Author: 12VoltNews

Kenwood And The Audio Edge At The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2025

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STURGIS, SD (08.07.25) – Once again, Kenwood has a very large footprint at the Sturgis Rally with terrific support from The Audio Edge and their team driving sales and installations in the Kenwood setup. Installations took place under large canopies adjacent to Kenwood’s footprint. Momentum Marketing team members Jimmy Bradfield, Gary Biggs and Ben Pugh are also on site supporting brands that Momentum Marketing represents in the TOLA territory.

The Audio Edge installation area is underneath several large canopies.

Chris Hulin and his The Audio Edge team rolled out of company HQ in Nederland TX for the 1380 mile drive to Sturgis early Saturday morning July 26th. He was behind the extended cab wheel and pulling a 24’ trailer filled supplies and accessories they would need for many, many installations.

The Audio Edge team gathered for this image. James Duvall, Doug Hunsburger, David Hampson, Willie Lujan, Mitchell Davis, Kameron Landry, Manuel Parada, and Chris Hulin.
Chris Hulin-The Audio Edge, Ben Pugh-Momentum Marketing, Doug Hunsburger-The Audio Edge and David Hampson-Stereo West (LtoR) who came up from Omaha to help.

In an interview with Bradfield, Hulin The Audio Edge President stated “We are having another fantastic Sturgis Rally installing the best Kenwood motorcycle products and accessories. Working together, we have already hit an all-time record on the number of bikes that we have been able to complete and we still have six days until we head home to Texas. Everyone here is looking forward to working together again at the 86th Annual Sturgis Rally next year.”

Doug Hunsburger who jumped in to help a biker.
Kenwood Josh Bowen working late at night to prepare the ribeyes on the Blackstone grill for the team.

Momentum Marketing’s Ben Pugh is on site in Sturgis to support The Audio Edge. Pugh stated “It’s been an incredible first rally working with Momentum, The Audio Edge and Kenwood. I’m very excited to see and experience the passion the motorcycle community, our industry and that everyone of our partners have to drive bike business.”

Kenwood’s newest Regional Sales Manager, Josh Bowen, knows the importance of keeping The Audio Edge Team well-fed and has been on Ribeye Blackstone Grill duty at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Bowen will cover the Central region. “All the guys said Josh’s ribeyes were the best they’ve eaten at 10PM in a parking lot cooked by a Kenwood Regional at a Rally” Bradfield added.

There will be more to come from Kenwood, The Audio Edge and the Momentum Marketing from the Sturgis Rally 2025. Stay tuned to the 12volt Central Studios.

ZZTSL — Finally A True Integration Kit That Brings Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto to Teslas

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BOCA RATON, FL (08.07.25) – “Does Tesla have CarPlay?” Yes – it’s here with ZZTSL from ZZ2. Dealers: don’t miss this game-changer.

Problem:
Tesla doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto—its closed system, keeps you stuck with limited apps. Owners complain:

“Tesla 3P apps are garbage… miss Apple CarPlay.” dailytelegraph.com.aurivianforums.com+4reddit.com+4topspeed.com+4

“No CarPlay is a deal breaker. WTF?” teslamotorsclub.com

Introducing ZZTSL, a true Plug & Play hardware based solution, which intercepts the video signal from the MCU to the screen.

•⁠ ⁠NOT a BROWSER based solution
•⁠ ⁠⁠NOT a USB based solution
•⁠ ⁠⁠NO hotspot required
•⁠ ⁠⁠NO interference with the OE Tesla APP environment

Features

  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto full screen or PiP (picture-in-picture) modes available
  • Completely re-designed specifically for a TESLA environment
  • Retains factory safety display features
  • Integrates the CarPlay/Android Auto icon to the MENU bar for a factory look
  • Works on Model 3 (2017‑2024) & Model Y (2020‑2024/25)
  • 3‑year warranty

💡 ATTENTION Dealers & Installers:
Tesla says “No.” ZZ2 says “Yes!” Offer customers the smartphone experience they’ve been desperately asking for in TESLA Vehicles.

