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
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!
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.
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.
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.
CHATSWORTH, CA (08.12.2020) – This new Smart-Play Integration features Multi-Camera inputs for select 2011-2017 Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and Maserati Vehicles with Uconnect.
The Smart-Play integration system allows connection of Android and other smartphones to the Chrysler infotainment system and is made for Android Auto and CarPlay.
In addition, this interface includes front and rear aftermarket camera inputs while retaining functionality of the OEM backup camera if present.
The front camera automatically shows on the screen after changing the gear from reverse to drive creating forced view of the front camera capability.
SHREVEPORT, LA (08.11.2020) – WTF… Win This Friday. DFM Stereo won on Friday, July 31st
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.
Luis Razo pictured with the PowerBass prize in the installation bay at DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA.
Luis Razo received the PowerBass prize at the Ukiah CA store. Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development and Global Marketing, related “Mike, we sent a pair of our new XL-62SST thin mount coaxial speakers with built-in RGB lighting. From what you said DFM Stereo does a lot of Powersports in that part of California and these speakers will be perfect.”
Razo stated “A big thanks to PowerBass. Business is very strong. We are booked out over 2 weeks. A lot of Powersports, marine, RV’s plus cars and trucks. These PowerBass 6.5’s will find a home very soon.”
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 14th.
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!
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (08.11.2020) – Accele Electronics has announced its first product in the emerging “Personal Safety” category, The HMS200T Hand Motion Switch. The HMS200T is a unique product for those concerned about virus protection and offering their customers the latest technology in switches. Our HMS200T is the perfect solution for Fleet Vehicles, Project Vehicles, Vans, Buses and Limousines and anyone concerned about the spread of virus during this Pandemic of Covid-19.
Like the latest OE Infotainment systems, activating the switch is as easy as waving your hand or a finger in front of the switch. For maximum user flexibility it has an adjustable range from 2 – 8 inches. Also adjustable is a “momentary mode” with adjustable 0.5 to 20 second pulse output and a toggle On/Off mode. The unit’s Red or Green LEDs can also be connected to a Car Alarm’s LED wire.
This switch can be used to upgrade all your existing switches from a standard push switch to a high-tech touchless switch. Typical uses are Fog or Driving Lights, Alarm Valet Mode, Actuators etc. Any vehicles with multiple drivers carrying multiple passengers on a daily basis are perfect candidates for these switches, Limos, Buses, Forklifts, Golf Carts are just some of the many applications.
Accele’s HMS200T switches are available for immediate shipment, call your Accele Representative for special introductory pricing and further information.
MIRAMAR, FL (08.11.2020) – Clarion Marine has announced the introduction of its all-new CMS line of marine coaxial speakers. Including three variations of a 6.5-inch full-range speaker: classic grille and sport grille with or without RGB lighting built-in. The new CMS speaker line extends the brand’s commitment to producing affordable, high quality and great sounding products to new levels.
“Clarion has a legacy of delivering quality products that offer uncompromising performance and value. Our new CMS speakers are no different and will lay the groundwork for Clarion Marine’s business for years to come,” said John Zimmerman, Clarion Marine product line manager. “Our customers will love the attention to detail that went into making these speakers so great!”
Quality Sound – Let’s Hear It
Ideal for source unit-powered systems, Clarion Marine CMS coaxial speakers are engineered using high-quality components that deliver excellent sound quality. Optimized for infinite-baffle (open-air) applications, CMS speakers feature a vacuum-formed polymer woofer cone body and marine-grade suspension components for deep lows and rich mids. They also feature a bridge-mounted, balanced-dome, polymer tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling for crystal-clear highs. Tweeters are protected by a high-pass tweeter filter that is integrated into the woofer basket.
New Signature Design
The CMS series is part of a new design signature for Clarion Marine speakers, with grille design options to complement all boat styles. The new CMS-series speakers are offered in ‘classic’ and ‘sport’ models, each including black and white grille options in the box. For boaters seeking to make a visual statement, the sport grille models can be ordered with integrated LED RGB illumination that creates a fun ambiance with nearly limitless lighting color options (RGB controller sold separately).
Salt & Sun Certified
Utilizing UV-treated, durable, marine-rated materials, the new CMS line of speakers and subwoofers are built to withstand years of use in harsh marine environments. Specifically engineered, marine grade polymers and finishes are employed for the chassis and grilles in the CMS lineup. A close attention to critical connection by points by the design team ensures protection from corrosion. All models are Salt and Sun Certified; built to exceed industry standards for salt-fog/UV exposure (ASTM B117/D4329) and shock/vibration resistance, ensuring excellent long-term durability.
