SHREVEPORT, LA (05.18.2021) – No doubt we are all living in an increasingly stressful world. COVID Shot or No COVID shot. Mask or No Mask. Polarized National media fueling stress. Shortages in supermarkets with rising prices. Pipeline interruption from cyber attack further driving fuel increases. The price of lumber up nearly 300%. We all know the story in our ’Screen Focused’ World.
The 12volt industry has unique issues driving up the the stress level. Product shortages due to high demand. Product shortages taken to the next level due to chip plant fires and shortages. The cost of shipping product has gone through the roof. Travel or can’t travel. Need installers. Companies need employees but many people are receiving stimulus payments equal or exceeding a normal salary.
The 12volt Central Studios staff works each day to deliver positive industry news. See 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook. Each business day morning, we post News Today which delivers fresh industry news in less than a minute. The 12voltBeat newsletter is emailed early Monday and Thursday mornings to over 5,000 industry members. On Saturdays, we post HiLites from the Week on social media. On Sundays we wish friends having Birthdays in the coming week Happy Birthday.
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The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by industry members to send a company’s activities and product information to the 12volt Central Studios. With a smartphone snap and txt an image, with a few words, to 318 465 0844. PRESTO your company could be in the news.
In addition, we make additional posts with companies working to get their ‘Shine On’. Check out the short video presentation above featuring SSV Works at The Rally on the Rocks in Moab UT May 12-15.
As an industry-vendors, reps, distributors and retailers- let’s all work to highlight positives.
Let’s remember the world is about people. ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On!’
RINGWOOD, IL (05.17.2021) – Race Sport Lighting has announced that Team Progressive has been named their manufacturer rep firm for the northern territory covering Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Team Progressive will oversee the current Race Sport Lighting business already established in these five key states, as well as growing the company’s footprint in the territory with more dealers and increased distribution in the power sport and motorcycle industries. Team Progressive will begin introducing the line to their ever-growing dealer/distributor base starting in May.
“We are so excited to have Team Progressive join our team in the northern territory. Mike Tang (ND, SD and MN) and Steve Warren (IL and WI) bring a wealth of experience and an unprecedented network of dealers and distributors to the table. Race Sport Lighting is excited to get Steve and Mike up and running immediately to promote and train the dealers on the lighting category in their territory.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting
“I am excited to be able to enter into a relationship with Race Sport Lighting. Their expansive mix of products will be a great addition to our customers in the upper Midwest territory, especially in the continually growing power sports and motorcycle segments.” – Mike Tang, The Progressive Group
“As business and our customer needs are ever-changing, we like to bring new categories and opportunities to help them grow their business. I am glad to be teaming up with Race Sport Lighting to offer another source of revenue in a category, that for most 12-volt dealers within Illinois and Wisconsin, is plus business.” – Steve Warren, The Progressive Group
PHOENIX, AZ (05.17.2021) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing that pre-order is now available for their new audio kits and components for select Can-Am Maverick X3 model vehicles.
All new complete plug and play packages will be available in three, five, six or eight speaker layouts and all will incorporate 1000-watts of RMS amplifier power to drive them. They will be packaged with everything needed for installation including integrated audio and power harnesses as well as all necessary hardware. Installation of the kits requires minimal vehicle modification, and comprehensive installation videos are also available for step-by step guided instruction showing the entire process, start to finish.
Additionally, new components are also available for pre-order and consist of a low-profile dash mounting kit that works with our AWMC3 media receiver, fully assembled front upper and separate lower speaker enclosures as well as available driver and passenger loaded subwoofer enclosures.
“Consumer expectations have risen and it’s not just about power and the number of speakers anymore. Consumers need to trust that the product sounds just as good with helmets on and the throttle pinned as it does while hanging around camp.” said Director of Sales and Marketing, Jason Fickas.
