Accent Mobile Rear Seat Entertainment Solution Checks All the Boxes

Posted on June 1, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Accent Mobile.

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (06.02.2020) – Accent Mobile, a division of Accele Electronics focused on solutions for Expeditors, Upfitters and Fleet Managers is pleased to announce, their latest solution for Rear Seat Entertainment, the ACTHRD9850WK 9” Active Matrix Headrest Entertainment Kit. The universal Headrest system with its unique slide clamp, quick release system will fit any Headrest, active or passive. The system includes an Optical Drive that supports all popular Disc formats. as well as. The system includes (3) interchangeable color skins (Black, Tan, Grey) to blend into most vehicle interiors. Each Kit contains (2) 9” LCD Monitors with built – in Disc Drives, (2) Sets of Wireless Headphones and (2) Game Controllers.

Our ACTHRD9850WK is unique in that it checks all the boxes. In addition to the Optical Drive, users will discover an HDMI input (1) SD Card slot, (1) USB Port, and an RCA Composite A/V Input. This ensures users can continue to use all the media in their libraries for those long road trips with children”, stated Bob Goodman, Director of Channel Sales, Accent Mobile. “For complete flexibility, choices for listening include a built in FM Modulator, a 2 Channel IR Headphone transmitter, a 3.5” headphone jack and built in speakers. Children can keep themselves busy with the included 16 Bit Game Disc and Game Controller.

Additional Units may be connected together to share Video from the built in Disc players. All functions are easily accessible with the included IR Wireless Remote Control. The ACTHRDVD9850 includes an adjustable mounting bracket and a set of five mounting adapters to accommodate a variety of post mount head rests. The mounting bracket is adjustable from 5.1875″ to 8″ wide (OC). The five mounting adapters are compatible with 10.4, 11.3, 12, 13, and 14.3mm post diameters. It is also adjustable for different headrest pillow depths from 1.75″ to 3.625″ (OC). The 90 degree adjustment provides an optimal viewing angle. For security and convenience, each monitor is easily removable while leaving the mount in place” , said Goodman.

The ACTHRD9850WK MSRP is $799.95, Like all Accent Mobile Products, The ACTHRD9850WK has a 3 Year Warranty and is available immediately.

Visit accentmobile.com for more.

Jammin’ N June… It’s Summertime

Posted on May 31, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.01.2020) – “It’s Summertime and time to ‘Crank It Up’! Get Jammin’ N June with great gear for your ride. HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps and speakers that will get your ride Jammin’ N June.” Those words, and that message, can grab the attention of consumers and create store traffic for 12volt retailers.

Competitors gathered for a group shot with their dB Drag Racing Trophies in front of FX Audio in Saturday, May 30, in Spruce Grove Alberta.

Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has led to a dramatic spike in online sales. Jammin’ N June themed activities by proactive 12volt retailers can drive consumer traffic into stores and very importantly drive sales.

Competitor’s vehicles lined up at the FX Audio dB Drag Racing event in Spruce Grove Alberta Canada.

It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and raise the hair on their arms.

In many sections of the U.S. 12volt store traffic, and sales, have been strong for 12volt retailers. dB Drag Racing competitions in Canada, Indiana and Utah just this past weekend were very well attended. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up.

The dB Drag Racing event had over 100 enthusiasts in the Sound Check Mobile parking lot in Lafayette IN at 10AM Sunday morning, May 31st, for the competition.

On Saturday, May 30th, the dB Drag Racing competition at FX Audio took place under a warm sunny Canadian sky. Ray Choy, dB Drag Racing International Judge, related “Everything went very well. Overall we had 15 competitors and it was a great event plus we had a lot of spectators at the store. Several competitors came just to visit and one competitor broke down on the way into Spruce Grove. Everyone was excited to get the 2020 competition season rolling”

RP Patel, Sound Check Mobile in Lafayette IN, commented to 12volt News during a phone call Sunday morning “We have over 100 people here in store’s parking lot for the dB Drag Racing competition before noon. Looks like we will have a busy day in the lanes. It’s a great way to start the sound-off season for sure”

dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors pictured with their trophies under the Boomin’ Audio event tower at the Spring Super Slam in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st.

