Author: 12VoltNews

Drive Customs Wins 12volt News Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 102

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SHREVEPORT LA (11.14.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Drive Customs won the 12volt News $100. Prize on Friday November 13th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

On Friday morning, November 13th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 102nd time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Drive Customs slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We called the San Luis Obispo CA retailer and Jesse Sprister was very happy to hear the news. A $100. Check will be headed that way.

Spinning out a new 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit 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 and Audio Finesse in Santa Monica. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 20th.

12Volt Dave’s Audio Answering System Speaks to Callers in Dave’s Voice

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POTTSVILLE, PA (11.13.2020) – 12volt Dave’s Audio is a 12volt retailer that has served the Pottsville, PA community, and surrounding area, for over 19 years. Owner Dave Clews is a people person with a lot of passion for his customers and his business. When it comes to connecting with his customers Mr Clews definitely has a clue!

Recently, I noticed Dave had liked a @12voltnews Instagram post highlighting a new product which prompted my call to 12volt Dave’s Audio. As with many 12volt shops business is rockin’ and the store’s answering system picked up.

Click above to hear Dave’s message on instagram.com/12voltnews

The answering system message at 12volt Dave’s is a perfect example that Dave is a people person. If unable to be answered in a few rings, the caller is greeted with an engaging “Thank you for calling” message in Dave’s voice that continues with some information about activity going on in store. The current message highlights the remote start season and lets them know he will get back with them as soon as possible.

Clews related to 12volt News “Sometimes we just can’t get to the phone quickly but I want the caller to know we appreciate their call and that we want to speak with them. We monitor the missed call messages and work to place the return call as quickly as possible.”

Click above to view this 12Volt Bite on instagram.com/12voltnews

Continuing Clews offered “I came up with the idea to create an answering message in my voice a few years back. Every couple of weeks I record a new message. The new message could be about a new product or seasonal in nature… like the upcoming remote starter season. A cool thing is customers tell me they really like the personal feel plus the way we engage and work to fill their 12volt needs.”

Clews records new messages in his office after hours. “I close the door and make a few notes for the new answering message. Then I speak the message into my smartphone and enter that file into the store’s phone system” Clews concluded.

Clews is a lifelong resident of the Pottsville area and in total has been in the 12volt industry for nearly 4 decades. Also, he is a member of the Pottsville City Council and works to build brick and mortar business in the city.

For more see 12volt Dave’s Audio on Facebook and @12voltdaveclews on Instagram

ZZ-2 Launches Wireless Carplay for Infiniti Vehicles

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 (11.13.2020) – ZZ-2 has released the IT-INF-Q-W for select Infiniti vehicles.

Rich DeSclafani stated “These interfaces provide a complete all in one solution for supported vehicles. They offer wireless connectivity, safety, and convenience. They are exactly what is needed to add the latest technology to these Infiniti vehicles. The interfaces use the factory touchscreen or jog wheel come with a 3 year warranty.”

FEATURES:

  • Wireless CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Backup Camera Input (w/Dynamic Moving Lines)
  • Front Camera Input (w/ Parking Mode)
  • Smartphone Mirroring/Mirror Link
  • USB A/V Playback
  • Touchscreen Control

COMPATIBILITY:
2014 and UP – Q50/Q50L
2016 and UP – Q60
2018 and UP – QX50

Visit www.zz-2.com for more.

New Heise Switch Panel Flush Mount Case Now Shipping

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HOLLY HILL, FL (11.13.2020) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics, a leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive lighting, is now shipping a flush mount case for its existing 8 Gang Switch Panel System (HE-SWP8), introduced last week at SEMA360.

Heise first introduced the compact 8 Gang Switch Panel System, the HE-SWP8, at the 2019 SEMA Show. This product features a rugged design that works in all types of vehicles, including UTVs, Jeeps, and other outdoor applications. The HE-SWP8 can integrate lighting control into any vehicle and fit into the dash panel, center console, vehicle pillar or even the overhead sunglass holder.