Visit zz-2.com for more.

Industry Veteran Rex Berfield Joins Rydeen As Strategic Sales Leader

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TORRANCE, CA (08.07.25) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics is proud to announce the addition of Rex Berfield to its leadership team as Strategic Sales Manager. With over 35 years of experience in the 12-volt industry, Rex brings unmatched knowledge, a proven track record, and deep relationships across the mobile electronics sector.

A seasoned executive, Rex has spent more than two decades in executive sales management, including over 20 years representing a major manufacturer and 12 years managing a successful distribution business. His unique blend of experience across both manufacturing and distribution makes him an asset to Rydeen’s continued expansion and innovation in the mobile electronics marketplace.

“Rex’s understanding of the 12-volt landscape and his ability to build and lead strong sales networks aligns perfectly with our growth goals,” said Phil Maeda CEO. “We’re excited to have him onboard to strengthen our presence on the East Coast and to develop new sales channels.”

In his new role, Rex will oversee Rydeen’s sales initiatives across the East Coast, focusing on both established and emerging channels. He will also play a key role in identifying and expanding into new markets, bringing Rydeen’s innovative product line to a broader audience.

“I’m thrilled to join the Rydeen team,” said Rex Berfield. “Rydeen’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and customer-first solutions is exactly the kind of company I want to help grow. I look forward to contributing to the brand’s continued success.”

With this strategic hire, Rydeen reinforces its commitment to leadership, innovation, and responsive customer support throughout the mobile electronics industry.

For sales inquiries or more information, please contact Rydeen Mobile at 310-787-7880 or sales@rydeenmobile.com.

Tune Time Hosted Car Audio And Coffee With SQ Show 5

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REDLANDS, CA (8.06.25) Tune Time Stereo and Alarm is a very proactive retailer in the Redlands community. Richard Papasin was on site and provided a lot of great information from the event on Saturday, August 2nd.. EMMA USA, WCA and US Acoustics were title sponsors of the event.

Competitors gather for this group image as the day wrapped. Richard Papasin is pictured on the left.

Mike Stoeckmann, Tune Time owner was thrilled to have a great turnout and support from the industry. Fred Lynch-Arc Audio, Wayne Smedle-Paragon Sales, who reps products from ORCA brands Focal, Mosconi and MUSWAY plus with Mike Nichols of US Acoustics were on site through the event.

The GLADEN pickup and MUSWAY car in the in the background were vendor vehicles on site.
This Tesla Club demo was a sweet treat for all.

Stoeckmann related “We had 17 competitors on site along with a group of enthusiast that wanted to learn more about car audio and other in-vehicle upgrades. Our business is strong and we plan for long-term activities to keep driving business. We had numerous demo vehicles out front and people really like the demo that I provided in my loaded Tesla. Demo vehicles on site included the GLADEN Pickup, MUSWAY and several loaded demos plus classics.

There was a wide variety of demos in front of the Tune Time store.
Great store signage on the windows grab attention and features the phone number right on the front for people to call.

In-Store events with industry members working together will drive consumer engagement and drive brick and mortar business.

For more see tunetimestereo.com.

Driven Distribution Group Announces the Acquisition of Rick’s Auto Supply

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ARLINGTON, TX (08.06.25) – Driven Distribution Group (DDG), a leading warehouse distributor of automotive aftermarket hard parts, consumables, and accessories, has announced the acquisition of Rick’s Auto Supply, based in Cabot, Arkansas. DDG is supported by HCI Equity Partners, a private equity firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. 

The new location will be branded and operated as an Eagle Auto Parts retail store. With 30 locations across Texas, Eagle Auto Parts is known as a trusted hometown parts supplier, specializing in automotive components, farm and fleet equipment, tools, and truck accessories. 