“The level of thought and detail that has gone into these kits is unmatched in the industry both in performance and integration, and we’re anxious for our customers to see the results of combining the ground-up resources of MTX with a talented development team who just happen to be passionate enthusiasts as well.”
The new Can-Am X3 kits and components are slotted to start shipping in mid-June and more details can be found at MTX.com.
BOCA RATON, FL (06.17.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently hired Madison Belfour as the new digital marketing analyst for the franchise.
A recent graduate of the University of Florida, Belfour holds degrees in both business administration and journalism. She is responsible for creating marketing campaigns that benefit both the franchise owners individually, as well as overall growth of the franchise.
Belfour’s keen attention to detail and passion for marketing is essential for continually optimizing campaign performance while helping to generate greater overall revenue for the franchise’s 80-plus locations currently open.
Madison Belfour, Digital Marketing Analyst
“Madison is a wonderful addition to our corporate team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “We strive to have the best people in place. Her experience will help our franchisees grow their businesses, while supporting the continued success and growth of our overall franchise.”
Belfour spent the first three years of her career working for local marketing agencies in the South Florida area. Following a series of conversations with Bonfiglio, Madison picked up on his immense passion for franchising and was immediately motivated to put her skills to work for the growing franchise.
Belfour said one of her favorite parts of working at Tint World has been the seamless transition. One of the first projects Belfour took on was the Tint World 2021 International Franchise Convention. Unlike any prior annual convention, the event was held virtually due to the pandemic – presenting its own unique adaptations. Proactive and detail-oriented, Belfour saw the opportunity to step in and contribute value to help make the event a success.
As time has gone on, Belfour has continued sharpening her relationships with franchise owners – understanding their needs and offering tailored campaign solutions to reach their objectives. With new trends emerging constantly, she stays diligent to help keep Tint World’s fingers on the pulse.
“Since day one, I instantly felt like I was a part of the Tint World family. It feels great to be part of such a passionate team and I look forward to continuing to grow within this growing franchise,” Belfour said.
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more.
SHREVEPORT LA (05.15.21) WTF…Win This Friday. DG Motorsportz won the JBLPrize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, May 14th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 127th time on Friday morning May 14th. The Wheel landed on the JBL Space. The DG Motorsportz slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to DG Motorsportz in High Point NC and AJ was happy to hear the news that A JBL CLIP 3 portable speaker will be headed that way.
A number of the JBL products for prizes were sent to the 12volt Central Studios by Shawn Spedding for Wheel winners. We will send a JBL CLIP 3 to AJ.
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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 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. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, May 21st.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (05.014.2021) – JVC Mobile Entertainment recently entered the booming dash cam market with the new KV-DR305 dashboard camera.
To roll out this new feature rich and value-priced dash cam, boasting full HD (1920×1080) recording, JVC scheduled 2 web based LIVE DEMO product training sessions. The sessions took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 4th and 5th respectively.
Alex Miranda in the Sound Depot store in Madison AL with a JVC product.
Dusty Liebhaber in the Muntz Audio store in Appleton WI with JVC products in the background.
Dealers attending each session also had a chance to win a KV-DR305…1 dash cam prize per training. Alex Miranda, Sound Depot- Madison, AL, won the dash cam prize for the May 4th training session. Dusty Liebhaber, Muntz Audio-Appleton, WI won the dash cam for the May 5th session.
Marcus Vasconcellos, JVC KEWOOD Mobile Electronics Product Specialist, recently received a sample KV-DR305 and installed it in his Toyota Sequoia. “I put it through its paces forward and backward and it performed flawlessly. That prepared me to be a host on the training sessions” Vasconcellos stated.
Marcus Vanconcellos pictured in his Sequoia with the KV-DK305 used in the JVC LIVE DEMO Training.
During the sessions hosts led discussions relating to Dash Cam market growth and why it makes sense for 12volt retailers to add the category their product mix. Dealers also learned who the dash cam customer is and the benefits a dash cam will add to their driving experience. The LIVE DEMO of the KV-DR305 dash cam added to the take-away of people attending the sessions.