This gang switch panel system controls up to 8 different auxiliary LED lights or electrical devices and has 50 different switch stickers included for customization. Blue LED backlighting illuminates the switches and it can handle all types of 12V DC accessories. The compact control panel measures 2.6 by 4.6 inches while the under-hood mounted control box has a 4.2 by 7.5 inch footprint.

Now, a flush mount case with a snap-on trim plate, the HE-SWP8C, is available to make installation clean and even easier. The switch panel screws securely to the case box and the cut template and hardware are included for added convenience.

A detailed video showing installation tips can be watched below:

Visit HeiseLED.com for more.

Hi-Pro Audio Continues Store Upgrades with a New Ground Zero Display

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VICTORIA, TX (11.12.2020) – Hi-Pro Audio, a 33-year old 12volt retailer located in Victoria TX, continues to make upgrades in their location to drive the in-store experience for their customers.

Henry Hosek (R) and son Justin pictured with the new Ground Zero display in the showroom of their Hi-Pro Audio store in Victoria TX.

The latest addition is a new Ground Zero display that was set in-place on Tuesday, November 10th. Chris Brinkley and Justin Hosek, with store staff members, spent the day readying the new display to rock the house. Brinkley is on the road with Southwest Sales and Marketing, the area rep firm, for the Ground Zero and SounDigital brands.

The Hi-Pro Audio showroom features an amazing assortment of gear with a recessed amplified display in the floor. The red LED’s on the Ground Zero display matched the showroom color scheme.

Justin Hosek, along with Father Henry, brought in the Ground Zero and SounDigital brands about a year ago. “We were looking to offer our cycle customers the next level in SPL for their bikes. SounDigital and Ground Zero definitely filled the bill. The new display is spotlighted in our showroom. As soon as our customers experience the display there will be a buzz in the town” Justin stated.

After Hurricane Harvey in 2017 this great new attention grabbing free-standing sign was constructed roadside. Can’t miss it… night or day.

“The Ground Zero display really rocks fits the overall look of the Hi-Pro Audio showroom which is definitely one of the coolest in the territory. Henry and Justin are doing amazing things with the store” Brinkley added.

Justin put the new laser setup to the test on his Apple watch band. Check out the detail in the Hi-Pro logo.

A highlight in the showroom is the recessed amplifier display in the showroom floor. Heavy plex cover allows customers to look down at the amplifiers. The red and white color scheme of the showroom also shines on the red LED’s on the new Ground Zero display.

The amplifiers display is recessed in the floor.

Following Hurricane Harvey a few years ago a new sign was constructed road-side to attract attention to the store. Recent interior structure work enlarged the installation bay area which now includes a wood and fabrication shop for the CNC and laser setup. The larger install bay area can handle a dozen vehicles plus has room for ski rig installations.

Social media posts of hot rides, with company branding in the background, grab attention.

Concluding, Justin offered “We work to create an atmosphere of fun and excitement for our clientele. The new Ground Zero display certainly supports that atmosphere of excitement.”

Visit hi-proaudio.com for more.

Universal Overhead Systems Bring High-Performance Audio

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.12.2020) – NEW Universal Overhead Systems from MB Quart promise high-quality sound that’s clean and places you in the center of your own concert. With 3 models to choose from including a 33.5”, 41”, and 46”, you can find the perfect size that will fit your vehicle’s needs. With these systems being universal, they can mount in any UTV vehicle with multiple cage styles while featuring easy installation.

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing said, “It’s no secret that powersports have become a big part of MB Quart’s business, but we’ve really needed a good practical cage-mounted universal product solution for UTV. These new Universal Overhead Soundbars represent a huge step for us.”

