Author: 12VoltNews

The Great American Crawl

Posted on by in Industry News.

Oxnard, Calif. (August 17, 2020) – Rockstar Performance Garage (RPG), collaboration between Rockstar Energy Drink and LDRSHIP designs to build the first Lifestyle Garage, and Scosche® Industries are bringing the wheeling to you. Since the start of the year, events have been getting canceled and enthusiasts have been left with little to enjoy.

The Great American Crawl (GAC) kicked off last weekend in Missouri at the Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch (SMORR). Enthusiasts showed up over the two days of wheeling had traveled from across the country to wheel with popular influencers like @GRDLOC, @MISCHIEFMAKERJKU and @LITEBRITESTUDIOS they follow on social media platforms.

GAC is a series of trail rides that brings members together in specific off-road destinations across the country. These destinations are highly popular bucket list off-roading spots that are challenging with trails from mild to wild. Members show up to wheel in stock Jeeps, trucks and utv’s to fully built off-road rigs and bouncers capable of climbing the rock ledges
that adorn these parks and trails.

“We are excited to get out and meet the enthusiasts on the trail. It’s a great way to get out and have fun from the safety of your own vehicle. Enjoy a cold Rockstar Energy on us and come hit a trail with us” -Nicholas Ashby owner, Rockstar Performance Garage

There is no cost to be a part of the group or to wheel with the group. Some parks have a daily access fee around 20-25 dollars. Joining the Group offers huge discounts from partner companies supporting the trail rides, meeting new friends that share the same hobbies and the safety of not wheeling alone.

Trying to cover all the destinations we could we consulted with different industry people and enthusiasts and built a great list of locations.

● 8/7-9 EVENT #1 SMORR MO
● 8/21-23 EVENT #2 WINDROCK, TN
● 9/4-6 EVENT #3 AOP
● 9/18-20 EVENT #4 BLACK MOUNTAIN KY
● 10/2-4 EVENT #5 WOLF CAVES, TX
● 10/8-11 EVENT #6 TRAIL HERO, UT
● 11/6-8 EVENT #7 MOAB, UT
● 11/27-29 EVENT #8 HUMP & BUMP NV

Rockstar Performance Garage and its fleet of Ambassador Rigs are attending all the rides and capturing photos and videos of each trip at no cost to the enthusiasts attending. You will find all this media on their website, social channels and recap videos on Youtube.
http://www.rockstarperformancegarage.com/the-great-american-crawl-smorr/
https://www.youtube.com/c/RockstarGarage

Mobile Sound Systems Wins Soundstream on 12volt Spin-To-Win Spin 89

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (08.15.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Mobile Sound Systems won Soundstream on Friday, August 14th.

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

Click to view.

On Friday morning, August 14th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 89th time and the Wheel landed on the Soundstream space. The Mobile Sound Systems slip was drawn from the jar. A quick call was placed to the company in Arlington TX. Nick Willams was surprised and happy to hear they will be receiving a prize from Soundstream. Bobby Booshay, who handles the social media posts for the company, came to the phone and we talked about the great job they do with graphics for their Instagram posts.
Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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 SpellBrite. 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 and Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, August 21st.

Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy-when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.  

With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!

The Power of High End Audio on the Move From OEM

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (08.14.20) OEM’s are addressing in-vehicle audio performance. Recently 2 very interesting articles crossed the desk. An article from The Detroit Bureau noted a new Acura 2021 sedan to feature an audio system producing 710 wats through 16 channels and 17 speakers.

A second article noted the McIntosh Group and Alps Alpine have joined forces to bring luxury audio to the automotive industry. Those 2 articles may be enjoyed below:

DETROIT, MI – If you’re one who goes by the numbers, you might measure the worth of your car by its horsepower, torque or fuel economy. But many buyers also look at other figures, including the power of a vehicle’s audio system and the number of speakers it’s outfitted with.

If you’re among the traditionalists, you might be excited to learn that the base 2.0-liter turbo-four in the base 2021 Acura TLX makes 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with the 3.0-liter turbo-six upgrade in the TLX Type S pushing to 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

Click here to view the rest of the above article on TheDetroitBureau.com

AUBURN HILLS, MI (08.14.2020) – McIntosh Group Inc. and Alps Alpine have teamed up to deliver transcendent audio systems to the automotive industry.

