WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2020) — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), in partnership with eight other automotive trade associations, urged the National Governors Association and Governors of all 50 states to standardize the definition of essential businesses and workers. The groups recommend adoption of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) March 28 directive, “Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response,” which identifies essential workers and business operations throughout the economy. DHS guidance clarifies that automotive repair, maintenance, and transportation equipment manufacturing and distribution facilities are “essential services” that are critical to ensuring the safe and ongoing operations of our nation’s transportation and logistics sector.
The organizations sending the letter represent companies that manufacture parts and supply services to help maintain the nation’s fleet of public and private vehicles during COVID-19—from cars, trucks and buses to police and emergency vehicles. The letter notes that Governors and local authorities have been making difficult decisions balancing “essential” commercial activities with “Shelter in Place” directives. It is important that states adopt the DHS Guidance, which provides a uniform national approach for protecting the country’s critical transportation and manufacturing needs.
The letter was signed by the Auto Care Association, Automotive Oil Change Association, Automotive Service Association, California Automotive Business Coalition, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, Specialty Equipment Market Association, Tire Industry Association, Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trades, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.
SEATTLE ,WA (04.09.2020) – This week will be the 4th installment of AudioControl’s training series broadcast on ZOOM and Facebook Live from the Company’s HQ in Seattle, WA.
On Thursday, April 9th at 11AM PST, Matt Palumbo-National Trainer and Chris Bennett-Director of Mobile Audio will focus on the AudioControl LC Series amplifiers. Palumbo related “We will cover what makes these amplifiers different and how to use these powerful, feature packed amplifiers in the most efficient way for better sounding installations.”
This presentation is the 4th in the series as the AudioControl Team is encouraging all practicing social distancing, and staying at home, to utilize their time to prepare to get back to work.
“The first 3 sessions have been well attended and we trust we will have a large audience for our 4th training session” Palumbo concluded.
MIAMI, FL (04.09.2020) – Diplomat Trading, exclusive U.S. agent for Nakamichi Car Audio, has announced the appointment of Elite Sales Marketing as the new Michigan sales representative. Elite will take over the state of Michigan from Audex Marketing and the retiring Bill Barron.
“Bill did a great job sowing the seeds and launching the Michigan market to let everyone know that ‘Nak is back’ in the USA,” commented Robin McNeal, Nakamichi Car Audio National Sales Manager. “And now we are looking forward to continued growth with Neal.”
Neal Batson – Rep Principal of Elite Sales & Marketing
Neal Batson is the rep principal of Elite Sales & Marketing and has covered the Michigan territory representing 12V manufacturers for over 18 years.
“Over the years Neal has built great relations with dealers throughout Michigan and the Motor City and we are pleased to have him as part of our nationwide rep force,” said McNeal.
Dealers interested in finding out more about Nakamichi can contact Neal Batson at (248) 765-9717 or nealtherep@gmail.com
For more information about Nakamichi Car Audio, visit their global website at www.nakamichicaraudio.com
I’m writing to share two things you might find helpful relative to the Covid-19 pandemic.
First, I want to reassure you that AudioControl continues to remain fully open and operational. Please reach out to myself or any of our office and support team, working from home for any needs….
Secondly, after a number of calls and meetings with many of you, I want to provide links to valuable information from the Small Business Administration that might be helpful to you at this time. Many of you may have already tapped into these resources but I wanted to send out what I have collated over the past days….
1) I listen to this brief webinar most days at 9am Pacific. It is noted by Ami Kassar of Multifunding Advisors (NOT a loan company). His webinar is staying abreast of the current situation and provides daily updates as regulations change. A good daily update. Register here:
2) Paycheck Protection Program : An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Covid-19 pandemic. 3) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance: A loan advance that provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses currently experiencing temporary difficulties. 4) SBA Express Bridge Loans: Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. 5) SBA Debt Relief: Information on the SBA’s financial reprieve to small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. 6) U.S. Department of the Treasury: Comprehensive information on all aspects of the CARES Act.
