Next Level Distribution Receives The PowerBass Outstanding Sales Achievement 2021 Award

JUNIPER, FL (04.18.22) – Next Level Distribution had a very strong 2021 with the PowerBass. As a result Nelson Pierantoni, TriStar Marketing, recently delivered the Award the award in person at the company’s Juniper FL location.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP stated “We are always excited to see our customers grow with PowerBass. We have been working with Next Level, formerly Audio America, for many years. We would like to thank their staff and all their great PowerBass dealers for their continued support.”

Nelson Pierantoni (2nd L) presented the PowerBass Outstanding Sales Achievement 2021 Award to the Next Level Distribution team at their facility in Juniper FL. (L to R) Dan McClimans, Pierantoni-TriStar Marketing, Doreen McQuade, Bryan Mongiovi, Jeff Allen and Shane Mullikin.

Pierantoni, the area representative, offered “Next Level supports the PowerBass brand across-the-board and is doing especially well with SoundBars, OE Speaker Products and PowerSports Amplifiers.

Continuing Harbour related “Pierantoni’s TriStar Marketing also had a banner year with PowerBass. TriStar received the PowerBass Road Warrior 2021 Award. The firm is doing a terrific job in their territory, thus were happy to recognize their efforts in 2021 with the Road Warrior Award.

Visit powerbassusa.com and getnextlevel.com for more.

California Sound Wins 12volt News Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 174

SHREVEPORT LA (04.16.22)  WTF…Win This Friday. California Sound won the 12volt News $100. prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 174 on Friday morning, April 15th.

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 174th time on Friday morning April 15th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space and the California Sound 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 California Sound in Fontana CA and connected with Ziad Adaimy. He was excited and very happy a $100. check would head that way and mentioned he would do something with the crew.

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 and Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 22nd.

The PNWCEE 2022 Kicks Off with Harley Deconstruction Session on Monday May 9th

SEATTLE, WA (04.15.22) – 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.

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.

Sam Walker’s Harley Davidson Road Glide will be deconstructed during the Monday evening session.

“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 is the owner of Walker Audio Design in Nampa ID and a 19 year veteran of the 12volt industry. He is an avid rider and specializes in Harley Davidson Audio.

Ryan Klein is the West Coast Manager with CVDA and very active in the Motorcycle/PowerSports category. As a company that has been in the category for many years, Diamond Audio and Cerwin Vega have been on the leading edge of high-performance audio products and solutions.

Click for a list of trainers presenting product sessions

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, from IASCA, will be on site. Dealers and their customers are invited for a TEST THE BEST event outside and Travis will judge the entries and 3 top winners will receive awards. The Doubletree has provided a large outdoor space for this activity.

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.

Sam Walker, on his Harley, is an avid rider, 19 year 12volt industry veteran and owner of Walker Audio Design.

“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, are the dates 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.

Click for a list of trainers presenting product sessions

For info email pnwceegrp@gmail.com or conatct Mark at 206-334-2155.

Visit pnwcee.com for more.

SEMA: Are EVs Really Zero Emissions? Find Out on April 20

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.15.22) – As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, experts are taking a closer look at the true environmental impact these cars have—from production to operation to disposal. Manufacturers of both alternative-fuel vehicles and traditional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are evaluating the net-zero impact and what the future looks like.

Join Dr. Robert Freerks, consultant in fuels and lubricants at RLF Enterprises, April 20, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), as he compares EVs to conventional ICE vehicles and explores the readiness of the U.S. electric grid to support widespread adoption of EV use throughout the country.

In just one hour, you will learn about the following:

  • Equivalent emissions of an EV based on energy production mix across the United States.
  • Environmental impact of EV and battery production.
  • Ability of the current electric grid to support widespread EV adoption.

Click here to register

Visit sema.org for more.

This article was written by Ashley Reyes for sema.org

See The 12VoltSTP Tool at Work for Companies Across the US

SHREVEPORT, LA (04.15.22) – 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 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 in this article showcase JB_Associates, Real Performance Marketing/MTX Audio, ATrend and Rydeen Mobile team members at work across the US.

