Author: 12VoltNews

Jammin’ N June… It’s Summertime

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.06.22) – Jammin’ N June… It’s Summertime and time to ‘Crank It Up’!  Your store’s followers can Get Jammin’ N June with great gear for their rides. Let them know your store has the HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps, speakers and more to get their rides Jammin’ N June. LED vehicle lighting too!

That theme can grab the attention of social media followers and consumers to create store traffic for 12volt retailers. Utilize this Jammin’N June graphic for your social media posts. Screenshot it and use it for free.

Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The COVID-19 Pandemic, along with stimulus checks, led to a dramatic spike in overall 12volt sales in latter 2020 and 2021. Inventory shortages, plus inflation and gas prices have now stemmed business for many retailers.  Jammin’ N June themed activities by proactive 12volt retailers can drive consumer awareness and traffic into stores… and very importantly drive sales.

It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration in the showroom will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms… making the cash register ring also.

In-person retail events and Sound-Off are creating excitement again in the marketplace. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts and consumers are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N June.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-465-0844. PRESTO. Your positive activities could be in The 12volt News.

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N June!

Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.

SEMA: Automotive Specialty Equipment Sales Increase to $50.9 Billion

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.06.22) – Sales of specialty-equipment parts reached a new high in 2021, increasing to $50.9 billion in retail sales for the first time in history—up from $47.9 in 2020.

The finding comes from the new “2022 SEMA Market Report,” which is available for download at www.sema.org/research, and provides the automotive aftermarket industry a comprehensive review of the specialty-equipment market in 2021. The report includes new data on the U.S. market size, consumer profiling, industry trends and changes in the vehicle population.

SEMA estimates that the growth was driven by strong consumer interest in working on their car or truck, as more than 80% of specialty-equipment consumers reported spending as much, if not more, time working on their personal vehicles as they did during 2020.

“The 2022 SEMA Market Report can help member companies identify key areas of interest for consumers, and where the most money was spent on parts in 2021,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “As our biggest research report of the year, this is a must-read for any business that wants to make strategic, data-driven decisions.”

Restrictions on in-person shopping eased in 2021, prompting consumers to become more comfortable going back into stores to buy parts. The split of in-store versus online sales is 2021 was roughly 50/50 versus 54% online in 2020 and 45% online in 2019. This normalization is expected to continue in 2022.

Pickups remain the single biggest segment in the specialty-equipment parts market. An estimated 13.6 million pickups were modified by consumers in 2021, accounting for a combined 31% of specialty-equipment parts sales.

Ongoing supply-chain issues are also a concern in 2022. More than 90% of specialty-equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers feel that their business has been impacted by supply-chain-related challenges. This, is turn, is softening expectations regarding 2022 sales.

For more data on the opportunity available in the automotive specialty-equipment market, download the 2022 SEMA Market Report for free today at www.sema.org/research.

This report is the focus of an upcoming SEMA webinar on June 8. Register for the webinar by clicking here.

Custom Car Stereo Wins SiriusXM Prize on The Spin-To-Win 181

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SHREVEPORT LA (06.04.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Custom Car Stereo won a SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 181 on Friday morning, June 3rd.

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 4.

Click to view.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 181st time on Friday morning May June 3rd. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the @customcarstereosc 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 Custom Car Stereo in Charleston SC and gave Bryan Gary the good news a SiriusXM prize would be headed their way. Gary indicated business has continued to be strong but there are growing concerns…especially with the price of gas.

In the past the SiriusXM prize has been a SiriusXM Tuner. We will reach out to Paul Trueman with the news. Trueman is to return from vacation in Greece on June 6th.

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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a 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, 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL and Hgh Quality Auto Sound in Lawrence MA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, June 10th.

Ken Wiseman Joins Lucas Lighting as a National Sales Manager

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ITASCA, IL (06.03.22) – Ken comes to Lucas Lighting with a wealth of experience with 36 years in the consumer electronics space, the last 30 years dedicated to the mobile electronics business. He worked with Sony in the ‘90’s for ten years, a regional for Eclipse, then guided the launch of Elettromedia-USA in 2005. He joined AAMP Global in 2011 to reinvigorate the Phoenix Gold brand. Most recently, four plus years have been spent with AlpsAlpine as the Western Regional Manager. Wiseman, headquartered in Southern California, will be responsible for all domestic sales at Lucas Lighting.

“We believe that Ken’s passion and experience of building premium level brands will help Lucas Lighting tremendously. With the strength of our products, his leadership and keen understanding of market needs, it will set the course for years to come. I have had the pleasure of working with Ken in various capacities over the last 23 years. His integrity, consistency, dealer-centric focus and passion for the industry are a perfect fit for our company vision.” said Steve Rogers, Vice President of Sales at Lucas Lighting.

Wiseman commented, “I’m so excited to be part of a progressive brand team in an emerging segment of 12V business and I welcome the challenge. Everyone gets their voice heard and we can move swiftly as demand continues and evolves. Now that consumers are holding on to their vehicles longer, we are in a position to improve driver vision and safety in those vehicles.”

Visit lucas-lighting.com for more.

Elite Audio Celebrates 30 Years

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SPARTANBURG, SC (06.03.22) – Elite Audio has served the Spartanburg area since the early 1990’s and is celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion a custom 30 Year T-shirt was developed by owner Joe Zelano.

“It has been a fun journey to reach 30 years and we thought a custom T-shirt would spotlight the 3 decades. The limited edition T-shirt is a USA made cotton blend with our logo on the left chest and full on the back. Our 30-Year logo is on the left sleeve. We made a post on Instagram about the T-Shirt and the response has been very strong with followers wanting to get one.”

Joe Zelano proudly holds an Elite Audio 30-Year T-Shirt in his office area. Various magazine and newspaper articles plus awards are framed in the background.

Zelano added “Knowing how we do things it’s a high quality T-shirt. And customers who picked one up have commented on the high quality.”

Boxes of the T-shirts displayed. Supply issues actually delayed the arrival of the T-shirts.

Through the years Elite Audio has expanded the product mix far beyond car stereo. “We had to diversity what we offer to stay on top of the scene. Without automotive aftermarket products car stereo would only go so far. It’s not like the ’90’s when there were 10 plus car audio only shops in an area. The shops that did not diversity are pretty much gone today. Retailers must stay up with the trends and stay active with all categories in the automotive industry-not just car audio” Zelano related.

Social media posts like this showcase exciting work Elite Audio is doing plus highlights the company storefront.
Social media posts highlight the PowerSports category which drives awareness and sales for Elite Audio.

To stay in front of followers and consumers Elite Audio makes frequent social media posts. On Instagram over 2200 followers can see posts that feature various installation and vehicles. Frequently posts feature a vehicle out front with the company’s signage in the background.

The Elite Audio staff includes 7 full time professionals plus 2 part time employees. The product mix includes car audio, video, remote start, safety, convenience, connectivity, wheels, tires, suspension, lighting and accessories. The Powersports, bike and marines categories have added to the company’s offerings.

Visit eliteaudioonline.com for more.

See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work for Companies Across the US

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SHREVEPORT, LA (06.03.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

The images below show The SEMA HSVB initiative at Santa Ynez Valley High Schoo, KICKER at the American Flat Track at the Red Mile in Lexington KY, RPM Sales at the Hi-Tech Midnight Madness sale and MSC America training at Dynamic Audio in Lodi CA. See even more @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook for more examples of the 12voltSTP Tool at work. To see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

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. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

On Instagram and Facebook, @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.

Click to see over 500 posts #12voltstp on Instagram.

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.

DAS Announces Key Placement for Consumer Electronics and Heavy-Duty Divisions

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PALMYRA, PA (May 2022) – DAS Companies Inc., the 12-volt Consumer Electronic industry’s premier Mid-Atlantic distributor, has announced the appointment of Ken Litten as Sales and Marketing Manager for its Consumer Electronics and Heavy-Duty divisions.

Ken Litten

Ken has over 25 years of experience in the Consumer Electronics Industry and has been with DAS for the last nine years as Territory Manager for Virginia. Litten, a certified MECP, will head up the sales and marketing efforts for the CE and HD divisions. He will work with both inside and outside sales teams to support, motivate and optimize existing sales efforts and marketing programs. In addition, he will create and manage external communications with dealers via social media platforms and implement campaigns. His responsibilities will also include the organization of annual and divisional events.

“We are excited for Ken to take on this critical role within the organization,” said Rex Berfield, National Sales Manager for the CE division. “With his vast experience in the consumer electronics industry, he will bring a fresh approach to serve our customers further and increase sales.”

Visit www.DASINC.com for more.

SiriusXM Sets Sail with Yacht Rock Performances from Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross

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NEW YORK – May 31, 2022 – SiriusXM has announced that yacht rock vanguards Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross will celebrate the summer season with a special invitation-only concert cruise for SiriusXM listeners on Monday, June 13.

SiriusXM Presents Yacht Rock the Boat with Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross will feature Loggins and Cross performing their smoothest hits for Yacht Rock Radio listeners and fans as they set sail around New York City on the Horizon’s Edge yacht. The performances will also be heard on SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio on Friday, June 17 at 8:00 pm ET.

“At the time we were creating this new kind of music that was happening organically – we had no idea it would turn into what is now known as Yacht Rock. I’m excited to bring it all full circle and perform some of those same songs on a yacht for the first time in my career,” said Kenny Loggins.

SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio features smooth-sailing soft rock from the late 70s and early 80s from artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Toto, America, Ambrosia and more. It’s the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat. Yacht Rock Radio will be available all summer long from Wednesday, June 1 through Monday, September 5 on SiriusXM radios (ch. 14) and on the SXM App. The channel is also available year-round on SiriusXM channel 311.

For information on how to attend SiriusXM Presents Yacht Rock the Boat with Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross, please visit: www.siriusxm.com/YachtRockNewYork

SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio is available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM radios, the SXM App, and with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream at home. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s trials and most popular plans.

Design Engineering Releases Dyno Strap Heat Guard

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AVON LAKE, OHIO – Prevent damage and burn-through of critical dynamometers tie-downs with DEI’s Dyno Strap Heat Guard (#10466).

Developed to add a protective layer to dyno straps that run close to exhaust exits or other hot areas of an operating vehicle, the protective sheaths are made of a high-temperature-resistant aluminized material to withstand 500°F direct heat and 2000°F of radiant heat.

“It started with a frantic call from a local tuner shop, asking if we offered a protective heat sleeve for dynamometer tie-down straps,” said Mike Buca, DEI Product Manager. “It seems this tuner nearly launched a car while on the dyno because the exhaust heat exiting the tailpipe actually burned through an already weakened area on the strap.”

Dyno Strap Heat Guard protects against such scenarios by easily slipping on over standard tie-downs, allowing them to be positioned near exhaust pipe exits. The sheaths measure 5″-wide-by-36″-long and include an attractive silver finish.

For more information about Dyno Strap Heat Guard and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

Jammin’ N June… It’s Summertime

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.01.2022) – “Jammin’ N June… It’s Summertime and time to ‘Crank It Up’! Get Jammin’ N June with great gear for your ride. HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps and speakers that rock  will get your ride Jammin’ N June.”

Those words, and that message, can grab the attention of consumers and create store traffic for 12volt retailers.

Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The COVID-19 Pandemic, along with stimulus checks, led to a dramatic spike in overall 12volt sales. Jammin’ N June themed activities by proactive 12volt retailers can drive consumer awareness and traffic into stores….. and very importantly drive sales.

It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms.

In most sections of the U.S. 12volt store traffic, and sales, have been strong for 12volt retailers. Sound-Off events and in-person activities are creating excitement. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N June.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The new 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-465-0844. PRESTO. Your image could be in the news.

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N June!

Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.