SEATTLE, WA (03.25.24) – With many dealers unable to attend national and regional trainings over the last 12 months, manufacturers and dealers in the Pacific Northwest & Alaska have asked the PNWCEE Team to once again host the PNWCEE Northwest Mobile Electronics’ Expo. Conveniently located in Seattle, at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton at Southcenter, it is also very close to the airport with a free shuttle to the venue, requiring only a day or two to attend.
This year, there will be classes on OEM Integration, Marine, DSP, Motorcycle builds, and factory trainings. With the setup on Monday in the early afternoon, there will also be a “Welcome Reception” before the evening classes.
Several dealers have indicated they are closing their stores to have their techs and salespeople attend the Monday evening welcome reception and trainings. Then, over the next day or two, spend as much time as possible on the show floor meeting with factory personnel and hearing about their newest product and special offers at the event.
As in previous years, dealers are not charged to attend the Expo or any trainings offered at the Expo. The suites can accommodate up to 3-4 people, with 2 double beds, a sleeper couch, and a separate living room. Additionally, with every room rental, there is a free hot breakfast for up to two people plus a free lunch will be provided to all attendees during the day.
The PNWCEE Expo 2024 will be hosted by participating manufacturers and Pacific Northwest representative firms Crossover Marketing, Falcon Marketing, In Phase Marketing, Oliver Marketing and Pacific Rim Marketing.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (03.23.24) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 6.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 264th time on Friday morning March 22nd. The Wheel landed on the Massive Audio space and the Victorylap Auto Styling slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
Click to view.
We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in East Moline IL with the news. Royce Arnold related he saw the post on social media and he was happy to hear the news and said they will be looking forward to receiving the Massive Audio prize.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting, Maximum Power, AlloyGator, King Boxes and Massive Audio. 12volt News $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD, Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA and Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 265 on Friday, March 29th.
GASTONIA, NC (03.22.24) – Shiflet & Dickson’s David Holland stated “This was our 32nd dealer show! It was great to see so many dealers come to our show, network and see new products. We kicked off Saturday night with a St Patricks party with a live band, refreshments, dinner and demo vehicles outside. Sunday was the day for exhibitors to show new products, host trainings and write orders for all the super show specials. We were very busy shipping orders the first 3 days of the week… in fact truck lines were delayed for pick ups.”
The 12volt Central Studios staff followed up with several exhibitors and dealers to showcase their positive experiences experiences from attending the event. Below are a number of observations from a number of attendees.
Dan Klynstra-DK Electronics, a noted custom bike builder in Florence SC rolled up to the Shiflet Show towing 2 Harley Glides, one showcasing Euphoria Expert bike gear on one Glide and KICKER on the other. “David invited me to invited me to come again to spotlight bike installations as the season is upon us. We did demos outside on Saturday night and Sunday. All definitely liked to hear the bikes play loud.”
Klynstra went on to say he is working on over 2 dozen bikes in his shop with installations schedules from $1800 to $38,000. “We show our customers what is fun. They like having fun and tell their friends” Dan added.
Mitch Swicegood, at N Tune Car Stereo in Salisbury NC, offered “It was great to see so many friends and industry members. Marcus did a great job in a JVC training. He pointed out some features on a JVC unit we have in stock I did not know. Jacob with KICKER also did a great job highlighting the new products.”
Michael Smith, Premier Car Audio in Shelby NC, commented “Another great Shiflet show. Talking with reps face-to-face is so much better that reading a spec sheet or looking at a box. We have been a Shiflet customer since we started 12 years ago. The bike demos outside were super. We are booked out 2-3 weeks in the shop. We look forward to the 2025 Shiflet show.”
The DB Drive Jeep got a lot of attention as Randy Goodwin met with dealers. Jaysam Odeh offered showing all the King Boxes to dealers opened eyes with the new line at Shiflet. Jeff Falk covered the PowerBass line and showed new OE Speaker and Bluetooth portable speaker counter displays.
