Author: 12VoltNews

Spy Shots: 2024 Corvette E-Ray Spied With RHD Setup

Posted on by in Industry News.

Here’s a first look at the RHD Corvette E-Ray while testing outside of GMs Milford Proving Grounds.

Back in 2021, GM confirmed that they would offer the Z06 in right hand drive following the reveal of the C8 Corvette. The Z06 is expected to be offered in the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other RHD markets. That being said, GM has been pretty quiet when it comes to the E-Ray, but our shots confirm that it will be available in the aforementioned markets.

The Corvette E-Ray is expected to mate the 6.2L V8 from the Stingray with a hybrid configuration, adding a new model to the Corvette family. Expect an official debut in early 2023 with an on-sale date in Q2 as a 2024 model.

Sony Car Audio Announces Demo Car Build Winners

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12-27-2022 – Sony Car Audio has announced the winners from the Sony Mobile ES demo car build contest, which were chosen from the pool of Top 10 candidates by industry veteran judges Bryan Schmitt (Mobile Solutions), Gary Bell (Define Concepts), Paul Trueman (SiriusXM), and Chris Cook (MEA).

The winners are:

  • First Place: Xtreme Auto Sound – Louisville, KY. They receive a $5,000 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (Davis Distribution), a customized plaque, shirts and wireless noise-canceling headphones for the entire crew, and a staff dinner with their Sony Field Account Manager Mike Rundel.
  • Second Place: Absolute Electronix, Rockville, MD. They receive a $2,500 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (DAS Companies, Inc.), a customized plaque, and shirts for the entire crew.
  • Third Place: Kartele Mobile Electronics – Waterbury, CT. They receive a $2,500 credit for Sony gear at their distributor (GoFast Solutions) and a customized plaque
     

“We were overwhelmed with the high number of retailers that stepped up to be part of this contest. Each had a great example of a vehicle they can use to sell Sony Mobile ES successfully,” said Anthony Tozzi, Sony Car Audio Distribution Accounts Manager. “Our impartial, outside group of judges spent a lot of time reviewing the Top 10 candidates to make great selections with our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. We’re very proud of our retailers and the work they are capable of.”
 
Sony plans to keep retailers engaged in 2023 with new contests, some of which may be tied to new car audio products that will debut throughout the next calendar year.
 
Contact Anthony Tozzi at Anthony.Tozzi@Sony.com for more information about Sony, the Mobile ES line, or how to connect with an authorized distributor.

Don’t Wait: SEMA Board of Directors Nominations Due January 4

Posted on by in Industry News.

A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the Association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

The following seats are open for this year’s election:

  • Chairman-elect (one open seat)
  • Distributor/Retailer (one open seat)

Please take a moment and tell us whom you would recommend as a potential nominee for a board member position by completing and submitting a nomination form. To help the vetting process, please include brief information about the nominee’s qualifications, such as background, experience and achievements that would make that nominee an outstanding board candidate.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are
due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Nominations for the SEMA Board of Directors are due on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Please complete and submit the nomination form.

We urge you to take part in the nominations process—our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need you to help bring them to the attention of the Nominating Committee.

Thank you for your attention to this important request.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagnola
SEMA President and CEO

WTF…Where’s The Fun…On The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 On Friday, January 6th

Posted on by in Industry News.

SHREVEPORT LA (12.27.22) With the Christmas and New Years Holidays falling on celebration weekends the 12volt Spin To Win Wheel 209 was postponed until January 6th to begin in year 2023. Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 will get the year 2023 off to a fast start.

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.

A check headed to The 12volt Spin-To-Win winner on September 12th.

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, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

These JVC prizes are available as the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolls into 2023.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday January 6th. With the Christmas and New Years Holidays falling on weekends we will delay the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel until Friday January 6th and get Year 5 off to a very fast start with Spin 209.

Let’s Work To Finish 2022 On A High Note

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SHREVEPORT LA (12.26.22) In less than a week we will say goodbye to the Year 2022. No doubt 2022 has been another year filled with continuing challenges including COVID-19 and related variants plus inflation that has impacted brick and mortar traffic. This past week, at the peak of the Christmas season, weather impacted in-store traffic and crippled holiday travel in many parts of the U.S.

