Author: 12VoltNews

Alpine Returns to New Jersey Jeep® Invasion as the Official Audio Sponsor

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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.

Alpine will have a strong presence in Wildwood as in this image from a previous year.

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.

Mobile Solutions Announces MasterTechAdvanced Door Panel Fabrication Training

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Scheduled August 9-12 at Mobile Solutions HQ in Tempe, Ariz., Attendees Will Learn From the Best in the Business, Including Renowned Automotive Designer and Master Fabricator, Tom Miller

Tempe, Ariz., July 5, 2024 – Mobile Solutions, a leader in creating the tools and training needed for custom automotive electronics, audio, and interior installations, is proud to announce its MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training, scheduled August 9-12 at Mobile Solutions headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. During the event,
attendees will learn from the best in the business and enhance their shop’s capabilities by utilizing Mobile Solutions’ comprehensive training program that will reveal the secrets to mastering CAD design automation, 3D fabrication, upholstery, and high-end automotive finishes.

The MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training offers in-depth examples of three real-world design projects, executed to the highest level. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from Bryan Schmitt and special guest, the acclaimed automotive designer and master fabricator, Tom Miller.

What to expect from the MasterTech Advanced Door Panel Fabrication Training:

Hands-On Class: Participate in a hands-on class project that walks you through the entire design process from ideation to execution.

Finding Inspiration: Get tips on how to find inspiration and navigate through the ideation phase.

Efficient Planning: Improve your efficiency and elevate your design game with a fully realized plan, making it easier to start new projects and pitch ideas to clients.

Collaborative Learning Environment: Engage in a collaborative environment where you can share ideas and get feedback from peers and instructors.

Boost Your Business: Develop skills to effectively pitch your ideas and present your designs to potential clients.

Master Advanced Techniques: Develop a deeper understanding of cutting-edge processes and technologies.

“Everything starts with a plan,” said Miller. “In our Door Panel Fabrication Class, you’ll learn how to turn your idea into a compelling, executable plan. We’ll cover finding inspiration, ideation, sketching on paper, digital rendering, and 3D modeling. Starting a new project or pitching an idea can be tough, often leaving us stuck. This class will boost your design skills and efficiency, helping you create a fully realized plan.”

Schmitt concluded, “This is your chance to elevate your craftsmanship and stay ahead in the competitive automotive industry. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and ensure your place among the elite in fabrication.”

Class time is 8:15am – 5:30pm each day.

Visit mobilesolutions-usa.com/doorpanelclass for more information and lodging opportunities during the training

For additional information, visit www.MobileSolutions-usa.com.

About Mobile Solutions

Mobile Solutions USA is an innovation-driven company creating tools and delivering training that enable custom automotive electronics, audio and interior installations progress with a level of efficiency not otherwise efficiently achieved in the aftermarket automotive business. With the patented Smart Templates™ brand of design tools and many other process-driven innovations, Mobile Solutions USA serves the aftermarket automotive technician, fabricator and retail store community through direct sales and distributors around the globe.

The July 4th 2024 Celebration Marks The 248th Anniversary Of Independence Day

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.03.24) – Thursday, July 4th, marks the celebration of Independence Day 248 across the U.S. Many businesses are enjoying a 4-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Friday the 5th along with Thursday July 4th.

July 4th 2024 is seeing a return to somewhat normal as the COVID 19 Pandemic fades further in the rear view mirror. That said, the landscape across the US and around the world is far from normal. This year’s US President’s election turmoil fills the news, inflation continues running high and air travel is a nightmare in many cases. Online sales continue to take away from the brick and mortar marketplace. In-person events have returned but everyday life is far from normal.

On the 12volt industry side store traffic remains light as many consumers make decisions with allocating their disposable income. Uneasiness with regard to price increases and inventory issues persist. With so many options visibility for 12volt products is not getting through to consumers. We must continue to work to make music fun again!

The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2024 was OK for many 12volt companies. As the second quarter came to a close the price of gas has declined but mounting social issues cloud the future. Reports are business has definitely slowed. Worldwide unrest adds to the cloudy future.

