BREA, CA (08.28.23) – Hot off the Press. The NA82M features NavAtlas exclusively designed “Expedition” Off-Road Software of the continental United States, Mexico and Canada as well as whatever country a rider many be traveling to can be loaded.
Patrick Brooks in the NavAtlas Brea HQ with the new 8.1” Touchscreen Rearview Mirror
Find your location, set bread crumbs to find your way back to camp, Meet up with other riders by giving them Latitude and Longitude coordinates to find your location or another SXS. Onboard compass and speedometer keep you aware of your location and the speed you’re traveling via satellite. The really cool thing about the NA82M is it also plays music via Bluetooth from any smart device.
“The NA82M can take the place of any standard radio and run any system via 4.5volt (F&R) RCA’s. No other manufacturer is doing anything like this. It’s a game changer!” Patrick Brooks. National Sales Manager, stated.
GREENSBORO, NC (08.28.23) – Building on their success in North Carolina, Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced an ownership change and refresh to the company’s Greensboro location.
Tint World® Greensboro is the second Tint World® location in North Carolina owned by Shawn McMaster, Jaysen McMasterForeman, and Candi Krueger. They continue to provide premium automotive aftermarket styling services for auto enthusiasts and residents throughout the Greensboro area and welcome a new general manager, Chris Bivens, to operate the location. In a previous role, Bivens was part of a Charlotte-based team that achieved the Guinness World Record for most vehicles tinted in eight hours. He has over 15 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years managing tinting businesses.
“Candi, Jaysen and I recently opened the Fayetteville location, and we’re thrilled to be at the helm in Greensboro as well,” said Shawn McMaster. “We knew that Chris’s proven skills and experience in tinting would be a perfect match for Tint World®’s world-class offerings, and with him serving as general manager, we’re confident that Tint World® Greensboro will surpass the expectations of our customers.”
Tint World® Greensboro also offers a refreshed 12-volt product line, including audio, visual, navigation, alarms and more, and has recruited new specialized talent to enhance service and installation offerings for this line.
“Shawn, Jaysen and Candi are great examples of our proven franchise system empowering growth through multi-unit ownership,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “They’re already finding success in Fayetteville, and through trusting in our reliable processes, they are taking Greensboro to the next level as well. I can speak for the entire Tint World® leadership team when I say that we expect to hear about first-class service in Greensboro and can’t wait to see what the future holds for these committed, driven owners.”
Tint World® Greensboro, located at 4407 Landover Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27407, serves Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Mebane, Summerfield, Winston-Salem, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Archdale, Kernersville, and Gibsonville. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (336) 899-8395 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/nc/greensboro-029/
SHREVEPORT LA (08.19.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Mobile AVC won a SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 234 on Friday morning, August 25th.
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 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 234th time on Friday morning August 25th. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the Mobile AVC slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in Brunswick ME to let them know a SiriusXM prize will be headed that way. Erik Quick, the owner answered the phone. We told him the reason for the call and he said he had seen the post on Instagram earlier. Mobile AVC makes great posts on Instagram with vehicles posted in their facility that grabs the attention from their social media followers. On Saturday, August 26th Mobile AVC is partnering on a local car show including family activities. Great to see proactive retailers connecting with consumers to drive business and in-store traffic and sales.
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, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards 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 and Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 1st.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.25.23) – The SEMA Show Overland Experience, a popular specialized showcase at the world’s leading automotive trade show, is moving to a new location in 2023 to give attendees a more immersive introduction into the world of overlanding. The dedicated display will be prominently featured in the Diamond Lot, adjacent to the West Hall, providing a customized environment to highlight the growing overlanding market.
“Moving the Overland Experience to the Diamond Lot will enable attendees and media to easily access the latest products and innovations in the growing market segment, in an outside setting they were designed for,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The exhibit will be conveniently accessible to all Show attendees via the LVCC Loop West Hall Station and the West Hall, which will feature the latest in trucks, SUVs, off-roading, powersports and utility vehicles.”
The SEMA Overland Experience will include dozens of customized vehicles–from pop-top-equipped trucks to sprinter vans to specialty trailers–featuring recreational and utility gear such as refrigerators, storage racks and units, makeshift kitchens, and solar chargers, everything to make off-the-grid travel fun and convenient.
