GoFast Solutions Announces the 2020 Virtual Winter Summit Sep. 22 – 25, 2020

Posted on September 17, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged GoFast Solutions.

MIDDLETOWN, CT (09.18.2020) – GoFast Solutions has announced the official dates for the GoFast Solutions Virtual Winter Summit being held via online training webinars from Sep. 22-25, 2020. Featuring Keynote Speaker Chris Cook from the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) and webinars from Remote Start Brands: Compustar, Artic Start, NuStart, Fortin, Audiovox, Crimestopper and Omega. Remote Start related products from Metra and iDatalink.

New this year are Lighting Brands Race Sport, Putco, Heise, XK Glow, Battery Manufacturer XS Power and Safety and Heated Seat supplier Rostra. This year’s Winter Summit is sure to get Dealers prepared, informed and excited for the Winter Selling Season. Dave Prinz, CEO of GoFast stated” It is for everyone’s safety that this year’s summit is a digital event. That being said, last year’s event was named Starter Summit, but with the growth we have seen across the entire 12 Volt category, that has inspired us to expand the summit to cover all aspects of the 12v seasonal winter needs.

Remote Starters is just the beginning, but as you can see from our confirmed presenters, the training sessions are going above and beyond this year.”

There is still time register for this year’s event:
Visit https://tinyurl.com/y5p3q3hy to register now

Mid-State Distributing Promotes Sean Davis to Operations Manager – Chicago Branch

Posted on September 17, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Mid-State Distributing.

DES MOINES, IA (9.18.2020) – “We are extremely excited to promote Sean Davis to the next level in his career by promoting him to Operations Manager at the Mid-State Chicago Branch. He has over 25 years in the 12-Volt Industry and will be an extreme asset as we continue to grow the Mid-State Distributing Chicago Branch (formally AM Distributors).” – Tom Kolar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing – 12-Volt Division.

Sean has been around cars his whole life; his father owned an automotive repair shop. He found his passion in installing car audio in his own cars as a teenager and to this day, he loves working on cars – whether it is automotive repairs, adding sound systems or remote start. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends at his “Happy Place”, Vero Beach, Florida.

Sean has experience in all aspects of the business, from installation to sales, store management and more recently, distribution inventory management. He will play a significant role in developing the core of the branch by creating a cohesive team and continue to grow our dealer and vendor base with his positive attitude. Sean will be focused on improving performance within the branch by making the branch more efficient in all areas (Sales Team, Warehouse & Delivery) and strategizing ways Mid-State Distributing can grow the business from the inside out.

“Through the years, I’ve been privileged to receive additional training from various manufacturers which enhanced my installation skills. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with many people who are still in the industry today!” – Sean Davis, Operations Manager – Chicago, Illinois.

For more information about the Mid-State Distributing Chicago Branch, contact Sean at s.davis@m-state.com or 888-345-1300 x 246.

For inquiries regarding Mid-State Distributing-12-Volt Division, contact Tom Kolar at t.kolar@m-state.com or 800-798-5965 x 661 at the Omaha Branch.

Visit www.midstatedistributing.com for more.

Massive Releases New SUMMOXL 6.5 & 8 Inch Subwoofers

Posted on September 17, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Massive Audio.

Massive Audio, of SoCal USA, a leader in the 12 Volt Audio industry for 21 years, is happy to announce the release of the new SUMMO64XL and SUMMO84XL Subwoofers for 2020.

Chuck Kenney, Massive Audio National Sales Manager, pictured in the Company’s Commerce CA warehouse with a wall of orders pulled to ship on Thursday, September 17th.

The Massive Audio SUMMO64XL is a powerful 6.5-inch Subwoofer that produces high SPL while allowing you to save as much space possible in your vehicle. High quality materials like its Kevlar fiber non pressed paper cone stitched to an EROM foam surround are utilized and bolted to a durable cast basket and 48oz double stacked high energy magnet. The SUMMO84XL weighs in with a 90oz magnet assembly and 2 inch 4-Layer High Temp Voice Coil.

