DIAMOND BAR, CA. (09.10.2021) – Sales of alternative power vehicles, while currently representing just 5% of all U.S. light vehicle sales today, are expected to reach 45% by 2035, according to new SEMA market research.
Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, which together represent around 90% of new car registrations worldwide in 2020, plan to widen their portfolio of alternative power models and scale up their production of electric vehicles. However, three-quarters of Americans still prefer gas or diesel and have concerns about charging infrastructure, driving range, and price. Also, alternative power vehicles remain a niche market for the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for just 1% of specialty-equipment retail sales in 2020.
According to new SEMA market research, sales of alternative power vehicles are expected to reach 45% by 2035.
Filled with an in-depth outlook on the landscape of alternative power and electrification in the United States, the “Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report helps companies understand potential implications for the specialty-equipment industry and how advanced technologies are becoming part of the new vehicle ecosystem. Key findings from the report include:
There are currently 4.1 million alternative power vehicles on U.S. roads today. This represents 1% of light vehicles in operation.
While sales are starting to grow, significant hurdles remain–around range, charging, and electrical power generation–in the shift towards more electrified vehicles.
As sales of electric and other alternative energy vehicles increase in coming years, it will take a while for current vehicles to cycle out of operation. The average age of a vehicle today is just over 12 years.
Alternative power currently represents a very small share of the specialty-aftermarket sales but will be more important as their presence grows. In 2020, alternative power accounted for only 1% of specialty-equipment retail sales at $0.42 billion.
Automakers continue to integrate vehicles with advanced technology to increase safety and comfort on the road. This opens potential growth opportunities for the aftermarket industry in older vehicles.
While 58% of drivers want more safety features, 86% say they are afraid of fully autonomous vehicles. They cite safety and liability as their biggest concerns.
To learn more about SEMA’s outlook on electric vehicles and emerging trends and technology, download the new “Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report today at www.sema.org/research.
DANIA BEACH, FL (09.10.2021) – HKI USA INC the exclusive U.S. distributor of Ground Zero, SounDigital and Four Connect audio products is proud to add another industry veteran to its growing team.
Marty Deane will be leading a new technology division of HKI USA.
“Deane brings over 30 years of mobile electronics experience to our company. His retail and installation knowledge will be a huge advantage as we grow into our second phase of our US operations.” said Diogo Ianaconi, CEO of HKI USA.
This addition will provide HKI USA a path into new exciting markets.
SHREVEPORT, LA (09.10.2021) – The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Nine months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
This JBL MT6HLB Tower X Marine System, with a $799. MSRP, is a big Prize on the wheel for a lucky retailer.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Joey Knapp, Pinnacle Autosound, with his JBL Smartphone remote control.
It’s great to see the faces of winners with their prize. Joey Knapp, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City, FL is pictured with the JBL Smartphone remote he won on the Spin-To-Win Wheel 140 on August 23rd.
Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands, CA was the 12volt News Prize winner on Friday, September 3rd and the check to store owner Mike Kardous is in the mail.
Let’s add your store to the growing list of winners. Remember to #12voltspin when making your company’s posts to Instagram to make sure your store has a slip in the jar.
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 and 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 and Anthony’s Car Stereo in North Highlands CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 10th.
PALMYRA, PA (09.09.2021) – DAS Companies Inc., the 12Volt Consumer Electronic industry’s premier Mid-Atlantic distributor, has partnered with PRV Audio bringing new, innovative pro audio products and accessories for Pro Audio and 12Volt Car Audio customers with the introduction of PRV and Timpano.
PRV Audio is well known for melding the best of today’s technology with passion and purpose to deliver the most innovative manufacturing of professional loudspeakers. Starting with a compact line of transducers fully dedicated to the Brazilian market, PRV Audio expanded, added the Timpano Brand, and opened its own subsidiary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2009 to better serve the growing international demand and the North America market.
