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:

Jim Skaggs – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Jade Lindow – Anchorage Remote Start and Sound – Anchorage, AK

Top 50 KICKER Installers:

James Halter – Stereo & Video Center – Tyler, TX

Aaron Iwane – Car Toys Denver – Denver, CO

Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Matt Vowell – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Jesse Mitchell – Safe & Sound Car Audio and Security Inc. – Manassas, VA

Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL

Alejandro Caballero – Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Fernando Lopez – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL

Alex Mendez – Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Mario Paredes – M & M Pro-Audio – River Grove, IL

Austin Thorne – Tunes-N-Tint – Lakeland, FL

Dalton Trainer – Car-Tunes, Inc. – Greenville, MS

Visit kicker.com for more.

SiriusXM Extends and Expands Relationship with General Motors

Posted on September 14, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SiriusXM.

NEW YORK, NY (09.15.2020) – SiriusXM has announced an extension of its long-term agreement with General Motors (GM) that will continue the relationship between the two companies into 2027. As part of the new agreement, GM will increase vehicles equipped with SiriusXM to nearly all Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles beginning with model year 2021.

“General Motors was the first automaker to begin factory-installing SiriusXM on select Cadillac models in 2002, and we are very proud to be extending and expanding that longstanding relationship into 2027,” said Steve Cook, EVP, Sales and Automotive, for SiriusXM. “GM, forever a leader in delivering innovative technology to their customers, has produced tens of millions of vehicles with SiriusXM installed over the course of nearly 20 years and will deliver SiriusXM to more of their customers than ever as part of this new agreement.”

“Our long-standing relationship with SiriusXM reinforces GM’s commitment to provide our customers with the features and services they love,” said Santiago Chamorro, Vice President for Global Connected Services, GM. “No matter where they’re going, or how long a trip will be, SiriusXM has a channel or content option for everyone, making the ride that much more enjoyable.”

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac customers purchasing or leasing SiriusXM equipped vehicles will continue to receive a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM All Access, SiriusXM’s most robust programming package. SiriusXM All Access delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied content, plus access to SiriusXM outside their vehicles on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers in their homes. Customers who purchase or lease pre-owned Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles will also continue to receive a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM All Access.

Additionally, GM will continue to roll out its integration of SiriusXM with 360L to nearly 1 million Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. The number of GM vehicles equipped with SiriusXM with 360L will continue to increase in the years ahead. SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single in-vehicle entertainment experience, upgrading the way the subscriber interacts with the service by providing more choice, a more personalized user experience, and access to thousands of hours of on demand content in the vehicle.

For more information, click here. Visit siriusxm.com for more.

EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is Exhibiting at the NAFA 2020 Institute & Expo Virtual Show

Posted on September 14, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Echomaster.

CLEARWATER, FL (09.15.2020) – EchoMaster Fleet Solutions, the commercial division of AAMP Global, is showcasing their full-service solution capabilities for Fleet, Commercial, and OES at the NAFA 2020 I&E Virtual trade show.

EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is a full-service provider with a passion for engineering efficient solutions for Fleet, Commercial, and OES. From safety and security products, custom wiring harnesses, fleet monitoring, national installation services, and more – EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is dedicated to help deliver excellence for any upfitting need.

EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is featuring the following capabilities at the NAFA 2020 I&E:

Custom Wiring Harness Manufacturing: We can develop custom wire harness solutions to help streamline and standardize installation services – for any vehicle.
Custom Safety Solutions: We create plug-n-play custom solutions to simplify installation and save time and money.
Telematics: We offer a complete telematics solution – the hardware, the software, and support – everything you need to be successful.
Infotainment Display System, HEIGH10: Features a high resolution 10-inch capacitive touch screen, with 16.7 million colors for a full visual experience, HEIGH10 is designed to enhance screen size, and infotainment features for drivers.

The NAFA 2020 I&E Virtual show starts today virtually on the NAFA I&E show platform and will continue until Thursday, September 17, 2020. You can register for the show on the NAFA website: nafainstitute.org

To find out more about EchoMaster Fleet Solutions, visit our virtual booth during the NAFA 2020 I&E Virtual Show, or visit our website echomasterfleetsolutions.com

Jeepers Back the Blue at the Dover International Speedway

Posted on September 13, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

DOVER, DE (09.14.2020) – The Dover International Speedway was the site of the 4th Annual Jeepers Back The Blue event. Area retailer Audioworks of Delaware, with KICKER and Opus Marketing, was on site supporting the event and connecting with Jeep enthusiasts from across the region. Over 600 Jeeps were on site for the event on Saturday, September 12th.

