Author: 12VoltNews

DOW Electronics Receives PowerBass 2020 Outstanding Sales Achievement Award

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

CARROLLTON, TX (02.19.2021) – “DOW Electronics is proud and thankful for the recognition from PowerBass as we continue to push forward and grow with the brand. Special Thanks to Jeff Falk for all his team’s support and for bringing the award over. Supplying a fantastic BBQ feast for our sales, marketing and warehouse folks to enjoy was much appreciated,” Jay Johnson, DOW Electronics Director of Marketing, related.

Left to right: John Yodzis, President & CEO; Mike Hurwitz, Strategic Sales Manager- 12V; Dave Elkin, SVP, Sales & Product Management; Drew Fischer, Director of Sales along Jeff Falk, PowerBass National Sales Manager.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP Product Development and Global Marketing, commented, “PowerBass awarded DOW Electronics with a 2020 Outstanding Sales Achievement Award in recognition of continual sales growth and achieving their goals even in these distressing times. PowerBass is proud to see what DOW Electronics has accomplished and looks forward to a great 2021 as Jeff Falk works closely with the DOW Team.”

Visit www.dowelectronics.com and powerbassusa.com for more.

Race Sport Lighting Launches New DemonEye Version 2 RGB Headlights

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

RINGWOOD, IL (02.19.2021) – Race Sport Lighting has launched their new DemonEYE V2 RGB Multi-functional headlights. This new kit can be used not only for headlight or fog light performance upgrades, but also feature an additional RGB diode to light up your lens color for show use as well. Race Sport Lighting owns the trademark on the DemonEYE name and is officially licensed to produce and sell this RGB technology to the marketplace.

This Version 2 DemonEYE LED kit is yet another product from Race Sport ushering in the latest and greatest vehicle technology in headlight and fog light upgrades. The advantages over the first version include a smaller, more compact design for versatile fitment, upgraded diode technology for brighter LUX output, upgraded Bluetooth app-controlled software and a much more durable and long-lasting diode technology.

“This second version DemonEYE RGB LED kit is going to be a hit in 2021. Many resellers loved the Version 1 when we released it about five years ago, and we did well in the marketplace with it as customers began to integrate it with other RGB products on their vehicles. The V2 takes all of our newer premium LED technologies and allows us to bring this once popular LED kit back to life.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting

“From an installer’s perspective, this V2 DemonEYE LED kit is much more advanced than the old version. Its small and shallow design allow it to fit almost all vehicles on the road, and it is much brighter than the first version. Since we designed it using our patent diodes, diode array, and circuit board design, it is going to be much more durable and long lasting.” – Mac Gracia, Installation & Tech Support, Race Sport Lighting

New DemonEYE V2 RGB Multi-functional headlights are in stock and shipping in most bases now out of their warehouse. All distributors and dealers are encouraged to get this new technology in stock and experience what the excitement is about.

Visit www.racesportinc.com for more.

The Weather Is Creating the News Across the US

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (02.18.2021) – For the last couple of weeks the bitterly cold 2021 winter weather has topped the news cycles. Punxsutawney predicted 6 more weeks of winter when he saw his shadow a couple of weeks ago. He just didn’t tell us how cold it was going to be in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday morning outside the 12volt Central Studios in Shreveport, LA is was 4 degrees with 6 inches on snow. The weather forecast was for several days of below freezing temperature with more winter precipitation on the way. They were correct.

This driver on the interstate it in for a big surprise as the snow plow comes along!

The super cold temperatures have overwhelmed power grids and resulted in rolling blackouts in several states. Currently there are over 4 million people across Texas with no power. In Shreveport there are actually issues with the local water system in addition to frozen pipes.

The weather has certainly impacted retail. Yesterday we featured an article from the Dallas Morning News with Walmart and Sam’s shuttering 415 stores in a total of 9 states.

The Jackie Cooper Electronics store in OKC closed until the conditions improve.

Jackie Cooper Electronics in Oklahoma City is closed with over a foot of snow surrounding the facility. “No Car audio, remote starts or even heated seats at JCE in OKC” Donnie Chaffin related to the 12volt News on Wednesday, February 17th.

Celise Harris offered “It is very cold in the Austin area. Wayne actually put some bubble wrap and poly on the ground around the base of a couple palm trees in our front yard.”

Celise and Wayne Harris working to keep their palm trees out front safe.

In Houston, Alan Wojtas commented “I have had no power for 3 days. I went to a friends house and then his power went out. I went back to my place to pack a bag to spend a couple days in a hotel. While packing the bag my power came back on. I told my friend I had power and he brought his family to my house. Then my power went out again. Enough of this BS.”

