Author: 12VoltNews

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling in 2020 – Car Toys Tulsa Wins Spin 84

Posted on by in Industry.

SHREVEPORT, LA (07.15.2020) – WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The announced 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 84 Franken Audio, could not be reached. Therefore a new slip was drawn from the jar. The Car Toys Tulsa slip was drawn.

The Wheel landed on Sony space Friday morning July 10th. Sony Bluetooth Noise Cancelling headphones are headed to Charles Stewart at Car Toys in Tulsa, OK.

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, Sony, 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 and Underground Auto in Sarasota FL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 17th.

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!

Siri Remote Start Now Supported on DroneMobile for iPhone

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SEATTLE, WA (07.14.2020) – Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, has launched an App Store update for the DroneMobile iPhone App that unlocks full compatibility with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. This announcement makes DroneMobile the first and only aftermarket connected car solution to support the “big 3” of voice control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri.

DroneMobile users can access Siri functionality via the iPhone “Shortcuts” App, where they can program custom voice prompts to trigger DroneMobile commands like remote start, keyless entry, and GPS car finder. As long as the custom voice prompt doesn’t conflict with Siri’s core library of functions, users can program any phrase to control their car. Furthermore, users can layer additional actions for other apps to initiate with a single voice prompt. For example, “Siri, start morning routine” could remotely start your vehicle’s engine, turn down your smart thermostat, and play your favorite song on Apple Music.

Integration with “Shortcuts” also presents limitless possibilities for DroneMobile users to automate their vehicle control experience. For example, a shortcut can be set up to automatically arm your vehicle’s security system at 9 PM and disarm it in the morning. To ensure driver and vehicle safety, most commands do require user confirmation and verification via Face or Touch ID.

“This latest update to the DroneMobile App establishes a very real connection between the smart car and the smart home,” shares software director Carmine Maraglio. “Even during these uncertain times, we at Firstech are committed to offering new ways for drivers to stay connected to their vehicles and families – on or off the road.”

DroneMobile connected car solutions are available exclusively at authorized retail locations across North America. To request more information, or to find an authorized dealer near you, visit www.dronemobile.com.

Accele Electronics Introduces Driving Innovation for Northern Neighbors

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (07.14.2020) – Accele Electronics has launched their new web site www.accele.ca to focus on and address the needs of Accele Electronics customers in Canada. This new website serves as a portal to “Driving Innovation,” Accele’s portfolio of brands and its vast array of solutions for everyday applications. Accele Electronics has been designing, manufacturing and delivering quality products for over 30 years with a focus on the Automotive Aftermarket.

Christian Way, Vice President, Accele Electronics highlights the new www.accele.ca website in the company’s conference room in Santa Fe Springs CA. The website focuses on the needs of Accele Electronics customers in Canada with distributor partners Importel Ltd in Toronto and B&B Distribution in Edmonton, AB.

“Our primary goal was to create a local connection for existing and potential customers and our strategic business partners in Canada, B&B Distribution in Edmonton, AB and Importel Ltd in Toronto, ON. Visitors to this portal will find a home page, similar to our main web site, devoid of clutter and containing an easy to use interface,” said Christian Way, Vice President, Accele Electronics.

Alex MacNeil checks out the new www.accele.ca website in his office at Importel Ltd in Toronto. MacNeil is the Marketing & Web Specialist for the proactive 12volt distributor.

“The site is easy to navigate with an attractive and easy to use menu interface, allowing end users to select the appropriate solution. Today, more than ever, an intelligently and intuitively designed web presence is a top priority. Similar to a well-designed vehicle Infotainment system, our goal for the website is to provide a clear and concise format that assists our Canadian customers when making buying decisions and furthermore provides support for the products they eventually purchase. We’ve accomplished that goal by providing a portal to our Canadian Distributors and business partners, B&B Distribution and Importel Ltd. In the near future, B&B and Importel will be able to provide their customers password protected access to the site for additional functionality,” added Christian Way.

