Expectations to be Exceeded in Michigan by The Progressive Group

Posted on March 15, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Kenwood.

LONG BEACH, CA (03.16.2020) – KENWOOD USA announced it has hired The Progressive Group to represent its products to retailers in the Michigan market. The previous representation for Michigan came from Tim Hill of Pinnacle Sales, of whom was recently hired by KENWOOD as their Midwest Region Sales Manager.

“We are honored with the opportunity to work with The Progressive Group in the Michigan market,” said Hill. “Their proven success of market leadership and support to their customers is highly valued and recognized, and we know that this will only be further enhanced by their new presence.”

The Progressive Group brings a wealth of industry experience, providing representation for brands across 28 states by their 42 employees. They will now task 7 of their field sales reps with servicing and supporting their newly appointed Michigan dealer base for KENWOOD. The company also carries an impressive presence throughout the nation, touting 6 warehouses and being under the umbrella of their 2.3 Billion Dollar parent company, Patrick Industries.

“We have been selling KENWOOD via our R&D Distribution company for the past 5 years, so becoming the reps will be a natural transition for our team as well as our customers,” said David Russell, Director of The Progressive Group. “We share KENWOOD’s vison of creating experiences that exceed expectations and look forward to further developing our relationships with dealers in the Michigan market.”

“We needed to ensure our dealers received uninterrupted service in the territory with the same level of support that they are accustomed to,” said Mike Roberts, KENWOOD VP of Sales & Marketing. The Progressive Group was the perfect choice.”

Visit kenwood.com/usa/car for more.

DAS Consumer Electronics Dealer Show & Sale Cancels April Dates

Posted on March 15, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged DAS.

PALMYRA, PA (03.16.2020) – DAS Companies, Inc., a full-service marketing and supply chain portfolio company announced a cancellation to the April Trade Show dates.

DAS, as a Stewardship company, takes seriously its obligations to its associates, partners, and customers. The COVID-19 coronavirus has caused significant disruption to many US businesses. Further, it has caused significant concerns over travel and large group gatherings.

With this in mind, DAS has determined to cancel the April show dates for the annual DAS Consumer Electronics Show & Sale. We are working with the venue to determine the feasibility of moving the show to a future date. We are also working closely with our vendors, partners, dealers and customers on innovative ways to deliver the show content and communication while we work with the venue.

“We regret the necessity of canceling the April show dates but are committed to the safety and good health of our associates and partners,” said Rex Berfield, National Sales Manager, DAS Companies, Inc.

Visit www.DASinc.com for more.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020…Audio Jam Wins

Posted on March 14, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (03.07.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over 4 months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner is Audio Jam. The Wheel landed on the Power Acoustik space and a Power Acoustik multimedia receiver 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, SiriusXM, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics and Image Dynamics. 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 and Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Louisville TX. Congratulations to all.

This WeBoost Wilson Vehicle Cell Signal Booster, a $399. value, is one of the prizes up for grabs on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

WTF….Where’s The Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, March 20th.
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!

JL Audio and Mobile Solutions Tacos and Tunes Training Evening

Posted on March 12, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged JL Audio, Mobile Solutions.

TEMPE, AZ (03.13.2020) – JL Audio collaborated with Mobile Solutions and their Master Tech OEM Integration class on Friday evening, March 6th. JL Audio sponsored Bryan Schmitt’s class by providing a dinner for attendees. While everyone enjoyed Tacos from a local food truck and Rob Haynes, Technical Trainer with JL Audio, provided an educational training to support the OEM integration class Schmitt and the team at Mobile Solutions provided earlier in the day.

The meeting room was packed for the Rob Haynes JL Audio presentation at the Homewood Suites.

“The meeting room at the Homewood Suites was packed. Everyone in the audience was really tuned. It was a long day for them with the session at Mobile Solutions earlier in the day but all wanted to learn and were very engaged” Haynes stated.

Demo cars drew attention in the parking lot as all enjoyed tacos.