Tom Ebeling, Tree in Chicago, related “Dealers have been closed in the area for the first couple days of this week. Distributors opened on Wednesday the 17th.”

A shot out front of Brett Phelps’ R&D home office in St Louis, MO.

Brett Phelps with R&D in St Louis reported the same thing with lots of snow in the area and the roads to dangerous to travel. In fact the Lake of the Ozarks is frozen over for the first time in decades.

Even traffic on the interstates get surprises when they think they are having a smooth drive. A snow plow gave this driver a real surprise in this @trucksarelikedrugs post.

Morris Hartman got to use his new roof rake in the Big Apple.

Pioneer’s Jeff Shultz and Morris Hartman-Big Daddy’s are both seeing a lot of snow around the Big Apple. Both have ‘roof rakes’. The rake is on a telescoping handle so snow can be pulled from the roof.

Looking out the front door at the 12Volt Central Studios on Tuesday morning.

The weather has been extremely cold in Erie, PA which led to a feature on a local TV station highlighting Remote starts at Real Audio. See the top news story today on 12voltnews.com.

Jack Bogard has the new Sanford Sound store cleared from the last snow… but another is on the way.

Surely news about the weather will get off the front page soon and let all get back to business.

Real Audio Remote Starter Options Featured on Local Television News

Posted on by in Industry.

ERIE, PA (02.18.2021) – For the last couple of weeks it has been bitterly cold in Erie, PA. On Tuesday afternoon, February 16th, WICU-TV contacted Kyle Kaulis at Real Audio to do a news article about remote starters. The local NBC affiliate wanted to come right over.

This closeup of one of the in-store displays shows how easily features can be explained to customers. The Real Audio team designed and had the displays printed locally.

“I immediately told them to come right over. When the reporter, Haley Potter, and camera operator showed up we immediately answered their questions, set up and taped a session where I provided some remote starter background information. Also, I covered basic good, better, best product feature information. On a wall in the showroom we created 3 large transmitter displays that are perfect to show customers the feature sets. We actually made the large display graphics on cardboard that we designed and had printed. In less than a hour they wrapped up the visit.”

Real Audio owner Kyle Kaulis is pictured by the remote starter display in this screenshot from the news station WICU-TV, NBC affiliate in Erie PA.

The segment aired on the station during the late news Tuesday night and again Wednesday morning.

“Our remote starter business has been very strong with the cold winter weather. In addition we are doing a lot of seat heater business. Early on we committed to the seat heater business and learned how to remove the seats and take off upholstery to place the seat heater elements and prep the wiring. Then it’s reversing the process and writing up the ticket for the customer that will be warm and happy. VOXX products have been the go-to products,” Kaulis added.

Real Audio branding extends to the outside of the store too.

“Erie PA has a reported population of 95,000 plus. With the surrounding area the total population is certainly 300,000 plus. Having our brand, products and services in front of that large audience is amazing,” Kaulis concluded.

Visit kylesrealaudio.com for more.

SSV Works Adds JVC’s MR1 Receiver to Polaris Ranger XP1000 Kits

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , .

OXNARD, CA (02.18.2021) – SSV Works is making available JVC’s acclaimed MR1 digital media receiver in SSV Works’ 2-, 3-, and 5-speaker kits for Polaris Ranger XP1000 (model years 2018+). With included free back-up camera, if you already have a SSV Works Ranger system and want to upgrade, the dash kits (p/n RG4-R1) are also now available with an MSRP of $479.99.

“Last year, we announced a collaboration with JVC in which SSV Works is now the exclusive Powersports distributor for the KD-MR1BTS marine / powersports digital media receiver, and that success has led us to adding this incredible receiver to our XP1000 kits,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Our customers asked for an easy plug-and-play upgrade, we listened, and now they have it!”

If you are currently running SSV Works’ MRB3 Bluetooth Media Receiver and are looking to upgrade, the new RG4-R1 kit is exactly what you need. Like most of SSV Works’ kits, RG4-R1 is a plug-&-play install, making it as simple as unplugging the current MRB3 unit, installing the new dash piece, and plugging in the new JVC unit. With the included harnessing, this Bluetooth Media Receiver plugs right into the current SSV system.

The KD-MR1BTS digital media receiver features Bluetooth, USB, a 2.7-inch color display, global tuner with weather band, 7-Band EQ, rear view camera capability, and is SiriusXM-Ready.