Now, as the second half of 2024 gets underway, all businesses must evaluate their game plans and make appropriate adjustments. Importantly, businesses must adjust their shoulder pads and tighten the chin straps on their helmets. Now, as the clock for the second half of 2024 has started, all businesses must keep their eye on the ball, work their game plans and be prepared to quickly make necessary adjustments. Importantly brick and mortar retailers must work to create excitement in their market to drive in-store traffic and business.

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt..PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image to 318 469 2526. PRESTO..your company could be in the news. As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be… ’Jammin’ N July’.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry.

KICKER Expanded The Company’s Support For SkillsUSA in 2024

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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.

Students working at one of the testing stations

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.

Winners at the SkillsUSA awards ceremony are pictured in the stands in this image from the SkillsUSA Instagram account.

“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

Compustar Canada: Now Open to Serve and Support Canadian Customers

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SASKATOON, SK, (JULY 3, 2024) – Firstech, LLC., makers of Compustar, DroneMobile, and Momento, is announcing the opening of direct operations in Canada through Compustar Canada. This move ensures streamlined sales, shipping, marketing, and warranty services specifically for Canadian customers.

Bryan Sack
President Compustar Canada

Bryan Sack, a 12-volt industry veteran of 30+ years, has accepted the role of President of Compustar Canada. The company’s headquarters, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is set to enhance customer experience across the region. Canadian customers can now access all Firstech products – Compustar remote start and security systems, DroneMobile telematics, Momento dash cameras, and the entire suite of iDatalink integration solutions.

“We are thrilled to start a new chapter for Compustar in Canada to extend the 20+ years of success the brand has had in our country,” shares Bryan Sack. “Expect hassle-free warranty, transparent pricing control, and increased marketing support tailored to the Canadian market’s growing needs.”

Additionally, the company has announced the upcoming launch of an online dealer portal, myFirstech.ca, in the fall of 2024. This portal will allow dealers to place and manage orders, activate DroneMobile systems, and earn recurring rewards on DroneMobile activations. It represents a significant step towards providing comprehensive support and efficiency improvements for Canadian dealers.

For more information or to start a Compustar Canada account, Canadian dealers are encouraged to email orders@myfirstech.ca.

Webpage: https://www.firstechllc.com/compustar-canada-now-open-to-serve-and-support-canadian-customers/

KICKER® to Host Vintage Air® Road Tour at International Headquarters

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STILLWATER, USA (July 2,2024)- KICKER® will play host to the Vintage Air® Road Tour at its international headquarters on Tuesday, July 2.

As seen in this image of a previous Car Show, the KICKER International HQ is the ideal venue to host the 2024 Vintage Air Road Tour in Stillwater OK.

The KICKER parking lot will be teeming with more than 80 custom cars, trucks and hot rods making their way from San Antonio, Texas to Des Moines, Iowa for Vintage Air’s annual summer tour of the country. As two leading pioneers in the aftermarket automotive industry, KICKER is proud to team with Vintage Air so consumers, professionals and hobbyists can learn how to have all their in-car climate and audio needs met and exceeded.

The Vintage Air vehicles, from street rods to trucks to custom classics, will arrive in the morning. They will be on display till the afternoon when the Tour continues its northward journey, with a destination of Goodguys Heartland Nationals in Des Moines on July 5. The south parking lot will be dedicated to showcasing these custom vehicles sporting the latest innovation and technology from Vintage Air, while the KICKER Visitors Center and Museum will also be open to the public. This presents a great opportunity to learn about the latest aftermarket solutions for any vehicle, covering the two most important factors when it comes to a vehicle’s cabin: air and sound!

For more details, readers can visit vintageair.com, and those who can’t come see these incredible custom cars in-person at KICKER HQ can visit KICKER’s social media platforms for photos, videos and interviews of the tour.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, X.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Vintage Air is a registered trademark of Vintage Air, LLC

Alpine to Exhibit at the 2024 X Takeover Show as the Official Audio Sponsor

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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.