Complete CMS Series
Clarion Marine CMS Speakers: All coaxial speaker models include both black and white grilles.
All CMS speakers are backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
CMS series speakers are now available for purchase by authorized Clarion Marine retailers and will be incorporated into select model year 2021 boats as standard or optional equipment.
Early morning set up on Tuesday, August 4, at the Ride and Rest Campground in Sturgis.
STURGIS, SD (08.10.2020) – The 2020 Sturgis Rally got underway on Friday, August 7th, and runs through Sunday August 16th. Bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts and vendors from across the U.S. are riding to Sturgis SD. Reports are over 250,000 will descend on the town of 6922 people.
CE GUYS gassing the rigs and on the road in Minnesota. From Chicago to Sturgis SD it’s 938 miles.
The CE GUYS Team made the 938 mile trip from Chicago to Sturgis on Monday, August 3rd. Two teams, towing 34’ and 24’ trailers, made the Monday journey. The trailers were filled with bikes, a golf cart and a large amount of inventory to cover sales and installations during the event’s 10-day run. Tools and office supplies, along with apparel to support the Camron and Conner Raffle for the Autism Custom Bagger being built by DA Performance.
Members of the CE GUYS crew hard at work on Wednesday morning.
CE GUYS are set up under a SounDigital tent at the Ride and Rest Campground. The trailers, with tools and inventory, are positioned adjacent to the tent where the sales and installations are taking place.
Rene Enriquez, Ricky Baldwin and Gus Rigas (LtoR) working into the night on this bike installation.
The CE Guys Team members are Gus Rigas, Rene Enriquez, Gabriel Dieppa, Ricky Baldwin and CE GUYS Principal Michael Foundation. All members of the team are motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy great sound while on their rides.
The parents of a CE GUYS SounDigital dealer, Baggerpunkin Litchfield MN, stopped by the booth at the Ride and Rest Campground and got their tickets for a chance to win the Cameron and Conner Raffle for Autism Custom Bagger being created by DA Performance.
Foundation related “The Sturgis Rally is such an amazing event. Our team is here with multiple goals. First is the drive to support the Cameron and Connor Autism mission. To that end a campaign was launched for the Cameron and Conner Autism Custom Bagger Raffle. DA Performance is creating a work-of-art and we are selling raffle tickets and apparel here at the event. All proceeds go to the Cameron and Conner Autism initiative. In addition we are selling SounDigital and products plus installing systems for bikers looking to upgrade their rides for the trip home. We are working underneath a large SounDigital tent with inventory stored in the trailers. We have large banner signage on the trailers to grab the attention of bikers traveling around the Ride and Rest Campground. There are over 4000 bikers staying at this campground.”
T-Shirts were available for sale with all proceeds to benefit the Cameron and Conner Autism Custom Bagger Raffle.
Continuing, Foundation offered “All on the CE Guys Team are bike enthusiasts. While at the Sturgis Rally we are interacting with other bikers and get a real feel for what they are looking for and future trends. We are all working long, sometimes stressful hours, but enjoying what we are doing. Our experiences in Sturgis will definitely be put to use when we get back in front of 12volt retailers.”
Inside the trailer a functioning office space was set up.
This article covers CE GUYS activities at the 2020 Sturgis Rally through Saturday, August 8th. Watch for more as the Sturgis Rally continues through Sunday, August 16th.
BOCA RATON, FL (08.10.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has opened a new location in Boca Raton, Florida, under the co-ownership of Mike Rogers and Mike Halperin. The new store is the 15th Tint World location in Florida and serves the Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Kings Point and Delray Beach areas.
“Mike and I recognize the strong market for Tint World that exists here in Boca Raton” Rogers said. “The quality of the products and services the company provides for auto and boat owners is the best in the industry, and they also lead in training and sales and marketing support for franchisees.”
Tint World Boca Raton, Florida offers a full range of products and services, including window tinting, advanced driver-assistance systems, car stereo upgrades, custom wheel and tire packages, mobile electronics, nano ceramic coatings, paint protection films, security systems and color-change vehicle wraps.
“Mike Rogers and Mike Halperin have shown us that they’re knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about the Tint World brand,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’re great additions to the Tint World family, and we’re looking forward to seeing their success in Boca Raton.”
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