Seth Halstead-National Training & Content Development Manager, along with Mobile Electronics Product Specialists Josh Bowen and Marcus Vasconcellos participated in the JVC Dash Cam training sessions.
HAPPY VALLEY, OR (05.14.2021) – Stereo King recently finished a customized 26’ trailer with attention grabbing graphics. The new trailer will be utilized to increase awareness at the retailer’s multiple locations plus consumer events in the area. Stereo King has 4 stores in Oregon plus Dicks Stereo in Boise, ID.
The new Stereo King 26’ trailer drives the brand and the message “Nobody Beats The King.”
Drivers following on the road see the Stereo King brand and area store locations.
“Stereo King is very active in the PowerSports category. We participate in a number of large area enthusiasts events including UTV Takeover and DuneFest. This new trailer will give us a lot of exposure at those events plus a vehicle to transport event tents, supplies and inventory to be sold at the events. In addition, the Portland International Auto Show is an annual event where we set up a large booth. The trailer will be used to transport everything we need to set up our booth in the convention center.”
The new Stereo King Trailer gets driver’s attention from the street… blocks away, too.
Oregon Design created and installed the wrap on the Stereo King trailer project. “Scotty Miles worked with Oregon Design to design the graphics and the project turned out very nicely,” Cornutt added.
Miles related, “Our goal was to create a wrap that was extremely eye catching and tasteful. We made sure the design spotlighted the Stereo King color scheme, while featuring our company’s brand and what we represent, well.”
A company truck is used to tow the trailer to most events. With the Portland International Auto Show a large U-Haul us used to tow the trailer and transport a large amount of inventory.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.14.2021) – ATO Round LED Lights light up every narrow mountain trail, large sand dune, and everything in between with brightness where you need it the most. With 3 sizes to choose from: including a 9-inch, 7-inch, and 5-inch light size, all of these features off-road durability and include a black cast aluminum alloy body.
Delivering HUGE lumen brightness, ranging from 3,600 (each 5-inch round LED light) to 8,000 (each 9-inch round LED light), you’ll be able to take in any corner and peak of darkness when the sun goes down on every journey.
The ATO9RV1 is a pair of 9-inch round cast aluminum alloy LED lights, outdoor-rated at 16,000 lumens. With an IPX67 marine-grade protection/IPX rating, this universal off-road pair of 9-inch round LED lights brings 180 watts (90 watts each driving light) of HUGE lumen brightness power.
LONDON, ENGLAND (05.13.2021) – Abbey Road Studios and Bowers & Wilkins today announce a new phase of their partnership, which will see the two iconic audio brands come together to explore and enhance the in-car audio experience.
Over the last five years Abbey Road Studios has been exploring future music technologies, including machine learning and spatial audio, via its music-tech innovation arm Abbey Road Red. Meanwhile, Bowers & Wilkins has been perfecting the art of bringing leading-edge loudspeaker technology to the car environment with BMW, McLaren and Volvo.
Now, the two brands are combining their expertise to bring the Studios’ unique acoustic personality to the in-car listening experience for the first time, offering unparalleled sound quality while remaining respectful to the original recording. The partnership between Abbey Road Studios and Bowers & Wilkins will elevate the sound quality and expand the acoustic environment of automotive audio systems, seeking to deliver the most believable listening experience possible.
Dan Shepherd, Director of Automotive Partnerships from Bowers & Wilkins says: “We are thrilled to work with Abbey Road Studios on our shared mission to elevate the in-car experience and bring drivers and passengers across the globe a new and exciting way to enjoy their music.”