Bryatt Fischer, JL Audio Marketing Director, related “The turnout for the evening event was really good. Jon Ash-Pacific Coast Marketing, JLAudio’s AZ/NM/Las Vegas representative, did an amazing job of pounding the pavement and getting the word out about this great gathering to educate and demonstrate some of the products JL Audio offers.”

JL Audio’s Bryatt Fischer and Rob Haynes (R) flank Mobile Solutions’ Bryan Schmitt after the training session.

JL Audio also had several team members, from the Phoenix office, demonstration vehicles on hand; most featuring JL Audio’s premier C7 component drivers for active systems and VXi amplifiers with integrated DSP. Darrell Chapman (Director of Operations-Phoenix), George Babers (Logistics Manager-Phoenix) and Dan Borzone (Electrical Engineer) were onsite with their personal vehicles to show all “How We Play.”

The evening training session and dinner, at the Homewood Suites, was open for all local dealers to attend.

When: Friday, March 6^th starting at 6 pm

Where: Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix/Tempe ASU Area2104 E Rio Salado ParkwayTempe, AZ 85281, US hilton.com/en/hotels/phxtuhw-homewood-suites-phoenix-tempe-asu-area/

What: FREE food from a local Taco Truck and outdoor dining during Arizona’s best weather of the year. Experience a fleet of demo vehicles with JL Audio’s premier C7 and VXi products withJL Audio’s Technical Trainer, Rob Haynes, providing an educational training,

Visit jlaudio.com and mobilesolutions-usa.com for more.

BOSS Audio Phantom Skull Speakers Now Shipping

Posted on March 12, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Boss Audio.

OXNARD, CA (03.13.2020) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce its new Phantom Skull speakers are now available. The SK653B 6.5-inch 3-way full range 350 watt (Max) speaker retails for $29.99 (per pair), and the SK693 6×9-inch 3-way full range 600 watt (Max) speaker retails for $49.99 (per pair).

“The new Phantom Series speakers showcase BOSS Audio Systems’ innovation, creativity, and commitment to the 12 Volt market,” said Doug Kern, BOSS Audio VP of Sales & Marketing. “Affordable yet powerful with great sound quality, both the SK653B and the SK693 look as great as they perform.”

Additional features and specifications of the SK653B include:
• 350/175 Watts (Max/RMS) power handling (per pair)
• 65 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
• 90dB Sensitivity
• Poly injection woofer cone
• Rubber surround
• 1 Tweeter & 1 inch Polyimide Cone Midrange Per Speaker
• Illuminated red eyes pulse to the music

Additional features and specifications of the SK693 include:
• 600/300 Watts (Max/RMS) power handling (per pair)
• 45 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
• 92dB sensitivity
• Poly injection woofer cone
• Rubber surround
• 1 Tweeter & 1 inch Polyimide Cone Midrange Per Speaker
• Illuminated red eyes pulse to the music

Visit www.bossaudio.com for more.

Cadence 12Volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Prize to Extreme Performance Audio

Posted on March 12, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Cadence Sound.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA (03.13.2020) – Cadence partnered with The 12 Volt News, a second time in February, to giveaway a pair of QR652c2 Speakers to a 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner. The winner was announced via Instagram and it was Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno, CA. JR Garcia was the lucky winner.

“Cadence enjoys partnering with companies like 12 Volt News which gives us the opportunity to get involved with more car audio lovers and dealers like Extreme Performance Audio. We cannot wait to see what kind of car these speakers are installed in” Cadence Marketing Specialist Olivia Tedesco stated.

Click here to visit the product page.

Dealer and Representative inquiries are welcome. Visit Cadence on the web or call 626-465-3383.

Make sure to visit the new and improved Cadence website: CadenceSound.com.

All Roads in the Northeast Led to the GoFast Solutions Mobile Expo

Posted on March 11, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Go Fast Solutions.