I hope these links and the link to Ami Kassar’s daily update are helpful at this time. Keep in touch with anything we can do to help…
“Underglow is nothing new but our new Dynamic ColorSHIFT kit has a ton of unique features and allow the user to adjust every aspect of the lights with their smartphone for the ultimate in controllability,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Our specially-designed kit includes four self-adhesive LED strips that fit most vehicles. Although not intended for on-road use, our LED underglow lights give your car or truck the appearance of floating and will make it stand out from the crowd at the next car show.”
The new Oracle Lighting Dynamic ColorSHIFT technology is the latest advancement in the company’s expansive lighting modifications. The Dynamic features allow the user to run multiple moving color patterns through the LEDs using the free app, creating a vivid eye-catching lighting effect. The LEDs can be set to individual colors to match any color paint or vehicle theme.
“Conveniently controlled through a free smartphone app, the system features more than 200 pre-programmed moving patterns as well as static color control,” Hartenstein continued. “In addition to the pre-programmed features, the user can also create custom designs through pixel editing in the app.”
The LEDs are Double insulated to IP69 standard for durability and are waterproof enough to be submerged underwater. Installation and wiring is easy with Plug-and-Play connectors and a controller that installs by simply connecting the black and red wires to the battery. With the controller connected to the battery the user can then control the lights via your smartphone.
Package Includes:
(2) 4-Foot Dynamic ColorSHIFT IP 68 waterproof strips for vehicle’s front and back underbody
(2) 6-Foot Dynamic ColorSHIFT IP 68 waterproof strips for the vehicle’s passenger and driver side underbody
(1) Dynamic ColorSHIFT Bluetooth® controller
Installation accessories
Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive market since 1999. Oracle thrives on low-to-mid production specialized components with a goal of providing a dual benefit to clients by lowering manufacturing costs and reducing lead-time for product development.
ONTARIO, CA (04.08.2020) – PowerBass’ newly designed XL Series Subwoofers, feature the same great look and performance you are accustomed to but are now optimized for extended low frequency response giving you even more bottom end sound and increasing the overall sound quality aspect of your bass tones.
Boasting a custom turbine style frame constructed of polycarbonate/glass fiber, this unique basket supports dual stack magnets and a extended dome backplate.
PowerBass utilizes a combination of perimeter and pole venting to keep air circulating over the voice coil so everything stays cool.
XL SERIES SUBWOOFERS Dual and Single 4Ω Voice Coils XL-844/844D 200W RMS XL-1044/1044D 350W RMS XL-1244/1244D 400W RMS
Features:
NEW Large Roll Santoprene Surround
8″, 10″, & 12″ Dual or Single 4-Ohm Subwoofer
Proprietary Non-pressed Paper DDC Coated Cone
2.0″ Vented BASV Voice Coil Former
Perimeter Aero-Vent Voice Coil Cooling Vents
Proprietary Non Resonance Polycarbonate/Glass Fiber Basket
Chrome Push Terminals
Optimally Designed for Both Small Sealed or Ported Enclosures
ORLANDO, FL (04.07.2020) – Tint World Longwood, the Orlando area’s leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, invited Orlando-area auto enthusiasts to safely connect with up to 300 other fellow car lovers this past weekend at an online event created to keep the local car scene running during a period of social distancing and stay-at-home mandates.
Pete Muller posted this image on Sunday, to test the live video feed, prior to the live Virtual Car Meet Zoom call.
“Orlando has a huge car scene,” said Tint World Longwood owner Pete Muller. “You can typically find a car show every day of the week. For many people, it’s an important part of their social life. So while we’re all staying in place as much as possible, we hosted a virtual car show this past weekend that anyone could join from their own driveway or garage.”
This image is a screenshot of the live Virtual Car Meet Zoom call. Images of enthusiasts on the call are pictured. Muller is pictured on the top row-Second from the left. Tara Bush, Zoom call co-host, is pictured top row 3rd from the left.
The virtual car meet was hosted on Zoom on Sunday, April 5, from 4-6 p.m.
TintWorld Orlando’s Pete Muller commented to 12volt News, “This was a very good ‘experiment’ and possibly the very first live car meet on Zoom. In and out we generally had over 20 enthusiasts on the Zoom call. We were all relaxed, had a beverage in hand and talked car stuff. All could see the cars and garages of those on the Zoom call. All in all it was a very positive 2 hours.”
