HEATHROW, FL (02.07.22) – Dual Electronics Corporation has announced that 12Volt industry veteran Clyde Podraza passed away on February 2. Clyde spent more than 25 years in the 12V industry. Starting his career at Motorola, he then moved on to work in executive positions at Panasonic, International Jensen, Recoton, Dual Electronics, and AAMP Global. Clyde was one of the founding partners at Dual Electronics and spent a decade as a top executive there.
Jim Braun, President of Dual Electronics said, “I worked alongside Clyde for almost 20 years. He was a pillar of the 12Volt industry during his time with Jensen and Dual. Clyde was one of the original founders of Dual Electronics, and we would certainly not be where we are today without the monumental efforts and influence Clyde brought to the marketplace.”
Clyde Podraza
Braun added, “More important than this, he was just a genuinely great person. Clyde would do almost anything to help any one of his large network of friends and colleagues. I’m going to miss Clyde, as I know many will.”
Clyde spent the last several years of his career at AAMP Global prior to retiring in 2020. Scott Forst, President and CEO of AAMP Global added, “I personally started at AAMP with Clyde, and I couldn’t have been luckier to learn from such a wonderful and talented person. He spread his knowledge and joy to everyone at AAMP and he will be greatly missed.”
Clyde is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marj, his three grown children and three grandchildren.
VACAVILLE, CA (02.07.22) – ARPA of America has partnered with Ambassador to represent their brands in the southeastern US. These include Zapco Car Audio, the Italian speaker company ESB Audio, Dynaudio Car speakers from Denmark, and the Audio Wave hand crafted amplifiers from England. Ambassador will cover Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
“We feel lucky to have found Rick Booth and company available,” said ARPA’s national Sales Manager Scott Welch, “Rick and Joel Maldonado both have tons of experience with over 20 years in the industry. Rick started as an installer in 1984, repped Hybrid and Genesis for a while, then serving as National Sales Manager for MPA and for NavTV before re-starting Ambassador in 2014. Joel has over 20 years of hands-on industry experience and great product knowledge. It’s a big territory, but we know Rick and Joel are up to the task and ready to roll.”
“We look forward to working with ARPA and all the HiFi dealers in the territory representing some of the most iconic brands in the industry,” stated Ambassador’s Rick Booth.
SHREVEPORT LA (02.05.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Seismic Autosound won the AIS prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 164 on Friday morning, February 4th.
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 has now rolled into Year-4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 164th time on Friday morning February 4th. The Wheel landed on the AIS space and the Seismic Autosound 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 have reached out to the store in Novato CA to let them know that a best selling AIS Pro Series camera will be headed their 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. and Audio Plus in Eden NC Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, February 11th.
STILLWATER, OK (02.04.22) – In its first product release for 2022, KICKER Audio announces a trio of down-firing loaded enclosures, each featuring KICKER’s thin-mount L7T™ square subwoofers. All enclosures come with a single 2-Ohm terminal, and are available in 8-, 10-, and 12-inch models. The enclosures are available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ Weekly show, L7T Loaded Down-Firing Enclosures will retail from $279.99-$379.99. L7T Loaded Down-Firing Enclosures are also available at http://www.kicker.com.
Designed to fit perfectly under a seat or in your cargo area, each thin enclosure features plush black carpeting with rounded corners and custom embroidery. Inside the enclosure, thick MDF construction and heavy internal bracing offers strength and stability despite the stacked cargo that may be on top. The enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER logo.
The inner workings of the L7T thin-mount subwoofer are unprecedented. L7T features an innovative “Forced-Air Cooling™” system that uses the woofer’s own cone movement to route more air through its motor, forcing unwanted heat out of vents built into the backplate and allowing the sub to run cooler than previous versions. Users get the bass they love, the sleek look, and the reliability beyond expectations.
KICKER’s exclusive UniPlate™ combines the pole piece and back-plate, making them a single, seamless unit that assists in pushing damaging heat away from the subwoofer. Perimeter venting is also used above the sub’s extended top-plate, pulling additional cooling air in and around the motor. The subwoofer’s top-plate utilizes a patented “bumped” design, allowing extra excursion and longer throw for deeper overall bass in an extremely thin design. Additionally, the unique, patented square cone provides nearly 20 percent additional cone area compared to a standard round-shaped sub of the same size, making a 12-inch square sub perform like a 13-inch round subwoofer, for example. As a result, the listener enjoys more volume and deeper bass.
FULLERTON, CA (02.02.22) – Vision Tech America, Inc. believes in providing customers with the state-of-the-art technology in automobile engineering with the best possible prices to modernize vehicles.
In this regard, BOYO unveiled VTC703AHD, VTC703AHD-Q2, and VTC703AHD-Q4, which are 2.4 GHz Wireless AHD Vehicle Backup Camera Systems with 7” Digital Monitor and Heavy-Duty Backup Cameras.
