SEATTLE, WA (03.21.24) – The 10th annual PNWCEE 2024 Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo May 13-15 is now open for registration on their website https://www.pnwcee.com. This industry-only event is open to all industry-related dealers, expeditors, and their employees at no charge.

“We are excited to create a positive atmosphere where dealers, their salespeople, and techs can learn about new products and technologies by interacting with factory personnel and attending various trainings, according to PNWCEE founders, Dan McMillan and Mark Giovannetti.”

“This event is hosted by the participating manufacturers and Pacific Northwest representative firms Crossover Marketing, Falcon Marketing, In Phase Marketing, Oliver Marketing, and Pacific Rim Marketing.”

“New this year, there will be a Welcome Reception on Monday evening for all who are attending the Expo on Monday – May 13, at 5 pm – followed by a Motorcycle System Design & Installation class by Sam Walker of Walker Audio Designs and participating manufacturers at 6:30 pm. Rounding out the evening will be an OEM Integration/ Best Practices class at 7:30 pm by participating manufacturers.”

Visit https://www.pnwcee.com for more.

POMPANO BEACH, FL (03.20.24) – ZZ2 has launched 2 new kits dedicated to domestic automobiles, Ford and GM. The ITZ-SYNC2 provides wireless CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for most Ford and Lincoln models from 2011 to 2016. Following that, ZZ2 officially launched ITZ-MYLINK for GM vehicles, which will replace older hardware, improve connectivity, and streamline integration.

Whether wired or wireless, the ITZ-SYNC2 integrates directly with the factory touchscreen, adding CarPlay and Android Auto support to the outdated SYNC2 system. This application uses the factory microphone and Bluetooth to generate the best possible user experience.

GM vehicles can now benefit from ZZ2’s new MYLINK unit, which replaces the previous hardware. With the ITZ-MYLINK, customers will no longer need any external parts or an AUX connection for audio.

“Like most of our other kits, the ITZ-SYNC2 and ITZ-MYLINK now incorporate all factory parts and features to integrate CarPlay and Android Auto, providing an improved user experience for the end user. Every integration solution that we offer is geared toward making the car look and feel as if it already had these features”, said Tiago Sperandio, Vp of ZZ2.

Both units are readily available with a standard ZZ2 warranty of 3 years.

Learn more about our newest integrations by clicking on ITZ-SYNC2 or ITZ-MYLINK.

We invite you to contact our sales team at 929-220-1212 or sales@zz-2.com to learn more about ZZ2 solutions and to become an authorized dealer. 

NEW YORK, NY (03.20.24) – SiriusXM has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024 “for reimagining the radio listening experience.” This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations.

This year, Fast Company declared SiriusXM “is making broadcasted content more personal.” The publication noted “SiriusXM went all in on rethinking its user experience,” referencing enhancements across profiles and search as well as how SiriusXM’s new platform “drove connections between types of content.”

Fast Company also highlighted a variety of SiriusXM’s 2023 accomplishments as “the audio giant also made plays for younger, more diverse listeners,” ranging from the launch of the Company’s all-new SiriusXM streaming experience, the opening of its state-of-the-art new studio in Miami, the extensive guest DJ campaign, and more.

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

TEMPE, AZ (03.19.24) – During MasterTech 2024, held for March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Bryan Schmitt, MasterTech founder/CEO/president, received the Chip Foose Automotive Trade Educator – Lifetime Achievement Award. There was no better time nor place for the honor.

“I’m at a loss for words…this recognition fills me with immense gratitude,” said a stunned Schmitt. “What a complete surprise coming from Chip Foose himself and my closest friends and family. This is a lifetime milestone that is incredibly special to me.”

For the last 30 years, Schmitt has been dedicated to contributing positively to the automotive 12 volt industry. His efforts have focused on enhancing individuals’ skills, aiding them in career development through innovative techniques, and providing education.

“It was a pleasure to be back at the show this year and an honor to be part of the overall experience of such an exclusive event where so much time and energy is spent teaching members of the industry to be stronger and better though education and knowledge,” said Chip Foose. “The trainers and speakers at this event were all a testament to the reason why the industry will have a bright future moving forward.”

Schmitt continued that it has been a journey not just of professional growth but of personal fulfillment for him. “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the globe, filling three passports and visiting more than 30 countries. I have had the privilege to train tens of thousands of individuals, which has turned into a global family, enriching my life immeasurably. As I reflect on this honor, I must extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have supported me, especially my wife Michele Zittel Schmitt, family, close friends, Fred Lynch, and Chip Foose. Your encouragement and friendship have been pillars of my journey.”