As an approved national distributor, DAS has added PRV and Timpano’s best-selling products immediately, with plans to stock in all DAS warehouse locations including; Pennsylvania, Virigina and Utah. Both brands are now in stock and began shipping last week.
“We are excited to increase our market penetration into our existing territories, knowing the PRV Audio brands offer us the reach we need to expand and grow 12Volt opportunities during these challenging times,” said Rex Berfield, National Sales Manager. “PRV Audio allows us to reach additional energetic and passionate fans of loud music,” Berfield added.
“We’re continuing to execute our strategy we initiated prior to the unexpected covid situation, which led to this exciting partnership with DAS,” added Executive Director Daniel Costa. “We are pleased to find both teams share the same energy and passion to succeed.”
NEW YORK, NY (09.09.2021) – Throughout the 2021 NFL season, kicking off this week, SiriusXM will deliver comprehensive coverage for fans across the country, with live broadcasts of every game on SiriusXM radios and on the SXM App, as well as new exclusive shows and in-depth 24/7 news and talk on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel.
The 102nd NFL season begins tomorrow, September 9 (8:20 pm ET) when Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl LV Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott. Subscribers nationwide can listen to this game – and every game thereafter through Super Bowl LVI – in their car and on their phone and connected devices at home with the SXM App.
The SXM App offers play-by-play channels dedicated to the official radio broadcasts of every NFL team, which gives fans access to both the home and visiting team broadcasts for every game. All 32 NFL team play-by-play channels are also available in vehicles equipped with next generation SiriusXM with 360L radios.
On SiriusXM’s 24/7 SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, fans get exceptional insight into the league and all its teams through daily shows hosted by a deep roster of NFL experts, interviews with players, coaches and executives, and special programming not found anywhere else.
This season, SiriusXM NFL Radio features a new weekly show dedicated to the Los Angeles Rams, hosted by former Rams All-Pro receiver Torry Holt and former NFL linebacker Kirk Morrison. The show will debut today, September 8, and air every Wednesday (7:00-8:00 pm ET). Holt and Morrison will focus on a 2021 Rams team coming off its fourth consecutive winning season and third playoff appearance under coach Sean McVay, and they will also look back at the history of the franchise and interview Rams legends from seasons past.
Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre will return to host The SiriusXM Blitz with Brett Favre and Bruce Murray every Tuesday (11:00 am – noon ET).
2002 NFL MVP quarterback Rich Gannon is returning to SiriusXM NFL Radio’s roster of hosts and will be reuniting with his former partner, Bruce Murray, on The SiriusXM Blitz. Gannon previously hosted on SiriusXM NFL Radio from 2009 to 2016.
SiriusXM NFL Radio listeners will also hear a weekly replay of Let’s Go! – the exclusive show with five-time NFL Super Bowl MVP champion quarterback Tom Brady, All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Hall of Fame Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Jim Gray – every Monday night at 6:30 pm ET.
SiriusXM NFL Radio’s team of analysts also includes Hall of Famers Gil Brandt, Derrick Brooks, Tim Brown, James Lofton and Bill Polian, former NFL executives Mark Dominik and Pat Kirwan, and former players and coaches including Alex Boone, Erik Coleman, Charles Davis, David Diehl, Bruce Gradkowski, Todd Haley, Brad Hopkins, Ryan Leaf, Ed McCaffrey, Jim Miller, Torrey Smith, Max Starks, Charlie Weis and Solomon Wilcots.
SiriusXM NFL Radio voices also include a number of NFL insiders and radio veterans including Howard Balzer, Vic Carucci, Adam Caplan, John Clayton, Brian Custer, Zig Fracassi, Mike Keith, Aditi Kinkhabwala, Dan Leberfeld, Bill Lekas, Alex Marvez, Lance Medow, Bob Papa, Tom Pelissero, Shae Peppler, Amber Theoharis, Steve Torre and Evan Washburn.