SPRINGFIELD, MA (03.12.2020) – The GoFast Solutions Mobile Expo 2020 filled the MASSMutual Center in Springfield MA Wednesday, March 11th. Over 30 dozen top 12volt and aftermarket automotive brands showed their latest products. In addition, there were six time slots through the day for product and training sessions. Each time slot featured 4 separate vendor sessions in meeting rooms adjacent to the Expo exhibit hall.

After a very busy morning in product and training sessions, plus time on the Expo floor, all settled in for lunch and roundtable discussion.

Spring is right around the corner and time for car audio, cycle, marine and power sports seasons. The feeling on the event floor was the GoFast Solutions Mobile Expo 2020 was a terrific event that helped dealers prepare for the Spring selling season.

Brands exhibiting at the Go Fast Solutions Expo included Kenwood, Metra, Kicker, Escort, Firstech, ADS, Alpine, HushMat, Oracle, Sony, SounDigital, Memphis Audio, Triton, VAIS Technology, BrandMotion, DS18, Diamond Audio, SolarGard, Dual, PUTCO, SiriusXM, VOXX, Omega, Crimestopper, Rydeen, Audio Control and Race Sport Lighting, Kleinn Air Horns, Waylens, Rockford Fosgate and Fortin.

The Alpine training session at 10AM was full as all took the ‘Journey to Alpine Sound’ with Colette Beaudoin and Colin Vargo.

Paul Trueman, SiriusXM, relayed to the 12volt News “SiriusXM showed off the new SiriusXM Tour which is the first aftermarket unit to use 360L combining our satellite, streaming and Pandora service. It really grabbed attention in the booth.”

Kicker’s John Meyers stated “The GoFast event was great for all New England dealers. There were a lot of vendors showing a myriad of automotive accessories with awesome training seminars and factory representatives to answer dealer’s questions and see new products and technology. Matt Matheson spent time demoing the Kicker Ram to dealers while Matt Herald, Trent Partners, worked with dealers in the booth. It was a great time for all.”

Maria Zambrano checks out the latest in the Kenwood line from Matt Herald-Trent Partners the area Kenwood Rep Firm. Maria and Juan Zambrano, from Voltz Auto Truck in Bridgeport CT, drove the 80 miles to attend the GoFast Solutions Expo in Springfield.

Matt Herald, Trent Partners area representative, stated to 12volt News “We had 8 brands exhibiting at the event… ADS, Audio Control, Kenwood, Kicker, Kleinn Air Horns, Race Sport Lighting, Rydeen Mobile and Diamond Audio. Each company saw very good action in their booths. Kleinn Air Horns really raised eyebrows along with the bike in the Diamond Audio booth.”

DS18 is a new line that recently arrived in the GoFast Solutions warehouse. Ferro stated “Jason and I showed everyone that at DS18 “We Like It Loud!”

This super installation showed all that… at DS18 “We Like It Loud!”

Seth Halstead hosted a strong Kenwood session. “I had a phenomenal turnout and training. The interaction and 1-on-1 time with the dealers in the booth was excellent” Halstead related.

Rydeen Mobile’s Phil Maeda stated “The GoFast Expo was an excellent event. There was a lot of interest in blindspot safety. Both our BSS2x and BSS2LPB got a lot of attention from dealers. The event layout and training session facilities were excellent.”

Ignacio Ayala worked the Race Sport Lighting booth and conducted a training session. “The show was busy right off the bat. We had great attendance at the training and dealers were asking questions and expressing interest in the lighting. Overall a great show and we look forward to the next one”.

Jack Bogard, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, made the 175 mile drive to Springfield to attend the GoFast Expo. Bogard relayed “The show was well attended and the manufacturers all held some very informative classes. Seems Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was the big talk. I also learned a lot about marine and off-road vehicles. Attending the event was very good for my store.”

Click here to browse Instagram posts from the event via #12VNN_GoFast

The GoFast Solutions Mobile Expo 2020 was terrific by all accounts. Hat’s off to the GoFast Team, dealers and participating vendor partners.