Many dealers also had a chance to experience a Blaupunkt eBike as area rep Bob Anderson, N Motion, was in the house.
Allison Parker had a large MAXPRO setup on the floor. “The show was great. I loved seeing more motorcycle interest for window film and PPF for bikes. More and more 12volt shops are considering window tint and PPF goes hand in hand. We are headed into the busy season and business is ramping up.
Concluding, Holland stated “Our show, once again, was like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. Boomer and Chris did a great job in the field letting their dealers know about our show. Our staff really stepped up to the plate helping put the showroom together and helped across the board with all the details. Many of our vendors offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. The showroom floor was polished and shined like a diamond. Several dealers even let me know it looked brand new!”
VANCOUVER, BC (03.22.24) – “The highly anticipated THINKWARE Premium Q850 2K premium dash cam is exclusive to independent 12 volt retailers and is now shipping. The Q850 boasts a wide array of advanced features that THINKWARE customers have come to love such as Parking Surveillance mode, THINKWARE Connected built-in GPS & Wi-Fi along with speed and red light camera alerts” Billy Alexandre, THINKWARE Sales Manager stated.
Alexandre believes the Q850 will be a great success for dealers as it strikes the perfect balance between design, features, and price at $299.99. At this price point dealers will also enjoy improved margins compared to past dash cam models.
AVON LAKE, OH (03.22.24) – Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), a worldwide leader in heat and sound control products, is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking product, ATAC™: Advanced Thermal Acoustic Control Coating.
ATAC (#50208) is a revolutionary water-based coating that sets a new interior heat and noise management standard. It was developed using micro-sphere ceramic technology that utilizes tiny beads to dampen noise and vibrations while reflecting heat up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).
Unlike traditional coatings that focus solely on either heat or sound control, ATAC combines both functionalities in one innovative solution thus saving time and money. This cutting-edge product can be sprayed on, rolled, or brushed onto interiors, providing unparalleled performance in heat and sound management.
“We are excited to introduce ATAC to our customers,” said Mike Buca, Brand Manager of Design Engineering Inc. “With ATAC, we are offering a unique solution in one product that addresses the dual challenges of heat and sound control. Whether you’re restoring a classic car, refurbishing a boat, upgrading an RV, enhancing a truck, or tackling industrial applications, ATAC delivers exceptional results.”
ATAC is now available for shipping and comes in a convenient 1-gallon size, making it ideal for various projects and applications. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a must-have product for automotive enthusiasts, marine enthusiasts and industrial professionals alike.
Key features and benefits of ATAC include: Advanced thermal and acoustic control in one solution saves time and money. Reflects radiant heat up to 375 F (177 C) while reducing vibration and noise for a quieter more enjoyable ride. Easy application through spraying, rolling, or brushing. Available in a 1-gallon resealable bucket that covers up to 75 square feet. Provides superior performance compared to traditional coatings. Water-based coating that cleans up easily and is environmentally safe. Suitable for automotive restoration, marine vessels, RVs, trucks and industrial applications. An optional DEI Spray Gun is also available (#50209)
BOARDMAN, OH (03.21.24) – The Electric Tricycle project came about when a consumer entered Rob Lancey’s Audio Extreme store asking about the possibilities of creating a loaded electric tricycle that he could drive around the town as his AddMotor mode of transport.
“The customer was on the older side and not 100% mobile. He peddled his electric tricycle up to the store, walked in and asked some detailed questions about an audio system that would really rock with lighting plus a security system and backup camera. Bluetooth connectivity would be his audio source. We talked about price and he indicated that wasn’t a problem. Then he pretty much said thank you and left” Lancey stated.
This Electric Trike project is the talk of Boardman, OH
Around the first of December the customer returned and said he was ready to get the system installed. AddMotor Electric Tricycles features upgraded 750W rear-mounted motor, speed differentrial and parking brakes. AddMotor electric tricycles are priced at a little over $3000.