Tint World Orlando posted this announcement for the Live Virtual Car Meet days prior to the Zoom call.
Tara Bush, who owns FLACarShows.com, co-hosted the Zoom live car meet with Muller.
“I noticed there were several names on the Zoom call that I was not familiar with from the store. They will be good followup opportunities. Also, I noticed a few on the call had a ski rig or an ATV,” Muller added.
Great to see proactive 12volt retailers, like Pete Muller, exploring new ways to connect with consumers and create interest in the wide selection of products 12volt retailers offer in today’s marketplace.
CLEARWATER, FL (04.07.2020) – Stinger Marine has announced the first universal dash kit for boat owners who want to upgrade their marine audio, with minimal modifications.
The SEADASH dash kit allows you to easily add or convert to a 3-inch gauge marine-style aftermarket radio, even if the current opening is an oversized splash protector or single DIN rectangle. The 8 independent mounting configurations will not require additional modifications on most applications.
Available in white and black, these dash kits feature OEM-grade ASTM-G154-16-certified UV-protected ASA and stainless hardware for a multitude of installation configurations without having to modify the console in any way. Of course, they also work perfectly with Stinger’s new SPXM1 Radio, launching this summer 2020.
The kit is available at a very low MSRP of $39.99.
OXNARD, CA (04.07.2020) – BOSS Audio Systems has announced the launch of four new Elite Series amplifiers. The BE1200.1D, BE600.2D, BE300.4D, and BE2200.5D are now shipping.
“As more and more consumers are looking for more power for the buck, BOSS Elite has the answer with four new amplifiers that are powerful, but also provide the durability at a price point that can’t be matched,” explained Doug Kern, BOSS Audio Systems VP of Sales. “Compact in size but with Class D power, these amps really pack a punch in little packages allowing those with not much space in their rides to create a great system. No matter the install, BOSS Elite has the amplifier for you.”
The new BOSS Elite amplifiers feature: • High and Low Level Inputs • Fixed High/Low Pass Crossovers • Variable Bass Boost • Remote Subwoofer Control • Illuminated End Panel Strips • 5-Year Elite Warranty
The BOSS Elite BE1200.1D 1200W (MAX) monoblock, Class A/B amplifier also features: • Power (Max): 1200 W X 1 @ 2 ohm; 600 W X 1 @ 4 ohm • Dimensions: 7.8in. L x 4.6in. W x 1.7in. H • MSRP: $99.99
The BOSS Elite BE600.2D 600W 2-Channel Full Range, Class D amplifier also features: • Power (Max): 300 W X 2 @ 2 ohm; 150 W X 2 @ 4 ohm • Dimensions: 9.7in. L x 4.6in. W x 1.7in. H • MSRP: $124.99
The BOSS Elite BE300.4D 1200W 4-Channel Full Range, Class D amplifier also features: • Power (Max): 300 W X 4 @ 2 ohm; 150 W X 4 @ 4 ohm; 600 W X 2 @ 4 ohm (Max bridged) • Dimensions: 9.7in. L x 4.6in. W x 1.7in. H • MSRP: $139.99
The BOSS Elite BE2200.5D 2200W 5-Channel Full Range, Class D amplifier also features: • Power (Max): 300 W X 4 @ 2 ohm; 150 W X 4 @ 4 ohm; 600 W X 2 @ 4 ohm (Max bridged); 1000 W X 1 @ 2 ohm (5th channel); 500 W X 1 @ 4 ohm (5th channel) • Includes Remote Subwoofer Control • Dimensions: 15.3in. L x 4.6in. W x 1.7in. H • MSRP: $229.99
“Packed with features and the reliability BOSS Audio has become famous for, our new Elite Series amplifiers won’t break the bank while providing your system the power it craves,” Kern concluded.