A big 12volt News thank you to all those who contributed to this article.

NAV-TV Partners with Kaba Ilco Corp to Bring In-House Automotive Locksmith and Remote Control Programming Capabilities to 12 Volt Specialty Retailers

Posted on March 11, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Kaba Ilco Corp, NAV-TV.

CORAL SPRINGS, FL (03.12.2020) – NAV-TV Corp., a leading innovator and manufacturer of OEM integration and safety products for the automotive aftermarket, and Kaba Ilco Corp., the largest US-based manufacturer of key blanks and remote transponders for the automotive aftermarket, announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership.

Under the partnership, authorized NAV-TV dealers will have access to the complete line of Kaba Ilco automotive Futura key cutting and duplicating machines, Keyfob programming units, Key Blanks, and Look-Alike Remotes, enabling US-based 12 Volt Retailers with the ability to cut, program and clone automotive key fobs and remote controls.

“This opportunity opens up a completely new category for 12-volt retailers” stated NAV-TV Account Executive, Richard Flynn. “Not only does this provide NAV-TV dealers with a new profit center, but it will help to drive customers into their stores that would otherwise not be exposed to what our industry has to offer.”

Ilco and NAV-TV have been running test markets with select NAV-TV dealers since December 2019. Vik Moolchandani, General Manager of Long Island, NY based Avenue Sound, stated, “We brought the Ilco system into our Patchogue location in December of last year and have had tremendous success with the product. We are seeing attachment sales of the key fobs to existing customer tickets, as well as increased foot traffic as a direct result of the category. The key fob programming and key cutting services have opened up a new, high-profit revue stream for us and we will be adding an additional Ilco system at our Freeport location soon.”

Setup and product training is provided at no additional charge and attractive equipment financing and lease options are available. For dealers that may have an existing key cutting machine and/or key fob programmers, the Ilco key blanks and look-alike remotes may be ordered a-la-cart. According to Ilco, their products are not affected by the coronavirus parts availability shortage, and their products may be directly substituted for competing products that may be in limited availability.

“Our new partnership with NAV-TV has not only opened our eyes to a brand new channel, but has provided exposure to a new information stream that will no doubt help us in the development of new products”, stated Kaba Ilco Account Manager, Jeff Brown. “We are excited and look forward to the future of our partnership.”

NAV-TV representative Phil Chartier and Ilco’s Jeff Brown will be visiting NAV-TV dealers with the Ilco demonstration van throughout the New England and New York area during late April and early May, with additional territories to be announced shortly. To schedule a free product demonstration at your facility, please email Phil at 12voltphil@gmail.com for an appointment.

For more information on Kaba Ilco products, or NAV-TV’s existing line of over 950 other integration and safety products, please contact your NAV-TV sales representative at (866) 477-3336 (USA and Canada toll free) or (561) 955-9770 (International), or email our sales staff at sales@navtv.com

Soundstream Releases Wake Tower Speakers

Posted on March 11, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Soundstream.

LOS ANGELES, CA (03.12.2020) – If you want to bring big sound to your outdoor adventures, you’ll love these powerful 6-1/2” tower speakers from Soundstream. Designed for marine and off-road use, these rugged, powerful speakers can be heard from far away, so if you like it loud, you’re in the right place.

Made for marine and off-road use
Soundstream speakers rock like crazy, but they’re also built to last. Durable, lightweight polypropylene-mica cones and titanium dome tweeters are housed in rugged Centrex baskets, while the internal components are sealed for protection against moisture. With UV-resistant Centrex grilles and stainless-steel mesh over the tweeters, these speakers are tough enough to stand up to the rigors of outdoor life.

Ready for your tower or roll cage
The adjustable cast-aluminum mounting clamps are built to last and designed for 360-degree rotation, so you can point your sound where you want it to go. The package includes rubber inserts that make it easier to install the speakers on most round or oval-shaped towers, and on cages up to 2-1/2” in diameter.

