Author: 12VoltNews

SiriusXM Announces Coverage for the Indianapolis 500

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NEW YORK, NY (05.22.25) – SiriusXM announced its broadcast schedule for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

SiriusXM listeners will have access to the live race call from Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25. Pre-race coverage begins at 10 am ET on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (SiriusXM channel 218).

SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation will also air live coverage of Indianapolis 500 Miller Lite Carb Day Practice on Friday, May 23 at 11 am ET.

Following that practice session, fans at the racetrack can watch a live taping of the SiriusXM podcast “Off Track with Hinch and Rossi,” hosted by James Hinchcliffe, a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner who has competed in the Indy 500 nine times, and Alexander Rossi, an Indy 500 winner who will be in the field for Sunday’s race driving the No. 20 car for Ed Carpenter Racing. Hinchcliffe and Rossi will be joined by guests from the worlds of racing, music and entertainment, including legendary driver Mario Andretti and members of the band CREED. The broadcast will take place outside the Pagoda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the Miller Lite Carb Day festivities, and the show will be available on the SiriusXM app and other podcast platforms.

Additionally, on Thursday, May 22, Hinchcliffe will be at Indy 500 Media Day to conduct interviews with many of the drivers in the field or Sunday’s race. Hinchcliffe’s conversations with these contenders will be available the same day on the SiriusXM app.

SiriusXM will be sponsoring Meyer Shank Racing’s three car lineup in this Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 field. The No. 60 SiriusXM Honda driven by Felix Rosenqvist will feature GRAMMY award winning Rock band CREED and SiriusXM’s exclusive Turbo channel, where listeners can find an expertly curated selection of ‘90s and 2000s hard rock. Members of the band are set to attend the event, giving fans a chance to connect with the group whose anthems helped define an era of rock music before heading out on a national tour kicking off July 9th. Fans go to https://creed.com for more information.

The SiriusXM colors will also be on the No. 66 Spectrum Honda of Marcus Armstrong and the No. 06 Cleveland-Cliffs Honda driven by four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.

On Monday, May 26, Diplo’s Revolution (SiriusXM channel 53) will broadcast from the Indy 500 Coors Light Snake Pit and broadcast performances by Illenium, Two Friends, Kayzo and Oliver Heldens.

SiriusXM’s Listen Free event runs from May 22 through June 2, so everyone can listen to the SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel and SiriusXM’s coverage of the Indianapolis 500, as well as Diplo’s Revolution. During the Listen Free event, anyone with an inactive satellite radio can tune in and listen to more than 100 SiriusXM channels for free in their vehicle.

Visit www.siriusxm.com for more.

MTX Announces LESCO Distributing Partnership

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PHOENIX, AZ (05.22.25) – MTX Announces that BEI, Inc. has secured a new distribution partnership with LESCO Distributing, bringing them on board as an official MTX distributor for Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia. Known for their outstanding customer service and strong dealer relationships, LESCO is a valued addition to the MTX distribution network.

“LESCO will be stocking a full range of MTX products, including Mobile Audio, Power Sports, and Marine lines—helping BEI Inc reach more customers with the performance, reliability, and innovation that define the MTX brand” Mike Beyersdoerfer, BEI Inc. Principal stated.

“Having first worked with LESCO in 2012, we know firsthand the strength of their team and the value they bring to the table. We’re looking forward to reuniting and working closely together to launch new products and drive continued MTX growth in these key markets” Beyersdoerfer concluded.

For more email beimike555@gmail.com or 970-310-9598.

Pioneer Electronics Inc. Appoints AJ’s Audio Distributing Inc To Cover Alabama, Tennessee And Mississippi

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TORRANCE, CA (05.22.25) – Pioneer Electronics Inc appoints AJ’s Audio Distributing, LLC’, located in Gadsden AL as the Pioneer Distributor for Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, representing a key milestone in Pioneer’s new go-to-market distribution strategy designed to enhance reach, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

To celebrate, Pioneer Electronics Inc excited offers a grand prize giveaway! Dealers who place a minimum order of $1000 with AJ’s will be entered into a drawing to win one of two DMH-W3000NEX receivers. This is an amazing opportunity to expand your inventory of Pioneer products, build your partnership with AJ’s, and potentially win an exceptional Pioneer in-dash receiver.