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 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 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.

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

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

The PNWCEE 2022 Mobile Electronics Expo Set For May 9th-11th in Seattle

SEATTLE, WA (04.14.22) – 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.

Mark Giovannetti and Dan McMillan, who spearhead the event, related “It’s been over two years, and now it’s time to get together again with leading mobile electronics vendors, their representatives and trainers for an event designed for 12volt specialists to grow their businesses. Feedback from the field has been very strong as all think that the time is now right.”

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 premium after market audio system build on the bike. In the process they will cover the ‘Best Practices’ of motorcycle audio installation using the newest products plus plug & play solutions on the market today. Installation tips will be made and then the vehicle will be put back together and ready roll.

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, from IASCA, will be on site. Dealers and their customers are invited for a TEST THE BEST event outside and Travis will judge the entries and 3 top winners will receive awards. The Doubletree has provided a large outdoor space for this activity.

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, are the dates 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. Giovannetti concluded.

Click this link for a list of the trainers presenting product sessions

For info email pnwceegrp@gmail.com or conatct Mark at 206-334-2155.

Visit pnwcee.com for more.

The Switch to 5G Could Impact Features on Your Car

This article by Tanya Rivera of Consumer Reports originally appeared on wfmynews.com

GREENSBORO, NC (04.14.22) – Chances are you haven’t thought much about older 3G cellular networks because all the talk today is about 5G, the super-fast new network for smartphones and other wireless devices. As wireless carriers begin shutting down those old 3G networks, millions of connected cars may lose important safety features.

Consumer Reports has said for years that a car is a computer on wheels, and in many cases, it’s also a cell phone. “Almost every car these days has an internet connection built-in. And that can be used for safety features, like being able to automatically call for help in a crash, or for convenience, like being able to start the car remotely or check to see if the doors are locked or unlocked,” said Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Auto Editor. 

But for millions of cars on the road today, that technology relies on an aging 3G wireless network. And by the end of this year, all of the major cellular carriers will permanently shut down their 3G networks.

Automakers have known this for years, but as recently as 2019 they were putting 3G technology into new vehicles, knowing that customers would be left in the lurch without access to some of these services.

Link to Consumer Reports’ list of cars that could be affected by the 3G shutdown.

Some vehicles already have 4G capability, so you may only have to do a software update at home—the same way you would for a phone or laptop—to keep your car’s connected services.

Others will require a hardware upgrade, and for many car owners, that may come at a cost. Knowing what updates your car may need isn’t so easy.

Click here to view the full article on wfmynews.com

Design Engineering Releases Wrangler LJ Headliner Kits

AVON LAKE, OH (04.14.22) – The added wheelbase length on 2004-’06 Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited – also known as LJ or “Long Jeep” models – make them highly sought-after, even two decades later. Now, for hardtop applications, there’s a new Sound Deadening/Insulating Headliner Kit from Design Engineering, Inc. that brings even more cool to these coveted off-roaders.

DEI’s 5-piece, custom-cut, peel-and-stick kit dresses up the interior of LJ hardtops while minimizing outside noise. The pieces are made of high-quality, marine-grade acoustical foam that resists mold and mildew while insulating from outside heat and cold.

“Give your Jeep’s hardtop a finished look with our new LJ Sound Deadening/Insulating Headliner Kit,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “With different colors and textures available, there’s a kit to match any interior.”

CNC machined for a perfect fitment, the pieces are available in two finishes – Original and Leather Look. The Original finish option is offered in Black (#50601), Gray (#50603) and White (#50602) , while Leather Look kits are available in Gray (#50605) and Black (#50604).

All kits feature matching window trim pieces for total interior coverage, and simple peel-and-stick application for a quick, hassle-free installation.