The 12volt Central Studios continues to showcase positive news across the 12volt industry. Toys for Tots events during December definitely put smiles on the faces on many children. The 9th Annual Audio Concept Toys for Tots was a terrific example. During the event at the company’s Fresno location nearly 500 toys were donated during the December 17th event that was attended by 144 competitors from BassWars, IASCA, USACi and EMMA. On December 24th and Christmas Day Ray Aragon and his wife Maria visited a number of area organizations to personally deliver toys donated at the Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event.

Ray Aragon pictured with the nearly 500 toys donated at the 9th Annual Audio Concepts Toys for Tots event in Fresno CA.
Customers navigated snow covered streets to make it to Team Nutz for Christmas purchases.

The weather in Pittsburgh, as in many areas across the country, has been a real challenge for 12volt retailers. Team Nutz in Pittsburgh continued to charge forward with positive activities and social media posts right up to Christmas Day. Snow covered the city and roads. Ed Nuttall, and the crew, charged forward. The installation bay was packed and techs were on the cold floor making installs on vehicles with ice on the hoods and lights.

Long time customer Luke Heller, at the Christmas themed counter, drove 60 miles for more upgrades to his vehicle.

Companies also took time to have Christmas parties and dinners. Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa, made a social media post with the crew after dinner at a local Japanese restaurant.

Toys collected for local charities are packaged in Christmas sacks and ready for pickup.

As we move into 2023, in a few short days, let’s all think about highlighting positives in our day-to-day business activities. The 12voltSTP Tool certainly makes that possible. Just Snap an image and Txt it to 318 465 0844. Presto…your positive news can be in the 12volt News.

The installation bay is filled and some techs lay on the cold, wet floor to complete jobs.

2023 will certainly begin differently for many across the 12volt industry who in the past have planned to travel to Las Vegas. CES 2023 is set for January 5-8 but definitely will not look like previous CES events from the 12volt industry perspective.

Charles Stewart, 2nd L, and the Car Toys Tulsa crew just finished a company Christmas dinner at Osaka Japanese restaurant.

The Year 2022 marked the 55th Christmas Holiday Anniversary in the 12volt industry for this old guy. Let’s finish 2022 on a high note.

2022 SEMA Battle of the Builders Special to Air on FYI Channel in January

Posted on by in Industry News.

Mike and Jim Ring of Spring Green, Wisconsin, garnered top honors at the ninth annual SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polishes competition at the 2022 SEMA Show, held November 1–4 in Las Vegas. The announcement was made at the start of SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party designed to celebrate the builders and showcase products from the trade-only Show.

The Ringbrothers celebrated their win at 2022 Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polishes.

The four class winners of this year’s competition will be highlighted along with other featured builders in a new TV special, “SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care” scheduled to debut on A+E Networks’ FYI and History’s Drive block Saturday, January 28, at 9:00 a.m. (EST). Check your local station listings for additional broadcast details.

For 2022, the Battle of the Builders competition was fine-tuned to reflect changes in the customization space and to encourage greater diversity in the field of entrants. The Hot Rod category was modified to include street trucks for the first time, and the Truck/Off-Road category was altered to Four-Wheel Drive/Off-Road. The Sport-Compact category was expanded to include Import Performance, Luxury and Exotic vehicles, and the age limit for the The Young Guns competition was bumped up from 27 to 29 years old.

A panel of industry experts assessed all the entrants and narrowed down the field of more than 200 entries to a Top 40 (10 in each category) before selecting the top 12 builds overall.

The top 12 finalists are listed in the sidebar to the right.

BOTB finalists’ vehicles were on display throughout SEMA Show week inside North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Top 12 Finalists:

Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck

  • Mike Ring/Ringbrothers–’48 Chevrolet Loadmaster pickup
  • Tim Devlin–’34 Chevrolet roadster
  • Tyler Nelson–’58 Ford F100

Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury and Exotic

  • CJ Pullman–’77 Ford Pinto
  • Shawn Bassett–’91 Nissan Skyline GT-R
  • TJ Russell–’91 Porsche 911 Baja

4-Wheel Drive/Off-Road

  • Cody Dabney–’70 Ford F-250
  • Greg Ward–’71 Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser
  • Jim Ring/Ringbrothers–’72 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

Young Guns

  • Austin Phipps–’66 Chevrolet Nova
  • Cameron Cocalis–’15 Scion FR-S
  • Josh Michels–’66 Chevrolet Corvette

SiriusXM To Air 45 College Football Games This Postseason

Posted on by in Industry News.