One winner will be selected each month from June through August 2025.

AJ’s Audio Distributing is a family-owned distributor that has well over 30 years of experience in this industry. Currently distributing over twenty lines, AJ’s takes pride in offering Pioneer to all its dealers. They value dealers like family and offer weekly specials. Operation out of Gadsden, AL with over 50,000 sq ft of warehouse space.

For inquiries, please contact Jaysam Odeh, Pioneer Team Lead and a 12-year industry veteran, at 256-547-9896 or visit www.ajsaudiodist.com

Pioneer is committed to supporting AJ’s Audio Distributing, LLC in this growth phase, providing the necessary resources, and backing to ensure a seamless and successful transition.

The SSR Distributors Show Was Center Stage For The 12volt Industry On Sunday May 18th

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DALLAS, TX (05.21.25) – The SSR Distributors show rolled in Dallas on Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Attendees were able to check out a car show, spend time with over 40 vendors in their booths, attend trainings and take advantage of many show specials. They also took the opportunity to register and win raffle prizes with giveaways too. This was a family friendly event and many families attended and also enjoyed delicious food from the food trucks.

The Saturday night SSR Distributors family dinner took place at the Saltgrass Steakhouse in Dallas.

Previous distributor shows this spring have been well attended and the SSR show was right there at the top. With all the uncertainty caused by tariffs dealers have taken advantage of the opportunity to stock up on specials to drive business through the coming summer season. That definitely happened at the SSR show.

Tracy Farr, SSR VP Sales and Operations, stated we had factory staff members travel from both the East Coast and the West Coast to spend time with dealers and present their products here in our Dallas location. In fact staff members from STETSOM actually made this a stop as they came up from Brazil to connect with customers across the USA. We definitely had a lot of excitement throughout our 25,000 square-foot facility in Dallas and attendees had an opportunity to check out demo vehicles outside also as they enjoyed networking and the delicious food from the food truck.”

Attendees lined up at the food truck for lunch.
Early Sunday morning, the bounce house was set for the family, friendly event.

Continuing Farr offered “Attendance this year was surprisingly strong, especially considering the challenges with current tariff pricing and inventory supply. It was definitely encouraging to see such a great turnout. Again this year, our trainings continued to improve. The credit goes to our incredible manufacturers and rep partners as they continue go above and beyond for us. Their support is something that we never take for granted and we truly couldn’t do it without them.”

“We’re also incredibly grateful to our dealers, both large and small for their continued loyalty and energy. We genuinely love and appreciate every one of them.”

The showroom was set with specials stacked on tables.
Jimmy Bradfield, Momentum Marketing, conducting a tuning training session.

“As for the show itself, the presentation and execution reflect a top-down commitment. Amir Dhahani’s going support is a huge part of our success in Dallas. He empowers me and the staff to do whats needed here and trusts the process, which makes a huge difference. Our incredible sales team Arturo, Rostom, Mike and Manny along with new hire Ricky Farmer did a great job. Ricky was at the show and in the trainings. He will be calling on Power Sport dealerships, marine and boat dealerships outside.”

Continuing, “The back end of the house, our warehouse team, absolutely killed it with the heavy lifting to put such a great show on for us.”

Vendor booths and tents set up in the warehouse.
Dealers filled the aisles in the warehouse with well-stock shelves going to the ceiling.

“On the show floor itself the hottest product category this year was definitely direct fit by Kenwood, JVC and ADS iDatalink and the APX kits. There was definitely a lot of buzz and excitement from dealers around those products. Overall, the business energy in the territory feels cautiously optimistic and dealers are focused on making things happen. For Amir and myself, the main takeaway was simple.. great results come from great partnerships. The collaboration across the board from reps, manufacturers and dealer is what drove this show. Our ongoing success a heartfelt thank you to all” Farr stated.