Both SUMMO Subwoofers may be small in stature but will definitely impress even hard-core audio SPL enthusiasts. As with all SUMMOXL Series subwoofers, we deign them all to play so low and with such a deep center of force that the competition cannot help but to bow out gracefully.

Let there be no doubt that with Massive Audio you will be the “King of the Ring.”

FEATURES INCLUDE:

Die Cast Basket with Black Textured Finish
Kevlar Fiber Enhanced Non-Pressed Paper Cone with Textured Paint Finish
EROM Foam Surround with Red Stitching
1.5” & 2.0″ 4-Layer Hi-Temp Voice Coil
Fiberglass Woven Dust Cap
Double Stacked 48oz & 90oz High Energy Magnets
Enhanced Cooling T-yoke Design with Black Anodized Finish
Customized Rubber Gasket and Magnet Boot
16 Gauge Pure Oxygen Silver Tined Power Cables with Direct Lead Connection
Triple Black Poly Cotton Spiders with Mirror Image Layout

For B2B sales inquiries our national sales manager Chuck Kenny can be reached at: 214-587-7603 chuckk@massiveaudio.com

For general information, contact Massive Audio at 323-262-2262 or visit our Website: http://www.massiveaudio.com

Synergy Marketing Agency and Sound Evolution Worked Through COVID-19 Downtime

Posted on September 16, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

HOUSTON, TX (09.17.2020) – Synergy Marketing Agency, working with Sound Evolution, utilized COVID-19 downtime to create a stunning new demo vehicle for the Houston based rep firm. David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Agency Principal, is a 12volt industry veteran of nearly 20 years. The firm’s line card includes over a dozen top brands and serves Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Some brands extend into the state of Mississippi also. During the COVID-19 downtown a new website was also created.

David Toliver pictured with the Synergy Marketing Agency Avalanche in front of the Sound Evolution location in Houston.

“We feel we have best in class brands and the new Avalanche demo vehicle will showcase those brands when I begin to travel the territory again. I look forward to pulling up in front of dealers across the territory. I am sure all be excited to see and hear this creation by Sound Evolution that showcases our firm’s brands.”

Sound Evolution Team (from left to right) Jake Jesty, Patrick Garcia, Jesh Jesty, James Mitchell, Rick Paul, and Edwin Salazar.

The following words are those of David Toliver:

“I think everyone would agree that COVID-19 has presented its fair share of challenges, but it has also created a lot of opportunities as well. As a manufacturer’s representative, I wanted to take advantage of the time spent working from home and partner up with a local dealer to build a demo vehicle showcasing the latest and greatest from Synergy Marketing Agency.”

No expense was spared to showcase brands and products in the stunning Avalanche installation.

“Sound Evolution in Houston, TX has built a solid reputation for their over the top builds and attention to detail for numerous manufacturers and high profile vehicles in the 12 Volt Industry. Owners Jesh & Jake Jesty will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations and never cut corners. Last year, when veteran installer and friend, Rick Paul, came to work for Sound Evolutions I knew I wanted him to build my next demo vehicle. It was an easy decision since Rick and the entire Sound Evolutions Team share the same passion and love for Morel Hi-Fi as he runs the top of the line Morel Supremo’s (Retail $5000) in his personal vehicle.”

Check out the new website www.synergyagency.net

“I approached this project with three simple goals and they knocked it out of the park! The first goal was to keep the retail price of all of the audio equipment installed in the vehicle between $5000 – $6000. My second goal was to spare no expense on showcasing the equipment. Lastly, I wanted to show how much output you could get from 2 – 10” Audiomobile Subs and 2 – 10” Audiomobile M-CAR Passive Radiators in a small sealed box (1.5CU) with only 1100 Watts!”

“I want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the vendors that participated in this build: Morel Hi-Fi, ARC Audio, Audiomobile, Rydeen Electronics, Reikken/Energie Batteries, Silencer Security, and Lucas Lighting.”