Schmitt concluded, “Receiving this award is not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the collective spirit and hard work of everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. I am forever grateful and will cherish this moment and recognition for the rest of my life.”

MasterTech Expo was created as a comprehensive learning and networking event that intersects multiple disciplines in the automotive aftermarket customization and business spaces. Whether interior trimmers, car audio installation technicians, fabricators, business leaders or visionary entrepreneurs, its audience is broad-reaching, diverse, creative and talented. MasterTech’s training approach and content is unequaled, and its hand-selected exhibitor partners are the premier companies in their respective industries.

For more information, please visit www.mastertechexpo.com.

MESA, AZ (03.19.24) – MSC is proud to announce it walked away from the 2024 MasterTech Expo with this year’s “Best Booth Experience” award. The 2024 MasterTech Expo was held March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.

“Our entire team put in a tremendous amount of effort in creating a booth that encompasses everything Audiotec Fischer (Brax, Helix, Match), BLAM Audio, Escort Radar, and Mobridge Integration stand for, which is an experience second-to-none for our Partners and their clients,” said Larry Penn, MSC President. “We are proud all of our hard work has been recognized.”

Besides multiple vehicles outfitted with MSC products and product displays for its lines throughout the booth, MSC also hosted a number of seminars and trainings for show attendees which were very well received.

“Attendees were both focused as well as interactive in our booth and during our presentations, absorbing our messaging and the culture we strive to instill in our Partners,” Penn added. “Bryan Schmitt and his team put on a tremendous Expo, and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.”

For more information on MSC, please visit www.msc-america.com, call 480-372-2929 (USA) or 403-698-3695 (Canada), or email sales@msc-america.com.

Visit www.msc-america.com for more.

SHREVEPORT, LA (03.18.24) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

With your smartphone simply Snap and Txt an image, with a few words, to 318 465 0844. PRESTO…your company’s positive could be delivered to the 12volt industry by the 12volt Central Studios.

Check out the images below for examples of posts made the last few days with images from 12volt industry members who utilized the 12voltSTP Tool.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 4+ hours a day on their smartphone.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry. To see over 1000 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.

NEW YORK, NY (03.18.24) – SiriusXM will offer listeners nationwide extensive coverage of NCAA® March Madness®, carrying live play-by-play of the entire 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, as well as live play-by-play coverage of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship from the Sweet 16 through the Women’s Final Four®.

From the First Four® on March 19-20 through the Men’s Final Four® and National Championship game on April 6 and 8 in Phoenix, SiriusXM listeners will have access to every game – from the tip to the final buzzer – of the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.

For the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship games, SiriusXM will also air live play-by-play of every game from regional play, March 29-April 1, through the Women’s Final Four, to be played April 5 and 7 in Cleveland, plus select early round matchups.

All of the Men’s NCAA Tournament game broadcasts, and the Women’s NCAA Tournament game broadcasts from the Sweet 16 through the National Championship, are provided to SiriusXM by Westwood One, the official network audio partner of the NCAA.

SiriusXM listeners nationwide can access tournament coverage and analysis across Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82), SiriusXM College Sports Radio (channel 84), and CBS Sports Radio (channel 158) both in-car and streaming on the SiriusXM app. SiriusXM’s new and improved app will feature a special page dedicated to March Madness®, making it easy for listeners to access live and upcoming games, tournament-related interviews, analysis and more.

Tournament matchups and SiriusXM channel assignments will be available at siriusxm.com/sports starting Monday, March 18.

Beyond the action on the court, fans will also get the most in-depth expert analysis leading up to and throughout the tournament on SiriusXM’s multiple sports talk channels.

Selection Sunday®

On Selection Sunday®, March 17, SiriusXM listeners will get up-to-the-moment coverage as tournament teams and first round matchups are announced:

• On Mad Dog Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 82), Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and Steve Torre will host special Selection Sunday coverage live from 5 – 9 pm ET.
• SiriusXM College Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 84) will air Selection Sunday specials from 5 – 11 pm ET. At 5 pm ET, Kris Budden and Sean Farnham will host coverage of the men’s bracket reveal, then Chris Plank and Nicole Auerbach will take over as the women’s bracket is announced at 8 pm ET.
• The official NCAA Tournament Selection Show produced by Westwood One will air on CBS Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 158) from 6 – 9 pm ET. Hosts Jason Horowitz, PJ Carlesimo and Debbie Antonelli will cover the reveal of both the men’s and women’s tournament brackets.
• SportsGrid Radio (SiriusXM channel 159) will also be live on Selection Sunday from 7-10 pm ET, with Ben Stevens and “Coach” James Young hosting.