The Boomin’ Audio Spring Super Slam filled the V Auto Care parking area in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st. Andy Teuscher relayed “This is a great way to start the competition season. There was a lot of excitement from dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors. Jeffrey Fernandez traveled in from SoCal and we both stayed super busy judging in the lanes and meeting with competitors. The Jones Subwoofer Solutions and V Auto Care teams really worked to make all come together for a super event”

After a busy day in the Boomin’ Audio lanes, Andy Teuscher (L) and Jeffrey Fernandez already for a cool one. Or two!

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.

Let’s get Jammin’ N June!!

KICKER Tech Force Continues Training Amid COVID-19

Posted on May 31, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

STILLWATER, OK (06.01.2020) – In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, KICKER’s Tech Force continues training dealers and installers worldwide, efficiently making use of retailers’ time that normally might be spent on consumers that are no longer walking into stores. The four-man team educates KICKER representatives online about new gear releases, what makes the equipment special, and product tips that may provide a purchasing advantage over the competition.

KICKER has held nearly a dozen online-only trainings in the past month, with new “unboxing” and additional training videos slated in the coming weeks. The Tech Force teaches to an industry that is hungry for tools to use when stores reopen and some sense of normalcy returns.

John Myers, KICKER Tech Force Senior Trainer, pictured in the studio at KICKER World HQ in Stillwater, OK.

“We can answer questions live, from anywhere in the world, right from the KICKER offices,” said John Myers, KICKER Tech Force senior trainer. “It’s also a chance to teach dealers and the public about all new technologies we’re rolling out in 2020. It’s really exciting!”

For example, Myers conducted a 45-minute course on several new KICKER products and technologies, reaching out to South African distributor partners at Planet World and several retailers within the country. He covered feature-intensive projects like the new KEY500.1 Smart Mono Amplifier, the re-voiced KS-Series speaker lineup, clever uses of KICKER LED speaker rings and more. A live Q-and-A session was held simultaneously to answer any questions.

KICKER plans on releasing training videos on social media, and on the training section of the company YouTube channel: KICKERFanatic.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Hifonics ZEUS Gamma Subwoofers Designed for Ultimate Power

Posted on May 31, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.01.2020) – The ZG12D4 ZEUS Gamma mobile subwoofer is a 12″ subwoofer that includes dual 4 Ohm design, through-the-frame venting with a mesh grill, and a rear motor cover to protect the back of the subwoofer.

Learn more about the ZG12D4 ZEUS Gamma subwoofer HERE.

The ZG10D4 ZEUS Gamma mobile subwoofer is a 10″ subwoofer that also includes dual 4 Ohm design, through-the-frame venting with a mesh grill, and is ideal for medium and large ported enclosures.

Learn more about the ZG10D4 ZEUS Gamma subwoofer HERE.

FEATURES & BENEFITS ACROSS THE ZG SUBWOOFER LINE INCLUDE:

SUBWOOFER TERMINAL TYPE
Spade style terminals for easy installation

SURROUND/CONE COUPLING
The pressure treated blue foam surround along with the ZEUS spider helps keep the piston motion of the subwoofer linear and distortion-free

VOICE COIL/FORMER ASSEMBLY
Vented aluminum former holds 2” voice coil that allows heat to be exchanged (Less heat means less distortion)

SPIDER
Specialized Hifonics cotton spider allows the subwoofer to handle more power with minimum distortions

FRAME/VENTING
A unique Hifonics heavy-duty powder-coated steel frame allows back venting, which exchanges heat with cool air, resulting in more power handling and increased reliability

MOTOR
Vented high energy motor assembly with 37oz magnets increases power handling and SPL

Obtain bass that’ll redefine your expectation of sound and FEEL THE BOOM in all of your audio. Embrace the POWER of ZEUS!

Learn more about the entire lineup of ZEUS Gamma subwoofers HERE.

Visit hifonics.com for more.

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Superior Audio Sounds Wins Spin 78

Posted on May 30, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (05.30.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 78, is Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX. The Wheel landed on the CRUX space Friday morning May 29th. Chris Savala answered the phone and was very happy to hear the news. A CRUX interface product will be headed their way.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, Image Dynamics 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 and Xtreme Autosports. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, June 5th.