ABOUT THE UNIVERSAL OVERHEAD SYSTEMS

Included in every model is a 160-watt, GMR-LCD source unit to promise higher sound quality and complete control of your music. With AM/FM, Bluetooth, Apple iPod/iPhone control all within a built-in 5-band equalizer, the GMR-LCD promises many options for your audio coupled with big power. High-impact HDPE composite enclosure takes up minimal space and integrated touch-controlled dome light provides necessary light inside your UTV.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

Purposely Engineered UTV Tuned Audio
Universal fitment overhead UTV audio system

Mounting System for Multiple Cage Styles
4 mounting brackets including round bar and profile tube ROPS
High Contrast 160-Watt LCD Source Unit
AM/FM, Bluetooth, Apple iPod/iPhone control, built-in 5-band equalizer
4 6.5-inch Coaxial Speakers
Composite construction midrange for deep and accurate midbass and 0.75- inch titanium dome tweeters create crystal-clear high frequencies
High-Impact HDPE Composite Enclosure Ultra-compact design takes up minimal space
Integrated Touch Controlled Dome Light
LED dome light provides necessary light inside your UTV
LIFE SHIELD IPX Rated
Fully protected against the elements

“We’re going to launch with 3 different sizes to cover just about every UTV on the trail today. The design features precision-molded HDPE enclosure with a uniform texture that will fit into any UTV along with mounting brackets that will allow for installation on just about any UTV on the road. Each one is equipped with an Autotek off-road capacitive touch dome light, MaxxLink PSAP-2USB input, 4 shallow-mount coaxial speakers, and our new GMR-LCD source unit. It truly is a complete solution but if you want more, the system features a 4-channel, 4-volt pre-amp output to add more amplifiers and speakers,” concluded Sherman.

Designed for your audio, innovation pushed to the limit, MB Quart engineers have worked on bringing out every detail in your music for a rich listening experience. High-performance. Clear sound. Universal Overhead Systems for any UTV vehicle.

Please make sure to contact your sales representative, or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.

See full line details on the MB Quart website at mbquart.com

CTA Partners with MediaLink to Program C Space Content at All-Digital CES 2021

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ARLINGTON, VA (11.12.2020) – The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has partnered with strategic advisory firm MediaLink, an Ascential company, to curate the official content for the C Space experience at the first-ever, all-digital CES 2021 – the world’s most influential technology event, happening Jan. 11-14. The partnership between CTA and MediaLink builds on a history of collaboration in making C Space the destination for leaders in the media, marketing and entertainment industries. C Space audiences discover disruptive tech trends that are changing advertising mediums, marketing and consumer behavior. The news follows CTA’s announcement to select Microsoft as its technology partner for the show.

CTA and MediaLink will collaborate on curating a thought leadership agenda that will bring together the entire marketing and entertainment communities to discuss thought-provoking issues and explore what’s new and what’s next within the C Space’s digital experience. C Space will feature two days of content that will show how the latest technologies impact marketers and creators. Audiences will be able to connect and network and enjoy special entertainment events. The annual C Space Keynote and Storyteller sessions will also return.

“The C Space Experience at CES has changed the game for marketers who want to stay ahead of the curve on how their business will be impacted by the latest technology innovation and its ripple effect on human behaviors,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president of CES. “For more than a decade, MediaLink has been instrumental in helping us engage marketers, media and entertainment leaders. We look forward to working with them to create an exciting C Space experience at CES 2021.”

“There’s a theory that constraints can bring about some of the brightest moments of innovation,” said Michael E. Kassan, Chairman and CEO, MediaLink. “The pandemic brought us plenty of new constraints – what better opportunity for us to push the limits of what technology can really do. We’re excited to continue our long-term partnership with CTA at this pivotal moment. At the all-digital C Space, marketers will be able to experience, learn and discover firsthand how technology can help them dream bigger, and build deep consumer relationships to deliver business results both now and in the years to come.”

CES 2021 will take place January 11-14:

January 11: Exclusive media-only access.
January 12-13: Exhibitor showcase and conference programming.
January 14: Conference programming.
Registration will open on December 1, 2020.

Click here for more info about the all-digital CES 2021.

