Author: 12VoltNews

Ken Bundy Announces the CJO Sales Rep Firm

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REDLAND, MI (01.19.23) – Ken Bundy has started his rep firm CJO Sales. “As of January 1st 2023, we opened the doors of the new firm CJO Sales. The firm currently is the rep for Kicker, Compustar, Focal, Sony, Diamond, and Cerwin-Vega within the borders of Michigan. I’m extremely excited to work with such reputable and well-rounded manufacturers” Bundy stated.

Ken Bundy

The CJO Sales firm represents the brands across the state of Michigan from the home-based office in the Detroit suburb of Redland. The firm’s goals are to grow each of the brands by showcasing the competitive advantages one-on-one in brick and mortar retailers throughout Michigan.

“I like to focus on traits that make for easy seamless installation, because that’s what always spoke to me as an installer” Bundy concluded.

Contact Ken Bundy at ken@cjosales.com

Oracle Lighting Announces New LED Tail Lights for Jeep Comanche

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METAIRIE, LA (01.19.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the launch of its new LED tail lights for Jeep Comanche (MJ). Scheduled to ship in mid 2023, the new taillights fit the 1986-1992 Jeep Comanche MJ models and feature an OEM appearance with modern refinements while still honoring its classic styling.

“Oracle Lighting has created LED tail light upgrades for many Jeep models and is now bringing that design expertise, innovation, and quality to the often overlooked MJ platform,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Modern refinements include LED Stop/ Turn/ Parking lights which provide an updated appearance and provide better visibility than the original halogen lights.”

Another major refinement for these tail lights is a high powered LED Reverse Light integrated into the design. This module features six high powered LEDs designed to provide 1,000+ total lumens for ample reversing visibility. These LEDs are focused with mixed-beam reflector optics to provide both peripheral and distance light visibility for the driver when backing up at night. 

Another option that Oracle Lighting will offer is Standard (p/n: 5909-003) or Tinted Lenses (p/n: 5909-020). The standard lens option will have a more original OE-style appearance while the tinted option will have a more aggressive blacked-out styling. These options give consumers more ability to choose a traditional classic appearance or a more aggressive modern smoked lens.

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

King Kong Custom Audio Rocks The Skate-O-Mania Ride

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM (01.18.23) – King King Custom Audio recently completed a truly unique demo vehicle for a local skate rink… Skate-O-Mania. A 12volt Central Studios staff member noticed a King Kong Custom Audio post on Instagram and immediately knew there had to be much more to the story. There definitely was.

This neon graphic highlights the Skate and is showcased in the Skate-O-Mania rink lobby.

Reggie Guzman, King Kong Custom Audio owner, posted on Instagram “Skate-O-Mania dropped off this bad ass roller skate for some work. Disco ball, underglow, wheel halos, headlight halos and with speakers under the vehicle.”

Guzman filled the 12volt Central Studios staff in with more details during a phone call. “This was certainly the most unique vehicle installation we have done in the 11 years we have been in business. And yes, this is a street legal vehicle that is over 10’ tall and was constructed on an old VW frame. The windshield is mounted high on the skate for excellent visibility from the drivers seat with large side mounted rearview mirrors. Entrance is through a door in the back of the skate.”

Via instagram.com/kingkongcustom

Continuing “The Shake-O-Mania owner Coutrney Ballew was looking for a vehicle that would catch attention for his skating rink. We installed Memphis Audio amplifiers and underbody tower marine speakers. The music originates from a smartphone Bluetooth connection. The LED lighting really draws attention parked in front of his skating rink. This was an amazing project build for a local business. We were happy to be a part of this unique and amazing build.”

Click play to view this video via @KingKongCustom

A call to Skate-O-Mania added to the story. Ballew’s father owned a skating rink in North Carolina 40 years ago. The body of the skate was a spec build project of 20 large skates back in the ’80’s to draw attention for skating rinks. There are maybe 6 of the original skates left and one is now in front of Skate-O-Mania in Albuquerque NM.

Via instagram.com/kingkongcustom

Ballew related “It truly is an amazing story about this skate. One of the first chapters was to transport it on a trailer from North Carolina. The height on the skate created a problem that called for a special trailer. Once the skate arrived it took a lot of work to refurbish the frame and get the VW platform back in shape. The Skate-O-Mania looks terrific but there are still some minor thing on the body.”

Concluding Ballew stated “Reggie and his crew at King Kong Custom Audio did a terrific job with the sound system and lighting on the skate. We have participated in local parades and I can do 35 mph on the streets…always watching out for signs and overpasses. No doubt it grabs eyeballs everywhere. All the time people are grabbing selfies by the Skate-O-Mania and that puts is on their phones and social media. Our roller rink definitely gives ’80’s nostalgia while offering a great experience for the whole family.”

For more see @skateomania and @kingkongcustom on social media.

KENWOOD Promotes John Lucas to Vice President of Sales

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LONG BEACH, CA (01.18.23) – KENWOOD USA, manufacturer of premier entertainment and information solutions for the automotive, marine, and motorsports aftermarket, announced that John Lucas has been named Vice President of Sales for the Car Electronics division, a promotion from Director of National Accounts.

Lucas will be tasked with implementing sales programs and initiatives that further support its dealers, along with managing and supporting the company’s regional sales managers and independent sales representatives.  

John Lucas, Vice President of Sales

“I’m thrilled to be able to work with such an established network of true sales professionals,” said Lucas. “The opportunity to grow the KENWOOD brand from this new direction is beyond exciting to me, and I’m ready to give it my all.” 

Lucas’s background consists of over a 30-year tenure in the consumer electronics industry, of which the last 18 have been at KENWOOD. Before KENWOOD, he worked as a merchant for several retailers including Best Buy and Audio King.

“John has done an amazing job at servicing and developing relationships with our national account vendors during his time with us,” said Dave Hoag, Executive Vice President, JVCKENWOOD’s Automotive Sector. “His retail background coupled with his current vendor account experience and company knowledge sets him up for a smooth transition into this role, of which we are excited to embark upon with him.”  

Visit www.kenwood.com/usa/car for more.

John Driscoll Promoted to Southeastern Regional Manager of Mobile and Powersports at Maxxsonics

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.18.23) – Effective Monday, January 16th, 2023, John Driscoll will be promoted from Regional Sales Manager to Southeastern Regional Manager of Mobile and Powersports at Maxxsonics. John’s main focus will be on planning territory development, traveling the territory to build new business opportunities, and developing new distribution partners to better service the southeastern region.

On his new position, John Driscoll of Maxxsonics said, “I am excited to be working with our team of industry veterans in the Southeast region of the US. The Maxxsonics family of brands offers a comprehensive variety of 12 volt products for the Automotive, Marine and Powersports markets with solid growth opportunities in all channels of distribution.”

Planning to maximize new Mobile and Powersports opportunities – newly promoted John
Driscoll looks to bring Maxxsonics new business.

John has been a car audio hobbyist since 1986 and started participating in-car audio events in 1987, going on to IASCA Finals in 1990, 1991, and 1992. John grew to Sales, in the consumer electronics industry, with Quality Auto Sound in 1991 and graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) degree.

Being one of the first in the nation to be certified as “MECP Installer First Class,” John worked for several CE retailers, including Audio Express, Circuit City, and Ultimate Electronics. In 1997, he started with Current Marketing as a manufacturer’s rep for car and home electronics and continued until 2009, when he became a National Sales Manager for Cerwin-Vega Mobile. In 2012, John entered the Powersports industry with the Arthur Fulmer Companies (Memphis Car Audio and Fulmer Helmets). In 2020 John joined Maxxsonics and is looking to extend his outreach of product knowledge and industry experience with his promotion from Regional Sales Manager to Southeastern Regional Manager of Mobile and Powersports.

On John’s new position, Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, commented, “I am thrilled to have John take on these new responsibilities, and I am excited to see the growth and opportunities he brings to Maxxsonics. From traveling the territory to grow business to continue building new and current relationships for the stability of Maxxsonics – John Driscoll looks to catapult Maxxsonics into 2023 and beyond with his expertise and industry knowledge. I am confident with these new responsibilities and roles that he will continue finding abundant success and company growth.”

John brings over 30 years of experience in the consumer electronics and Powersports industries, making this promotion a perfect fit and mold into 2023. Maxxsonics is excited to see what growth and opportunities John will bring to the company as he looks to expand the Maxxsonics family of audio brands and share more of his impressive assortment and industry knowledge of products in the future.

Visit https://maxxsonics.com for more.

Kicker Awards International Distributor of the Year Award to GemSen

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CONCORD, ONTARIO (01.17.23) – Aziz Masri, International Sales Manager for car audio manufacturer Kicker, has announced that Canadian distributor GemSen, has been awarded the company’s International Distriibutor of the Year award for 2022.

The award was presented to GemSen’s founders Sal and Nadia Riina along with Mike O’Connor, Mike Danbrook, and Dave Singh by Kicker’s Aziz Masri, Chet Weddle, and Kicker Founder Steve Irby in Mexico at the Hard Rock in Puerto Vallarta during the Kicker Trip attended by hundreds of American Kicker dealers and of distributors and from across the globe.

GemSen VP of Sales, Mike O’Connor stated “Escaping the cold and spending time in Hot & Sunny Mexico to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kicker was an incredible treat in itself. Being recognized by an industry pioneer and innovator as being one of the Best in the World was the icing on the cake. Kicker is receptive to the needs of dealers and are continually developing products to cater to market demand. GemSen could not ask for anything more in a business partner.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

ARC Audio Dealer Open House Only 1 Week Away

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MODESTO, CA (01.17.23) – ARC Audio’s open house event will take place this Saturday and Sunday January 21 and 22 FROM 10 AM – 4 PM. The open house will take place at ARC Audio Arc Audio – 4719 Greenleaf Ct, Modesto, CA 95356.

Scott Baughman, Reliable Product Marketing Principal, related “This is shaping up to be a great event for ARC Audio dealers in the area. It’s been a few years since we hosted an area open house at the ARC HQ. Dealers will see new products, catch up and do fun things like an amp toss plus enjoy special tacos. It will also be good to see the sunshine in California.”

Weather: The forecast as of today shows Saturday and Sunday to be sunny and dry!

Food:

Made to order tacos will be available for lunch around noon

Snacks and drinks will be offered throughout the day

Parking:

The plan is to use the ARC Audio parking lot to display cars, product and other things. This means that parking will be in the adjacent parking lot or on the street.

Saturday will have plenty of parking, Sunday however a church across the street will hold service and they will be sharing resources. Try to get there early.

Deals:

Chris, Brian, Brad and Lisa are pulling out all the stops and will have some amazing close out deals so bring a big car or truck to take full advantage. Shipping will be available (But not included).

Trainings:

There will be several rotating trainings. times will be loosely based on when people show up. But they promise you will get every opportunity to learn about any and all things ARC Audio. Just ask!

They are planning to do a DSP training, All Pass Filter Demonstration and a MPAK install overview and maybe more!

Click here to RSVP

Demos:

There will be several cars to listen to including Brian’s multi world award winning Caddy! and his simply ridiculous BlackBird powered Chevy pick up.

Day of Contact:

The office phones will probably not be answered on the weekend. Please call your local rep if you need help finding the event.

Family Friendly:

Although there will not be specific things to keep kids entertained, ARC was built on “Family” and yours is welcome. There is a TON of shopping and a Dave and Busters very close if they get bored while you are getting your learn on!

Visit arcaudio.com for more.

MUSWAY Distributor Global Audio Marketing to Offer Trainings at KnowledgeFest

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MURRIETTA, CA (01.17.23) – Join Chris Bennett and Joseph Norton as they debut new MUSWAY products and discuss the features and benefits the product offering has for their Authorized Dealer Partners. Chris Bennett starts the class with an introduction to business with Global Audio Marketing. Showcasing the benefits for MUSWAY retail partners that include profitability, programs, and support. Joseph Norton
will be doing hands-on training and demonstrating the attributes and audio quality found in all products throughout the MUSWAY product assortment.

Join these sessions as Global audio Marketing debuts the uncompromising quality and sound reproduction from MUSWAY Products and remember “Music is the Way”.


MUSWAY training times during Las Vegas KnowledgeFest will be:
Friday February 3rd 1:45pm in room Versailles 4.
Saturday February 4th 5:30pm in room Versailles 4.

Global Audio Marketing, the US distributor for MUSWAY car audio productions, is proud to announce MUSWAY training sessions at KnowledgeFest, Las Vegas.