This marks a significant milestone for the Driven Distribution Group with their ongoing growth and dedication to providing industry-leading service. As the first Eagle-branded location in Arkansas, the Cabot store represents a bold advancement in expanding the retail and commercial footprint. Customers in the Cabot area will now benefit from faster, more reliable deliveries and a broader selection of parts. 

Charles Rick, former owner, began his journey in the automotive industry in 1967. What started as a simple visit to a closed parts store became a defining moment. “Throughout my time working with Tri-State, they consistently proved to be the most efficient supplier I had ever partnered with. The strength of that relationship, along with the exceptional level of service, gave me full confidence that Tri-State would be a valuable long-term partner for the future of my store and my customers,” said Charles Rick. 

Andy Hicks, Chief Transformation Officer for Driven Distribution Group stated, “By expanding our footprint and enhancing our service capabilities, we’re better positioned to support our customers, partners, and supplier network across key markets while aligning with our long-term growth strategy.” 

Visit www.hciequity.com and www.drivendistributiongroup.com. 

Colossus PRO Amplifiers Deliver BIG OUTPUT

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.06.25) – Colossus PRO amplifiers deliver BIG OUTPUT that is capable of creating sound delivery through PRO LEVELS with ease. Whether you’re powering a large audio setup or pushing your sound system to its limits — the Colossus PRO amplifier line makes every song LOUD!

Colossus PRO amplifiers deliver BIG OUTPUT that is capable of creating sound delivery through PRO LEVELS with ease. Whether you’re powering a large audio setup or pushing your sound system to its limits — the Colossus PRO amplifier line makes every song LOUD!

For more information, click here.

Vickers AV Appointed Official Distributor For Prodigy Audio Products

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MARIETTA, GA (8.05.25) – Vickers AV, a trusted name in high-performance audio and video solutions, is proud to announce the company’s appointment as an official distributor for Prodigy Audio… a premium line of subwoofers, amplifiers and speakers.

Bob Hatcher in the well stocked Vickers AV warehouse with Prodigy Audio inventory.

Now in stock at Vickers AV Prodigy products are known for their outstanding audio quality, robust construction and consumer friendly features. All Prodigy items are Internet protected and backed by a two year manufacturers warranty… ensuring piece of mind for both dealers and consumers.

“This partnership is a great match” said Will Mahavier at Vickers AV. “We’re excited to offer our customers audio products that combine performance, reliability and value.”

For more information, pricing and or to become a dealer call Vickers AV at 800-375-6050 or visit vickersav.com.

BOSS Elite Announce Strategic Canadian Partnershipwith Automobility Distribution

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OXNARD, CA (08.05.25) – BOSS Elite, a leader in mobile entertainment technology, is proud to announce a new partnership with Automobility Distribution, which will now distribute the BOSS and BOSS Elite product lines across Canada. This strategic alliance is part of Boss’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global presence and delivering high-performance car audio products to new markets.

Automobility, one of Canada’s most respected and trusted company in 12V electronics,, will serve as the official distributor for BOSS Audio Systems and BOSS Elite throughout the Canadian market. The partnership is focused on expanding dealer relationships and providing local access to the latest in multimedia and connectivity solutions, including Maestro-compatible and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto head units.

Michael Berger (L) and Nima Jalilvand with BOSS products in front of the Toronto branch

“Automobility is a powerhouse distributor known for its knowledgeable sales and training staff, strong performance history, and exceptional industry relationships,” said Greg Orlando, Elite Sales Manager. “Their commitment to supporting Elite through in-depth training and customer education ensures our dealers in Canada will be equipped with the tools they need to succeed. This partnership perfectly aligns with our strategy of delivering innovation and value through trusted regional partners.”

Automobility plans to introduce the BOSS and Elite product lines through a targeted rollout focused on 12V specialist retailers and mobile electronics professionals. The company will back this initiative with tailored dealer programs, education-driven training, and promotions.