NEW YORK – December 26, 2022 – SiriusXM announced today that it is providing fans with access to 45 games this college football postseason. SiriusXM will carry live play-by-play of every Division I FBS bowl game – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and National Championship – as well as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game and other postseason All-Star games. Subscribers can tune in to these games on the SiriusXM radios in their cars and on the SXM App.

The schedule begins this Friday, December 16. A schedule of games and their SiriusXM channel assignments can be found at SiriusXM.com/BowlGames.

On New Year’s Eve, subscribers can tune in for broadcasts of both College Football Playoff Semifinal games – the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl featuring #2 Michigan vs. #3 TCU (4 pm ET), followed by #1 Georgia vs. #4 Ohio State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (8 pm ET). Then on January 9, listeners will get live play-by-play as the winners of those two games face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (7:30 pm ET). For all three games the ESPN Radio broadcast will air on SiriusXM channel 80 (ESPN Radio), and team broadcasts can be found on SiriusXM channels 81 (ESPN Xtra), 82 (Mad Dog Sports Radio) or 84 (ESPNU Radio).

In addition to the College Football Playoff games, SiriusXM’s postseason schedule also features seven other matchups between AP Top 25-ranked teams:

  • #22 UTSA #23 Troy – Duluth Trading Cure Bowl (Dec. 16)
  • #12 Washington #21 Texas – Valero Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29)
  • #6 Tennessee #10 Clemson – Capital One Orange Bowl (Dec. 30)
  • #19 Notre Dame #20 South Carolina – TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Dec. 30)
  • #5 Alabama #11 Kansas State – Allstate Sugar Bowl (Dec. 31)
  • #8 USC #14 Tulane – Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Jan. 2)
  • #7 Utah #9 Penn State – Rose Bowl Game (Jan. 2)

SiriusXM will carry Westwood One’s broadcast of the FCS Football Championship on January 8 (1:30 pm ET). The FCS Football Championship game will feature the winners of this weekend’s semifinal games – North Dakota St. vs. Incarnate Word and South Dakota St. vs. Montana St.

SiriusXM will also air other postseason All-Star football games of interest, including the HBCU Pigskin Showdown, showcasing the best senior football stars from historically black colleges and universities (Dec. 17 at 1 pm ET) and the All-American Bowl, which will be played by the best high school players from around the country (Jan. 7 at 1 pm ET). 

SiriusXM will carry the official radio broadcasts for many of the schools playing in Division I FBS bowl games through its agreement with LEARFIELD or individual universities. Twenty of the bowl game broadcasts – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and College Football Playoff National Championship – are produced and provided by ESPN Radio or an affiliate. Other broadcast providers are NBC Sports Audio Network, Bowl Season Radio, Touchdown Radio and Westwood One.

During the postseason, and throughout the year, SiriusXM offers fans the most in-depth audio analysis of the college game with six channels dedicated to collegiate sports. These include ESPNU Radio on SiriusXM, SiriusXM ACC Radio, SiriusXM Big Ten Radio, SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio, SiriusXM SEC Radio and SiriusXM Big 12 Radio.

College football bowl games and SiriusXM’s college sports programming are available to subscribers nationwide in their cars, as well as on their phones and connected devices at home with the SXM App.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All Across the 12Volt Industry

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SHREVEPORT, LA (12.23.2022) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Season.

During this time of the year we wanted to take time to thank all across the 12volt industry for their support, encouragement and business in 2022 as we continue to work each day to showcase positives across the 12volt industry.

The year 2022 continued to be an uncertain time in the world and 12volt industry with so many changing factors at play. In many cases inventory supply issues were solved in 2022 but high inflation and gas prices impacted consumer spending on non-essentials. Many brick and mortar retailers are well stocked but are not seeing the 2021 sales spike from stimulus checks. Increases in online spending continues impact the brick and mortar 12volt marketplace as well.