Real Performance Marketing Seeing Very Positive Results from Recent Staff Expansion Across the Southeast

Posted on May 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Real Performance Marketing.

ATLANTA, GA (05.29.2020) – RPM was a one-man show just four years ago when Scott Hochmuth took his three decades of Car Audio experience and two decades of Powersports experience and started his own rep company in the Southeast. Early on the opportunities were mainly coming from the Powersports side of the business, but with the rapid expansion of Powersports audio, RPM was in a perfect position to attract lines like MTX Powersports and Wetsounds.

The new lines allowed RPM to add a 30-year Car Audio veteran, SPL competitor, and former shop owner, Mike Hall to the team covering the Carolinas. In the middle of last year RPM added Jay McLaurin to bolster the Powersports side. bringing with him 10 plus years of dealership parts manager experience. Jay works in the Gulf Coast area for RPM.

January of this year saw RPM doubling with the addition of three more reps. Russ Harper with 30 years of Powersports Rep experience has taken over the western part of their area. Jason Upchurch who was a dealership owner and GM for 25 plus years is specializing in Powersports and Marine in the Eastern Carolinas, and Chris Corry who owned businesses in both the Powersports and Marine industries is working in the South Florida area.

Unlike many rep companies that have an experienced owner and a younger and less experienced sales team, RPM has over 130 years of combined experience in the Car Audio, Powersports, Powersports Audio, and Marine industries that they serve. According to owner Scott Hochmuth “We have an amazing team culture and we keep a group text open all day sharing our challenges and successes, plus we have such an experienced group someone on the team knows the answer to just about any question that comes up.”

With smaller territories, and being able to focus more time and attention on their dealers, RPM has experienced explosive growth and is on pace for a 50% increase for 2020.

Real Performance Marketing represents Wet Sounds, MTX, ARC Audio, Audiofrog, Audio Legion, Aunex and MMats on the audio side and premium lines like Klim, 509, Shark, Quin, Race Sport and more on the Powersports side.

Visit the RPM website for more.

Autohaus Automotive Solutions Distributing PermaSafe Surface Protection

Posted on May 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

HAYWARD, CA (05.29.2020) – The COVID-19 Pandemic has given rise to consumer needs for protection from the CoronaVirus. In-vehicle protection is a new category that provides a unique opportunity for 12volt retailers.

Manny Moncada, mask in place, pictured holding a PermaSafe sprayer and items by a standup banner in his Hayward location.

Autohaus Automotive Solutions is now distributing PermaSafe. PermaSafe is a revolutionary EPA approved antimicrobial surface protectant that safely and continuously eliminates passenger cabin germs, bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms.

Hayward CA based Autohaus Automotive Solutions is an established 12volt retailer that is now offering complete vehicle disinfection and long term antimicrobial protection for the store’s customers. Autohaus Automotive Solutions is also distributing the PermaSafe product line.

PermaSafe master cartons are stacked on a pallet, with more to be added, before the freight line picks up.

Manny Moncada, company owner, related “Consumers today want to be protected from the CoronaVirus. We treating vehicles with PermaSafe. At between $249 and $299 we offer a complete package for our customers. That includes disinfecting the vehicle and applying a protective layer with a 3-year life.”

Autohaus Automotive Solutions has inventory on hand and is filling PermaSafe orders across the U.S.

See @autohausautomotive on Instagram to see a video and contact details.

CRUX Intros Bluetooth Handsfree for Vehicles with Factory ISO Connectors

Posted on May 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

CHATSWORTH, CA (05.29.2020) – Crux introduces the BTI-ISO a bluetooth handsfree kit made for all vehicles with factory ISO connectors.

Key Features:

Illuminated 3-key wired remote control for easy access to functions.
Voice dial function (voice tags) on compatible phones.
Automatic radio mute function when call is received.
Capable of pairing 2 phones at the same time.
A2DP music streaming capability on 4 speakers.
Power/Speaker harness with ISO connectors.

Click here to visit the BTI-ISO product page.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

Design Engineering, Inc. Offers Pre-Cut Hood Insulation Kits for Muscle Cars

Posted on May 27, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged DEI.