U.S. SUPREME COURT DELIVERS WIN FOR AUTO AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY AGAINST FEDERAL AGENCY OVERREACH

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DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 2, 2024) – The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a huge win for industries impacted by federal overreach today. In its decisions in Loper Bright v. Raimondo and Relentless v. Commerce, the high court has provided increased regulatory certainty to small businesses around the country, including specialty automotive aftermarket companies, that have been adversely impacted by federal regulatory overreach. The court’s decisions overturned what is known as the Chevron Doctrine, which adopted the principle that judges should defer to federal executive branch agencies’ interpretations of their powers when the laws that Congress has written are ambiguous or have gaps so long as those interpretations are reasonable. The Court’s decision affirms that agencies cannot take actions that are inconsistent with, or not supported by, the language of, the laws passed by Congress.

These precedent-setting decisions will provide opportunities to revisit a wide array of regulations that affect so much of everyday life – including issues that directly impact the specialty automotive aftermarket. For the last four decades, many energy, climate, health, and safety regulations have been given deferential treatment in federal courts because of the Chevron doctrine. During this time, federal agencies expanded the scope of regulations beyond congressional intent, which has adversely impacted small businesses that drive the U.S. economy.

This decision restores the checks and balances of our system of governance and rightly places authority back where it belongs: with the elected officials in Congress who are charged with drafting federal laws. The Supreme Court’s decisions on these pivotal cases will help to reign in federal regulations where the executive branch has exceeded its statutory authority.

About SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.3 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.

Stereo King Cranked Out The Fun At The 2024 UTV Takeover

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COOS BAY, OR (07.01.24) – Stereo King was on site at the 2024 UTV Takeover in the Oregon Dunes National Recreational area for the eighth time. The UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from June 25th-29th. Reports noted well over 3000 UTV’s were on site with the crowd of powersports enthusiasts topping 10,000.

UTVs lined up for adventures on the Coos Bay dunes.

The PowerSports category is very strong for Stereo King day-in and day-out at their 4 locations. The Stereo King crew of 7 was very busy at the 2024 UYV Takeover and had strong sales plus did close to 100 UTV installs. Paul Pilat, Zach Vanatta and Jackie Pilat from Crossover Marketing were on site working with the Stereo King crew as well as Jeff Oliver from Oliver Marketing.

Paul, Zack and Jackie (L to R) from Crossover Marketing arrived on Day 1 to work with the Stereo King crew.

Stereo King rolled into the event with a big U-Haul truck and 30’ trailer with Stereo King custom graphics. The booth was set up on vendor row with multiple tents and demo vehicles.

The Stereo King booth being set up on Vendor Row.

“During the 5-day event run we did a ton of promoting with business cards, fliers, free stickers, shirts caps and more. We spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth and saw a lot of customers from previous years which is always great to see. We offered onsite installation and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. It was a strong mix of Can Ams, RZRs and RZR PRO’s that came through and were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits which were the biggest hits” Scotty Miles related.

The Stereo King install bays were busy throughout the UTV Takeover.

Continuing, Miles offered, “We set up quite a few side-x-side related jobs along with some daily usage vehicles and RV audio upgrades back at the stores too. Attendance this year may have been down a bit but the enthusiasm across the event was very strong.”

Installations underway with gear set to load on UTVs.

Installations happened outside the bays also.

New this year in the Stereo King booth on vendor row was a 2024 Jeep Gadiator loaded with 6000 watts of JL Audio gear. The #SKhotwheels grabbed ears from across the event.

The Stereo King 2024 Jeep Gladiator was loaded with 6000 watts of JL Audio gear and grabbed ears from across the venue.

Stereo King crew members spent the nights at local motels in North Bend and wrapped their long days at in town spots that stayed open late to serve the hungry Stereo King crew.

Stereo King operates 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise, ID.

The 12V Dashboard Welcomes KICKER, Soundstream and Precision Power

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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