The exhibit will also feature industry experts discussing key overlanding opportunities and trends that can add important new profit centers for aftermarket companies who are looking to diversify and grow their offerings.
“The Overland Experience is a great opportunity for attendees to delve deep into the lifestyle and gear associated with this adventure-driven niche,” added SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “With exhibits like the Overland Experience displayed throughout the SEMA Show, we will showcase what’s trending in the marketplace and what many consumers and enthusiasts are gravitating towards.”
Attendees will be able to engage with several leading brands, including current Overland Experience sponsors American Expedition Vehicles, KW Automotive, LinksWell Automotive, LiquidSpring, Mackin Industries, ORACLE Lighting, Powerbuilt and Caterpillar, Scosche Industries, and first-time exhibitor Winnebago.
The 2023 SEMA Show, taking place October 31-November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the ultimate business gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry. It is the place to discover new products and trends, make new business contacts, strengthen existing ones, and help professionals take their careers from good to great. To learn more or to register to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.
BREA, CA (08.25.2023) – NavAtlas, maker of Off-Road Audio, is now manufacturing its own line of Off-Road Communications products.
Patrick Brooks, National Sales Manager, stated “From 2 passenger bundles with 2 Handsets and cable plus intercom, which is a perfect starter system to full blown 2 and 4 Passenger Systems featuring everything you need to keep in contact with your passengers and outside vehicles, NavAtlas offers solutions.”
Patrick Brooks spotlights the new NavAtlas Off-Road Coms product in the company’s Brea CA HQ.
Continuing “A choice of Headsets, “In-Helmet”, “Over the head” and “Behind the Head” Headsets, intercom, to car radio, cables, and antennas NavAtlas offers it all. If you’re not familiar with Off-Road Coms, as we call them, the intercom and headsets are to communicate with your passengers. When you introduce a 2-Dual Band 2-way radio into the picture you can communicate with the outside world” Brooks added.
The Off Roads Coms category is an emerging market. Proactive 12Volt retailers should investigate this category from NavAtlas as it offers high margins with a minimal investment.
SHREVEPORT, LA (08.25.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staff members, work to deliver positive industry news each business day.
The 12volt News Show was created as a vehicle for companies across the 12volt industry to showcase their new products to members of the 12vol industry. The 12volt News Show is a venue to let industry members know about new products from manufacturers, distributors and service companies….from the convenience of a company’s office it can happen with no travel time, hotel, freight or booth expense. A number of The 12volt News Show packages are available.
Jason Proios, Product Development and Technical Service Manager for Nakamichi, lets the 12volt industry know that the popular Nakamichi NA3625-WUX model is now back in stock.
The 12volt STP Tool, which is not an app to download, makes it easier than ever to showcase a company’s new products. Simply hold and Snap a product, Txt the image along with a few words about the product, with your smartphone. PRESTO….your company’s new products could be in the 12volt News Show. 318-465-0844 is the number.
No doubt in-person trade and distributor shows offer so many more possibilities to showcase new products and connect with customers. Post Pandemic in-person trade shows have returned. Distributor shows in the spring of this year were less that 30% of Pre Pandemic numbers. As with all business related marketing initiatives measuring the ROI is a must.
With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles for information and news delivery. The fact remains people need still, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry and members.
Today a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 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. Each business day there is also fresh industry news posted to 12voltnews.com.
The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to easily send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are for the most part dedicated members of the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool and The 12volt News Show work hand-in-hand with the 12volt News to deliver positive news to members of the 12volt industry.
STILLWATER, OK (08.24.23) – KICKER returns to the MEA KnowledgeFest at the Dallas Convention Center August 25-27, and will feature the KICKER Tech Force conducting a pair of trainings Friday and Saturday. The classes will help installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT™ and KEY technologies. All training attendees will automatically be entered to win one of two KICKER PowerBar powersports soundbars.
KICKER’s booth will be in front of the Convention Center’s main entrance, booth 801. Forty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event.
Also making an appearance will be the KICKER FIAT 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers. KEY Technology drastically improves clarity, volume, and soundstage to nearly every radio on the market today – including those equipped with start/stop technology. It automatically applies time alignment, detects speaker sizes, adjusts gain, and applies a 40-band EQ and 24dB crossovers in a matter of seconds. The Fiat also features the enormous Quad Box of Solo-Baric L7 square subwoofers.
KICKER’s newest gear will be on display, including the ST-Series of P.A. Speakers, SoloX Subwoofers, the powerful Warhorse™ Sub Amplifier, newly released PowerCans, and award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers.
AVON LAKE, OH (08.24.23) – 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.
DANIA BEACH, FL (08.24.23) – SounDigital USA is excited to reintroduce a legend in the car audio industry.
After years (and years and years and years) of being asked, SounDigital has decided it needed to step back into the realm of High End Car Audio, and bring back the legendary GaN amplifier. This new series of amplifiers is a step up from the previous iteration, and will provide dealers with a much more versatile solution for their clients.
SounDigital is doing things a bit different with this line, and that is making a product exclusive to select car audio retailers. It is important to understand why GaN is different, why it is going to be used specifically in an automotive application, and why this product is not being put into application in the powersports world. This is why the team at SounDigital USA has decided to introduce the product to all retailers at KnowledgeFest Dallas, and focus their training time to let car audio retailers know why this product is special.
If you are a car audio retailer attending KnowledgeFest Dallas, make sure to swing by the booth when the floor opens, and make sure you attend the training on Saturday Evening, to get the real scoop on GaN.
NILES, IL (08.23.23) – The Armando Sounds Grand Opening in Niles took place with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday morning, September 9th 2022.
“It seems like just yesterday that we celebrated the grand opening of our new Niles store. From then until now the journey has been filled with passion, innovation and incredible memories. As we reflect on this milestone we’re grateful to our amazing customers, the car audio community and staff that made it all possible” Mohammed Armand, Armando Sounds owner, related.
Just a short year ago community leaders, friends and staff gathered for the Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony.
Continuing “Here’s to a year of pushing boundaries, elevating sound and fueling the drive for excellence. Join our Team as we continue this sonic journey…because the best is yet to come” Armand stated.
The above heart-felt words were offered on an Armando Sounds social media post on August 8th, 2023.
KICKER’s Steve Irby (L) is pictured with Mohammed Armand during a recent visit. “Armando Sounds is an amazing retail store. Mohammed definitely raised the bar.”
The Mayor of Niles cut the ribbon as members of the Chamber of Commerce and other city officials gathered in front of the store almost a year ago. Following the ribbon cutting members of the group spent time inside enjoying refreshments and checking out the new store.
Armand added “We have now been in business for 23 years and this new location brings together what we felt would create a great in-store experience for consumers and customers in the area. Looking back at the past year that proved to be the case”
“This display, spotlighting a new 19” Rockford Fosgate and a custom Sound Mekanix enclosure gets customers talking” Mohammed Armand stated.
Recently JL Audio was on site with Shelby Shimkus, Heritage Marketing Rep Firm, with this Cadillac XTR, providing high-end demos.
5Axis Innovations worked hand-in-hand with Mohammed at Armando Sounds to create that in-store experience with a showroom designed with amazing displays and graphics. Jody Culbertson stated “It was truly an honor and privilege to work with Mohammed and his team to create the in-store experience he envisioned for consumers and customers. Seeing our work contribute to the success of a premier retailer like Armando Sounds is a very, very rewarding. We wish Mohammed and Armando Sounds many more years of sonic success.”
“We had seen the work that Jody Culbertson had done with 5Axis Innovations. We reached out to him and he developed a layout with displays and signage that came together and was amazing from the day we opened. Our staff of 5 greets customers knowing they will have a feeling of ‘WOW…this is THE place’ when they enter our new store. And importantly, the best is yet to come on our sonic journey” Mohammed concluded.
Tom Ebeling, Tree Associates, has been working with Mohammed for many years and they are personal friends. “From opening day I thought Mohammed’s new store rivaled any store in the country. He is a smart businessman and I think did everything to the extreme in the new Armando Sounds store. The turnout of the Mayor and city leaders at the grand opening last year certainly demonstrated Mohammed is a continuing and valued member of the community” Ebeling related.
The new Armando Sounds store, which at 7500 sq ft is 3 times the size of the previous location, is located at 7320 N. Milwaukee in Niles, IL 60714
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