For more information about the LJ Sound Deadening/Insulating Headliner Kits and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

KICKER Congratulates Longtime Employee and Friend Kevin Campbell on Retirement

STILLWATER, OK (04.13.22) – KICKER bids a heartfelt farewell to industry veteran and 18-year Director of Global Marketing, Kevin Campbell.

Since joining KICKER in 2004, Campbell has guided the company’s “Livin’ Loud” message by creating experiences that embody the music that car-audio fans crave.

“It’s been 18 years of total fun,” Campbell said. “I’ve always admired the (KICKER) brand and the way they do business. People talk about KICKER being family; it really has that feel. The kind of place where we all have to work hard, but there’s an atmosphere – a social feeling that is genuine and caring that comes from the top.”

Veteran employees and former marketing associate directors Ron Burnett and Roger Demaree with fill the position as co-directors, splitting Campbell’s duties to continue the department rolling on its current path.  Burnett and Demaree bring 48 years of combined industry experience to their new roles.

Kevin Campbell

For the past four decades, Campbell held pivotal roles in some of the most iconic brands in car audio, having led the sales and marketing teams for Rockford Fosgate, Precision Power, TubeDriver and Morel America prior to joining KICKER.

As KICKER searched for a marketing director in 2004, company founder Steve Irby had a desire for 12-volt industry experience and a strong background of leadership for the role.

“We were looking for someone in the industry that knew marketing, somebody that was well seasoned in the industry,” Irby said.  “Kevin’s name came up immediately, and with his strong background in marketing, he took to it right away.”

During his tenure, Campbell focused on connecting the brand with consumers and the 12-volt industry in equal measure. For example, he acknowledged that attending MEA KnowledgeFest served to keep the brand connected with retailers and distributors, while participating in the HOT ROD Power Tour raised awareness for the rod and custom community.  KICKER’s continued commitment to attending the annual SEMA Show served to strengthen bonds between the company’s automotive manufacturing partners and an increasingly large number of KICKER’s core dealers.

In 2020 when COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of most events, Campbell greenlit a massive in-house undertaking to broadcast a weekly, online audio-centric show dubbed “KICKER UnMasked.” Taking the brand virtual through streaming video was arguably the most significant event that KICKER marketing had completed in the past two years.

The presentation of KICKER directly connected to live music continues to be a high priority. Campbell successfully aligned the brand with artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tim Montana and Nashville label Reviver Music.  Events like the KICKER Country Stampede (music festival) gave music lovers a chance to experience the same passion and performance that drives KICKER to recreate great sound in a vehicle.

“Since he came on board, we’ve evolved into a more focused marketing machine,” Irby continued. “He had strong opinions and experience in the industry that go way back. He was fair and easy to work with, with a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor. We will really miss his wisdom and experience.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

Tint World El Paso Hosts Grand Opening Event on April 16

EL PASO, TX (04.13.22) – Owners Alex and Myriam Guerrero will host a grand opening event to celebrate the new El Paso location of Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, on Saturday, April 16.

Guests will enjoy custom and exotic car demonstrations, raffles and other games, food and refreshments, and entertainment from 104.3 HIT FM DJ and Sirius XM host Johnny Kage. The Easter Bunny will also be making a visit to entertain the children.

“We’re inviting the El Paso community to join us as we officially introduce Tint World’s premium window tinting and automotive styling services and products to the area,” Alex Guerrero said. “Serving the local community is critical to our success, and the support of our family and friends has helped make the dream of business ownership a reality for Myriam and me. Speaking not only as a business owner, but also as a veteran, I’m proud to provide exclusive discounts to military personnel. We are in El Paso for El Paso. As a token of our gratitude, we’re hosting this special family-oriented grand opening event, as we showcase Tint World’s full range of high-quality aftermarket styling products and services.”

Tint World® El Paso’s grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 16, will include car displays, refreshments, music, and other family-friendly entertainment.

Tint World El Paso is located at 7741 Lockheed Dr, El Paso, TX 79925. Grand opening festivities start at 10 a.m. and will run until 3 p.m.

Visit tintworld.com for more.