Basketball and Beyond with Coach K

Hall of Famer and five-time national champion former head coach of the Duke Blue Devils Mike Krzyzewski will host his SiriusXM show, Basketball and Beyond with Coach K, twice a week during the tournament run on the SiriusXM College Sports Radio channel and on the SiriusXM app. Coach K will share his insight into what teams face as they prepare to play on college basketball’s biggest stage, and react to performances by players and teams as they advance through the bracket.

Final Four® Special Programming

SiriusXM will also have live programming airing from both the Men’s and Women’s Final Four cities, with pregame shows on location in Phoenix and Cleveland, as well as live coverage of the Naismith Awards Brunch, where the Women’s and Men’s Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards are announced.

Throughout the tournament, SiriusXM’s sports channels will offer daily expert analysis from former players, coaches and other college sports insiders. These channels will be a place for fans to call in and discuss the performances of their favorite teams and conferences.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

PALM BEACH, FL (03.15.24) – Gooichi Motors and ZyCoat is proud to announce an extraordinary event set to take place at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. For the very first time in Florida, we will be unveiling our remarkable BMW GT3 Z4, powered by a Supercharged M120 Engine and the exhaust system coated with ZyClear the revolutionary high temperature, high gloss, corrosion resistant coating, aboard the prestigious Mega yacht “Far Niente.”  ZyCoat will demonstrate ZyClear’s technology innovation & applications for the marine industry while on board.   

This historic occasion promises an unforgettable experience for attendees and media alike. The Palm Beach International Boat Show is renowned for its luxury, elegance, and innovation, making it the perfect backdrop for our debut. On March 21st-24th , visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to witness the marriage of automotive excellence and maritime grandeur with ZyClear treated, Gooichi Motors SEMA Race car takes its place on the back of “Far Niente.”

This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for Gooichi Motors and ZyCoat and highlights our joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering. This 1500hp Street-legal BMW GT3 Z4 represents the pinnacle of automotive innovation, delivering unparalleled power, precision, and speed. This vehicle made its debut at the 2023 SEMA show, where it earned recognition by securing a position in the top three for the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award.

Visit https://www.gooichimotors.com, https://zycoat.com, and https://www.pbboatshow.com for more.

ANCHORAGE, AK (03.15.24) – Known by so many throughout the industry as “Big Bro”, SoundShield founder and CEO, John Schwartz has earned that title by doing whatever he can to help others be their best. At the next Knowledgefest event, which takes place in Nashville, TN from April 19th through April 21st, Schwartz’s company will continue that tradition by sponsoring the seminar entitled “Cast Off the Crutches”. This seminar, which will be delivered by Jon Kowanetz of Pathways Coaching & Consulting, aims to help attendees to identify and overcome the obstacles that are holding them back from getting to where they want to go in both their personal and professional life.

Through the sharing of personal experiences with habit and behavior change, Part 1 of this seminar seeks to empower others to proudly acknowledge the areas in their own lives that they would like to change and shows them how doing so could benefit them both at home and at work. Whether the habit is as seemingly harmless as nail biting or excessive social media usage, or as destructive as alcohol and drug dependence, attendees will learn a step-by-step process to overcome it.

Part 2 of Cast Off the Crutches is a workshop that builds upon what attendees learned in Part 1, by giving them an opportunity to use that same step-by-step process to create an actual plan to change their unwanted habits and behaviors, in a way they may not have encountered before. “We all know that in order to change a habit or behavior, we must first acknowledge it,” Kowanetz said “But to create the desire to actually make that change, we need to clearly define why it is a problem for us, how much it could negatively affect our lives if we don’t change it and how much our lives could improve if we do!”

“Look, we all need to make money, sell more, install better and there are so many classes at KnowledgeFest that will teach people how to do those things,” said John Schwartz of the sponsorship “But what is all that worth if we are not good within ourselves? The industry needs a class like this and SoundShield is proud to support it!” 

Part 1 of “Cast Off the Crutches” will be delivered at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 20 2024 in room 103 A and Part 2 will be delivered at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 21 2024 in room 103 A, as part of the Knowledgefest Nashville event, being held at the Music City Center in Nashville TN. 

Please contact Jon Kowanetz at Pathways Coaching & Consulting with any questions. 

Visit https://www.soundshieldusa.com for more.