11-22-2021 – Retro Manufacturing is proud to announce its Redondo Radio has won Best New Accessory Item at the ARMO Hot Product Showcase this past April. The RetroSound® Redondo was modeled after classic vehicles that had separate display and push-button assemblies in the dash. The Redondo is available in two configurations: The classic two-shaft design with period-correct knobs and bezels for vintage Ford, Mopar, and Volkswagen vehicles, or with Mopar style thumb rollers in place of control shafts for classic Mopar restorations. The RetroSound® InfiniMount™ Brackets allow for the display, push-buttons, controls, and Radio Motor to be adjusted during installation to recreate a factory look.
The Redondo is compatible with all RetroSound® Radio Motors giving classic car fans all the features of a modern car stereo. Available features include built-in Bluetooth® for hands-free calls and audio streaming, Made for iPod®/iPhone® compatibility, USB inputs for flash drives and media devices, and non-volatile memory. A 32,000 color digital display gives users the option to customize the display color to match their gauges and browse through media by artist, song title, or album. The Redondo has a selectable AM/FM Tuner allowing the user to select between USA, EUR, AUS, JAP, and RUS turner frequencies with 30 pre-sets to store favorite stations. A powerful 300-watt built-in amplifier provides plenty of power over 4 channels along with RCA pre-outs and a subwoofer output for customers looking to expand their audio system further. The Redondo is available with SiriusXM®, connecting directly to an SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately) without the need for special adapters or cables. The SXV300V1 tuner adds SiriusXM® broadcasts to your RetroSound radio with artist, channel, and song information shown directly on the radios display. The Redondo is also available with HD Radio technology and DAB+ for superior radio reception.
SHREVEPORT LA (11.20.21) WTF…Win This Friday. VapeNAudio won the DS18 prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, November 19th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Ten months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 154th time on Friday morning November 19th. The Wheel landed on the DS18 space. The VapeNAudio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted.
We reached out and heard back from Jason Brown at VapeNAudio in Clovis CA. He was happy to hear the news and looks forward to receiving the DS18 prize.
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, Silencer, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and Magnadyne. 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, 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 and Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, November 26th.
MESA, AZ (11.19.2021) – MSC is proud to announce the completion of the latest session of its “Fit it, Tune it, Turn it” training classes held November 13th-14th 2021 in sunny Mesa Arizona. With 8 sold out sessions held between July and November of this year, MSC gathered over 60 different specialty mobile electronics retail partners from across the United Sates at their Training Lab in Mesa, Arizona. Canadian dealer partners were hosted at the MSC facility in Calgary, Alberta Canada.
The MSC facility offers space for hands-on vehicle work as well as traditional classroom training.
Larry Penn of MSC launched the weekend with a cultural overview of the MSC brand and that of their manufacturing partners they represent in North America including BLAM, Brax, Helix, Match and Stinger Radar. A considerable amount of the program was spent covering retail concepts and sales development ideas. “As partners, we have to understand the changing landscape of the retail environment and how we can assist our dealers to ensure their continued success” commented Larry Penn. This discussion lead into the Systems by MSC brand presentation and what the benefit of this partnership brings to specialist independents.
“Understanding how a modern OEM infotainment system functions is a key part of our training” said Jason Digos of MSC. Hands on sessions included real-world demonstrations of electrical signal measurements using Audiotec Fischer’s DSP products and their highly intuitive DSP PC Tools software. This included how to use the ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) function of the platform to easily establish the existence of all pass filters, time alignment, equalization and other signal processing happening to the audio signals in many of today’s modern vehicles. After getting a firm understanding on the importance of OEM signal analysis and how to use that information to establish the system design, DSP tuning became the next focus. Lead by Chris Van Ry, MSC covered an in-depth software run through before presenting MSC’s Tuning for Profit tuning method. This scalable concept was built around the Audiotec Fischer DSP products and is used every day in MSC’s retail facility in Calgary, Alberta. MSC’s process allows dealers of all experience levels to quickly, predictably and repeatably tune cars to a point that will provide an amazing listening experience to their client. “We wanted to have all of the players in our partner’s stores to be able to understand the tuning process and be able to implement this process,” said Chris.
The educational elements are always important, but MSC and the crew made sure to include some socializing and fun along the way as well, with unique dining experiences, live music, and great networking.
MSC will soon be announcing upcoming dates for classes starting in 2022. Be sure to register early as these are “limited seating” engagements. Also plan to visit the MSC booth at the MasterTech Expo March 6th- 9th 2022. Watch for details on all the exciting things planned for this event!
HENDERSON, NV (11.19.2021) – The RPOD6 has been re-designed to have a slimmer mounting depth of just 2.44” and accepts the same 6.5” speakers as before. With the new slimmer profile, the RPOD6A can be mounted in a variety of new locations to add speakers to any classic car that didn’t originally come with an audio system without the need to cut or modify the interior.