The KD-MR1BTS’ waterproof housing withstands jets of water from any direction thanks to IPX6 waterproof compliance. As a result, the receiver can be safely used not only in cars, but also in other types of motor vehicles including marine and motorsports use. A conformal coating safeguards electronic circuits from harsh environments that may contain moisture or chemical contaminants, providing a barrier to airborne contaminants from the operating environment, such as salt-spray, thus preventing corrosion.

“JVC is a legacy in the mobile audio radio market, and we could not be more excited to partner with such a brand and provide our Ranger XP1000 customers with the best powersports radio and overall audio solution kits in the market,” Kaplan concluded.

For more information, visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

Walmart Closes 415 stores, Amazon Shuts Down Delivery Stations as Businesses Confront Tough Weather

Posted on by in Featured.

This article was written by by Maria Halkias and Dom DiFurio for DallasNews.com

DALLAS, TX (02.17.2021) – Walmart closed 415 stores and Sam’s Clubs and put together an interactive map to help Texas shoppers determine if their neighborhood location was open or not.

And if you didn’t see Amazon delivery trucks in your neighborhood Monday, the online retailing giant closed its delivery stations in Dallas-Fort Worth to protect its drivers from navigating treacherous roadways.

Businesses faced with unprecedented nasty weather across Texas, and elsewhere around the southern U.S., had to decide Monday if worker safety outweighed expectations that they’d be open for customers needing food and other essentials.

Click above to visit dallasnews.com

“We assess the status of our facilities and will continue to operate as long as it is safe to do so,” Walmart said in a statement. Its closings spanned 10 states, including Texas.

Walmart recommended customers check an interactive map it’s continuing to update before venturing out. Some closed stores continued to operate curbside pickup and delivery.

The prospects of a second snowstorm makes decisions trickier during what’s shaping up to be a week of sub-freezing temperatures.

“The safety and well-being of our employees, customers and the drivers who deliver packages are our No. 1 priority,” said Amazon spokesman Daniel Martin.

A snow-covered Downtown Dallas seen from S. Houston St. on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. (Juan Figueroa/ The Dallas Morning News)(Juan Figueroa / Staff photographer)

Amazon will continue monitoring the storm’s effects in Texas, and directed customers to check order status on its app or amazon.com. Martin said Amazon will continue to take orders, but the delivery promise date may be delayed depending on the item and location.

Grocery stores, one of the main stops for people riding out the storm, were open Monday but planned to close early.

Kroger, which usually keeps stores open until 1 a.m., was closing its doors at 8 p.m. Central Market’s Dallas-Fort Worth stores were shutting down at 6 p.m. Kroger will reopen stores at 8 a.m. Tuesday, two hours later than usual.

Click here to view the full story from The Dallas Morning News

NAVAtlas and Sanford Sound Score on the 12volt Spin-To-Win 113

Posted on by in Industry.

SHREVEPORT, LA (02.17.2021) – The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel was created to have some fun across the 12volt industry. Fun for vendors with spaces and visibility on the wheel along with the weekly winners. Fun too for the 12volt News.

Spin 113 on Friday January 29h was especially fun. The Wheel landed on the NAVAtlas space. Sanford Sound in Sanford ME was the winner and Jack Bogard was very happy to hear the news that day.

A smiling Jack Bogard with the NAVAtlas Handheld prize Sanford Sound won on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. Bogard is seated on a Polaris RZR demo in his amazing new Sanford ME location

A quick call to Patrick Brooks at NAVAtlas got the ball rolling that day. Patrick Brooks snapped an image of the NAVAtlas Handhelds in the company’s Brea, CA warehouse that were headed to Sanford Sound.

On Tuesday, February 16th, Jack Bogard received the NAVAtlas Handhelds. Bogard sent an image while seated in the company’s Polaris RZR on the showroom floor. The 12volt Spin-To-Win NAVAtlas prize had made the 3000 mile trip from Brea, CA to Sanford ME in spite of all the weather problems.

Patrick Brooks pictured in the NAVAtlas Brea, CA warehouse set to send the prize to Sanford Sound.

Bogard related “Got my NAVAtlas Handheld package and these things work great. I will get with Patrick Brooks to see about adding this product to our inventory.” Bogard has seen a recent increase in the sales of Powersports related products at his store.

Brooks, NAVAtlas National Sales Manager, offered “This Handheld product is going to be a big seller in the Powersports community. The Dual band radio is simple to program and also works with helmet headsets and push to talk kits. Riding Buds will be able to communicate on the trail.”

From the 12volt News perspective this is a great story for all. A real win/win/win…..with not one “Well you know” delay.