AVON LAKE, OH (05.28.2020) – Show off your muscle car engine in style with new Pre-Cut Hood Insulation Kits from Design Engineering, Inc.

Custom-cut to fit a variety of classic muscle car hoods, the Pre-Cut Hood Insulation Kits control heat and sound in the engine bay, protect the vehicle’s finish from high temperatures and chemicals, and look great doing it.

“DEI’s Pre-Cut Hood Insulation Kits are the perfect replacement for worn-out, dirty hood liners,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “Made from our black under-hood material, the kits help control heat and sound, protect your paint from engine heat, and provide a clean, stylish appearance.”

Click here to view product details.

Pre-cut kits with an aggressive adhesive backing make for an easy peel-and-stick installation. Kits are available for a variety of muscle car applications including:

1964-’65 Chevrolet Chevelle (# 050128)
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle (# 050127)
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle (# 050126)
1968-’69 Chevrolet Chevelle (# 050125)
1970-’72 Chevrolet Chevelle (with non-functional cowl) (# 050124)
1967-’69 Chevrolet Camaro (Z/28, SS, base) (# 050099)
1969-’70 Ford Mustang (base, Mach 1, Grande, GT-350, GT) (# 050098)
1966-’67 Chevrolet Nova (# 050093)
1969-’74 Chevrolet Nova (# 050096)
1971-’74 Pontiac Ventura (base, GTO) (# 050096)
1973-’74 Oldsmobile Omega (# 050096)
1973-’74 Buick Apollo (# 050096)
1965-’67 Pontiac LeMans/GTO (# 050094)
1968-’70 Pontiac LeMans/GTO (# 050095)

Visit designengineering.com for more.

dB Drag Racing to Cap the Month of May on a High Note

Posted on May 27, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged dBDRA.

AUSTIN, TX (05.28.2020) – dB Drag Racing is set to cap the month of May with 3 events. dB Drag is set to be Rockin’ in Alberta Canada plus the states of Utah and Indiana.

Wayne Harris, dB Drag Racing, related “Due to the COVID-19 crisis these will be our first events this May. We are cautiously optimistic that each of the events will be successful. We have communicated with all of our judges and they will be following all social distancing and any local governing directives. I feel wearing a mask is the best approach at all public events. We can’t wait to get the dB Drag Racing season underway.”

Ray Choy, noted dB Drag Racing International Judge, is pictured at FX Audio in Spruce Grove Alberta Canada where the dB Drag Racing competition will take place on Saturday, May 30th at 5 PM.

The weekend kicks off with a Car Audio Competition at FX Audio in Spruce Grove Alberta on Saturday, May 30th, that gets underway at 5 PM. FX Audio has a history of hosting successful dB Drag Racing events and they are set to get the competition season off and running. Ray Choi offered “We host 5 or 6 events at FX Audio each season and hope to have 25-30 competitors at this event. Business is getting much better as people are getting out again and the weather could be in the 80’s this Saturday. Look forward to seeing everyone in the lanes.”

Sound Check Mobile will host an event on Sunday, May 31st in Lafayette IN. RP Patel, Sound Check Mobile, owner relayed “We have probably 15 dB Drag events each year and are looking to seeing 50 competitors on Sunday. We had an event scheduled but had to cancel due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are looking to see our friends and competitors at our store at 480 Farabee Drive, Lafayette In 47905 this Sunday.”

Boomin’ Audio Competitions is set to host Spring Super Slam on Sunday, May 31st, in Toole UT. Jones Subwoofer Solutions, and V Auto Care are event Sponsors. The event will be held at the V Auto Care location.

Andy Teuscher offered for Boomin’ Audio “We are excited to finally get the competition season underway. Competitors from as far away as Boise ID and New Mexico are rumored to be attending. Jeffrey Fernandez is coming in from SoCal to officiate the dB Drag competition and I will be officiating the USACi competition.”

Continuing Teuscher related “We are taking competitor safety very seriously. Pre-registration is open and we will be encouraging the use of face coverings plus social distancing. We will sanitize cables, sensors, jigs and globes plus computers. We will no longer be providing hearing protection and competitors will need to use their own. We will limit contact with a wireless card reader or the option of digital transfer. We look forward to hosting a great event and getting the competition season off to a strong start.”