Author: 12VoltNews

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

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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.

Russ Harper

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.

Jason Upchurch

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.”

Chris Corry

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.”

Great to see dB Drag Racing set to kickoff the competition season.

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

Dynaudio North America Appoints ARPA of America as Exclusive US Distributor for Dynaudio Car Audio

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NORTHBROOK, IL (05.28.2020) – Dynaudio North America has announced that ARPA will serve as the exclusive distributor for Dynaudio Car Audio products in the United States of America, effective immediately.

Michael Manousselis, President, Dynaudio, Americas, commented on the
announcement, “For Dynaudio, this agreement underscores our commitment to the 12-volt market. By partnering with established mobile audio professionals and aligning Dynaudio with other leading brands serving the industry, we will be better positioned to offer the highest level of sales and customer support while providing improved service to our dealer partners and end-user customers. We are thrilled to be working closely with respected and experienced industry professionals such as George Jenkins and Scott Welch of ARPA of America. Everyone at Dynaudio looks forward to a long-term partnership that will not simply benefit our respective companies, but more importantly our dealers and customers. They remain as committed to the high-end car audio market as does ARPA and the roster of brands that the company distributes, which we are now so honored to be a part of.”

George Jenkins, President, ARPA of America, stated, “ARPA is
delighted to welcome Dynaudio into our family in our quest for the
ultimate sound reproduction. Their addition to our product portfolio
will undoubtedly be an enormous contribution towards our goal to
offer the American consumer another brand of exceptional audio
quality. We look forward to a successful and prosperous future for
years to come.”

Scott Welch, National Sales Manager, ARPA of America, added,
“Dynaudio has a long standing and legendary reputation. We are
proud to work with Dynaudio Car audio products and recognize the
extraordinary sound quality they’ll bring to the audiophile market.”

According to Manousselis, “Dynaudio will continue to heavily invest in
developing new technologies for our loudspeakers and partnering with
ARPA will allow us to reach a wider audience when new mobile audio
products are brought to market. Meanwhile, at the present time, it will afford our dealers and Dynaudio owners the absolute best service and support available in the car audio industry, as is befitting for a brand as refined, respected and exceptional as Dynaudio.”

To better meet the demands of an expanded product lineup while maintaining their high standards of customer service, ARPA has consolidated their sales functions with their new, larger west coast shipping and warehousing operations in Vacaville, CA. Existing Dynaudio dealers are encouraged to contact Scott Welch at the Vacaville office at scott@arpaofamerica.com or by phone at (707) 816-2415.

Visit dynaudio.com and arpaofamerica.com for more.

PAC Offers First Double DIN Dash Kit for Older Dodge Ram Trucks

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CLEARWATER, FL (05.27.2020) – PAC has announced a new AI by PAC dash kit, CDK665: for 1998-2001 Dodge RAM 1500, 1998-2002 Dodge RAM 2500 and Dodge RAM 3500 Trucks. 

The first-to-market CDK665 dash kit is the only double-DIN panel replacement available and is a complete dash bezel for a seamless OEM fit and finish. The high-quality plastic material of the dash kit is painted black with satin finish to keep the interior looking factory when adding an aftermarket radio. This complete kit includes hardware and instructions.

Visit pac-audio.com and aampglobal.com for more.

Petra Industries Partners with Massive Audio for Big, High-Performance 12-Volt Sound

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EDMOND, OK (05.27.2020) – Petra Industries is working with Massive Audio to distribute their line of car audio products.

Designed for true car enthusiasts, Massive Audio is a high-performance brand that delivers powerful sound and customer satisfaction. Massive Audio products are designed to readily fit OEM spaces.

“We are excited to add Massive Audio to our growing line of aftermarket products,” said Tate Morgan, Petra President. “They are an industry leader with cutting-edge, accurate audio components across multiple series and price points. This provides retailers a tiered approach to capture more sales. And end users will love the clean and powerful results. Anyone seeking to build out their line of 12-volt aftermarket audio products will find Massive Audio an excellent addition.”

The 12-volt Massive Audio product line carried by Petra includes amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers. The amps incorporate built-in OEM line converters and include models for marine, off-road, and powersports applications. Rugged and powerful speakers and subwoofers come in a wide array of sizes. And versatile component systems and tweeters kits offer additional speaker configurations.

To see the complete line of Massive Audio products carried by Petra Industries, visit petra.com.