See @sanfordsound and @navatlas on Instagram for more.

Navy Federal Credit Union and SiriusXM Deliver Benefits to Military Members and Their Families

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

NEW YORK, NY (02.17.2021) – SiriusXM and Navy Federal Credit Union, the world’s largest credit union with 10 million members, have teamed up to deliver a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM’s top-tier All Access package for qualifying Navy Federal members.

This benefit is available to Navy Federal members who own a vehicle with a factory-installed SiriusXM radio, including members who recently purchased a pre-owned vehicle and closed on a Navy Federal auto loan, members with an existing Navy Federal auto loan regardless of how far into the term they are, and members who own their vehicles outright. Eligibility restrictions apply.

“As member experience is always top of mind for us, we’re pleased to team up with SiriusXM to offer even more value for our members,” said Joe Pendergast, Vice President of Consumer Lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “Whether driving in your car, using SiriusXM’s app on your phone or listening through a connected device at home, members can tune in to their favorite stations from anywhere.”

At the end of their three-month trial subscription, active duty, veterans and their families can take advantage of SiriusXM’s Military Discount, which offers a 25% discount on eligible subscription packages.

“In light of the very strong relationship that Navy Federal Credit Union has with its millions of members, we are very pleased and proud to work with them to make SiriusXM available as a benefit to those members,” said Gail Berger, Senior Vice President, Auto Remarketing for SiriusXM. “All Access is our best subscription package, and there’s truly something for everyone in our programming lineup. Navy Federal members can experience SiriusXM in their car, at home or on the go with our app and if they choose to subscribe after their trial, they may qualify for our Military Discount as a thank you for their service.”

SiriusXM All Access is SiriusXM’s most extensive offering, featuring Howard Stern, hundreds of channels of ad-free music, plus live sports, talk programming, comedy and more. All Access subscribers get satellite-delivered channels in their car, plus streaming access to SiriusXM programming outside their car on the SiriusXM app, and on a wide variety of connected devices and speakers. The SiriusXM app also delivers multiple additional streaming-only features like SiriusXM’s Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora, SiriusXM video, and more than 100 Xtra Music Channels that deliver the right music for your mood or moment. 

Visit www.SiriusXM.com and navyfederal.org for more.

Alpine on the Road to Extreme Audio in Wisconsin

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

MANITOWOC, WI (02.16.2021) – Alpine Brand Specialist Chris Reavis, and Mike Lewis with Echo Sales, made a swing to Wisconsin. Working with the 3 store Extreme Audio company, to conduct product trainings and help with store displays, was lead on the schedule. The Extreme Audio stores in Manitowoc, Green Bay and Appleton, were visited 3 days during the week of February 8th.

Alpine Brand Specialist Chris Reavis (R) pictured with Chad Nissen in front of Alpine products on the display. Nissen is a new member of the Extreme Audio sales team at the Manitowoc, WI store.

Reavis stated “Extreme Audio has a few new team members on the sales floor. We spent time bringing all up to speed with the latest Alpine products. For new sales members we also helped them get familiar with a sales presentation for consumers looking to upgrade audio in their rides. While at each location made sure the Alpine products on the display boards were 100%.

Chris Reavis at work on the Extreme Audio Alpine display at the Green Bay, WI store.

Extreme Audio’s Kurt Scherer related “Alpine is a key brand with our company and it was super to have Chris and Mike travel to our stores and spend quality time with our team members.”

Echo Sales covers 7 states in the upper MidWest for Alpine. Mike Lewis, area representative for a portion of the northern Echo Sales territory, offered “With no in-person trade shows it is very important to spend in-store time with Alpine dealers. During the time with sales staff members we really got a feel for what customers were asking for with regard to upgrading their rides. Smartphone connectivity and display size was a topic that continued to come up. Alpine is certainly at the very top of aftermarket upgrades in those areas.”

Visit extremeaudio.com and alpine-usa.com for more.

Tri-State Enterprises Adds ZZ-2 to Product Lineup

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , .

Tri-States Barry Beller (L) is pictured with Hudson Awad at Empire Sound… a very proactive dealer in the Dallas area and new ZZ-2 dealer.

FT. SMITH, AR (02.16.2021) – Tri-State Enterprises has announced the addition of ZZ-2 to their product lineup.

ZZ-2, a manufacturer and wholesaler of OEM Integration products focused on safety and convenience for the 12Volt industry, is incredibly happy to announce our first US distribution partner for our line of products. Tri-State Enterprises will be our exclusive distributor for their territory.

Visit etristate.com and zz-2.com for more.