“Canada has become a vital market for Accele Electronics and our associated brands, this new website demonstrates our long-term commitment to grow and support our partners and end users within Canada. This new website contains Images and descriptions of the products offered by Accele Electronics and enables customers to have easy access to the information necessary when selecting products or planning installation of products. It also contains contact information and links to access sales and technical support from Accele and our partners,” added Christian Way, Vice President, Accele Electronics. Additional features to be rolled out include access to installation and product demonstration Videos.

Visit www.accele.ca for more.

SiriusXM to Acquire Stitcher

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NEW YORK, NY (07.14.2020) – SiriusXM has entered an agreement with The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) to acquire Stitcher, a pioneer in podcast production, distribution, and ad sales. The transaction will advance and deepen SiriusXM’s position in podcasting, the fastest-growing sector in the audio entertainment ecosystem.

With the acquisition, SiriusXM’s combined properties will contain the largest addressable audience in the U.S. across all categories of digital audio – music, sports, talk, and podcasts. The transaction will also further extend the substantial reach of SiriusXM in the digital audio ad marketplace. The SiriusXM and Pandora owned-and-operated digital platforms, combined with the company’s exclusive ad sales arrangement with SoundCloud for the U.S., and the Stitcher and Midroll networks that are subject to the agreement, will reach over 150 million listeners. Upon completion of the transaction, SiriusXM will be better positioned to advance the podcast ad market and help solve some of its critical challenges through precision targeting, ad efficiency, and improved measurement capabilities via a streamlined ad marketplace.

“The addition of Stitcher is an important next step as we continue to develop and strengthen our offering in the fast-growing podcasting market,” said Jim Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of SiriusXM. “With Stitcher, we will expand our digital audio advertising presence and look to generate new ways for creators to find and connect with their audiences. Stitcher has a talented team with deep experience in the podcast space, and we look forward to working with them to better meet the needs of creators, advertisers, and listeners.”

Stitcher creates original podcasts, operates multiple content networks that each target a specific genre and audience, and provides podcast ad agency services for leading shows. Through its Midroll Media advertising network, Stitcher acts as a sales and marketing representative to connect advertisers and podcasts based on the advertiser’s desired target audience. Stitcher also owns and operates a popular mobile app listening platform where consumers can stream the latest podcasts ranging from news, sports, talk, and entertainment shows on-demand and free of charge. Users can pay for Stitcher’s monthly or annual Premium subscription, which gives them access to premium content including exclusive, ad-free, and bonus podcast episodes, along with 300+ comedy albums.

Top Stitcher podcasts include Freakonomics Radio, My Favorite Murder, How Did This Get Made?, SuperSoul Sunday from The Oprah Winfrey Network, Office Ladies, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Literally! with Rob Lowe, LeVar Burton Reads, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and WTF with Marc Maron.

Upon closing of the transaction, SiriusXM will be the premier full-service platform for podcast creators, publishers, and advertisers – combining the largest digital audio salesforce with a leading podcast ad network. Coming on the heels of SiriusXM’s recent acquisition of podcast management and analytics platform Simplecast, the addition of Stitcher, alongside industry-leading ad tech and monetization platform AdsWizz, will expand the company’s existing suite of podcast hosting, analytics, insights, and marketplace offerings. Additionally, creators will benefit from the transaction through enhanced production, marketing, and promotion capabilities to drive further listening, engagement, and monetization.

Visit siriusxm.com and stitcher.com for more.

Aunex Partners with Musway for Exclusive Distribution Rights in the USA, Canada And Mexico

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CHINO, CA (07.13.2020) – Aunex, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has secured the exclusive distribution rights of Musway Technology Limited. A quick online and/or Facebook search of Musway and you will find that they offer a complete high end, premium solution to the growing demands from Audiophiles looking to add Digital Sound Processing (DSP) into their system. “Having the ability to incorporate advance DSP processing into your system can easily elevate your listening experience” said Steven Bach, President of Aunex, Inc.

Pictured: (Left to Right) Gary and Sylvie of Musway and Steven Bach of Aunex.

Continuing “There are DSP solutions currently available in our marketplace, but having one that provides high sampling, high bit rate and is backed by a very intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) allows incorporating a high-end DSP that much easier. Most shop owners are open to adding new technology into their stores, but some are reluctant to do so as they do not want to spend considerable amounts of time tuning their customers audio system.”

With Musway the ability to tune, store presets and add aptX HD Bluetooth streaming has just gotten easier. Combine this with Musway plug and play harnesses for most Domestic and Imported vehicles, and you are looking at a significant cut to installation time. Additional features such as EPS (Error Protection System), Dual 32bit, 330 MIPS TI processors, along with their Start-Stop Technology Control Circuit, help distinguish these DSP’s from what can already be found in the market.

Musway’s User Interface (GUI) was designed with the end user in mind. Musway believes that every aspect of a consumer’s sound application process should be controllable, elegant and simple.

“The Musway product mix works for Aunex and we are very proud to be selected as their exclusive distributor for the US, Canada and Mexico. From amplified DSP solutions to stand alone DSP’s, the application range from Musway represents a good SKU mix for our dealers. Backing from the Aunex select Dealer Direct business model further guarantees the profit margins our dealers are definitely looking for. Just like with Aunex, Musway’s products will not be allowed sales on Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Facebook or any other online platforms that tend to erode our dealers margins” Bach concluded.

Musway has established a brand name throughout Asia and Europe over the last 5 years. The MSRP for Musway products range from $429.99 to $799.99 with key dealer programs in place. Aunex is the new gateway for the Musway brand exclusively for the USA, Canada and Mexico.

For more information on Aunex and Musway, contact Aunex, Inc. at (909) 589-5010 or visit us at www.aunexusa.com and www.imusway.com. Product will be available for release from the Aunex warehouse in Chino, California at the beginning of August.

Nakamichi Ships New Tube Amplifiers

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MIAMI, FL (07.13.2020) – Nakamichi USA announced it is shipping two models of tube-driven, multi-channel car audio amplifiers to the North American market. The N60t and N40t comprise the brand’s premium amplifier line and feature the legendary sound-enhancing characteristics of tube valve technology.

First introduced in 1906, tube amplifiers gained prominence in the early to mid-1900s due to their simplicity of design and scalability for different applications. In the 1960s they took their storied place in the audio industry, becoming known for their tone and perceived “warmth” of sound. Their use declined in the 70s with the emergence of the smaller, less-power-hungry transistor, but tube amplifiers remain a niche favorite today among audiophiles, professional musicians and recording studios.

The six-channel, Class AB N60t offers 100 watts RMS from each of its six channels at four ohms. The channel pairs can be bridged to produce 300 watts through three channels or can be loaded to output 150 watts through six channels at two ohms. Inputs accommodate four channels of high-level speaker outputs from the radio or up six channels at line level. The four-channel N40t adds 50 watts per channel at four ohms (150Wx4 RMS) and 75 watts per channel at two ohms (225Wx2 RMS). It can be bridged and loaded to one ohm, producing 450 watts from each of two channels.

Both models utilize one 12AX7 vacuum tube per set of inputs in the preamplifier section. Designed in 1946, the 12AX7 is still used in guitar amplifiers to enrich and “fatten” their tone. The amplifier casings feature a transparent cover to showcase the tubes and internal components, and each kit includes all mounting accessories plus a pair of gloves to safely handle the tubes.

“Since 1948 the Nakamichi brand has been synonymous with no-compromise audio reproduction, and this is a characteristic we’ve sought to emphasize in the car audio segment,” said Robin McNeal, national sales manager for Nakamichi USA Car Audio. “The N40t and N60t feature the power to be the centerpiece of a custom high-end audio system, and the flexibility to integrate into factory installed, premium audio systems. We designed them to cater to drivers who want to bring the musicality and tone of their tube-driven home audio experiences with them on the road.”

MSRPs are $1,799.95 for the N60t and $1,599.99 for the N40t. For more information on the amplifiers, visit nakamichicaraudio.com. To place an order or become a Nakamichi dealer or territorial representative, contact Robin McNeal at (702) 558-4447.

The 12volt STP Tool Snap.Txt.Presto

Posted on by in Industry.

THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.13.2020) – The 12volt STP tool was created to provide a vehicle for industry members to MAX the visibility their activities. In light of the current COVID-19 Pandemic positive industry news and visibility is more important than ever across the marketplace.