The Jeepers Back The Blue Foundation event was organized by Jeff Lehnert to honor and raise money for the Families of fallen or injured Police Officers. Lehnert is a State Probation Officer with 23 years of service.

A ceremony honoring fallen law enforcement members and families was held at 2PM Saturday.

“Jeep owners overwhelmingly support the efforts of law enforcement. Jeepers come together as a community at events across the U.S. The Dover International Speedway is well known in the area and offered a unique venue and experience for Jeepers to show support law enforcement, connect with members of their community and take a few laps around a NASCAR track in their rides. With over 600 Jeeps on site the event was certainly very successful. Over 400 Jeepers took 3 laps on the NASCAR Miracle Mile Track” Lehnert stated.

Audioworks of Delaware, with KICKER and Opus Marketing, offered great Livin’Loud deals to Jeepers.

Continuing “We had representatives from 10 Police agencies, a special Honor Guard Ceremony mid-afternoon, K-9 demos, food trucks and vendors. Audioworks of Delaware, with KICKER and Opus Marketing, was among a large number of vendors on site” Lehnert related.

Over 600 Jeeps were on site at the Dover International Speedway for the Jeepers Back The Blue event.

Jamie White and the Opus Marketing Team worked the event under the Audioworks of Delaware and KICKER tents. Darren Thomas, Audioworks of Delaware owner, along with Bruno Berg, Chuck Ottati, Todd Ess and White set up the tents Friday night. Bright and early Saturday morning the tables were stocked with KICKER products that led to a very successful day. At the end of the day all worked as the products were packed, the tents came down and all was loaded to wrap the event.

Over 400 Jeepers took their rides for a few laps on the ‘Miracle Mile’ at Dover.

“Sales were good for the day. In addition, Darren put the store’s brand in front of a large number of Jeepers that will lead to future business. Audioworks, in Newark DE, is less that an hour from Dover. KICKER makes a wide selection of products that really connect with Jeepers so it was a great match. Audioworks of Delaware also showcased the KICKER brand at the OC Jeep Week in Ocean City MD the previous week. Area Jeepers will definitely look to Darren’s store to get their Jeeps Livin’Loud with Kicker. Being able to jump in Bill Weidemoyer’s Gecko Jeep for a few laps around the Miracle Mile NASCAR track capped a great event. We look forward to next year” White offered.

Opus Marketing’s Jamie White snapped a selfie during set up Friday night. Chuck Ottati, Bruno Berg and Todd Ess with Audioworks of Delaware owner Darren Thomas. (L to R). ‘Miles’, Miracle Mile Mascot, towers in the background.

Great to see 12volt industry retailers, vendors and rep firms working together to create consumer awareness and support very worthy causes.

On Instagram #12voltstp to see more posts from Jeepers Back The Blue.

For more, follow @12voltnews and #12voltstp on Instagram

Nakamichi Airs in New 2021 CarPlay Model

Posted on September 13, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Nakamichi.

MIAMI, FL (09.14.2020) – Amidst all the industry shortages, Nakamichi Car Audio has taken a proactive measure to assist its dealers and bring in nearly 1,000 units of a 2021 model release by air freight. The new CarPlay/Android Auto DVD receivers showed up late Friday at Diplomat Trading in Miami, the country’s exclusive agent for Nakamichi Car Audio.

“This was a bold move on behalf of Diplomat”, stated Robin McNeal National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio, “With air freight surcharges as high as 300% Diplomat and Nakamichi had the foresight and the financial means to make this happen at a time when everyone is starved for product.”

The NA6605 is a double DIN DVR receiver with a 6.8-inch capacitive touch screen that includes 4V preamp output, front and rear USB inputs, dual camera inputs and dual video outputs.

In addition, two full containers of Nakamichi head units, woofers and amplifiers are scheduled to arrive this week.

“With a MAP of $499.95 we are able to offer dealers a recognized Japanese name brand CarPlay DVD receiver that they can make full margin.”

Robin McNeal can be reached directly at (702) 558-4447 or email him at robin@usa-nakamichi.com

Visit nakamichi.com for more.

Buyer Registration Now Open for SEMA360

Posted on September 13, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.14.2020) – Attendee registration for buyers and resellers to participate in SEMA360 is now open at www.sema360.com. Available to SEMA-member buyers at no cost, SEMA360 is the new B2B online marketplace taking place Nov. 2-6, 2020, that provides the industry with a robust and viable solution for conducting business in the absence of the SEMA Show.