Maxxsonics USA Welcomes John Driscoll

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.11.2020) – Effective Monday, November 9 , John Driscoll will be joining Maxxsonics USA as a Regional Sales Manager. While not being limited to just 1 region, John’s main focus will be on the nationwide network of powersports retailers.

On his new position, John Driscoll said, “Having worked with many of the current Maxxsonics team members in the past, some going back 20 years, I am excited to be back with a great team! The combination of almost 30 years’ experience in the consumer electronics and powersports industries makes this position a great fit. I am looking forward to expanding the Maxxsonics brands and sharing the impressive assortment of products well into the future.”

John Driscoll, Regional Sales Manager

John has been a car audio hobbyist since 1986 and started participating in-car audio events in 1987, going on to IASCA Finals in 1990, 1991, 1992. John went on to start in Sales, in the consumer electronics industry, with Quality Auto Sound in 1991 and graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) degree.

Being one of the first in the nation to be certified as “MECP Installer First Class,” John worked for several CE retailers including Audio Express, Circuit City, and Ultimate Electronics. In 1997, he started with Current Marketing as a manufacturer’s rep for car and home electronics and continued up until 2009, when he became a National Sales Manager for Cerwin-Vega Mobile. In 2012, John entered the powersports industry with the Arthur Fulmer Companies (Memphis Car Audio and Fulmer Helmets) and looks to bring his many years of audio perspective and industry experience to the Maxxsonics family.

On the new hiring, Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product & Marketing commented, “I’ve known John for nearly 20 years, and he’s proven to be a valuable asset to our industry. John’s unique experience in-car audio, marine, and powersports will bring a new perspective to current and prospective – Maxxsonics dealers. We’re certainly excited to have John join the team!”

As 2021 draws near, Maxxsonics USA is looking forward to having John come aboard bringing his experience and perspective in the car audio, marine, and powersports markets as well as his critical relationships in each industry.

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

Tri-State Enterprises Announcement

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FT. SMITH, AR (11.11.2020) – Tri-State Enterprises has announced a new Carrollton, TX cross-dock location.   

With the addition of the new cross-dock, Tri-State Enterprises expands its distribution capabilities to now, fully service customers in the N. Texas area. They will be providing a full line of 12Volt and aftermarket truck accessories with daily deliveries Monday through Friday. Tri-state has further expansion goals set going into 2021.  

Two members from the Tri-State leadership team with a combined 58 years of experience will be overseeing the daily operations of the new facility – Junior Calvert and Scott Covelli.

Visit www.etristate.com for more.

ATO Round LED Lights Create Brightness in Every Corner

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.11.2020) – Expanding upon the horizon of Powered Forward sound, new off- road ATO Round LED Lights promise to 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 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch ATO round LED light size, all of these lights feature off-road durability, and include a black cast aluminum alloy body.

Delivering huge lumen brightness, ranging from 3,600 (each 5-inch round LED driving light) to 8,000 (each 9-inch round LED driving light), you’ll be able to take in every corner and peak of darkness when the sun goes down.

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing said, “Maxxsonics has been indirectly involved in the lighting business for years as one of the first companies in the mobile electronics space to use accent lighting on speakers and amplifiers. More recently Maxxsonics has been building high-end lighting for several of our customers in the off-road and powersports markets.”

Perfect for your next overland adventure or just blasting through the trails on your UTV, these lights will bring a dimension of exploration to your journey that will only enhance your Powered Forward lifestyle.

Features Include: IPX67 rating, Mounting hardware included, DIY wiring included, and Plug & Play harness optional (ATODHV1)

“The products we’re bringing to consumers under the Autotek off-road brand are designs that have been years in the making. The new ATO Round LED Lights represent a high-value and high-performance alternative to competing products and feature best in class specs for useable voltage range, current draw, and output efficiency,” concluded Sherman.

Take on an adventure wherever it calls and embark with brighter lumens to display the journey ahead with ATO Round LED Lights.

Please make sure to contact your sales representative, or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.

See full line details on the Autotek website at autotekcaraudio.com