Click image to view on instagram.com/12voltnews

A manufacturer representative, or vendor staff member, could MAX their time on the road by Snapping and Txt’ing an image to the 12volt Central Studios. Presto… that image could be fashioned as a post to let a rep’s dealers know an area distributor is doing well with one of their lines. That post could highlight a dealer with a great in-store display that could give other dealers an idea to drive more business.

Another possibility for the 12volt STP Tool could be a company HQ tour. We can work with a company’s HQ staff member to develop a list of images including HQ exterior, entry way, conference room, training area, testing facility, warehouse and shipping area. Utilizing new technology in this way touches a lot of bases. A dealer in Oregon could tour the DS18 facility in south Florida.

A resent post, utilizing images supplied by Keith Selby-Cardinal Sales, showcased the great looking Audio Source store in Columbus IN. Selby was traveling with Kenwood Regional Dave Hill in the territory. An additional benefit was highlighting the Kenwood flash drive Selby handed to Matt Murray loaded with Kenwood training videos and information.

The images shown below, of the super Audio Source store in Columbus IN, were supplied by Keith Selby-Cardinal Sales.

Believe me, I do have an understanding of today’s marketplace. The good news is 12volt retailers and distributors for the most part had a record second quarter. The business year is like a football game with 4 quarters. The 12volt industry, as a whole, is ahead at halftime in 2020.

Now for the second half of the 2020 game that is challenged by so many variables storm clouds if you will. That high volume of first half 2020 business, fueled in a major way by government stimulus checks, is already putting a strain on the vendor supply. The national news reports the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to create major disruptions across the U.S. economy. Manufacturer representatives, and factory staff members, in many cases are still unable to travel as usual. Unemployment is still high and consumers spent their stimulus money in the first half.

The 12volt industry is already well into the month of July. Let’s play smart in the second half with a solid game plan….and keep our eye on the ball.

On this end we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry… across the U.S. and beyond.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews to see these posts and more.

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Franken Audio Wins Spin 84

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SHREVEPORT LA (07.11.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 84, is Franken Audio. The Wheel landed on Sony space Friday morning July 10th. We will reach out to the winning store to let them know the good news.
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, Sony, 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 and Underground Auto in Sarasota FL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 17th.

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!

KICKER Marine Audio – Well Stocked, Inventoried, and Ready for Summer

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STILLWATER, OK (07.10.2020) – Since its inception in 1973, KICKERâ has been a conservative, growing company with a consistent passion for music, incorporating pure sound and bass you don’t just hear, but feel. KICKER, along with its KICKER Marine Audio division, continues its four-decades practice of “Livin’ Loud,” despite the challenges of a global pandemic. In fact, based on the company’s recent performance, its Livin’ Loud tagline has the company “Feelin’ Strong”—and stable.

According to Director of Marine Audio Systems Phil White, while many manufacturers, and distributors have scrambled for orders to stay afloat or were pressed to secure supply chain components, KICKER beat the trend and is well poised to execute timely deliveries.  

“Our top requested marine inventory items have been head units, RGB coaxials, subwoofers, and amplifiers” said White. “Entering this season with heavy inventory levels and a strong supply chain, we have been able to service our dealers, OEMs, and consumers with product delivery during these trying times.”

In addition, KICKER Marine Audio Brand Manager Jeremy Bale said the company continued to focus on its R&D efforts, with plans to release some exciting new marine exclusive products as scheduled later this year.

In explaining the rationale behind KICKER’s inventory success, Bale points to founder Steve Irby’s decision to bolster inventories based on projections for a robust season of growth in 2020. Irby and his management team evaluated sales trends, developed new product timelines, and strategically focused tactics to grow the marine segment. That decision has paid dividends.

“Music is always a great release,” says Irby, “We are pleased that boaters continue to find solace in upgrading their music systems and enjoying relaxation or recreational activities which are fueled by great music—and KICKER systems.” 

“We are communicating with many of our dealers throughout the world and are pleasantly surprised by the boating consumer psyche,” adds White. “Boaters are taking time during COVID-19 to escape with their families and spend time on their boats out on the water. Many choose to either invest in new boat products or to enjoy DYI projects to upgrade their existing boats, which positively impacts the purchase of our sound systems. We are fortunate that boat dealers are essential services in many parts of the world and that our strong positioning allows us to respond to the resulting demand. As boat ramps and marinas have continued to reopen, we are continuing to experience a very high level of demand and a strong push for product.”        