RetroPods are built with a rugged ABS plastic that can either be painted, wrapped in vinyl, or carpeted to match a vehicle’s interior for a fully customized look. The angled design directs sound towards the listener for better stereo imaging and an enjoyable listening experience. The RPOD6A accepts a 6.5” speaker and is available with RetroSound’s S-62 Stereo Speakers or their Premium R-652N Stereo Speakers.
LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (11.19.2021) – The 2021 Sand – Water – RV Expo in Lake Havasu City AZ, is a mecca for outdoor motorsports enthusiasts of off-roading, RVing, boating camping, fishing and hunting. Lake Havasu City has the highest per capita UTV ownership of any city in the United States.
Lorin Morrell taking a spin on Lake Havasu.
KICKER will be on site with Maddog Media. “We will be in booth Q with longtime KICKER Gatorwraps and Livin’ Loud with the RZR. This event did not happen in 2020 due to COVID 19 and everyone is so excited about the event this weekend, November 19th and 20th. There is no show on Sunday” Lorin Morrell Maddog Media stated.
The Sand – Water – RV Expo captures the spirit and passion of these complementary markets, providing motivated consumers the opportunity to browse, compare and shop for the latest and greatest in offroad vehicles, trucks, sand rails, ATVs, UTVs, 4 x 4s, buggies, motorcycles, electric vehicles, RVs, toy haulers, travel trailers, boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, camping gear, fishing tackle, and all related accessory products and services. Be sure and check-out our “special attractions” page for all the highlights. The title sponsor of the 2021 Expo is Sunshine RV in Lake Havasu.
SHOW HOURS: (rain or shine) Friday — 11am – 5pm Saturday — 9am – 5pm closed Sunday
TICKET HOLDERS & EXHIBITORS/VENDORS: please be advised that drone flying is prohibited everywhere over State Park property.
SHREVEPORT, LA (10.15.2021) – The SEMA Show 2021 drew an in-person attendance of over a reported 100,000. Seeing exhibitors showing their latest products to industry members was terrific.The 12volt Central Studios provided press for a number of exhibitors leading up to SEMA 2021 and added more visibility for exhibitors from the SEMA Show floor. The 12voltSTP Tool provided an easy way for a number of exhibitors to showcase their SEMA booth activities across the 12volt industry.
Jose Diaz with a new Beyma subwoofer in the company’s North Hall booth.
Nakamichi, Hertz, Beyma, Fair Interamerican, Braille Battery, Hushmat, Sony, Audiopipe and AudioControl, along with retailers and reps utilized the 12voltSTP Tool to showcase their new products and activities to thousands of the 12volt industry members that did not attend SEMA 2021.
Audio Solutions 49 is on a roll in Florence MS but Wayne saw the need to attend his 11th SEMA Show.
The AudioKing crew traveled from Yakima, WA to see the latest from AudioControl.
Proactive companies that exhibited at SEMA can still showcase their activities from the SEMA Show floor. Bob Ahuja, Stealth Batteries, said “I have some images from the booth on my phone. I would like to extend the ROI on my SEMA investment and will send a few booth images.”
In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool is another example of making it easy for industry members to put their company’s brand and activities in front of members of the 12volt industry. 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 for information and news delivery. The fact remains people need still, 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.
Richard Fairest invited all to check out their latest products in the North Hall.
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. It’s the 12volt Central Studios 6 Pack. Check out the 12Volt 6-Pack as The 12volt Central Studios will work to make 6 social media posts each business day delivering fresh positive news the 12volt industry.
Always more at 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.18.2021) – Stealth Energy, a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance batteries located in Cleveland, Ohio, launched a new line of lithium batteries designed for competition car audio at SEMA in Las Vegas. The battery manufacturer is an American Bass Audio company a leading car audio brand for over three decades.
The batteries LT-40 and LT-80 unveiled by Stealth Energy are Lithium-Titanate-Oxide (LTO) batteries. LTO batteries are known for their high levels of safety and fast recharge and discharge capabilities relative to a traditional lithium-ion battery which makes LTO the perfect battery chemistry for car audio.
Bob Ahuja in the Stealth Energy booth in the North Hall at SEMA.
Bob Ahuja, co-founder of Stealth Energy commented, “Lithium batteries are increasingly affordable, and they are significantly lighter and more powerful than traditional AGM batteries that are commonly used to power car audio builds for serious competitors.”
Ahuja concluded, “We believe that lithium batteries will one day become the battery of choice for car audio enthusiasts, and we have spent months designing and testing the perfect lithium solution for these customers. I am confident that Stealth Energy will be the battery of choice for car audio customers across the United States.”