“In case the customer returned I had searched around about gear for an electric tricycle after the he left. I was excited to see him peddle up to the store again” Lancey offered.
A super clean installation.
Continuing “He came in and said “Let’s do it” and handed me an envelop filled with cash. A friend picked him up and we got started designing the system and getting the gear headed our way. We are a Rockford Fosgate dealer and they offer a wide variety of products that would fit the bill.The whole project took about 60 days as we got the gear and worked the installation around our available time in the bay.”
Check out this custom digital license plate and pipes.
The system consisted of Rockford Fosgate amps, multiple mids, tower cans and 2 subs and Bluetooth controller. I-Beam reverse cam, Heise Lighting and Saddle Tramp Lithium Battery plus a Compustar / Drone Alarm highlights the gear installed.
A special addition to the system was a custom lighted license plate that was made utilizing techniques Lancey learned at a Mobile Solutions training class,
All mounts were completed in cardboard to check on fit. The sizing was then transferred for 3D printed mounts. Running the wiring was also a challenge as a lot of the trike frame in small piping. In all, the total system topped $8K with products, design and installation time.
“Our Trike customer has been by the store asking about more upgrades. Each time he tells us about how many honk and wave as they see and hear him coming….he is one happy customer” Lancey concluded.
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.”
AVON LAKE, OH (03.21.24) – Staying cool doesn’t have to be a challenge. Design Engineering Inc.’s Under Seat Heat Shield Kit can be used on 2022-’23 Honda Pioneer models to reduce seat temperatures and make the interior more comfortable.
DEI’s under seat heat shield kit blocks engine heat from entering the passenger area with high-quality, custom-cut insulation pieces. The improved insulation lowers temperatures on the seat and middle plastic panel.
“Under seat heat shield kits will increase the riding comfort for you and your whole crew,” said John Gabriel, powersports manager at DEI. “Maximize the enjoyment of your next ride by adding this kit to your interior.”
The kit includes front seat and middle panel heat shields. It fits 2022-’23 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 and 1000-3 models. Installation is simple thanks to adhesive backing and will still allow your Honda Pioneer to be serviced.
For more information about DEI’s powersports line of heat and sound control products, visit www.deipowersports.com.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (03.20.24) – On Sunday St Patrick’s Day Rifle Supply kicked of the company’s Cars & Coffee Sunday series for 2024. Rifle Supply is a retail gun shop that sells firearms and accessories. PowerBass was a sponsor of the event and showcased PowerBass products in their booth.
Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related “Seems there is a lot of crossover with the Rifle Supply customer base and 12volt enthusiasts. The Rifle Supply team members are friends and we participated in the St Patrick’s Sunday Cars & Coffee. In fact one of the team, Justin Baca, has a Durango with PowerBass gear in a custom installation along with a custom wrap. They take the Durango to various community events they support in the Huntington Beach area.”
Juan and Meny working with customers.
Raul Rodriguez created this post to let Rifle Supply’s 40,000 Instagram followers to come check out PowerBass at the Cars & Coffee event.
The parking lot had over 100 cars with a coffee shop, food truck and DJ on site. There was also a free raffle of attendees with no purchase required.
PowerBass had branding on some of the raffle items.
The Justin Baca’s Rifle Supply Durango features a custom installation with PowerBass gear the company showcases at various community events.
Raul Rodriguez handles the marketing for Rifle Supply and related “The coffee shop ran out of coffee and the food truck was busy throughout the event. We had twice the sales as we do on a normal day. We have over 40,000 followers on Instagram alone and I actually made a video showcasing PowerBass would be onsite…with a raffle prize too.”
“Juan, Meny and I worked the booth and talked about the wide range of PowerBass products with members of the crowd. In fact Rifle Supply now stocks our Bluetooth portables. A little music is a nice addition for many as they are on the road to a hunting site. The Rifle Supply Cars & Coffee events are planned for the 3rd Sundays of the month and we plan to have a booth through the summer” Harbour concluded.
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.
12VoltNews.com 