Besides the sales initiatives, KICKER also participates in COVID-19 support services, donating PPE products to New York City and several Oklahoma healthcare facilities. KICKER team members even recently used the company’s 3-D printers to create face shields for donation.

For more information visit www.KICKER/marine-audio.com or contact Marilyn DeMartini at md@prpower.biz or Wanda Kenton Smith at wanda@kentonsmithmarketing.com

Chinese Court Sides with Oracle Lighting in Case Against Counterfeit Producers in China

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METAIRE, LA (07.10.2020) – Oracle Lighting has announced that it has successfully defended its intellectual property rights by recently winning its legal battle against a Chinese-based manufacturer of imitation products.

“Shortly after we unveiled our Vector LED Grill System at a trade show in 2017, Chinese knockoffs began appearing,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Director of Product Development at Oracle Lighting. “After nearly a year of work designing and developing this product, it was honestly heartbreaking to find knockoff products pop up online. I had seen this happen before to other manufacturers in our industry and decided that we were not going to stand for this blatant design theft. We worked with our IP attorney, Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law, LLC, to develop and execute a strategy to take action against the overseas knockoff producers. I knew it would not be easy but I had no idea where this journey would take us.”

The decision was issued on June 28, 2020 by the Intellectual Property Division of the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court (Case No. [2019] Suzhou 05 Intellectual Property First Instance No.580). The court found that the defendant’s products fall into the scope of protection of Oracle Lighting’s Chinese Design Patent Registration No. ZL201830136860.7, and thus infringes the patent.

The court’s decision includes an order for the defendant to immediately cease infringing upon Oracle Lighting’s patent. The court also ordered the defendant pay significant monetary damages to Oracle Lighting and ordered that the defendant pay certain court costs associated with the litigation. In doing so, the court also rejected the defendant’s arguments that they had come up with the design for this particular grill prior to Oracle Lighting filing its design patent application.

“In order for us to file litigation against the infringing company, the Chinese court explained that we had to first complete a ‘notarized purchase’, which basically translates to us having to conduct our own sting operation,” Hartenstein continued. “Our attorney assisted us in hiring private investigators overseas who, after months of investigation, used a cover story to gain access to the factory and, with hidden cameras, obtained evidence of the counterfeit parts. The entire operation had to be covert because these factories producing knockoff goods are often designed to be packed up and moved overnight, making them hard to pin down. Once our legal team in China presented this evidence to the judge, the court issued a demand to the factory to shut down production and the nearly two-year-long litigation process began. This was a massive undertaking for our company but I pursued this in the hope that it provides insight for other small businesses trying to protect their intellectual property rights overseas. It was not easy but these results demonstrate that even overseas counterfeiters can be held accountable. Oracle Lighting takes our intellectual property rights very seriously and we are willing to do whatever it takes to prevent the blatant theft of our patented designs.”

Banyas explained that Oracle Lighting asked his firm to develop and implement a plan to protect its products against overseas knockoffs and counterfeits. “This was no easy task as those who deal in illegal products often take extensive measures to insulate themselves from liability and accountability,” he explained. “Through our firms’ extensive network of private investigators and international law firms, we identified the factory making the knockoff products and obtained all of the evidence we needed to enforce Oracle Lighting’s Intellectual Property Rights. We thank the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court for giving us a fair day in court and we hope that this decision serves as a strong example to other American companies that they can enforce their Intellectual Property Rights in China, and they do not simply have to accept lost market share to Chinese knockoffs and counterfeit products as an inevitable cost of doing business. I applaud the folks at Oracle Lighting for bucking that trend, and I am proud to have spearheaded the efforts that lead to these successful results.”

Designed for use on the Jeep Wrangler, Oracle Lighting’s innovative Vector Grill has earned the company awards from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), including a 2018 Global Media Award and a runner-up award for the SEMA Best New Exterior Accessory Product of 2019.

The Court’s decision is still subject to an appeal to the Jiangsu Higher Court.

Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Louisiana -based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.