Polk Audio www.polkaudio.com (Automotive & Marine Audio)
Morel America www.morelhifi.com (Audiophile Speakers & Amplifiers)
Audiomobile www.audiomobile.net (Audiophile Special Application Subwoofers)
ARC Audio www.arcaudio.com (Audiophile DSP Amplifiers & Powersport Solutions)
Eton www.eton-gmbh.com (Premier German Hi-fi Speakers, Amps, and VSS)
Froghead Industries www.frogheadindustries.com (UTV Stereo Roofs)
Magnadyne www.magnadyne.com (RV, Marine, & OEM Products)
Silencer www.silencer.com (Aftermarket Security Systems)
Reikken/Energie www.reikken.com (12 Volt Performance Batteries)
Rhino Bass Box www.rhinobassbox.com (Vehicle Specific Sub Enclosures)
Rydeen www.rydeenmobile.com (Vehicle Safety Solutions)
Lucas Lighting www.lucas-lighting.com (Premium LED Headlight Solutions)
SOL-X Film (Carbon & Dyed Window Film and Paint Protection Solutions)

Visit www.synergyagency.net for more.

Scosche Announces Essential Accessories for Multiple Apple Products

Posted on September 16, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Scosche.

OXNARD, CA (09.17.2020) – SCOSCHE Industries proudly presents their range of accessories, that are in stock and shipping now, to charge, organize, listen to and generally complement the newly announced Apple devices.

The customizable BaseLynx Modular Charging System* lets you configure your own system to organize, display, store and charge all your Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, AirPod charging cases and Apple Watch. The Watch module features an Apple MFi-certified magnetic charger to charge all series of Apple Watches.

BaseLynx modules are available with Qi certified wireless charging, 18W USB-C Power Delivery and USB-A 12W charging. With the modules connected, the whole system uses one power cable plugged into one power outlet, so there are no tangled wires. You can use the modules individually or connected. When you get a new device, just add a module. BaseLynx is the perfect solution for home, office, dorm, RV, or wherever there are people and their portable devices.

Scosche’s 18W, USB-C Power Delivery (PD) PowerVolt mini fast charger and PowerVolt 36W USB-C PD (with dual 18W ports) charger for home and office, and 36W USB-C PD (with dual 18W ports) PowerVolt in-vehicle fast charger will charge your new iPad at home or on the road. They will also charge your iPhone 3X faster than with a standard charger. With their smart circuitry they are backwards compatible to charge older devices, as well as new ones, at their safest and fastest rate.

PowerVolt 18W Mini Fast Charger for home/office (above left) and PowerVolt 36W dual-port in-vehicle charger (above right).

For your new iPad or iPad Air, our StrikeLine premium USB-certified USB-C to USB-C charge and sync cables support high speed charging and data transfer (10 Gbps) speeds, as well omni-flow (two-way) charging.

Scosche StrikeLine premium MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning Power Delivery compatible charge and sync cables come in multiple convenient lengths ranging from 1ft. to 8ft.

You can charge your new Series 6 (and Series 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)) Apple Watches at your home, office or even in your vehicle, with Scosche’s Watch Charger , which features an easy to use StickGrip suction-cup base and works with an Apple magnetic charging cord (not included).

Following Apple’s sustainability initiative, if you have USB-A cables you’d like to continue to use with your new devices, Scosche has you covered with compact USB-A to USB-C Adapters .

Visit scosche.com for more.

SEMA Data Co-op Expands Data Services Through PartsHub Acquisition

Posted on September 16, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.17.2020) – The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has acquired PartsHub, a comprehensive catalog management solution that will enhance a participating manufacturer’s ability to create and update industry standardized product information, regardless of their product data knowledge or expertise.

The SDC is the leading product data service in the specialty equipment aftermarket. Using PartsHub’s expanded product information management (PIM) software, SDC manufacturers will be able to easily organize their data, reach more resellers, and sell more products.

“SDC manufacturers typically are not data experts, and they have requested a simple, easy-to-use product information management system,” said Gigi Ho, SDC vice president of operations. “We’re excited to incorporate the PartsHub platform into SDC’s system. Users will now have a simplified way to access, visualize, and manage their product data, giving them even more control over their information.”

Integrating PartsHub’s interface with the SDC product information management system makes it easy for manufacturers to organize and update their data for industry resellers. The updated interface also allows possible datasets that can easily be exported in formats that meet reseller needs.