LAS VEGAS, NV (09.09.2021) – Kingpin University, Nevada-based product supplier and trainer of mobile electronics professionals, announced two in-person training sessions taking place September 20-22 and November 17-19. The two sessions will instruct students on box building and the fundamentals of car audio, respectively, and will be held at the company’s combo retail and training facility in Henderson.
Starting September 20, Box Building 101 promises to teach enclosure design in a way that maximizes sound and style. The curriculum will instruct attendees on calculating box size and selecting build characteristics to optimize performance of different subwoofers. It will also cover shaping, securing and covering the enclosure, and charging appropriately for the work.
On November 17-19, the focus expands to the complete system with Fundamentals of Car Audio. The session was developed to equip new installers with a strong base of hands-on knowledge, and to provide a refresher for experienced technicians. The curriculum covers oscilloscope and RTA (Real-Time Analyzer) use, gain setting, system design, noise control, electronics, basic sales and fabrication, and more.
Each training session includes a take-home fabrication materials kit, achievement plaque and class project. Tuition for each session is $899, or $849 each if both sessions are reserved in the same transaction.
The training sessions will be conducted in accordance with current locally mandated health and safety guidelines. Masks are required while indoors. Precautions include increased cleaning, improved interior circulation and hand sanitizing stations.
“We are maintaining our momentum and satisfying the ongoing desire for learning, stemming from our May in-person classes and our workshops at KnowledgeFest Orlando,” said Jason Kranitz, owner and lead instructor at Kingpin University. “We look forward to seeing students in person and providing an opportunity for networking as well as training.”
To sign up for courses or get more information in Kingpin University courses and products, visit kingpinuniversity.com.
STILLWATER, OK (09.08.2021) – KICKER has introduced Falcon Sales and Marketing as its new brand representative group in the U.S. Northwest. Falcon replaces longtime rep firm N&S Marketing, which had disbanded following the retirement of its principal.
“We always want somebody who is going to put KICKER first,” said Western Regional Sales Manager Tracy Focht. “They have the infrastructure we need and were ready to start working with us immediately. We are very excited to have (CEO) Dave (Gates) and his firm on board with KICKER.”
Falcon was chosen not only for its strong infrastructure, but for its founder David Gates. Gates has intimate knowledge of the brand, having been named a four-time KICKER Rep-of-the-Year during his tenure as a rep with N&S Marketing.
“KICKER’s kind of in my blood,” said Gates. “I always felt that KICKER was like family, so returning to a brand I truly love feels like a homecoming.”
The Washington-based firm has a dedicated warehouse with shipping, sales, fulfillment, and technical support.
Falcon will serve retailers across Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Alaska out of its 5,000 square-foot distribution center in Washougal, Wash.
OXNARD, CA (09.08.2021) – SSV Works has announced that its new Polaris RZR Pro XP4 6.5-inch rear door speaker pods (p/n RZ5-DR65) are now shipping and come available unloaded, or with either SSV Works premium marine speakers or Kicker KM marine speakers.
“Utilizing new and superior technologies, including 3D modeling, we have fully optimized the space around the pod, allowing the RZ5-DR65 pods to fit perfectly every time while matching the original factory color and texture,” explained Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “The UV stable and all-weather durable door pods make sure that you never have to worry about the environment you ride in, and being able to choose between our premium speakers or Kicker marine speakers ensures an incredible audio journey.”
The RZ5-DR65 maximizes sound quality, is weather-proof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, and is designed for quick and seamless integration. It easily installs on the top half of the front doors using factory mounting locations…it even works with factory lower door inserts.
SSV Works’ 6.5-inch, 120-watt (60w RMS) 2-way coaxial premium marine speakers started the revolution and are now upgraded to marine-grade speakers for ultimate reliability and sound quality. They produce excellent volume and clarity making them the best bang for your buck.
Kicker’s 6.5-inch 195 watt (65w RMS) 2-way coaxial KM marine speakers produce spectacular highs and midrange sounds, providing full-range audio specifically for a marine environment.