Stealth Energy lithium battery solutions while designed for car audio also have applications for transportation, clean energy, medical, industrial and grid-connected products.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.18.2021) – As part of SEMA’s initiative to provide live and virtual education to the automotive specialty equipment industry, SEMA is issuing a call for speakers for the 2022 SEMA Show and the association’s year-round virtual education program.
Available at www.sema.org/speakers, applications are open to innovative thinkers, industry experts, and dynamic presenters who can share ideas, technologies, and expertise with the industry.
The education program is specific to industry professionals in the automotive aftermarket and its related niche-specific segments. The year-round virtual program, which saw thousands of SEMA members participating since its debut in January 2021, provides thought-provoking, forward-thinking webinars that help participants take their businesses and careers to the next level. Likewise, educational seminars are an essential component of the SEMA Show where industry professionals come to network in person and learn new business strategies.
SEMA is issuing a call for speakers for the 2022 SEMA Show and the association’s year-round virtual education program.
Topics of interest for 2022 include: Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends Digital Marketing Automotive Electronics Legal & Regulatory Small-Business Strategy Electric Vehicles Vehicle Technology Leadership Business Management
Speaker proposals for the 2022 SEMA Show must be submitted by Jan. 7, 2022. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit a proposal today at www.sema.org/speakers. Suggestions for topics and/or speakers are also encouraged and can be submitted at http://www.sema.org/sessiontopics.
For more details, contact Gary Vigil, SEMA sr. manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (11.17.2021) – Despite ongoing disruptions in the economy, 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers report sales growth over the past year, according to the new State of the Industry—Fall 2021 report from SEMA.
The report highlights specialty-equipment market trends, including sales performance and expectations, broader economic factors that are affecting the industry, and a future outlook on the role that emerging vehicle technologies may play.
Supply-chain disruptions are affecting the automotive sector, and new-vehicle production is expected to be 7.7 million units lower in 2021 than 2020—tempering the specialty-equipment industry’s optimism regarding its short-term prospects. However, most businesses are maintaining a positive outlook, with more than 80% expecting their sales to be stable or growing over the coming year.
The latest edition of SEMA’s State of the Industry report series found that 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers experienced sales growth over the past year.
The latest edition of SEMA’s ongoing State of the Industry report series offers 70 pages of data on the specialty-equipment industry to help companies understand how the market is performing and evolving. Key findings from the report include: Delays in shipping and the ongoing microchip shortage have left automakers unable to keep up with consumer demand for new vehicles, pushing dealer inventories to all-time lows and the average price of a new vehicle to an unprecedented $45,000 in September 2021.
While some businesses struggled during the beginning of the pandemic last year, especially retailers, most were able to adjust. Manufacturers in particular have done well, reporting an average of 19% sales growth over the past 12 months. Sales in the pickup, sports car, SUV, and classic vehicle segments continue to be strong, with many businesses once again seeing double-digit sales growth this year.
Supply-chain disruptions are starting to create some uncertainty. In the spring of 2021, 70% of specialty-equipment manufacturers and 75% of distributors expected their sales to grow over the coming year. However, those percentages have fallen to 58% and 52% respectively.
The temporary shifts towards online sales that were made necessary by the pandemic are continuing to reverse, with the majority of specialty-equipment parts sales once again flowing through in-person retail channels. In the longer term, vehicle manufacturers’ plans to develop and sell more electric vehicles will require the specialty-equipment industry to plan for and adapt to these changes in the vehicle population.
For more data on the state of U.S. specialty-equipment market, download the SEMA State of the Industry—Fall 2021 report for free today at www.sema.org/research.
SLIDELL, LA (11.17.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, announces the opening of a new location in Slidell, Louisiana, under the ownership of Johnnie Brown.
“We are excited that we can bring another great franchise like Tint World into the state of Louisiana,” Brown said. “Tint World provides franchisees with an exceptional level of support and the tools we need to prosper and grow. I’m passionate about the quality of automotive styling services we provide and the innovative products we will offer the people of Slidell.”
Brown and the crew at Tint World Slidell offer the latest in ultra-premium window tint, automotive aftermarket accessories, expert installation, and a top-notch staff of highly experienced installers and technicians.
“Johnnie is an excellent representative of the Tint World family,” said Charles Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He is passionate about expanding the brand’s service options in Louisiana and is focused on building his location in a way that supports his community. Johnnie’s drive is going to lead to a great deal of success for him and Tint World.”
The newest location is open from Monday through Saturday and is located in St. Tammany Parish at 720 E 1-10 Service Road. For more information, call (504) 766-3400 or visit their website at https://www.tintworld.com/locations/la/slidell-114