The SSR Distributors vendor appreciation dinner had over 50 people enjoying a steak dinner at the Saltgrass Steakhouse. There was a solid turnout and it was a great way to jumpstart the SSR 2025 show on Saturday night before the Sunday show. At the dinner Farr let everyone know why its called ‘Our SSR family dinner’. That showed all that SSR truly appreciates their support and they certainly couldn’t drive business forward without those partnerships.

“We again thank everyone for being a part of this journey with SSR Distributors Dallas” Farr concluded his dinner remarks.

Visit ssrdistributors.com for more.

ADS Ships iDatalink Maestro APX Kits

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MONTREAL, QC (05.21.25) – Automotive Data Solutions Inc. (ADS), a leading innovator in OEM
integration solutions, proudly announces the initial shipment of its new iDatalink Maestro APX kits,
marking a major milestone after a strong wave of pre-orders from its network of authorized dealers
and distributors.

The iDatalink Maestro APX kits bring advanced OEM integration to a new category of radios featuring
large 10.1-inch floating and OEM-style 8-inch screens, offering streamlined installation and enhanced
vehicle coverage while blending in with factory aesthetics. These next-generation solutions are
engineered to reduce complexity and maximize performance, making them the go-to integration
platform for today’s increasingly sophisticated vehicle systems.

“Maestro APX is more than just a product; it’s a revolutionary solution built for our technology
partners and professional installers alike,” said Robert Di Cesare, General Manager of ADS. “ We’ re
proud to help solve today’ s complex integration challenges while keeping radio replacement at the
forefront of the specialist retailer’s business.”

The iDatalink Maestro APX platform is fully compatible with a range of premium head units from
launch partner JVCKenwood, ensuring a seamless integration experience. Supported models include
the JVC KW-Z800AW and KW-Z1000AW, as well as the Kenwood DAX8000S, Kenwood eXcelon
Reference DAX800XR, and DAX1050XR. These trusted radios, paired with an iDatalink Maestro APX
kit, provide users with a superior aftermarket solution for upgrading in-vehicle entertainment and
OEM retention.

For more information about ADS, visit www.adsdata.ca

Nominations Open for 2025 SEMA Industry Awards

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.21.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has opened nominations for its prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at www.sema.org/awards.

The SEMA Industry Awards are presented to individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty equipment industry during the past year. The program recognizes honorees in six different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, and the Visionary 8.

“It takes hard work to grow an automotive specialty-equipment business – even more so to grow an entire industry,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Jose Escobar. “Award nominees should exemplify outstanding professionalism and service that has propelled the industry forward.”

Nominations are open for:  

  • Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail, and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed. 
  • Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts.
  • Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology, and/or trends. 
  • Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding industry contributions and innovations.  
  • Person of the Year: Honors an individual for their outstanding contributions to SEMA and the broader automotive specialty-equipment market.  
  • Visionary 8: Honors eight emerging leaders on track to drive innovation and positive change in the automotive aftermarket industry. This award showcases up-and-coming talent, honors their accomplishments, and introduces them to their community.

The SEMA Show is where automotive icons and next-gen disruptors converge to celebrate the past, present, and future of the aftermarket industry. The festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 cutting-edge New Product Awards will be unveiled alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA’s Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue the same day at the newly reimagined industry homecoming – SEMA Industry Honors – now staged at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry’s biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, and the coveted Person of the Year.

Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year – a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build – will open in August. Learn more at www.sema.org/awards.

KENWOOD Direct Replacement Receivers Are Now Shipping

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LONG BEACH, CA (05.20.25) – It’s official — KENWOOD’s new Direct Replacement receivers are now shipping to dealers across the country. First revealed at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas 2025, this groundbreaking product line gives drivers and dealers a seamless, OEM-style upgrade option that looks as good as it sounds.

Designed to mount directly into factory dash openings, these receivers eliminate the need for expensive dash kits or custom modifications. Thanks to a T-Harness type solution made possible by iDatalink Maestro APX, installation is faster, cleaner, and preserves factory features.

And now, iDatalink Maestro’s APX kits are shipping too, bringing the complete solution full circle.