LONDON, ENGLAND (09.08.2021) – Bowers & Wilkins, the British loudspeaker company famed for bringing its knowledge and experience of acoustic excellence to the automotive industry, has extended its successful partnership with BMW, with the launch of the iX, the new luxury electric SAV from BMW.
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System in the iX features the most advanced sound quality found in a car, with the aim of delivering an audio experience that feels as though you are there with the artist in the studio, a concept that Bowers & Wilkins refer to as ‘True Sound’. This can only be achieved through close collaboration between the engineering teams from both BMW and Bowers & Wilkins, and by using proven technologies from Bowers & Wilkins’ core range of passive loudspeakers.
The BMW iX is the first fully electric vehicle to feature Diamond Dome tweeters, as found in Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, the monitor loudspeaker of choice in Abbey Road Studios. The exceptionally accurate, low-distortion tweeters feature Nautilus swirls, spiralling channels behind the tweeter domes that dissipate reflected sound waves that emanate from the rear of the drive unit and limit distortion. In keeping with the minimalist interior of the BMW iX, the tweeters are covered with brushed stainless-steel covers with a laser-etched logo and a discreet lighting effect, and the door speakers are discretely hidden behind acoustically optimized fabric.
In total, there are two Diamond Dome tweeters, three Aluminium Dome tweeters and five Aramid Fibre midrange speakers mounted as high as possible within the light, spacious cabin. A further eight speakers are integrated into the front and rear headrests, which can be individually adjusted to create a truly personalised audio experience for each passenger. For the first time, four bass speakers are joined by 4D Shakers that are strategically positioned within the interior to produce a rich bass experience even at low volumes.
Passengers can engage with the sound system through four different sound modes, according to preference.
The result is sound that’s superbly detailed and free from coloration, seamlessly integrated within the car design.
LEHIGHTON, PA(09.07.2021) – 1sixty8 media Inc. today launched its Budget Website Solution to complement its existing Value Websites. As the premier provider of digital marketing and business services to the mobile enhancement industry, 1sixty8 media is responsible for creating and managing websites that provide a high ROI for its clients.
“Until now, our website solutions were beyond the reach of some retailers,” said Mitch Schaffer, president of 1sixty8 media. “With the introduction of our Budget Websites, we now offer a solution with little or no upfront cost.” He added that all of 1sixty8 media’s solutions require a monthly investment that starts out at as little as $99/month. Each retailer gets a fully managed, turnkey solution that includes free, vendor-sponsored content.
“We recognize that some retailers have significant budget restraints but they know they still need a website,” Schaffer said. “Now there’s a high-quality solution that any retailer can afford.” The Budget Website is a turnkey solution that gives a retailer an attractive website, built on a solid foundation and proofread by professionals. Schaffer continued, “All too often, we see websites that are poorly coded, load slowly and are full of spelling and grammatical errors. We employ real developers and proofreaders to ensure a professional and predictable outcome.”
As with all of 1sixty8 media’s website solutions, the Budget Website is secure, mobile friendly and hosted on lightning-fast dedicated servers. Every website that 1sixty8 media hosts is monitored daily for security issues and backed up daily in both the cloud and at the server level. All underlying software is updated a minimum of three times a week. If a website were to go down, a member of the 1sixty8 media team would be notified instantly and get the site back online quickly.
“The best part about our new Budget Website is that it is scalable,” Schaffer said. “It is built on the exact same platform as our custom developed websites. This flexibility means that a retailer can start out with a Budget Website and over time, we can evolve it into a much more sophisticated solution that will further increase traffic flow to their store.”
Retailers can learn more about 1sixty8 media’s website and marketing solutions for professional mobile enhancement retailers by visiting www.1sixty8.com. They can also contact Mitch Schaffer directly at 570-656-6900 or mitch@1sixty8.com.
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