Work is now underway on the grounds of the LVCC in Vegas for CES 2023. The presence of 12volt companies planning to exhibit seems to reach a new low each CES as auto manufactures have taken so much space in the North Hall with huge booths. Travel concerns also continue with recurring COVID-19 spikes and other transmittable health issues.

The above narrative is a harsh reality that each business is facing.

The Christmas tree is up at the 12volt Central Studios.

From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities…Manufacturers, Distributors, Rep Firms and Retailers alike. Let’s all work to make a bigger pie for all to share across the 12volt industry.

We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2023.

Race Sport Lighting Partners with Falcon Sales in the Pacific Northwest

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

WASHOUGAL, WA (12.23.22) – “Falcon Sales & Marketing is excited to have been chosen by Race Sport Lighting to represent their brand in the Pacific NW,” Dave Gates, Falcon Sales/Mt Hood Marketing Principal, related. 

Dave Gates pictured on site at a recent area PowerSports event.

Gates continued, “The timing is perfect for us as we will focus heavily on business related to Power Sports and Heavy Duty vehicles in 2023. Especially since a lot of the brands that we represent like Kicker, Memphis Audio, PowerBass, Arc Audio and Alpine are currently involved in or venturing into this category. I love powersports and all motorsports as well. We plan on attending as many events as possible to support our current and future clients.”

The Race Sport Lighting catalogs are available from Falcón Sales.

“2023 is going to be a new adventure for Falcon Sales. We will continue our business and look to grow in other markets like Powersports and big rig builders,” Gates concluded.

For more see www.falconsalesanddistribution.com.

SiriusXM Decks the Halls with Biggest Lineup of Holiday Music Channels Ever

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NEW YORK, NY (12.23.22) – SiriusXM unveiled its extensive holiday music lineup with 22 holiday-themed channels, including new to 2022 channels: Jingle Jamz, Cool Jazz Christmas, and Kids Christmas. The holiday season officially kicks off today on SiriusXM with many of the popular channels live now and streaming on the SXM App.  

SiriusXM brings listeners the most extensive collection of holiday channels to-date with a soundtrack to celebrate every holiday occasion. Hear beloved holiday tunes, traditional Christmas carols, and Hanukkah music, or put a twist on the classics with contemporary favorites or our genre-specific channels like holiday pop, seasonal soul, or country Christmas.

SiriusXM’s holiday channels are available to subscribers nationwide in their car and on the SXM App. The SXM App is available to subscribers on mobile devices and a wide variety of connected platforms in the home including smart speakers, smart TVs and streaming media players. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s audio trials and most popular plans. 

SiriusXM’s Holiday Channel Line-Up 

70s/80s Holidays: Sing-along to the biggest and most familiar Christmas and holiday songs from the 1970s & 80s. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Acoustic Christmas: Unplug this holiday season with nothing but acoustic Christmas tunes. Hear new and classic holiday songs stripped down for a relaxing seasonal vibe. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 6 beginning December 24 through December 25.

Christmas Spirit: Christmas music and holiday favorites exclusively from contemporary Christian artists. Here, the reason for the season is not just remembered, He’s celebrated in song, commercial free! Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 63 beginning December 7 through December 27.

Cool Jazz Christmas: A jazzy holiday soundtrack that is everything you need for a cool yule! Pour the eggnog and let the festivities begin with Christmas classics from some of the greatest contemporary jazz instrumentalists including Dave Koz, David Benoit, Jonathan Butler and Kenny G, plus a sprinkling of some of the smoothest vocals of the season from the likes of Anita Baker, Diana Krall, Take 6, and Natalie Cole. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Country Christmas: Spanning the generations of country Christmas music, including Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood and George Strait. Available on the SXM App and on channel 55 now through December 27. 

Hallmark Channel Radio: Hallmark Channel Radio is back for the holidays featuring timeless Christmas music and carols that celebrate the joy of the season hosted by Lacey Chabert. Hear the songs you love brought to you by beloved Hallmark Channel stars like Jonathan Bennett, Brooke D’Orsay and Tyler Hynes who will share their favorite holiday songs, traditions and more. They’ll also take you behind the scenes of their new Countdown to Christmas movies. Hallmark Channel Radio is the perfect way to embrace the wonder of the season with loved ones near and far. Listen all season long. Available on the SXM App and on channel 105 now through December 27. 

