APEX and Aurigin Part Ways, Conclude Zapco Distribution Agreement in the USA

Posted on December 30, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged APEX, Aurigin, Zapco.

ATLANTA, GA (12.31.2019) – Effective December 31, Aurigin Inc., the master distributor for Hybrid Audio Technologies in the USA, will step down as the domestic distributor of the Zapco brand of car audio products. ARPA (formerly ARPA of America), established in California in 1993, has previously held responsibility for the distribution of Zapco products and will bear that torch once again.

As the two companies go their separate ways, ARPA will be focusing on the Zapco brand and its dealers, and Aurigin will, according to Scott Buwalda, Founder and CEO, “focus on its core competency building exceptional speaker systems from entry-level to reference-level, while expanding its dealer sales network.”

Any currently authorized Zapco reseller will continue as a Zapco dealer with ARPA, and ARPA will immediately assume all responsibilities of sales, warranty, technical support, and other services. Enzo Biasella of ARPA stated “first we would like to thank the Aurigin team for supporting the US market while carrying the Zapco brand, and at the same time we would like to announce our distribution of Zapco and ESB brands in the domestic market by ARPA starting January 1, 2020. ARPA will intend to sell only high-end products to highly qualified retailers tailored for a demanding public.” Biasella continues “please join us and be a part of a new era; our most exciting days are ahead of us.”

Likewise, in the coming weeks, all former and current Hybrid Audio dealers will be contacted personally to discuss exciting new products for 2020, and aggressive sales programs.

ARPA will be hosting a meet-and-greet and product demonstration at Kingpin University on January 8-9, 2020, coinciding with the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) the same week. For more information about the ARPA event to be held at Kingpin University, contact John Borges (john@zapco.com), or Elad Ben Shlush (elad@zapco.com).

Scott Buwalda of Aurigin / Hybrid Audio Technologies will be present at Kingpin University as well, and will be greeting Hybrid Audio Technologies dealers, domestic sales representatives, and international distributors, and those interested in becoming the same. To RSVP a spot to speak one-on-one with Scott Buwalda, RSVP to sbuwalda@hybrid-audio.com. To learn more about Hybrid Audio Technologies, now celebrating its fifteenth full year of operation, contact 1.833.AURIGIN or info@aurigin.us.

Rydeen to Showcase Tombo360 Rear View Mirror / DVR with Video Surveillance

Posted on December 30, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged CES, Rydeen.

TORRANCE, CA (12.31.2019) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics has announced a new and unique 360-degree video rearview replacement mirror with built-in touch capable 10-inch HD monitor. Unlike other mirrors that can capture and record DVR video, the Rydeen Tombo360 DVR Mirror also houses a 360-degree 4K High Definition digital video camera. Tombo, which means “dragonfly” in Japanese, symbolizes the capability of All-Seeing-Vision. It provides a full view of both the inside and outside of the vehicle from the vantage point of the rearview mirror.

Rydeen will display the Tombo360 at International CES, January 7-10, 2020 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Suite 2230.

The stunning 10-inch frameless mirror embeds a full-length touchscreen that controls and displays streaming 4K video. The single 360-degree camera streams and records video from all sides of the car. Users can then choose to display the front of the car, sides of the car and the rear seat, for monitoring passengers.

The mirror can also work with a backup camera with HD video quality.

Users can swipe left and right on the mirror to view the particular perspective they wish to see. They can also set the mirror to show split screen views of multiple angles (including left and right-side lanes or front view plus backseat). See quick video clip:

Click her to view a video featuring this product.

When the DVR mirror is off, it becomes a normal reflective mirror, however, the video recording can continue in the background.

What makes this product so unique is that the Tombo360 can show a 360-degree view simultaneously on all multiple view selections for complete viewing coverage. The Tombo360 mirror can also stream video from behind the car and automatically switch to a rear view when the car is in reverse.