After organizers announced that the live SEMA Show would not be taking place in Las Vegas in 2020, SEMA360 was created as an alternative to provide the automotive specialty equipment industry with a single source from which to obtain information about new products and project vehicles while allowing manufacturers and resellers to connect quickly and efficiently. Leveraging the SEMA Show’s exclusive database and its partnerships with worldwide media, SEMA360 will give participants the ability to make quality connections and conduct valuable business that will support growth in the coming year. Fee is $25 for qualified buyers who are not SEMA members. The fee is waived for buyers who are SEMA members.

“The industry made clear that they are in need of a resource that will bring businesses together, focus on new products and give them the tools to help them successfully move into 2021,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “I’m confident that SEMA360 is the best solution for helping the industry during this challenging time. While I wish that we would be able to gather in person, SEMA360 is the industry’s best alternative to a live event.”

In SEMA360, buyers will be able to easily navigate and browse thousands of new products, complete with specs, details, demonstration videos and vehicle application. Manufacturers will have staff and product specialists available to connect and provide additional information in real-time. Throughout the weeklong event, buyers will also have access to special targeted seminars and online networking discussions.

“The New Products Showcase and Project Vehicle Gallery are key features that buyers will not be able to find anywhere else,” said Gattuso. “Manufacturers have been busy working on new products during these past several months. Buyers will be able to see what the newest offerings are, quickly, easily and efficiently.”

Qualified SEMA-member buyers may register to participate in SEMA360 for free ($25 for nonmembers) at www.sema360.com.

For more information, visit www.sema360.com, call 909-396-0289 or email semashow@sema.org.

River Oaks Car Stereo Wins 12volt News Prize on 12volt Spin-To-Win Spin 93

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

SHREVEPORT LA (09.12.20) WTF…Win This Friday. River Oaks Car Stereo won the 12volt News $100. Prize on Friday, September 11th.

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

On Friday morning, September 11th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 93rd time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The River Oaks Car Stereo slip was drawn from the jar. We placed a call to the Houston TX retailer. We left a message and trust Eddie will be excited to hear the 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, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit and Inkling Designs. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA and Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, September 18th.

Schedule Update: CES 2021 Moves Dates to January 11-14

Posted on September 10, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged CES.

ARLINGTON, VA (09.11.2020) – The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced the following updates for the all-digital CES 2021:

WHAT: CES 2021 is shifting its dates for the all-digital show.

WHEN: CES® 2021 will take place Monday, January 11 through Thursday, January 14, 2021.

View this video via the CES 2021 homepage: www.ces.tech

January 11: Exclusive media-only access
January 12: Exhibitor showcase and conference programming
January 13: Exhibitor showcase and conference programming
January 14: Conference programming

DETAILS: Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2021 will be an all-digital experience connecting exhibitors, customers, thought leaders and media from around the world. CES 2021 will allow participants to hear from technology innovators, see cutting-edge technologies and the latest product launches, and engage with global brands and startups from around the world.

For over 50 years, CES has been the global stage for innovation, and CES 2021 will provide an engaging platform for companies large and small to launch products, build brands and form partnerships.

Visit CES.tech for all CES 2021 updates and the media page for all press resources.

New STOP/START Engine Override Data Interface for GM Vehicles Now Shipping from Axxess

Posted on September 10, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

HOLLY HILL, FL (09.11.2020) – Axxess Integrate by Metra Electronics is now shipping a new STOP/START engine override interface for GM vehicles. The AXSSO-GM is designed to automatically disengage the STOP/START engine feature on select 2016-2019 GM vehicles, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.

This new and exclusive technology was previously introduced at CES 2019 for select Ford and Chrysler models. The patent-pending interface can be used with factory or aftermarket radios with no programming required. The AXSSO-GM has weather-resistant housing and harnessing with a simple two-wire installation under the hood.

As some newer vehicles come equipped with a way to disengage the engine’s STOP/START feature, there are still several GM models that do not allow the driver to turn this off. This may become bothersome at long traffic lights during hot or inclement weather, as it could affect the vehicle’s ability to cool or heat the interior.

Click here to visit the AXSSO-GM product page.

The vibration of the engine turning on and off may also be annoying to some drivers during city driving. Now, installers will have the ability to offer GM owners the option to override their engine’s STOP/START feature with the new AXSSO-GM interface.

Visit AxxessInterfaces.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

ZZ-2 Launches New Audi Wireless C-Play / Wireless Android Auto Interface

Posted on September 10, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

ZZ-2 has released the IT-AUDI line of interfaces. Rich DeSclafani stated “These interfaces provide a complete all in one solution for supported vehicles.

They offer connectivity, safety, convenience and are easy to use. This is the technology most consumers are looking for and we offer it as a complete all in one solution. These products are backed with a 3 year warranty for authorized dealers. The IT-AUDI line and all of our products can be viewed on our website http://www.zz-2.com”