To learn more about MUSWAY, please visit www.muswayusa.com or email Chris Bennett directly at chris@globalaudiomarketing.com.

The AMA KICKER Arenacross Was Livin’ Loud in Prescott Valley, AZ

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PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ (01.16.23) – The Findlay Toyota Center was sold out of Friday night January 13th for the AMA KICKER Arenacross. The arena area was reconfigured from a hockey rink to a dirt track with mound after mound riders had to navigate as they made their way around the track.

The Findlay Toyota Center was the site of the AMA KICKER Arenacross in Prescott Valley.
The pre-race Pit Party brought fans and racers together track side and on the track.

Prior to the race card fans enjoyed meeting riders in the Pit Party. “The pre-race Pit Party is new this year and starts about an hour before racing begins. Fans got a chance to speak with, and get to know a little about, their favorite riders and how they ride on the track. All had smiles on their faces. In addition the Pit Party adds time to the length of time Arenacross fans spend at the event. Many fans are in the venue until 10PM. This provides us more time to talk with attendees about products in the KICKER product lineup” related Lorin Morrell-Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER activities at the AMA Arenacross events.

Once the Pit Party area cleared the track was opened riders cranked up their bikes and made their ways around the very difficult track circuit where the dirt mounds were barely 15 feet apart. Many of the riders were able to fly over one mound and land on the downside of the next mound. Some riders didn’t have smooth landings and had to adjust their body parts before continuing the race.

Riders on the track in front of a full house of spectators.
The Kicker booth set up in the lobby Friday afternoon before the event started.
A wide variety of KICKER products on tables for fans to check out.

KICKER had a booth set up in the lobby with a wide selection of products set up on tables under the tent. AMA Arenacross attendees are definitely interested in audio products as many enjoy motorcycle, PowerSport, Lifestyle and/or marine activities in addition to their everyday drives.

Morrell added “In the Prescott Valley there are a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. PowerBars for side-by-sides and marine installs plus under seat truck boxes and Harley setups grabbed a lot of interest in the KICKER booth.”

Kyle Peters doing what he does best in this post by @matty.media. Also see @kylepeters
Event promotions by announcers provide opportunities for members of the crowd to win prizes. This happy winner received a KICKER Bullfrog from her father. Photo by @matty.media
Mounds on the track can be less than 15 feet apart!

There were more Pro riders at this Arenacross as recent heavy rain in California cancelled many outdoor riding events.

“This AMA KICKER Arenacross season was expanded to 14 events all across the U.S. The Prescott Valley event was the 4th event and next on the schedule is Guthrie Oklahoma on January 21st. With Guthrie very near the KICKER HQ in Stillwater we know the whole state will be Livin’Loud!” Morrell concluded.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Aron Demers to Keynote State of the Industry at MasterTech Expo

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TEMPE, AZ (01.16.23) – The second annual MasterTech Expo will welcome Aron Demers to the stage for the State of the Industry interview and discussion, hosted by MasterTech Expo Founder Bryan Schmitt. Demers is a 32-year participant of the automotive electronics industry and serves as Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Business for VOXX International. The interview and discussion will take place during the final day of MasterTech Expo, held Mach 5-8, 2023 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.

This year, the State of the Industry gathering will focus on future challenges of the automotive electronics industry and the impact of OEM innovations and collaborations on aftermarket products and system access. Of particular note is the topic of subscription-based, in-vehicle amenities.

“I am honored to be asked to share my knowledge and insight to speak at the 2023 MasterTech Expo,” said Demers. “The OEM and aftermarket have been tied together since the first consumer bought tires from a retailer that was not the car dealership. Since being involved in the Mobile Electronics industry for the last 32 years, I have seen the aftermarket consistently pivot to address new opportunities and deliver consumers enhanced in-car experiences. And today, with profits and technologies driving both the OEM and aftermarket, we need more than ever to be nimble enough to capitalize on every opportunity possible.”

“We are thrilled that Aron accepted our invitation to empower our guests with his knowledge and experience,” added Schmitt. “It is our hope that attendees will leave with a broader insight of the larger automotive community, and renewed enthusiasm to meet the challenges ahead.”

To attend the MasterTech Expo, sign up at mastertechexpo.com.