Additional features include:

Cloud-based, all-in-one solution for PIES/ACES/Digital Assets
In-line edits and real-time validations
Built-in workflows with view only and edit permissions
Import and export to Excel or bulk edit in-app
Receiver-specific scorecards and readiness reports
One-click exports to resellers (XML, XLS, etc.)
Commenting system for seamless collaboration
A well-regarded DIY PIM system with customers scoring PartsHub at 9 out of 10 across criteria of ease-of-use, responsiveness, features and functionality

PartsHub’s integration with the SDC PIM system will make the transition for current PartsHub customers seamless. They will continue to manage their product data within PartsHub without any rate changes. One-on-one orientation for the additional services provided by the SDC will be conducted for current PartsHub users, who will now be included into SDC’s robust and active reseller network, have access to SDC’s data experts for questions and guidance, and participate in SDC’s Data Excellence Award program.

Additional transitions will be rolled out over the next 30-60 days as the SDC team gears up with training and data management for SDC’s current members. Inquiries can be directed to info@semadatacoop.org and additional information about the SEMA Data Co-op can be found at www.semadatacoop.org.

The 1st Annual Rewind Car Show Set at Al & Ed’s Escondido

Posted on September 15, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Al & Ed's.

ESCONDIDO, CA (09.16.2020) – With an eye to creating excitement in the marketplace Al&Ed’s Autosound in Escondido is set to present the 1st Annual ‘Rewind Car Show.’

Chris Denardo related “We are all looking positives in this crazy time. Car Shows have a way of bringing people together for a fun time. With that in mind we thought ‘The Rewind Car Show’ would be a great event. So far there has been a tremendous amount of interest and excitement about the event.”

‘The Rewind Car Show’ will be held at the Al&Ed’s location in Escondido. There is a large parking area that is well suited for the Sunday event, September 27th.

“We are expecting well over 100 vehicles at the event. There will be a $20. registration fee with trophies and cash prize for the best in class. There is a class for best vehicle entertainment but this event is not a sound-off. In addition there will be raffles to add even more excitement at the event” Denardo added.

SoundSkins, Cerwin Vega, Chemical Guys and Al&Ed’s have committed to offering raffle prizes with more in the works.

“The weather down in this area is fine. We will be following COVID-19 guidelines with masks and social distancing. Local authorities have given us the thumbs. We think all is in place to make the 1st Annual ‘Rewind Car Show’ a great event that we can continue in future years” Denardo concluded.

Roll-in for the event is 9-11 with the show 11-5. This is a family, kid friendly event. Al&Ed’s Autosound 1144 W Valley PKWY, Escondido CA 92025.

Visit al-ed.com for more.

Eton Car Audio Wins EISA ‘Best Product’ Award

Posted on September 15, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Eton.

LAS VEGAS, NV (09.16.2020) – Eton Car Audio of Germany, has announced that their new Stealth 7.1 DSP amplifier system, has been awarded the very prestigious European International Sound Association award for ‘Best Product’ in the competitive Amplifier DSP category. This follows on the heels of last year’s EISA award for ‘Best High-End Product’ for their highly acclaimed, super premium ’CORE S3 Component 3-way system.

The Stealth 7.1 DSP is a truly unique design, and represents 100% Eton in-house project, from the proprietary software interface and DSP, to the Class D multi-channel amplifier. Designed as a full, system ‘solution’ product, it features a very compact footprint, measuring very modest 10 x 6 x 2 inches tall.

The Stealth features 7 discrete channels and full OEM Interface capability, along with unique, high-quality WiFi capability, to work with their cell phone app, allowing tuning from the cockpit, without need for employing a laptop.

Eton is now shipping products from three (3), strategically located, US regional warehouses, to provide upscale 12V Retailers ideal ‘JIT’ delivery to majority of domestic major markets.

Retailers who will be attending KnowlegeFest in Dallas and or who are interested in setting up a meeting, or simply learning more about this exciting opportunity to offer this world-class brand, are invited to contact AMG at Matto@Audiomobile.net for additional information.

Visit audiomobile.net for more.

SiriusXM Announces Leadership Update

Posted on September 15, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SiriusXM.

