outdoor audio control!

WATERPROOF. TOUCHSCREEN. CARPLAY.

The GMR7V1 is a 7-inch waterproof, touchscreen, Apple (and Android supported) CarPlay source unit. The flagship leader in MB Quart source units is leading the way with more customizable audio features that add depth to every MB Quart listening experience. CONTROL meets CUSTOMIZATION!

The GMR7V1 brings more control and integration with your customer’s iPhone or Bluetooth device. Using a master knob control button for easy navigation of options and sub-level buttons within a full touchscreen 7-inch display – the GMR7V1 features selectable audio sources that include Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, AM/FM, Weather Band, two USB inputs, and an Aux input.

Integrating four built-in auxiliary switches and full RGB lighting controller that adds color under every button, the GMR7V1 source unit also includes two camera inputs and one video output. Have your customers control even more of their sound through every listening session with dual-zone and full audio adjustments that control the volume in two different areas separately. Included Sub-level Control and a 10-band equalizer allow for an enhanced listening experience.

Upgrade your customer’s MB Quart audio system to the GMR7V1 waterproof touchscreen Apple CarPlay source unit and have them embrace more audio features, user-friendly control, and a larger touchscreen that enhances every MB Quart install on their Polaris RZR or Polaris RANGER vehicle.

Learn more HERE about the GMR7V1 7-inch waterproof touchscreen CarPlay source unit.