“We were attracted to BOSS and BOSS Elite because of their strong brand heritage, diverse product range, and dedication to providing innovative features at affordable prices,” said Michael Berger, Automobility Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “The combination of style, performance, and value matches exactly what today’s consumers seek. Our goal is to position these brands as go-to solutions for Canadian retailers who want reliability and affordability in one package.”

This partnership is expected to deliver immediate value to independent shops and regional chains across Canada by ensuring reliable inventory access, deep product knowledge, and real-time sales support.

For more information or to become a dealer, please visit bosselite.com.

Industry Legend Wayne Harris Joins Mobile Solutions for Advanced Subwoofer Enclosure Design Training

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TEMPE, AZ (08.05.25) – Mobile Solutions recently hosted an elite training session, Bass with Style: Advanced Enclosure Design, as part of its MasterTech educational series. This hands-on course brought together top fabricators, audio professionals, and installation experts for an immersive experience in high-performance enclosure design, and featured special guest Wayne Harris, creator of Term-LAB and Term-PRO.

“This wasn’t your average training session,” said Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions founder/CEO/president. “It was an elite opportunity for attendees to elevate their creativity, efficiency, and profitability using proven, repeatable fabrication methods that succeed in real-world shop environments. Far beyond basic box building, the course focused on bold design, functional structure, and expert execution…demonstrating the difference between good and unforgettable.”

Wayne Harris delivered an in-depth seminar on enclosure modeling and acoustic simulation using the powerful Term-PRO software. Attendees learned how to precisely design, analyze, and tune sealed, vented, and bandpass enclosures, leveraging real-world data and competition-proven methods.

Wayne Harris during the recent Mobile Solutions’ Advanced Subwoofer Enclosure Design Training in Tempe, Ariz. (photo courtesy of Mobile Solutions)

“There’s a science to designing great enclosures, and Term-PRO gives you the tools to do it right,” said Harris. “This seminar gave attendees the ability to model, analyze, and tune subwoofer enclosures for peak performance using proven techniques and simulation data.”

Wayne Harris seminar topics included:

  • Overview of Term-PRO software and interface
  • Sealed, vented, and bandpass enclosure design strategies
  • Port tuning and airflow management
  • Acoustic modeling and frequency response analysis
  • Case studies from award-winning builds
  • Live Q&A session

Led by Bryan Schmitt, Sage Weir, and Dean Beyett, the course covered every element of trunk fabrication…from layered trim panel construction to structural mounting, integrated lighting, and OEM-level fit and finish. Attendees walked away with practical skills to immediately apply in their shops and projects.

“Having Wayne Harris in the classroom was incredible,” Schmitt concluded. “His scientific approach to enclosure design paired perfectly with the hands-on fabrication training we delivered. This was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Who attended:

  • Fabricators of all skill levels
  • 12-Volt audio installation professionals
  • Custom vehicle builders and retailers
  • Automotive interior designers

The course was a sold-out success, further reinforcing Mobile Solutions’ commitment to advanced training and elevating craftsmanship in the custom automotive community.

For upcoming training opportunities and more information, visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

KICKER Presents 40-Year Accolade during Annual Service Awards

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STILLWATER, OK (08.04.25) – Stillwater Designs celebrated the anniversaries of 44 employees recently, which included two 30-year awards and one 40-year accolade.

Jeanne Snyder (Vice President Administration) earned an honor for her 40th year with the Oklahoma company. Earning awards for their 30th year were Glynn Cooper (International Sales) and Jason Sigrist (IT).

Jeanne Snyder received her 40-Year Accolade flanked by Steve Irby (L) and Jay Ralston at the Kicker Annual Service Awards presentation.

KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s, and all employees gather for an informal meeting each summer to receive a gift and special wishes from KICKER President and founder Steve Irby. Stillwater Designs has been doing business in Stillwater since 1973, having just celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary in 2023.

Accolades were also given to employees with one, three, five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service.

Visit www.kicker.com for more.