The above image shows the VTC703AHD-Q4 with images on the monitor for 4 cameras.
“Our new VTC703AHD series are AHD wireless systems for RVs and large Trucks. It offers high resolution display with multi-channel (1CH, 2CH, 4CH) cameras depending on the needs of our customers. Customers can easily install this wireless camera system without any hard wiring. It will help anyone to drive and park safely with confidence,” said Richard Hong, VP Sales.
Key Product Features: AHD 1080P high-definition camera and monitor for clear image. Long Range Wireless System – 2.4GHz 300’ long range connectivity between a camera and the monitor for reliable video transmission. Multi-Channel (1CH, 2CH, 4CH) Camera options Built-In DVR function for all models Heavy-duty camera with IP68 waterproof rating and IR light for night vision. No High-Speed Dropouts Built-in Speaker and Microphone Parking guidelines on/off switch, reverse/non-reverse switch
NEW YORK, NY (02.04.22) – 12volt retailers now have the most up to date training information at their fingertips.
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.
STILLWATER, OK (02.03.22) – KICKER Performance Audio is back for its third season as a sponsor of THE SONG – Recorded Live @ TGL Farms, joining other prestigious companies like Ally, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casinos.
This nationally syndicated television show was launched in January 2020 and harnessed its star power, production expertise and unique programming to build a strong following with an audience reach of 80 million households via 150 stations. The third season launched January 8 and is expected to set new marks in listener and viewership, featuring intimate performances from some of music’s greatest stars and the iconic songs that launched and propelled their careers. Hosted by Krista Marie, featured performances were shot on locations throughout the country and are slated to include Melissa Etheridge, Styx, Matchbox 20 leader Rob Thomas, Amy Grant, Brian McKnight, Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Loggins, Rockers Collective Soul and Gary Allan.
“THE SONG has given KICKER Performance Audio a powerful ‘voice’ in the music world,” says Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager for KICKER Marine Audio. “THE SONG offered the ideal opportunity to partner with the show’s producers to help further position and cement the KICKER brand in the hearts–and ears – of THE SONG’S ardent fans and followers. We are very pleased to be actively engaged in this high-profile production that resonates with our audience.”
“We’ve been amazed week after week how viewers are connecting with these artists and their songs in this unique presentation,” said the show’s creator and Executive Producer Marc Oswald. “This new season is incredibly diverse and we are thrilled by Season 3 featuring amazing artists performing truly remarkable songs. We are also very pleased to partner with select top brands in the nation including our power partner, KICKER Performance Audio.”
THE SONG is produced by Tupelo Honey and Oswald Entertainment Group; directed by renowned film and still photographer David “Doc” Abbott; written, edited and produced by Stephen Wallen and Scott Kono; and booked by legendary talent producer Tisha Fein and talent coordinator Clay Myers. Gray Television is managing the syndication, led by Greg Conklin and George Johnson, predominantly on CBS, ABC, FOX and NBC affiliates including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Seattle.Image
Earlier this year, THE SONG announced an exclusive partnership with Time Life to release live performances recorded exclusively for the show. Many of the songs recorded for Season I of the show are currently available via Time Life on all major streaming platforms. The two companies are also working closely to develop enhanced content for THE SONG’s YouTube channel, including previously unreleased footage.
For great moments from the first two seasons of THE SONG, fans can log on to THESONG.TV to check out full performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The site includes details for tuning into the show in specific markets.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.03.22) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. will attend the upcoming Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) KnowledgeFest hosted in the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from Friday, February 18 to Sunday, February 20.
Alpine will be in exhibit #806 where staff will demo the new 2022 Alpine Product Line, featuring the new Alpine Halo Dash Solutions and Accessories, Vehicle-Specific Dash Solutions for Jeep®, Next-Generation R-Series Sound System line, Preloaded Alpine Halo R-Series and Truck Subwoofer Enclosures, and Preloaded S-Series and R-Series Shallow Subwoofer Enclosures.
Featuring the highly anticipated AlpineF#1Status system, a Tesla Model S demo vehicle will be in Exhibit Hall A for a first-ever listening experience. Booth visitors can experience the first premium car audio system that can achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system.
Alpine’s Ford F-150 will also be onsite to showcase the new Alpine Halo 11-inch Floating Touchscreen Display with high-resolution audio and display plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The F-150 will also feature Alpine’s next-generation 3-way R-Series speakers, the new R-Series Alpine Halo Preloaded Truck Enclosure, and the PXE-0850X 12-Channel Advanced Wireless Digital Sound Processor.