MIAMI, FL (04.06.2020) – Just before the Coronavirus changed all of our lives, Omar Fakhri and his son Laithe drove to South Florida from their home outside Dallas, Texas to pick up the 230 Reef Runner center console that they won in the Battle Breast Cancer Giveaway at February’s Miami International Boat Show. It couldn’t have been a better Spring Break and birthday gift for Laithe, who just turned 12, and his father, who with the Reef Runner Boat, is beginning his “fleet,” adding to his current 26’ center console fishing boat.
Omar Fakhri the Reef Runner winner, along with his son Laithe, and Patrick Farres-Reef Runner during the sea trial of his new 230 Center Console won in the Battle Breast Cancer Giveaway at the Miami International Boat Show 2020.
Fakhri learned of the Reef Runner campaign, its third annual boat giveaway campaign to fight breast cancer, through an online forum where he has been active for 10 years. Like most who have had a family or social circle brush with breast cancer, Fakhri was eager to support a good cause, but never dreamed of actually winning the boat. His wife even told him, “No one wins a fishing boat!” So when Reef Runner’s owner, Donna Milo, called Fakhri on February 17 and told him he won, he was in an airport, traveling internationally and laughed, “Yeah, right, I know you’re screwing with me!” It took a moment for reality to set in, as the group of sponsors and fans at the Miami Boat Show had gathered at the Reef Runner booth and were listening eagerly to the speaker-broadcasted phone call.
Omar and his son Laithe pictured with their new 230 Reef Runner. They drove from outside Dallas to pick up the Reef Runner prize from the Battle Breast Cancer Boat Donation at the Miami International Boat Show 2020.
At delivery a few weeks later, grins were broad and spirits were high as the father and son team joined with Patrick Farris, VP and Donna Milo, owner of Reef Runner Boats for a sea trial and the twin 230 center consoles hit Biscayne Bay. Fakhri connected his phone by Bluetooth to the KICKER Marine Audio system, tuning in his son’s favorite Sirius Radio channels.
The donated KICKER system, valued at just under $5,000, included bow and T-top mounted speakers, lighted coaxial covers, a subwoofer, amplifier, source unit and remote and was installed by Reef Runner as a weather proof system to all KICKER certified and marine compliant standards.
These Kicker Speakers, just part of the $5,000 Kicker system, will be Livin’Loud as Kicker Marine Audio ‘Goes Overboard’ with the system on the prize 230 Reef Runner.
“KICKER did a great job on this system!” said Fakhri, “It was easy to connect, and we cranked it up—WOW! It was really loud!” They adjusted it a bit to enjoy their favorite tunes and the duo set out with a mild chop and wind on Biscayne Bay.
Laithe named the boat “Trident” as a nod to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea’s spear, since he saw the 23’ Reef Runner piercing the sea. He and his father were setting out to get the feel of the boat–and its sound system—while heading to a local beach to go for a swim, explore the area for the afternoon and plan the rest of their trip before heading back to Texas. The experience provided some family bonding–a real plus to a perfect South Florida boating day! Fakhri intends to use the Reef Runner as the family’s “reef” boat for shallow red and snapper fishing.
“This hull holds really well—she’ll lean in the turns but holds!” said Fakhri. Milo explained that Reef Runner’s keel strake enables that handling—“She loves the waves and just wants to jump over them! There’s no pounding,” Milo added.
The Battle Breast Cancer boat giveaway enjoyed sponsorships not just from KICKER Marine Audio, but also from Evinrude, Edson, TACO Marine, Ocean Tamer, SeaDek by Castaway Customs and Center Consoles Only, but KICKER was pleased to add to the prize package, plans to continue its support, and as a result, became Reef Runner’s sound system of choice for its boats. “We love the system!” says Milo, “It was easy to install and the quality and sound is impeccable!”
“We are pleased to support the effort of Reef Runner Boat as so many of us have had our lives touched by cancer. We see this as a great opportunity to add our expertise and products to this effort—boats built for a great cause!” says Jeremy Bale, KICKER Marine Audio’s National Brand Manager for Lifestyle and Marine Products. “KICKER Marine Audio delivers a trustworthy experience,” he adds, “We deliver total confidence in our product as proven in over 40 years of manufacturing top-quality mobile sound systems, with the goal to continually grow our brand and reputation in the recreational marine marketplace.”
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