Lights, Sizes, and Color Avaliable
Choose Gloss White or Gloss Black in 6.5” and 8” Configurations. These speakers are pre-wired for Soundstream’s LED Light rings and Spotlights (sold separately, link below). The RGB LED light rings look really cool, while adding a set of LED spotlights to these multi-directional tower speakers will make nighttime docking a lot easier.

Visit Soundstream.com/Marine for more.

Following the Devastating Tornado Nashville, Volunteers Work to Recover and Rebuild

Posted on March 10, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged P&E Distributors.

NASHVILLE, TN (03.11.2020) – People in Nashville, surrounding communities and rural areas are are working virtually non-stop to recover from the devastating tornado that struck in the middle of the night March 3rd. The 175 mile per hour winds of the category 4 tornado killed over 2 dozen people and left many miles of the total destruction of homes, businesses and farm land.

Members of “Team Orange” pictured in the church after arriving Friday night. Josh Eatherly far left and Josh Buis on the right.

P&E Distributors is headquartered in the Nashville suburb of Goodlettsville and employs a large staff. Josh Eatherly related to 12volt News “Thankfully none of our employees were harmed. We had 3 employees who had minor property damage. With that being said almost everyone had extended family or friends who were heavily affected. There has been much volunteerism happening they are actually sending people home from clean up sites. Nashville will rebuild over time. East of Nashville in Putnam County all were not as lucky and we, as a company, started directing our efforts there.”

Pizza was on the menu Friday evening to get Team Orange set for the heavy work day on Saturday. P&E’s Josh Eatherly pictured standing on the left.

Continuing Eatherly stated “We have had so many vendors reach out and contribute to the cause. Kicker, Metra, Odor 1, Airlift, Truck Hero and Race Sport Lighting offered support very quickly. We will be supplying free a Chain Saw and small Engine Spark Plugs to cleanup workers courtesy of E3.”

A homeowner gave each member of Team Orange a “Thank You So Much Brick” to take home as a reminder of their work in Nashville.

Eatherly added “The biggest help came from a key vendor and friend Scorpion Protective Coatings. Company COO Josh Buis organized a group of nine young men from Greencastle, IN to come help clean up on Saturday March 7th. My sister Stephanie helped partner with Dalewood Baptist Church to house the group who worked their tails off. I enjoyed speaking with them and seeing their enthusiasm when they arrived late Friday night and we ordered pizza and set the plan for Saturday.”

A Crisis Response Team coordinator sets the plan with Team Orange.

Josh Buis offered to 12volt News “When I heard the news of the tornado I called Josh at P&E first thing. We knew people in and around Nashville needed a big helping hand. We loaded up on Friday afternoon, March 6th, after school and our group of 11 headed to Nashville…arriving about 9 PM after the 5 hour drive to Nashville from our home base in Indiana. Damon Carrington and I traveled with the 9 young volunteers. Josh’s sister had made arrangements with the church for a place for us to sleep. Pizza was on the menu and we all got to sleep for the job ahead on Saturday.”

On Saturday the crew, that would become known as “Team Orange”, was on site in Putnam County east of Nashville. “Team Orange” work was coordinated through the local Crisis Response Unit as they cleared debris and worked along locals and other volunteers. All “Team Orange” members worked through the day and departed at dark on Saturday evening. “Team Orange” arrived home just before midnight Saturday night.

Team Orange members work to remove a large tree trunk.

“We definitely gave it all we had throughout the day on Saturday. On the drive back to Indiana I looked in the rearview mirror and “Team Orange” members were all laid back…and enjoying the great Kicker headphones that Kicker and P&E supplied to each member of the team. We can’t thank Kicker and Josh enough” Buis concluded.

The trip to Nashville was sponsored by Scorpion Protective Coatings, Odd Fellow Printing, RSQ Fire Protection and P&E Distributors along with the Huff and Boggess Families.