Alpine will host 3 training sessions during KnowledgeFest that will focus on the 2022 Product Line:
Friday, February 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in Sonoma C Alpine 2022 Product Line Introduction and Training
Saturday, February 19 from 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. in Sonoma C Alpine 2022 Product Line Introduction and Training
Sunday, February 20 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in Sonoma C Alpine 2022 Product Line Introduction and Training
All KnowledgeFest attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth, join the training sessions, and meet with Alpine staff from the sales, marketing, and product planning teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit www.knowledgefest.org and use the “Education Workshops & Vendor Training” link to register for the Alpine training sessions.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.03.22) – SEMA introduced a new program to make it possible for automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers to meet the legal requirement for emissions compliance under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tampering Policy. The program, called SEMA Certified-Emissions (SC-E), gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria and is therefore legal for sale in 49 states.
For the first time ever, manufacturers have a clear, accelerated path to compliance and can begin selling products legally in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO), which is still a requirement for selling products in all 50 states.
The new SEMA Certified-Emissions program gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria for sale in 49 states.
“It’s now easier than ever for manufacturers to demonstrate emissions compliance,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA VP of OEM & Product Development Programs. “SEMA Certified-Emissions is a major accomplishment in accelerating a manufacturer’s ability to get products to market, and it paves the path to obtaining emissions compliance in all 50 states.”
Since 2014, the SEMA Garage has been instrumental in helping automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers obtain CARB EOs. With state-of-the-art CARB-recognized testing equipment and dedicated expert staff conducting tests and assisting with the process, the SEMA Garage has helped secure more than 500 CARB EOs – over half of all performance parts EOs issued by CARB.
The new SC-E program is comparable to CARB EO requirements and was developed in response to the EPA’s Tampering Policy. SEMA staff will assess manufacturer’s needs and advise as to the most appropriate path forward, whether that includes applying for a CARB EO or SEMA emissions certification. SC-E may help manufacturers get to market about three months before obtaining a CARB EO. SC-E is also ideal for products that may not have a clear path in the CARB EO process (such as Flex-Fuel modifications, HCT equipped intakes, and engine packages).
“SC-E gives manufacturers much greater options and opportunities,” said Peter Treydte, SEMA Director of Emissions Compliance. “This is a significant milestone in the industry’s ability to provide products to consumers. We look forward to working with members and helping them go to market with SEMA Certified-Emissions products.”
The SEMA Garage is available to auto parts manufacturers with all their product development needs. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
GREENSBORO, NC (02.02.22) – When the KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series raced into the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on Saturday, January 29th, Sound Solutions was set up under the KICKER tents in the lobby. In spite of very cold temperatures and forecasts of snow the 24,000 seat arena was alive with an enthusiastic crowd.
Sound Solutions, with 3 stores in the area, was represented by Nate Hair along with his wife Kelly and daughter. Dennis Montgomery, with Tech Marketing, was also in the house to talk with members of the crowd about the latest KICKER products. Tech Marketing is the area rep firm for KICKER.
Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, who orchestrates the KICKER AMA ArenaCross events was also in the house. Morrell woks with the AMA ArenaCross team to get all the KICKER presentation in place at event sites for the 2022 6-City Series.
Nate Hair talking with an attendee who recently had a KICKER system installed in his Tahoe at the Sound Solutions High Point store.
Hair related, “Being under the KICKER tents in the lobby of the Greenville Coliseum Complex was super. We had a chance to talk with many members of the crowd. KICKER Tower Speakers and the PowerBar got a lot of attention in the booth. We had a big Sound Solutions banner in the booth and Lorin arranged for a big banner in the race arena too. I know we gave out over 50 business cards and look forward to seeing folks in the store after the event. There is a good chance our stores in High Point and Winston-Salem will also see consumers from this event.”
All was set under the KICKER tents in the lobby before the event opened.
Montgomery offered, “The KICKER AMA ArenaCross Series draws big crowds of PowerSports enthusiasts. Having Sound Solutions, a key area retailer, on site was a way to drive more visibility for the KICKER brand, products and business. Nate’s wife Kelly and daughter were also in the booth.”
Nate Hair and wife Kelly ready to show KICKER products to crowd members.
Hair continued, “Spending face-to-face time with enthusiasts is terrific. I have been with Sound Solutions for 22 years and we showcase the KICKER brand in all stores… Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem NC. One attendee at the event had just had a KICKER system installed in his Tahoe by the Sound Solutions High Point store. He let Dennis and me know how happy he is with his new KICKER system.”
The track was in great shape for the AMA ArenaCross racers.
Throughout the Carolinas its truck country so the new KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention. Powersports is strong in the area too so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed eyes when it cranked it the display… Kicker Marine and Lifestyle products drew interest too. Sound Solutions will benefit having shown those products to members of the ArenaCross crowd.
In addition to the action on the track, KICKER T-shirts were fired into the crowd during Pro Race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog that was picked up in the booth.