Now Shipping:

  • DAX8000S – Feature-packed KENWOOD model
  • DAX800XR and DAX1050XR – Premium eXcelon Reference models with audiophile-focused upgrades

Game-Changing Integration with iDatalink Maestro APX:

  • 12 unique APX kits cover the full range of vehicles supported at launch — giving dealers more coverage with fewer SKUs
  • Each kit includes metal mounting brackets to secure KENWOOD’s receivers using factory points
  • Also includes vehicle-specific T-Harnesses for a clean connection to OEM wiring
  • Requires purchase of the ACC-HU-KEN-1 interface harness for direct connection — no cutting, soldering, or crimping needed

UProduct Highlights:

  • Fiber Optic Output (XR models only) for pristine signal quality
  • Hi-Res Audio, Split-Screen CarPlay/Android Auto, Vibrant HD Displays, and more
  • OEM-Style Fit that makes installs look and feel factory
  • Compatibility with 50+ million vehicles at launch, and more to come

“This launch isn’t just about new receivers — it’s about a better way to do installs,” said John Lucas, Vice President of Sales for KENWOOD USA. “With the iDatalink Maestro APX kits now available, dealers can simplify their inventory and deliver a premium experience without the hassle of traditional dash kits.”

Ready to ship. Ready to install. Ready to change the game.

Visit www.kenwood.com/usa for full details.

JVC Direct Replacement Receivers Are Now Shipping

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LONG BEACH, CA (05.20.25) – JVC’s Direct Replacement receivers are now officially shipping, giving installers a smarter way to upgrade factory audio systems — without the hassle of custom dash work. First shown at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas 2025, this new product line is designed for today’s vehicles, with a clean fit, premium features, and seamless integration.

And now, with iDatalink Maestro APX kits also shipping, the full solution is in dealers’ hands.
Built around a T-Harness type installation made possible by iDatalink Maestro APX, JVC’s Direct Replacement receivers mount directly into factory dash locations and connect to OEM harnesses — no cutting, crimping, or soldering required.

Now Shipping:
• KW-Z800AW – Clean, modern design with powerful features
• KW-Z1000AW – Larger display and expanded performance

About the New iDatalink Maestro APX Kits:
• 12 kits cover all supported vehicles at launch, giving dealers fewer SKUs and more install flexibility
• Each kit includes metal mounting brackets to adapt to factory dash points
• Includes vehicle-specific T-Harness wiring for true plug-free, streamlined installation
• Requires the ACC-HU-KEN-1 harness to enable full direct-connect capability

Key Product Features:
• Factory-Look Integration with support for over 50 million vehicles
• Hi-Res Audio, Split-Screen CarPlay/Android Auto, Modular Chassis, and more
• Bright 8″ and 10″ HD displays deliver a high-end look and feel
• Designed to install quickly — and look like it’s always been there

“The combination of our Direct Replacement receivers and the new iDatalink Maestro APX kits gives dealers the tools they’ve been asking for,” said Steve Cote, Director of Sales for JVC Mobile Entertainment. “It simplifies the install, expands compatibility, and preserves the factory look customers love.”

JVC’s ready. iDatalink Maestro’s ready. The next chapter in in-car integration has officially begun.

Learn more at www.jvc.com/usa

Maxxsonics Poised for Success with New Regional Sales Manager

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.20.25) – Maxxsonics is poised for higher success in 2025 with the addition of new Regional Sales Manager — Chris Brinkley. With over two decades of experience in the car audio and mobile electronics industry, Chris Brinkley brings a deep and extensive background in (B2B) sales, installation, training, marketing, vehicle-specific integration, and brand development — along with a deep passion for the mobile audio space.

“I have an extensive background in some of the newest technologies in our industry and hope to help grow the passion, excitement, and drive the popularity of the entire family of Maxxsonics car audio brands,” said Brinkley.

“I am excited to be joining the Maxxsonics team — between the four different brands and their amazing story and history, I couldn’t be happier. I’m looking forward to building awareness and showing how good of a partner Maxxsonics can be for its dealers and distributors,” concluded Chris.

Chris Brinkley

Chris’s career began in 2001, and from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2014 to 2022, he served as a manufacturer’s representative covering the TX, OK, LA, and AR territory. In 2022, he transitioned into a larger direct role with another car audio manufacturer, where he was instrumental in sales strategy, technical training, marketing efforts, and overall brand growth. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Chris is uniquely positioned to support a diverse customer base and provide exceptional service across multiple regions.