Jeremy Huffelmann, General Manager, Abbey Road Studios says: “We are delighted to be extending the remit of our partnership with Bowers & Wilkins to co-develop our offering in the automotive sector. Through our shared passion for creative excellence and the highest quality audio, we will be exploring technologies to further the goal of creating the most accurate listening experiences possible for consumers.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – (05.13.2021) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. has introduced three Class-D amplifiers designed for the challenging marine environment. Consisting of two compact sized and fully ingress protected (IP67 rated) models plus an extremely flexible bridgeable 6-channel model, these new Pioneer amplifiers are designed to suit multiple output configurations in a variety of environmental conditions and marine applications.
All three models feature an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) design, utilizing a microprocessor to enable and control the amplifier’s audio, power and protection circuits. By harnessing the power of the MCU and a 32-Bit floating point DSP that modulates the input signal prior to the gain stage, combined with an audio optimized PCB layout and specialized audio grade components, sound quality and signal accuracy are improved over conventional Class-D subwoofer and full-range amplifier designs.
The MCU also enables Pioneer’s Protection Control System (PCS), which continuously monitors the input voltage, current consumption, and operating temperature to automatically adjust the amplifier’s output to ensure operational stability during long listening sessions or in warmer climates. The entire lineup is also SAE J1171 Certified for external ignition protection of marine electrical devices, making them suitable for installation in the storage, electrical or battery compartments of marine vessels.
“We are excited to expand our lineup of amplifiers with three models that have been engineered to withstand the extremes of temperature, moisture and dust exposure found in common marine applications while still offering the installation flexibility and high sound quality consumers expect from Pioneer,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing and corporate communications for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Additionally, the IP67 rated ingress protection, compact size, and low current consumption of the GM-ME300X1C and GM-ME300X4C make these specific amplifiers an excellent option for installation in a variety of other vehicles, including off-road vehicles, power sports vehicles and motorcycles.”
The Pioneer marine amplifier lineup includes:
GM-ME300X1C (suggested price: $370): The mono-channel GM-ME300X1C subwoofer amplifier is weatherproof and IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, capable even of full water submersion1. Adjustments to the built-in low pass filter (featuring a precise 21-step frequency range), 0dB/ 6dB/ 12dB adjustable bass boost, gain and input settings are located under the sealed top mounted and removable cover. The GM-ME300X1C output is controlled by the MCU and is capable of 300W RMS x1 at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms.
GM-ME300X4C (suggested price: $370): The 4-channel GM-ME300X4C full-range amplifier is weatherproof and IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, capable even of full water submersion1. Adjustments to the built-in high pass and low pass filters (featuring a precise 21-step frequency range), bridged output settings, gain and input settings are located under the sealed top mounted and removable cover. The GM-ME300X4C output is controlled by the MCU and is capable of 75W RMS x4 at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms in 4-channel mode; 75W RMS x2 at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms plus 150W RMS x1 at 4 ohms in 3-channel stereo/bridged mode; or 150W RMS x2 at 4 ohms in 2-channel bridged mode.
GM-ME600X6 (suggested price: $650): Featuring a corrosion-resistant conformal coated circuit board and single sided ABYC/NMMA compliant terminal connections, the 6-channel GM-ME600X6 full-range amplifier offers a vast array of power output and channel combinations to provide unmatched system flexibility within the Pioneer marine amplifier line-up. The MCU design features built-in high pass and low pass filters (featuring a precise 21-step frequency range), bridged output settings, gain and input selection settings for each of the three pairs of channels (six total channels). Further harnessing the full capabilities of the MCU design, it features both normal output mode (75W RMS x2 stereo at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms / 150W RMS x1 bridged at 4 ohms) or high output mode (100W RMS x2 stereo at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms / 200W RMS x1 bridged at 4 ohms) for each pair of channels, allowing the amplifier’s power output to be more closely matched with the power handling capabilities of connected speakers (sold separately). The amplifier can be configured in the following output modes: 6-channel (all channels operating in stereo mode); 5-channel (4 channels in stereo mode plus 1 bridged mode channel); 4-channel (2 channels in stereo mode plus 2 bridged mode channels); or 3-channel (3 bridged mode channels).
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