Holiday Chill-Out: SiriusXM brings you the first ever 24/7 Holiday Chill-Out channel featuring downtempo, chilled-out holiday favorites. Tis the season to relax. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Holiday Instrumentals: Holiday favorites but the vocals are replaced with instruments. String, piano, orchestra versions and more of your favorite holiday hits. Feel free to sing along with holiday hits instrumental style. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Holiday Pops: Classical Christmas carols and holiday favorites performed by the greatest classical artists of all-time, including Andrea Bocelli, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Luciano Pavarotti, New York Philharmonic, The Choir of King’s College, Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 76 beginning December 24 through December 25.

Holiday Soul: Classic soul and Motown holiday music from the 60s and 70s, along with R&B holiday favorites from the 80’s including Aretha Franklin, Temptations, James Brown, Lou Rawls, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, The Jackson 5, the Four Tops, The Supremes and many more. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 49 beginning December 7 through December 28.

Holiday Traditions: Traditional holiday recordings that you can sing along with by well-known vocalists from the ‘40s through the ‘60s such as Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, The Carpenters and Nat King Cole. Available now on the SXM App and on channel 71 through December 27. 

Holly: Contemporary holiday hits featuring songs by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rod Stewart, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Josh Groban, Madonna, John Legend and more. Available on the SXM App and on channel 104 now through December 27.

Jingle Jamz: Jingle Jamz is a mix of R&B and Hip Hop artists from 1990 to now, singing and rapping about the holidays.  There will be artist takeovers and specials. You’ll hear Alicia Keys, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Brian McKnight, Mariah Carey, Ashanti, Babyface, Ludacris, El DeBarge, Run-D.M.C., Musiq Soulchild, Jodeci, Gucci Mane, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, DMX and Kurtis Blow. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Jolly Christmas: Upbeat, energetic holiday tunes from Alvin and the Chipmunks and Gene Autry to Mariah Carey and José Feliciano. Feel-good and sing-along with songs that bring smiles to the season! Always a holiday hit…on Jolly Christmas. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 14 beginning November 11 through December 27.

Kids Christmas: The soundtrack for the most magical time of year! Welcome the holiday season with songs the whole family will love. From holiday classics to today’s most jingle-jangling tunes: It’s all here on Kid’s Christmas! Rudolph, Santa Claus, and Frosty the Snowman take over the airwaves to delight both kids and kids-at-heart all season long. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Navidad: Traditional Latin Holiday classics and popular treats of today!  Featuring songs by Ricky Martin, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Tito El Bambino, Marco Antonio Solís and Fania All-Stars.  Celebrate “Navidad” with this annual soundtrack leading to Three Kings Day. Available on the SXM App now through January 6.

New Year’s Nation: New Year’s Nation is custom curated to serve as your ultimate New Year’s celebration playlist powering your party with the best pop, rhythm, dance and hip-hop hits from across the nation to ring in 2023. Featuring songs from Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, Sam Smith, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X, Rihanna and more. Available on the SXM App and on channel 104 beginning December 27 through January 3. 

Noël Incontournable: Holiday music channel featuring Francophone Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits from the ‘60s to today with music from Ginette Reno, Bruno Pelletier and Laurence Nerbonne. Available year-round on the SXM App.

Mannheim Steamroller Channel: Celebrate the holidays with Mannheim Steamroller featuring their signature blend of symphonic, new age and rock inspired Christmas music. Hosted by founder Chip Davis; explore more than three decades of their majestic sounds plus Chip’s groundbreaking Fresh Aire music. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Radio Hanukkah: Extensive collection of Hanukkah-themed music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s selections as well as daily reflections and prayers related to the holiday. Available on the SXM App beginning December 16 through December 27.

Real Jazz Holiday: Bop and swing under the mistletoe with some of the most memorable Christmas classics that make for a “real” jazz holiday!  Hear jazz masters like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and the Count Basie Orchestra to today’s stars like Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Norah Jones and Christian McBride. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Rockin’ Xmas: SiriusXM’s Rockin’ Xmas Channel features classic Christmas songs that rock including hits from AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, U2, Tom Petty, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Eagles and more.  Plus, some humorous tunes from Cheech & Chong, Adam Sandler and others. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Visit siriusxm.com for more.