The collaboration entails a technical alliance between Alps Alpine and McIntosh Group audio brands, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. and Sonus faber for select vehicles. This will bring extensive knowledge and expertise from both companies to create an unparalleled listening experience for consumers. The outcome will be truly worthy of the McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber home listening experience.

McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber have been gold standards in audio equipment for over 70 and 35 years respectively, blazing a trail in top-of-the-line home audio systems. Meanwhile, Alps Alpine has more than 50 years of automotive experience and can build to McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber’s exacting standards. Known for both individual components, as well as fully integrated automotive audio systems, Alps Alpine knows how to deliver in-vehicle audio with emotional impact. The combination of the companies’ expertise will elevate the in-vehicle listening experience.

“Alps Alpine has a long history of delivering excellent sound and value to its customers. Our partnership with McIntosh Group allows Alps Alpine to build on that legacy and elevate our offerings” said Koji Ishibashi, Vice President, Display & Sound Business and Engineering. “We’re confident that together, we will set a new standard for performance and execution of factory-branded automotive audio systems.”

Alps Alpine will be leading the system integration with OEM partners while adhering to and precisely implementing the acoustic signatures that have made McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber equipment so instantly identifiable and revered by consumers. Alps Alpine will design and develop speakers and amplifiers with McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber patented technologies incorporated, ensuring a listening experience that is true to McIntosh and Sonus faber. To exemplify luxury home audio sound, reference rooms in Alps Alpine facilities in Europe and North America were fitted with McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber’s top of the line audio equipment.Engineers from McIntosh Laboratory & Sonus faber and Alps Alpine will collaboratively work on tuning the sound systems to recreate the authentic sound quality of each brand, in the respective vehicles.

“We expect simply the very best out of every product we bring to market,” said Jeff Poggi, McIntosh Group Co-CEO and CEO of the Sonus faber brand. “It’s the reason we joined forces with Alps Alpine to ensure our exacting standard of excellence will never be compromised. And now, consumers can enjoy our luxury audio experience in their cars, everywhere they go.”

“We felt this was a perfect partnership since Alps Alpine and McIntosh Laboratory share the same values regarding in-cabin sound reproduction. Our strategic teaming with Alps Alpine is the perfect avenue for McIntosh to take for making its long-awaited return to car audio,” said Charlie Randall, McIntosh Group CEO and President of McIntosh Laboratory. “We are ready to transform your car into your next great sounding listening room.”

Vehicles equipped with McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber sound systems as original equipment will be available in 2021.

Visit mcintoshgroup.com and alpsalpine.com/e/ for more.

The Highly Anticipated JBL CRUISE X for Off-Road Adventures Is Arriving in Stores

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

KEARNEY, NE (O8.14.2020) – Harman International Industries recently launched the brand new JBL CRUISE X speaker and amplifier system for PowerSports to expand on the JBL Cruise product portfolio.

The JBL CRUISE X is a rugged, high performance Bluetooth streaming multi-element audio system designed to mount almost anywhere. Adding great sound to an all-terrain vehicle just got easier. Featuring four high-performance speaker pods, a single compact 4-channel amplifier and multi function control knob installation of the JBL CRUISE X is a cinch. Riders can enjoy the ease of Bluetooth control from their smartphone or use the wired remote control knob for added convenience when out adventuring.

The crew at Kearney PowerSports with JBL products dIsplayed. Marvin Pierce, Clint Robinson and Josh Crowell. Products displayed include the CRUISE X, JBLUB4100 and the #1 handlebar Audio Solution for JBL CRUISE. All 3 work with the CLICK Bluetooth Controller shown in the image.

Kearney Power Sports in Kearney NE was one of the first retailers in the US to receive the JBL CRUISE X. Marvin Pierce related to the 12volt Central Studios “We have the JBL CRUISE X on display along with other JBL PowerSports products. We had very good success with the JBL4100 SoundBar and think the CRUISE X will also sell well. When our customers hit the trails on their side-by-sides for riding adventures they definitely like to listen to their favorite tunes. The JBL CRUISE X will add enjoyment to their adventures.”

Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Aftermarket at Harman, stated “Having powerful sound makes all the difference when embarking on all-terrain adventures. We addressed the motorcyclists with the original CRUISE and the JBL CRUISE X is the perfect expansion to address the audio needs for side-by-side vehicles.”

Visit jbl.com for more.

DEI Announces Stainless Thermal and Acoustical Floor and Tunnel Shield

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

AVON LAKE, OH (08.14.2020) – When you’re looking for serious heat and sound control, start from the bottom up with new Stainless Steel Thermal & Acoustical Floor & Tunnel Shield from Design Engineering, Inc.

The Stainless Steel Thermal & Acoustical Floor & Tunnel Shield is a high-temperature solution for controlling heat and sound in hot rods, street rods, classics, trucks and just about any vehicle. The flexible design allows the shield to be formed and tightly shaped around firewalls, transmission tunnels, floorboards and anywhere for total protection from the potential harmful effects of heat.

The shields start with a stainless steel reflective surface backed with a high-temperature resistant glass fiber to block heat. Micro-perforations control noise, while the innovative adhesive backing allows for easy installation.

“Now you can get your heat and sound control into shape with new Stainless Steel Thermal & Acoustical Floor & Tunnel Shields,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “Our unique dimpled surface reflects heat while the perforations allow sounds to be absorbed. Installers simply shape, trim, peel and stick for instant protection against noise and hot temperatures.”

The heat barriers are offered in a 22″ x 19″ sheet that can be trimmed easily with tin snips.

For more information about Stainless Steel Thermal & Acoustical Floor & Tunnel Shield, and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit http://www.DesignEngineering.com.

Tint World Recognized for Sixth Year as One of the Fastest Growing Companies in America

Posted on by in Featured.

BOCA RATON, FL (08.13.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for the sixth time. It ranked No. 3611 on the list for 2020.

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, which first offered franchise opportunities in 2007, was first recognized by Inc. 5000 in 2011. The company has since lived up to the award with a surge of industry recognition. This year, the automotive-styling based company was named one of the Top 100 Franchises of 2020 by Franchise Gator, as well as one of the 200 Best Franchises to Buy in 2020 by Franchise Business Review. Notably, Tint World was also placed on Entrepreneur’s highly competitive Franchise 500 list.

Charles Bonfiglio, Tint World CEO

“Prospective franchise owners recognize the value of investing in Tint World,” said Charles Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Despite the events of 2020, we’ve continued to grow and are speaking with people every day that are interested in hearing more about our franchise system. The recognition by Inc. 5000 encourages us in our quest to the best automotive styling solution in the world.”

Tint World has opened six locations so far this year in Texas, Virginia, Florida and Toronto. The company has plans to open 14 more before the end of 2020.

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Masori Bring New Energy for JL Audio in Germany

Posted on by in Industry.

POOLE, UK (08.13.2020) – CELSUS UK, the Poole-based distributor for JL AUDIO Automotive products in Europe, today announce their appointment of MASORI to manage the German market for the U.S based innovators of high-end audio products.

JL Audio is a name synonymous with quality, holding a premium market position across the globe. Celsus UK is confident that the selection of Masori will result in a major boost for JL Audio in the German car audio market.

“Masori offer a new perspective on operating in the German car audio market. This approach will be beneficial for JL Audio retailers and consumers, alike. We are proud to be entering into an agreement that sees Daniel and his team take control of the JL Audio distribution” – Paul Baker, Managing Director, Celsus UK

“We are happy to welcome Masori to the JL Audio family and we are confident that the combination of expertise and passion found in both Celsus UK and Masori will lead to a stronger position in the European market for our automotive portfolio.” said Silvio Pupino, Director of International Sales, JL Audio.

Daniel Hoppe, CEO, Masori added, “With the creativity and individuality in our team of experts, we use a completely new way of thinking to optimize existing processes and rebuild the car hi-fi market in Germany. This is how we have managed to become probably the fastest growing start-up in the German HIFI sector.

We are particularly proud of our growing distribution portfolio, with the manufacturer JL Audio and the new partnership with the team of Celsus UK, we see a great opportunity for a new quality standard of audio products in Germany.”