CRUX Releases Radio Replacement Interface for Steering Wheel Control Retention – Select Subarus

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CHATSWORTH, CA (05.27.2020) – CRUX has released a Brand New Radio Replacement Interface with Steering Wheel Control Retention for Select Subaru Vehicles 2016 – Up.

Compatible models include:
SUBARU
2016 – UP BRZ
2016 – 2017 Crosstrek
2017 – 2018 Forester
2015 – 2016 Impreza
2016 – UP WRX
2015 WRX (with Nav)
2015 XV Crosstrek

Notes:
With 6.2” screen, base radio

Click here to visit the SWRSU-38C product page.

The CRUX SWRSU-38C is a radio replacement interface for select Subaru vehicles. It facilitates the integration of an after-market radio to enable retention of certain factory features such as Starlink for Subaru vehicles when replacing a factory-installed radio and is also pre-programmed for retention of steering wheel controls.

Key Features:
Retains factory features in select Toyota vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio.
Retains StarLink functionality
Retains factory Auxiliary Input
Pre-programmed to retain factory Steering Wheel Controls

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

There Are 220 Days Left in 2020… “Let’s Get Our Shine On”

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SHREVEPORT, LA (05.25.2020) – The World, and the 12volt World are 146 days into 2020, with 220 days to go. That’s right, 2020 is a leap year, and has 366 days. It certainly goes without saying the last couple of months have been unprecedented.

Richardson Electronics’ packing lot is packed with customer’s vehicles. Boxes from shipments are stacked outside the Jasper AL retailer’s store in this image from Blake Potts at AED.

In the remaining 220 days of 2020 let’s redouble our efforts across the 12volt industry to “Get Our Shine On”

Many retailers are reporting record sales days. Distributors are reporting strong sales to support retailers in their areas. All of this happening after stay at home orders ended in many states. Blake Potts, AED in Birmingham stated “I am busy talking orders in the morning and helping out the warehouse crew in the afternoon ‘picking and packing’”

Sondralee Orengia, Custom Audio-Erie PA, placed this 2’x8’ banner on the busy road facing the front of her store.

Chad Seekers at Angel Distributing offered “Dealers are coming in and asking what we have in inventory. They are not as brand or model conscious as usual. Their customers are looking to upgrade the sound in their rides”

David Holland, Shiflet & Dickson GM in Gastonia NC related “Mike, we are doing business like we did in the late “80’s and ’90’s. Key brands Kicker, PowerBass, JVC, DB Drive, Planet Audio, Metra and AudioControl are all shipping. We are lovin’ every minute of it!”

John Kelly, JCK Sales, in his office wearing an Ultra Safety mask.

John Kelly, JCK Sales in the Mid-Atlantic relayed “We are seeing strong sales to distributors. In addition Ultra Safety, from Ultra Start, is offering a new line of PPE products for dealers to help keep their customers and staff members safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic”

SonicSound in Arlington, VA completely remodeled their install bay… looks brand new. Their customer’s cars and installations shine too!

Ronnie Brashear, Epsilon VP stated “Business has been excellent in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic…but it really has been strong”

Jeff Shultz, Pioneer District Sales Manager, related “Just yesterday for me was outstanding and chaotic. Business was like what spring should be. It was non-stop and just felt great”

PHC Custom Audio in Wilmington CA is always working to get their ‘Shine On’ as they make attention grabbing posts of hot vehicle jobs!

The quotes above are especially positive for brick and mortar retailer in light of the ongoing growth of online sales. During the COVID-19 there as been a tremendous spike in online sales.

Paul Anja was thrilled to receive this order of new Kenwood products in his 5 Star Car Audio store in Clearwater FL in this image from Mike Sajecki-M.A.G. Sales.

Kicker recently reported there had been a surge in calls to the Kicker Tech Support line. More consumers seeking tech support for online purchases means there has been less face-to-face interaction with knowledgable staff members at local brick and mortar retailers.

Custom Sounds and Tint completely remodeled the store in El Paso during the COVID-19 downtime.

During the COVID-19 downtime, many 12volt retailer have spent time, energy and money to remodel their stores, showrooms and installation bays. We commend their investments to get their company’s ‘Shine On’”

A group on site at the 14th Annual Vinny in Tennessee as MECA works to restart the competition season.
Alan Wojtas, Wojtas Associates, will definitely have his ‘Shine On’ as he hits the road in TX, OK, AR and LA in this shiny new Camaro.

In the coming 220 days, weeks and months to finish 2020 the 12volt News will also redouble our efforts to showcase positives across the 12volt industry as we encourage all ‘To Get Our Shine On’”