In the future, Rydeen will add 4G/5G capability to the Tombo360, so that it becomes a “virtual technology hub” for any car, including older vehicles. With the optional wireless 4G/5G connection, parents can check on teen drivers in real time, viewing both the car cabin AND the surroundings of the car, or owners may view a parked car’s condition and surroundings at any time. If a car was damaged while parked overnight, the owner can view video footage of the incident directly from the mirror or on their smartphone or tablet from the cloud storage.

Rydeen Mobile Electronics CEO and Founder Phil Maeda said, “Even older vehicles can benefit from cutting edge technology with the Tombo360 mirror. This is the only automotive mirror of its kind that combines both streaming video and a 360-degree camera for views in and around the vehicle,” he continued, “The Tombo360 now becomes the base platform for adding future technology; not only 4G or 5G, but also facial recognition or unattended vehicle security.”

Unlike other 360-degree cameras that present a rounded, “fish-eye,” distorted image, the Tombo360 uses internal processing to flatten the image and present a bright, clear, and realistic view.

Our system uses a Sony Hi-Res CMOS sensor with advanced HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, adjusting lighting conditions for clarity and perfect resolution in any situation. This is important when the outside lighting is bright and sunny, but the inside cabin lighting is darker. Rydeen has overcome this lighting challenge, which continues to plague most other systems.

Users may change the camera angle to face the front. Then the Tombo360 mirror can view the right and left views beyond the A-pillar of a vehicle to see the outside view without obstacles. It can automatically change the screen view for blind spot elimination. The mirror also automatically triggers the optional rear camera when the car is placed in reverse, offering a seamless system for all driving directions.

“This is the first generation of our platform, which will continue to incorporate industry leading technology,” added Maeda.

Rydeen will display the Tombo360 at International CES, January 7-10, 2020 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Suite 2230.

Contact Rydeen at 310-787-7880 or sales@rydeenmoble.com to arrange a meeting or demonstration.

Visit rydeenmobile.com for more.

DS18 Shipping New Super Tweeter

Posted on December 30, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged DS18.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (12.31.2019) – One of the things DS18 is well known for is their abundance of options for enthusiasts to choose from. The company has a plethora of speakers in every size to provide near unlimited solutions for every possible thought that may come to mind for your install.

The next evolution of their super tweeters is the very sleek PRO-TW920 which handles 150w RMS and 300w maximum power. These are the big brother of their very popular TW-82. These super tweeters are larger, louder, and handle more power.

These monster tweets safely play anything from 2000hz to 20khz to bring the full high range of concert venue sound to your vehicle of choice. They come in sleek black aluminum with black bullet centers with threaded mounting shafts. The shafts are threaded so you can have a flush tweeter or use the shaft to create a directional sound like a more traditional horn driver.

These tweeters come in 4-ohm DCR, have a neodymium magnet, and a sensitivity of 106DB. This correlates to a very loud tweeter on low power and can handle more power much more efficiently.

MSRP: $61.95 each.

Click here to visit the PRO-TW920 product page.

Visit ds18.com for more.

Jackie Cooper Electronics’ 12 Days of Christmas Campaign Connected

Posted on December 29, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Jackie Cooper Electronics.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (12.30.2019) – Jackie Cooper Electronics utilized a 12 Days of Christmas social media campaign to connect with consumers during the last half of December.

Beginning on Monday, December 9th, a new 12 Days of Christmas graphic was created and posted each day that highlighted a new product offer. A gift certificate was featured for gift giving. A $100 gift certificate was actually worth $125 to the recipient.

A image with examples of the daily 12 Days of Christmas posts.

Jill Splitt, who handles the JCE social media posts, created and posted a new 12 Days of Christmas post each day of the campaign. Splitt stated “Our goal was to create visibility for the wide range of products we offer. The idea of the gift certificate was that the person receiving the gift certificate could choose their own gift. A $300 gift certificate was actually worth $375 to the recipient.”

Products featured in the posts included window tint, Alpine and Kenwood receivers, Viper alarm, JL Audio Stealth enclosure, Wet Sounds Tower Speakers, Backup Camera, Hood paint protection and Escort Radar Detector.

Posts like this grab followers’ attention while creating branding for JCE.

In a phone call to Jackie Cooper Electronics on Thursday, following Christmas, Jill stated “We have been so busy. December has been a very strong month. We feel the social media campaign, with the daily offers, did a lot to put our company’s name in front of consumers and create store traffic.”

Members of the JCE Team had some fun posting this image for Halloween.

Donnie Chaffin runs the day-to-day operations at JCE. The company, that offers a wide range of mobile electronics products plus commercial window tint, has been a leading 12volt retailer in the OKC area for over 5 decades. Jill Splitt is Donnie’s sister and a member of the very talented Team at JCE.

Visit jce.com and instagram.com/jackiecooperelectronics for more.

Race Sport Lighting Awards, Trainings, and New Products at CES

Posted on December 29, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged CES, Race Sport Lighting.

RINGWOOD, IL. (12.30.2019) – Race Sport Lighting will recognize their top performing dealers, distributors, and sales representatives at their Annual Meeting held on Monday, January 6^th, during The CES Show in Las Vegas. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks leading up to CES.

Here are this year’s award categories:

Dealer of the Year
Rep Firm of the Year
Distributor of the Year
Tint World Dealer of the Year
MESA Dealer of the Year
The AAM Group Distributor of the Year

The meeting will also include a rep calibration training. This training will update the Race Sport Lighting sales force on industry trends and deep dive specifically into the lighting category. The training also will cover new technologies and tools Race Sport Lighting will be equipping their reps with in 2020 to continue to deliver valuable assistance to their dealers and distributing partners.

NEW PRODUCTS AT CES

Race Sport will also be releasing three new products at CES. Namely, their new “chasing” LED strips (RS5M5050IP68-C), mini LED spotlights (RS10WMP-S, RS10WMP-F, RS2LED3120), and 7 inch round headlight conversion with multi-color LED accents (RS7RGBBC).

Visit www.racesportinc.com for more.

Crux Intros Universal 4 Channel Video Switcher for OEM & Aftermarket Infotainment Systems

Posted on December 29, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged CRUX.

CHATSWORTH, CA (12.30.2019) – CRUX has introduced the CSS-41 – a universal 4 channel video switcher made for front, rear, & side-view cameras for OEM & aftermarket infotainment systems.

UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY:
The CRUX CSS-41 is designed to allow for universal compatibility with aftermarket & factory systems (OEM requires interface)

Key Features:

4 camera inputs

Automatic left and right turn signal triggering

Automatic backup to front camera switching

Includes an RF remote control for force viewing of the cameras

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Set to Roll Into 2020

Posted on December 26, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Spin to Win.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.27.2019) – The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Just over a month ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday a 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

James Halter, Stereo & Video Center in Tyler TX, shown with the CRUX gear he won when the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the first time in October 2018.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, Quantum, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Hypnotic Audio, PPI, db Drive, JBL and Image Dynamics. SpellBrite, a manufacturer of in-store signage, also has a space. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolls each Friday morning at 10AM in the 12volt Central Studios video suite.

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 and Badlands Customs. Congratulations to all.

Pete Muller, with a happy smile on his face, holds the Cadence subs in front of the display board in his Tint World Orlando Store.

Today let’s have some fun. The next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel is today, December 27th.

Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post include the hashtag #12voltspin. A slip for your company will be added to the slips in the jar.

This collage shows happy 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winners with their prizes from SONY, db Drive, Directed and the 12volt News.

This collage shows winners with their products including Kicker, db Drive, SiriusXM, and Wet Sounds.

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.

A big 12volt News ’Thank You’ to our manufacturer partners participating in the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel each week.

WTF…Win This Friday. THAT’S TODAY December 27th! The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolls each Friday morning at 10 AM. When making your store’s posts to Instagram make sure to #12voltspin to make sure your store has a slip in the jar.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!

The 8th Annual Pacific Northwest Mobile Electronics Expo Set May 5th-7th in Seattle

Posted on December 26, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged PNWCEE.

SEATTLE, WA (12.27.2019) – The 8th Annual PNWMEE, featuring Mobile Electronics, is set for May 5th – 7th at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA.

Mark Giovannetti, speaking for the organizing group, stated, “Based on the very positive feedback from 12volt specialists who attended the 2 days of trainings, vendor exhibits and show vehicles earlier this year we anticipate an even bigger turnout come the Spring of 2020.”

Attendees shown picking up badges at the 7th Annual PNWCEE on April 24th, 2019.

The Doubletree venue has agreed to allow show vehicles to be placed on the large grass area out front at the 8th Annual PNWMEE. Vendors who participated at previous expos will have priority access on the show floor in terms of larger booth space availability.

As an added benefit for attendees the Doubletree has agreed to offer suites at a discounted rate of $129. and that will include a complimentary breakfast for 2 people per room.

“With the addition of the larger outdoor area we will have the opportunity to have even more show cars at the May event. May 5th-7th, Tuesday through Thursday, are the dates and we look forward to seeing a record turnout at the upcoming 8th Annual PNWMEE,” Giovannetti concluded.

For info email pnwceegrp@gmail.com or conatct Mark at 206-334-2155.

Visit pnwcee.com for more.

Saddle Tramp Introduces New Motorcycle Audio Products for Harley-Davidson and Handlebar Indicator Lights

Posted on December 26, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Metra, Saddle Tramp.

HOLLY HILL, FL (12.26.2019) – Metra Electronics announces new motorcycle products and a universal lighting accessory from Saddle Tramp. A new audio speaker grille is a universal fit for all motorcycle brands, while the lower fairing speaker pods are designed specifically to expand a wide range of popular Harley-Davidson models to utilize aftermarket speakers. For safety and style, new LED handlebar indicator lights increase visibility with dual-color LEDs that fit 0.75” to 0.875” universal handlebars. These new products will join Saddle Tramp’s growing lineup of motorcycle accessories and will be on display at CES with Metra Electronics.

Universal Motorcycle Speaker Grille (BC-SPG)
Expand any motorcycle’s sound system to utilize full size 6.5” or 6.75” aftermarket speakers.
● 6.5” to 6.75” universal speaker grille
● Metal mesh grille with matte black finish
● This is the same grille supplied with BC-HDLFP
● Sold in pairs and includes mounting hardware

Harley-Davidson Lower Fairing Speaker Pod (BC-HDLFPP)
Expand the sound system in Harley-Davidson 2014-up* motorcycles to utilize full size 6.5” or 6.75” aftermarket speakers with lower fairing speaker pods that will maximize the bass response.
● Includes ported enclosure and tunes to maximize bass response
● Fits 6.5” to 6.75” speakers for Harley-Davidson 2014-Up*
● Fits OEM and Saddle Tramp* lower fairings BC-HDLFSP2
● Does not apply to models with Twin-Cooled engines
● Sold in pairs and includes mounting hardware

Harley-Davidson Lower Fairing Speaker Assembly (BC-HDLFSP2)
Upgrade to 6.5” aftermarket speakers in the lower vented fairing with a speaker assembly kit that provides a factory-fit and finish.
● Lower vented fairing with grilles for a 6.5” speaker
● Fits air-cooled Harley-Davidson Touring models, 1997- up* Road King, Street Glide and Electra Glide as well as all Road Glide Air-Cooled models with OE style highway bars
● Color-matched to Harley-Davidson’s vivid black
● Sold in pairs, (includes left and right), with mounting hardware included
● Does not fit mustache style highway bars

Handlebar End LED Indicators (BC-HBTS)
Low-profile handlebar end LED lights increase the visibility of motorcycle riders without adding bulk to the vehicle. The dual-color LED lights illuminate bright white as daytime running lights and turn amber for turn signal indicators. These universal lights fit handlebars with a diameter between .75” up to 0.875”.
● Dual-color (amber turn/white running)
● Fits .75” up to 0.875” bar (inner diameter)
● (12) LEDs (6 amber/6 white)
● Aluminum housing with polycarbonate lens

These new products will be shipping soon and can be seen on display at CES and at MetraPowerSports.com starting January 7, 2020. Metra Electronics will be at CES from January 7-10, 2020, at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center showcasing products from their 12volt brands and at booth 11435 in the Central Hall with Metra Home Theater Group, showcasing AV and security solutions.

Visit metraonline.com for more.

Memphis Audio Takes CES to the Hardrock Hotel for Offsite Suite

Posted on December 25, 2019 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Memphis Audio.

MEMPHIS, TN (12.26.2019) – Memphis Audio will be bringing CES to the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas in 2020. For the first time in decades Memphis will be moving off the show floor to a VIP Suite in the Hard Rock hotel to host their own event for 12 Volt industry members. The suite will be open to visitors Monday January 6^th, the day before CES permitting early visitors to lock in early bird discounts from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. The suite will remain open for business from Tuesday, January 7^th – Thursday, January 9^th from 8:00 am – 7:30 pm.

Take a break for the hustle and bustle of the show and relax at the Memphis VIP suite while learning about all the new product offerings from Memphis. On display will be an assortment of new items and proven winners guaranteed to be hits in 2020. Learn more about Memphis Audio’s complete line of direct fit OEM solutions for side-by-sides, Harley Davidson motorcycles and Toyota vehicles. Memphis will be demonstrating several products including the innovative MXAMCAPP hideaway media center which has been creating a buzz and opening up a world of possibilities for the powersports, marine and classic car industries. Memphis will also be detailing the technology behind their new game changing VIV SixFive Series subwoofer featuring a massive 7.5” voice coil. Get a first look at the new M-Series MB dual impedance subwoofer line which features selectable impedance technology. This new innovative feature allows the subwoofer to operate as either a true 2Ω or 4Ω impedance subwoofer allowing dealers to stock only a single SKU significantly lowering inventory costs and allowing for easy future upgrades and expansion of any audio system.

A new in-store PowerSports Audio display will be unveiled along with a display program. Check it out at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Meals & Deals will be provided meaning anyone who visits the suite will be treated like a VIP with food and drink while they discuss the deep discounts available exclusively at the event. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner time snacks & cocktails. There will be a VIP bar open all day so stop in for Bloody Marys before the show (hey, it’s Vegas) or cocktails in the evening. The bar will be open all day for anyone needing a space to unwind and take a break from a busy day at the show. Don’t miss this opportunity to save big, these are serious savings available only at this event so stop by and stock-up. Along with deals and discounts, all attendees will be given a door prize just for attending while supplies last.

“We love seeing all the industry partners at CES every year, but our focus in recent years has been to grow the SEMA show into our primary trade show. CES has evolved away from the 12 volt industry but Memphis hasn’t. Instead of spending money on show space in the North Hall, we wanted to invest the money into our current and prospective dealers and give them a destination where they can be treated like VIP’s. We want everyone to enjoy themselves while talking shop and learning about the innovative product offerings and services Memphis provides to dealers and discuss how we can all make big money together in 2020. We look forward to seeing everyone in Vegas!” said Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio.

The new VIV Six Five Series Subwoofer (L) will be on display in the Hard Rock Hotel Memphis Audio Suite along with new PowerSports Kits (C) and SXS Roof Audio Systems (R).

Walk-in visitors are welcome, but appointments are recommended to lock in your free door prize and enter to win the grand prize giveaway of over $1000 in prizes. Contact your Memphis rep today or call 800-489-2300 to make your appointment and guarantee yourself a door prize and a chance to win.

Memphis suite attendees will need to visit the Casino Tower at the Hard Rock Hotel. Memphis is in the Celebrity Suite. Access to the suite can be found by going to the elevator near the Dunkin’ Donuts in the Hard Rock Hotel. Tell the Security guard at the elevator that you are there to see Memphis Audio and you will be on your way to a good deals, good food and good times with Memphis.