Over the years, Chris has built strong relationships with dealers and distributors through his hands-on approach, technical expertise, and industry presence.

“Chris has the experience, energy, and industry knowledge we value. He’s joining a team of real enthusiasts and hitting the ground running with a product lineup that continues to gain momentum — from our Jeep and Tacoma STAGE Kits to the strong performance we’re seeing in car audio with Hifonics and Crunch,” said Eddie Ramirez, Maxxsonics National Sales Manager.

Chris Brinkley is expected to play a key role in enhancing Maxxsonics’ market presence, strengthening dealer and distributor relationships, and driving growth across all brand platforms. Known throughout the industry as @caraudiochris, his passion for the category and commitment to dealer success make him a valuable addition to the Maxxsonics team.

“We’re thrilled to have Chris join the Maxxsonics family,” said Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics. “His technical expertise, bilingual communication skills, and passion for the industry make him an outstanding asset to our team. We’re confident that Chris will make an immediate impact and help us take our sales and customer support efforts to new heights.”

Chris Brinkley’s addition to the Sales team reassures Maxxsonics’ commitment to investing in top-tier employee and sales talent to support its growth and innovation initiatives across the mobile audio industry landscape.

Maxxsonics continues to grow its presence across both aftermarket and OEM markets, investing in people, products, and partners to drive long-term success.

Follow the link for complete details on Maxxsonics and their entire family of audio brands. https://maxxsonics.com/

The Progressive Group Announces Southeast Territory Sales Team Update

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TAMPA, FL (05.19.25) – “We are pleased to introduce a new Southeast Sales Team that significantly expands our coverage and support for both our customers and vendor partners. They all have the ability to speak to shop managers and owners, as well as salespeople, and are just as comfortable in the installation bay reviewing installation techniques,” Mike Sajecki, Vice President-East, stated.

KEVIN SLACK joins the Team Progressive East team with over 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, customer service and technical roles with all grounded in the aftermarket automotive industry. His background includes district sales and technical training roles with Pioneer Electronics USA and InstallerNet, including ownership of an automotive installation business and leadership in custom automotive services. Kevin is known for driving growth, streamlining processes and delivering exceptional customer experiences. He will be covering South Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

CHRISTIAN VENN brings over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry and a lifelong passion for car audio. He has spent the past two decades at AAMP of America (now Stinger Solutions), where he held key leadership roles, including Team Phantom Sales Director and most recently, Eastern Regional Director. His deep industry knowledge plus track record of leadership and innovation make him a great addition to our team. Christian will focus on North Georgia and Tennessee.

PATRICK EILAND rounds out the team and strengthens support in the Carolinas, Patrick is relocating from South Florida. A Certified Sales Professional with more than 15 years in the 12volt space, Patrick has extensive experience across the automotive, marine, motorcycle, and powersport markets. His deep familiarity with our brands, systems and processes will be an immediate asset as The Team Progressive East grows in North and South Carolina.

MARK GLEISNER is to be the anchor of the Atlanta branch, where he’s done an exceptional job turning it into one of our top-performing locations. He will maintain some outside sales responsibilities while continuing to oversee day-to-day operations at the branch.

JON EDGE and BARRY COX remain in place as our inside 12volt sales team, supporting local distribution and serving as key resources for both our Southeast customers and outside sales reps.

To fill the opening in South Florida, ALEX CASTRO will be transitioning from Branch Manager to Outside Sales. Alex brings tremendous enthusiasm to this new role and is eager to put his extensive marine experience to work supporting our South Florida dealers.

“Please join me in welcoming Kevin and Christian to the team, and in supporting Patrick and Alex as they take on their new roles. Everyone is engaged and their mobile numbers are listed below. If you have any questions or need updated contact info, feel free to reach out.

Kevin Slack: 623-687-4702
Christian Venn: 727-647-2111
Patrick Eiland: 954-224-8345
Mark Gleisner: 770-833-8444
Alex Castro: 954-888-8743

For more see teamprogressive.com