NEW YORK, NY (09.16.2020) – SiriusXM has announced that Chief Executive Officer, James E. Meyer, intends to retire on December 31, 2020. Upon Mr. Meyer’s retirement, Jennifer C. Witz, President, Sales, Marketing and Operations, will become the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Gregory B. Maffei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Jim for his outstanding service, helping to create the leader in audio entertainment in North America. During his tenure as CEO, SiriusXM has grown to become a diversified audio entertainment provider that is poised to reach more than 150 million people, the largest addressable digital audio audience in North America. We are a better company for his stewardship. We look forward to continuing to work with him on the Board and to build on SiriusXM’s strong momentum.”

Mr. Maffei continued, “Our Board of Directors is thrilled to unanimously appoint Jennifer as the next CEO. With nearly two decades of success at the Company, no one is better suited for this position. Jennifer brings the thorough understanding of our business from every angle. She has played a key role in significantly growing SiriusXM’s subscriber base. Jennifer will lead the Company’s strong executive team as it continues building out its platforms and executes on its growth strategies.”

“It has been a privilege to lead SiriusXM, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last eight years,” said Mr. Meyer. “This Company has never been in a better position. We have transformed our business, growing SiriusXM and its offerings, welcoming the team from Pandora through our game changing combination and increasing our scale in podcasting with Simplecast and the pending acquisition of Stitcher. Today, we deliver the best content with a consumer reach that is unmatched in audio entertainment in North America. My decision to retire has long been in the works, and now is the right time to begin this transition. I could not be handing the reins over to a stronger leader than Jennifer. I know firsthand how talented and innovative she is, and I believe she will drive SiriusXM to new heights. This is a key time for SiriusXM, and I look forward to working with Jennifer to ensure a smooth transition as we execute on our near-term priorities.”

Ms. Witz commented, “I am honored to take on the role of CEO and lead SiriusXM at this exciting time. We have the best audio content available anywhere and incredible growth platforms. At SiriusXM, we are rolling out new programming, introducing new technology and expanding our OEM relationships, while pursuing new avenues of growth at Pandora and strengthening our position in the podcasting space. It has been an extraordinary privilege working with Jim and learning from him over the years. SiriusXM has tremendous opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with Scott Greenstein, Sean Sullivan and the rest of our talented management team and our incredible employees to capture those opportunities, drive growth and enhance stockholder value.”

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

KICKER Congratulates Top 50 Retailers and Installers

Posted on September 14, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker.

STILLWATER, OK (09.15.2020) – KICKER congratulates its 24 authorized installers, retailers and sales professionals who have earned a place in this year’s prestigious “Top 50,” as determined by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA).

“KICKER is blessed to work alongside an outstanding group of retailers and their workforce,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Domestic Sales and Marketing. “It’s a dedicated group that we feel has progressed the KICKER brand beyond our capabilities, and we’re pleased to see they are properly recognized for their efforts.”

According to the MEA press release, the announcement comes after industry nominees submitted videos describing their business or professions. Judges appointed by the association reviewed the videos and selected the winners, comprising the “Top 50 Installers,” “Top 50 Retailers,” and “Top 20 Sales Professionals.” The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.

Winners at this stage also qualify as semifinalists for the top honors of Retailer-of-the-Year, Installer-of-the-Year and Sales Pro-of-the-Year. Top 50 Installers award recipients can also opt to run for 2020 Trusted Tech, an award given to professional installers who excel more from an electronics standpoint than a design standpoint.

The next phase of the competition features voting by industry professionals and consumers to narrow the semifinalists list down to finalists. These categories are joined by other categories of which industry professionals vote to select top suppliers, reps and rep firms, distributors and expeditors, as well as retail locations that excel in specific business practices. Voting began Thursday, August 27, and will run for three weeks.

Top 50 KICKER Retailers:

California Audio – West Valley City, UT

Mobile Toys – College Station, TX

Stereo & Video Center – Tyler, TX

Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD

Sonic Sound – Arlington, VA

Car-Tunes – Greenville, MS

DES of Wilmington – Wilmington, NC

Greg’s Custom Audio & Video – Pikeville, KY

Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Tunes-N-Tint – Lakeland, FL

Top 20 KICKER Sales Professionals: