NEW YORK, NY (05.09.22) – 12volt retailers now have the most up to date training information at their fingertips.
Winners of the first 3 months $50. Amazon Gift Card plus the first 3 months $250 Amazon Gift Card grand prizes were recently announced:
“The first quarter of the SiriusXM Training Portal participation exceeded our expectations. Nina and I thank you,” Paul Trueman. Sr. Director, Retail Sales
This one-page announcement has all the details. 12volt retailer staff members simply scan the QR code and sign up for the training. Once the training has been completed the user will be sent a 90 day free streaming code and also be entered in for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
Click above to view full PDF
There will be 10 monthly $50 Amazon gift card winners and 1 quarterly $250 Amazon gift card winner.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.08.22) – Effective Wednesday, May 4, Chris Bennett will be joining Maxxsonics as a National Sales Manager. Chris will be adding more growth and company outreach while driving sales in 2022 and beyond.
On joining the Maxxsonics team and his new position, Chris Bennett, National Sales Manager at Maxxsonics, said, “What a great opportunity it is for me to join the team here. To say that I’m excited would be an understatement. I look forward to helping our dealers, distribution partners, and representatives grow with flourish using any of our Maxxsonics brands. There is so much already in the works that will solidify the Maxxsonics brands with ALL of our direct dealers and distribution partners.”
Previously, Chris was the Director of Mobile Audio at AudioControl as well a National Key Account Manager at Metra Electronics. He also owned a successful retail shop in California called Audio Habitat. With nearly 30 years of service in the 12v community his passion for car audio is well known.
On the new hiring, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “I am so glad to have Chris as he brings a lot of experience and perspective to the Maxxsonics team. We’re certainly excited to have Chris here!”
As a National Sales Manager at Maxxsonics, Chris will be creating products and opportunities for direct dealers and helping Maxxsonics distribution partners grow and thrive. In addition, he will be educating and training clients so they can make the most out of using our products and building our brands to be the best they have ever been. Chris will help strengthen the reputation of all Maxxsonics brands, putting them on a pedestal of recognition, notice, and brand awareness.
On the new hiring, Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, added, “I am reinvigorated to welcome Chris Bennett into the Maxxsonics family. Seeing what he brings to the table regarding sales strategy and company growth has me very excited. His experience in the audio industry and his wealth of contacts will undoubtedly lead to his success.”
As 2022 approaches its midpoint, Maxxsonics is looking forward to having Chris bring his experience, new sales plans, growth, and fresh perspective in the car audio, Marine, and Powersports markets and his critical relationships in each industry.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.09.22) – Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President of Events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year’s SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors prepared to select their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process taking place May 2-18 that will lay the foundation for this year’s floorplan. Access to the Priority Space Selection process is available at www.semashow.com, with floorplan updates happening every 10-15 minutes.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million square feet of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA Vice President of Sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends, and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
SHREVEPORT LA (05.07.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Big Boyz Toyz
won the 12volt News prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 177 on Friday morning, May 6th.
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.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 177th time on Friday morning May 6th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space and the Big Boyz Toyz 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 Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC and the voicemail message stated the mail box had not been setup. We then sent a txt message that a $100. check would be heading that way.
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 and Car Audio Express in San Jose CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, May 13th.
SEATTLE, WA (05.06.22) – The PNWCEE 2022 Mobile Electronics Expo, featuring Mobile Electronics, is set for May 9th-11th at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA. Again this year Mark Giovannetti-Pacific Rim Marketing and Dan McMillan-InPhase Marketing are spearheading this event for industry members across the Pacific Northwest.
In a recent update Giovannetti related, “Our registration is up from the last PNWCEE. There is a real buzz about the Motorcycle Deconstruction set for Monday night’s event kickoff. In addition we are seeing registrations from a wider range of retailers this year…like automotive customization shops. Dan and I are really looking forward to PNWCEE 2022.”
“Charles is excited and ready for PNWCEE 2022,” stated Mark Giovannetti (L) as he visited Charles Maddy in his Bellevue, WA store.
Charles Maddy, Systems Unlimited in Bellevue WA, commented, “I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at the PNWCEE. This is the only place so many 12volt factories, their trainers and representatives come together to educate us in this region. It’s also a great place to network with other stores that share a passion for the car audio industry.”
This year the event will kick off with a special Monday evening launch event themed ‘Harley Davidson Audio Install Deconstruction’ presented by Sam Walker and Ryan Klein as they deconstruct a Harley Davidson Road Glide with a premium aftermarket audio system build on the bike.
“My Harley Road Glide is loaded with Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega products. Lighting and other aftermarket products also. During the session that Ryan Klein and I host we will cover best practices, along with the ins and outs of motorcycle audio, while deconstructing the bike and putting it back together. The session will also cover amp tuning plus DSP integration,” Sam Walker related.
Walker is the owner of Walker Audio Design in Nampa ID and an avid Biker. Klein is the West Coast Manager of CVDA and very active in the Motorcycle/PowerSports category.
Tuesday and Wednesday will feature factory and industry training events that begin at 9 AM in rooms off the show floor. The Expo Showroom opens at 10AM both days with an amazing number of vendors displaying their latest products.
On Wednesday Travis Chin, IASCA President, will be on site. Dealers and their customers are invited for a TEST THE BEST event outside and Travis will judge the entries. The 3 top winners will receive awards. The Doubletree has provided a large outdoor space for this activity.
Chin, who just returned from a big IASCA event at Jeep Beach in Daytona Beach, offered, “I am excited to showcase IASCA at the event. The trophies are ready and I am set to head down the road to Seattle.”
As an added benefit for attendees, the Doubletree has agreed to offer suites at a discounted rate and that will include a complimentary breakfast for 2 people per room.
“With the addition of the larger outdoor area we will have the opportunity to have even more show cars at the 2022 event. May 9th-11th, Monday through Wednesday, is upon us and we look forward to seeing a record turnout at the upcoming 2022 event. So far there is a real buzz in the Pacific Northwest for the 2022 event. Several dealers have indicated they will close their stores and bring the crew,” Mark Giovannetti-Pacific Rim Marketing and Dan McMillan-InPhase Marketing, who are spearheading the event, related.
STAMFORD, CT (05.06.22) – JBL aftermarket has now entered cycling audio market with the introduction of WIND3 and WIND3S products.
Both systems feature a tuned Bluetooth speaker for the outdoor environment. Durable on-the-road and on-the-go portability ready for cycling, hiking or wherever else your adventure takes you. WIND3S is your Bluetooth solution while WIND3 adds Aux input & FM tuner to stay connected to local broadcast. Both models are IP67 waterproof/dustproof rated. Both include the handlebar clip for secure mounting to round bar application.
“We are excited to provide a great sounding portable solution with great flexibility. Wind3 and Wind3S provide you with hours of playback front and center on your cycling route keeping you focused and alert on the trails.
You can undock it and take it with you so no need to disconnect or go without tunes. Great portable audio solution that pairs perfectly with JBL CLICK Bluetooth controller” Shawn Spedding – Director of sales – Aftermarket audio.
BOCA RATON, FL – (05.06.22) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the hiring of new front-end web developer Dane Bryant.
Bryant’s responsibilities as front-end developer at Tint World include the ongoing management and support of the company’s growing website as well as strategic support for the company’s digital marketing efforts.
Dane Bryant
“As Tint World continues to add locations and expand into new territories, our digital presence is also growing,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “Dane’s experience, technical skills and commitment are essential for us to continue to present a robust digital profile that supports our strategic growth in 2022.”
Bryant, a graduate of Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, has more than 20 years of experience in web development, design and support, software development, multimedia, social media and digital marketing.
“It’s an exciting time to join the Tint World family,” Bryant said. “Being part of the team that has fueled the company’s dynamic success motivates me every day to ensure that our website and other digital resources are supporting our strategy and delivering results.”
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (05.05.22) – Jeep Beach, the nation’s largest Jeep event is a wrap. Between April 24 through May 1st, tens of thousands of participants in their Wranglers conquered the roadways in Daytona Beach. Jeep Beach “Jeepers” enjoyed a multitude of activities in this weeklong event. Across the county, trail riding, scavenger hunts, a 5k run on the beach, food truck festivals, a tour of the Motorsports Hall of Fame; Vendor parties at the Hard Rock and a miles-long parade of Wranglers Sunday morning, were of the most impressive events.
Jeep Beach wrapped with a beach cruise on Sunday morning, May 1st.
On Wednesday night at the Daytona International Speedway, Soundcrafters, Daytona’s Car Audio Powerhouse, in conjunction with IASCA, kicked off Jeep Beach’s Tiki Tailgate party. A packed house of Show and Shine Jeeps,Vendors and Sound & Light competitors dominated the lot flanking International Speedway Blvd. The 3rd annual Jeep Beats and JeepGlo Sound and Light competitions was judged by Terry Floyd of Soundoff Technologies, along with IASCA Judges Sammy Vega, Tony Pasquale and IASCA President Travis Chin; the judging was completed without a single glitch.
Jeepers tested their skills in the obstacle course of the Speedway infield.
On Friday and Saturday inside the Speedway, preliminary figures reveal more than 230 Vendors, over 60,000 spectators and some 10,000 Jeeps lined the DIS infield. Spectators seated in bleachers viewed Jeepers hurdling over thousands of pounds of dirt and busted-up concrete highway barriers, navigating the obstacle course. Jeep Beach even made a tiny obstacle course for the kiddies that could drive power wheel jeeps over dirt mounts! Other entertaining events included live music, festival food trucks, a new Jeep raffle and more.
Record crowds at the Speedway dominated the mile-long Vendor Midway with manufacturer displays in full regalia. Soundcrafters’ team, in a well-stocked booth, advised consumers on suitable products to purchase culminating in record sales. Soundcrafters’ owner Paul Papadeas conducted an educational seminar with Q&A, speaking about the Wrangler’s acoustical environment and protocols that consumers should know to choose the right components.
The SoundCrafters Booth set up before Jeep Beach 2022 gates opened.
DS18 shined at Jeep Beach.
“The Jeep Wrangler ownership phenomenon continues to grow and has not come close to peaking, says Papadeas, “It has been enlightening that after purchasing a Jeep a few years ago, I’ve come to find that Jeepers are a community of like-minded individuals. This genre and the consumers that it brings to business, has stimulated many manufacturers’ marketing and product development. If this veteran can offer any advice to the mobile electronics industry, do not miss exhibiting at Jeep Beach 2023” next April.
Jeepers create a wide range of aftermarket Jeep upgrades.
Jeep Beach Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) and makes annual contributions, deep into six digits, awarded to Local and national charities.
For more information on Jeep Beach visit www.Jeepbeach.com, also your company can advertise to Jeep Beach Nation most economically on www.Jeepbeachradio.com enhancing this charitable cause.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.05.22) – Emerging entrepreneurs and innovators of new automotive products are invited to enter their companies and brand-new inventions into the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad competition at www.sema.org/launchpad.
SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry. Through the program, selected applicants are hand-picked to receive brand exposure, access to business resources, and the chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to launch their product or service into the marketplace.
Dustin Woolf won the 2021 Launch Pad competition for his product Natural Nitrous, a standalone mechanical intake cooling system.
“The automotive aftermarket is comprised of countless entrepreneurs who are extremely passionate about creating new products and providing solutions for enthusiastic car owners who love to modify, maintain, restore, or personalize their vehicles,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “SEMA Launch Pad helps bring these emerging inventors to the forefront, providing a platform for them to potentially take their new creations to the next level.”
Fifteen semi-finalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.
Jeep Beach wrapped with a beach cruise on Sunday morning, May 1st.
SEMA Launch Pad is open to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO, or VP) over the age of 18. Applicants must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept, or currently for sale.
Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by June 13, 2022.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (05.05.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), is now shipping the iLX-507, a High-Resolution 2-DIN 7-inch Multimedia Receiver.
New Benchmark for Dash Performance For those looking to upgrade their factory system with the latest in-vehicle technology but maintain a factory look on their dash, the iLX-507 features a standard 2-DIN chassis and fitment with a 7-inch WXGA High-Resolution Display (1280x720px) that fits into most dash openings.
The iLX-507 features High-Resolution Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit) via a wired USB connection to a smartphone or wirelessly throughBluetooth® connection so music can be streamed from popular Hi-Res platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and more. The iLX-507 also has a USB input so Hi-Res music files can be played directly from a USB drive.
Features like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and built-in Bluetooth® hands-free calling with audio streaming allows access to music, messages, phone calls, and maps on a smartphone via a wired USB connection or wirelessly. These features are controlled through touch or voice commands with the included external microphone. The receiver is SiriusXM-Ready® (SXV-300G2 2018-Up Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately; SiriusXM subscription required) and includes built-in HD Radio® for additional entertainment options.
Exciting System Expandability Options The iLX-507 includes two camera inputs to add a front, side, or rear camera (sold separately). The rearview camera input includes a distance guide display that overlays guidelines onto the screen for ease when moving in reverse.
When used with the DVR-C320R Premium 1080P Front and Rear Dash Camera with built-in drive assist (sold separately), the iLX-507 can display real-time and recorded drives in high-definition and provide audible drive assist alerts like front collision, lane departure, and front car movement through the vehicle’s speakers.
On-board tuning features bring out the full potential of music playback with a 13-band parametric EQ per channel, for continuous frequency control. The 6-channel time correction ensures that music is staged properly in the front and center of the vehicle. Additional amplifiers can be added using the three sets of true 4V preamp outputs with front, rear, and subwoofer control if more power is needed.
The iLX-507 is compatible with the new RUX-H02 Alpine Halo Bass and Volume Controller (sold separately). The controller easily mounts to the dash and allows quick-access controls to the subwoofer and main volume through a wireless Bluetooth connection.
The iLX-507 is a Digital Media Receiver (no CD/DVD player). However, an HDMI input and output are included to connect a DVD player or even a smartphone for an all-digital audio and video connection through a single cable.
Convenient System Compatibility Upgrading dash technology can often result in a loss of factory functionality such as steering wheel controls and access to engine codes. However, iLX-507 is compatible with the iDatalink® Maestro Module (sold separately) allowing select OEM features to be retained and vehicle information displayed on the screen.
The iLX-507 is now shipping at a MAP of $749.95 and is available at Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores. Authorized Installation Centers can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.