Please contact Masori on info@masori.de for dealer inquiries and all questions related to JL Audio in Germany

Visit www.jlaudio.com and www.masori.de for more.

VOXX Technical Service Group Appoints New Positions in Support of Newly Acquired Directed Automotive Product Lines

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

ORLANDO, FL (08.13.2020) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is excited to announce and welcome Bryan Nelson and Chris Libardi to the VOXX Tech Service Team in support of the recent Acquisition of Directed’s Automotive Aftermarket Business last month. As part of this announcement VOXX has acquired the aftermarket vehicle remote start and security solutions business inclusive of eight brands, led by Viper, along with Autostart, AstroStart, Avital, Clifford, Directed, Smart Start and Python.

In their new roles, Bryan Nelson, Technical Service Manager and Chris Libardi, Technical Service Supervisor will oversee and support these newly acquired product lines as part of the larger VOXX Tech Service Team. Bryan has always had a passion for automotive 12V, even before owning his own car and he joins the team with over 14 years of experience in the industry. In his career he started out as part time car audio sales at Best Buy, quickly moved to be an installer, then worked with their “Secret Weapon” technical support team. After moving to Vista, California and joining Directed Electronics worked this way up the ranks over the past 6 years to now become the technical service manager of the DEI product lines for VOXX. Joining Bryan in support of the tech team is Chris Libardi. Chris has been working in the industry for the past 16 years in various leadership positions. Chris most recently joined the Directed team 2 years ago as a Technical Service Rep and will now assist Bryan and the rest of the team as a supervisor.

Both Bryan and Chris will report directly to Ed Catapano, Assistant Vice President of Technical Service, Customer Service and Repair Service Teams at VOXX International. Ed’s team at VOXX has been rated “The best technical minds in the business” by Mobile Electronics Magazine and the team combined has almost 300 years’ experience providing tech support to the dealer network. “I welcome both Bryan and Chris along with the whole DEI group to our VOXX family. I am confident with their leadership capabilities and can’t wait to see this group thrive,” said Ed Catapano, Assistant Vice President of Technical Service.

Feel free to contact us at 1-800-753-0600 / technicalservice@directed.com, the team is looking forward to assisting you!

Visit www.voxxelectronics.com for more.

Custom Audio Featured on Local TV News in Erie, PA

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

ERIE, PA (08.12.2020) – Custom Audio was featured on local television news in Erie PA on Saturday, August 8th. The local station was spotlighting the struggles many brick and mortar retailers are experiencing during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Custom Audio is a proactive Home AV and 12volt retailer that has actually experienced strong business after reopening. The store closed March 23rd to comply with local mandates and was closed for nearly 2 months. Custom Audio, a fixture for 36 years in Erie, reopened in stages about about 2 months ago.

From the newsroom the Custom Audio segment is introduced. Dan Bartels, who conducted the in-store segment, is on the right.

Custom Audio owner Sondralee Orengia related “When the local NBC station called about their initiative to spotlight local businesses we said come on…and they did on Saturday afternoon August 8th. Dan Bartels came with the video camera operator for the interview. During the interview we covered how our AV products actually helped people work from home and enjoy their systems during quiet times. Once we reopened the garage installations went crazy in the bay. The segment aired twice that evening during their local news programming.”

Sondralee Orengia is pictured during the Bartels interview.
Andrew Wiesen pictured relating the very busy activity in the install bay during the interview.

Following the airing of the interview Custom Audio has received a lot of positive feedback from across the community.

“After the segment aired we made posts on social media including the entire segment on IGTV” Sondralee added.

These images are screenshots from the IGTV video posted by Custom Audio.

In-store the Custom Audio Team wears masks and practices social distancing. Sales counters and surfaces in the showroom are cleaned daily as well. Each morning staff members have temperature checks.

“For the home side of our business there are a number protocols we are required to follow along with associated paperwork. Making a home visit for an installation is way more than it was in the past” Sondralee concluded.

Visit customaudio.net for more.

SEMA’s Back to Basics Webinar Series Continues Wed, Aug 12

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.12.2020) – SEMA’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series continues with “Cash Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry” on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with CPA and journalist Gene Marks, attendees will learn about the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.

The webinar is the second in SEMA’s four-part program that concentrates on tactics and concepts to help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

Register today.

Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.