Author: 12VoltNews

KICKER to Play Host to First Audio Competition Ever at Global Headquarters

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STILLWATER, OK (04.28.25) – In a first for the mobile-audio manufacturer, KICKER® will provide the necessary space and play an active hosting role in an upcoming sound-quality event this spring. In a nod to its SQ and SPL successes during the 1990s and 2000s, the brand has collaborated with long-time league IASCA and relative newcomer MASQ, along with fellow industry authorities Alpine® and KENWOOD®, to hold the “KICKER SQ@HQ” event at Stillwater Designs® global headquarters in Oklahoma.

“Partnering with MASQ and IASCA makes perfect sense for both KICKER and the industry as a whole,” said KICKER Brand Promoter Ernie Ficklin. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
The triple-points IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) and MASQ (Mobile Audio Sound Quality) single-day events will begin the morning of May 17 in the KICKER parking area, with nearly 40 competitors already on the docket vying for bonus-round money and prizes. Representatives from Alpine and KENWOOD will be on hand, as well as sound-quality judges, independent mobile-audio dealers and food trucks. The event is free to the public, and IASCA and MASQ will charge entry fees for those who compete.

KICKER will open the Visitors Center for the day, which showcases various KICKER-infused customs and the ridiculous Wall of Boom – the massive 14-by-20-foot display housing 28 subwoofers and 46 additional speakers with 18 amplifiers powering them. The KICKER XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) and other KICKER demo vehicles will line one complete side of the parking lot and will be open for those who want to check them out. The brand also expects visits from past audio champions that propelled the brand nearly 30 years ago.

“As car-audio manufacturers, we believe we can play a crucial role in focusing more on these competitions, which we hope will help to drive the industry forward,” Ficklin continued. “Our company’s (geographical) position, located in the heart of the USA, provides us with the opportunity to make this happen.”

KICKER World Headquarters and Visitors Center is located at 3100 North Husband in Stillwater, Okla. Those interested can find more information at iasca.com or MASQ’s Facebook® page.
KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile- and home-audio aftermarkets at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers.

Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com.

Redefine Sound with Jeep Wrangler JL/Gladiator JT Tuned Audio

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.28.25) – Prepare to elevate every Jeep Wrangler JL/Gladiator JT adventure with MB Quart tuned sound. MB Quart Jeep Tuned Mobile Vehicle Kits are only engineered to deliver unmatched volume, clarity, and depth — purpose-built for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT vehicles.

Have your customers hear more detail, feel every beat, and bring their outdoor journey to life with the precision-tuned performance of MB Quart. Designed for Jeep enthusiasts who demand more — more volume, more detail, and more thrill. Whether conquering the trails or setting up camp
under the stars, these kits bring concert-level audio to the outdoors.

The JC1-169SB is a 6×9-inch coaxial speaker system designed for Jeep® Wrangler (JL) models from 2018 to 2023 and Gladiator (JT) models from 2020 to 2023 – intended as a replacement for the factory rear soundbar speakers. The kit comes with OEM-matching grills, powder-coated mounting plates, and cutout templates to facilitate a seamless installation.

The MBQJ-STG4A-1 is an 800-watt STAGE 4 audio system upgrade designed specifically for Jeep® Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT) models equipped with the OEM source unit. This system includes two 3.5-inch coaxial speakers and two 6.5-inch midbass drivers, all powered by two 400-watt Class-D amplifiers. The design ensures a seamless integration into the vehicle’s existing setup, providing enhanced audio performance without compromising factory aesthetics.

The JC2-169 is a 6×9-inch coaxial speaker upgrade tailored for the rear soundbar of 2024 and newer Jeep® Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT) models. Each speaker features a 1-inch magnesium dome tweeter with a removable phase lens, coupled with a lightweight yet durable pop paper cone infused with a mica blend. The package includes OEM-matching grills and Plug-and-Play wiring harnesses, ensuring a straightforward installation.

The MBQJT-SUBA-1 is a 400-watt dual subwoofer system engineered for Jeep® Gladiator (JT) models from 2020 onwards. It features and includes two 8-inch, 8-Ohm, long-throw subwoofers housed in an HDPE enclosure and designed to fit under the rear seat without compromising space or requiring modifications to the vehicle’s floor mats. Installation is easy, utilizing OEM hardware and providing full access to the vehicle’s jack and top parts.

Experience music like never before with MB Quart Jeep Tuned Audio. Have your customers get ready to unlock the full potential of their sound with Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT Tuned Audio Kits — created to deliver high-fidelity performance that transforms every drive into an immersive sonic journey with Music. Defined. quality sound.

Follow the link HERE to learn about the complete line of MB Quart Jeep Tuned Mobile Vehicle Kits.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (04.26.25) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 6.

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The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 319th time on Friday morning on April 25th. The Wheel landed on the ESB Audio space and the Intense Kustom Audio slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.

Click to view.

We called the lucky winner in Brentwood NY to let them know the news that the ESB Audio prize will be headed their way. JC Diaz answered the phone and was excited to hear the news.

JC’s store makes super social media posts with eye catching completed projects. Followers check out the hot vehicles and make a mental note of the store with the great signage on front of the building.

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

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, THINKWARE, Race Sport Lighting, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the 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, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA,  Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting  Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD,  Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY,  Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA,  Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR,  XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA,  Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA, CP Designs in Jarrell TX and D&B Sales in Ft Wayne IN, Precision Custom Audio in Riverview FL, The King of Custom, Active Sound in NC,  Car Stereo Plus in Sumter SC,  Audioworks DE in Newark DE, Active Sounds in NC  Speed Car Audio in Dallas, Voodoo Customs in Luling LA,  BK Customs 616 in Grand Rapids MI, TPD HiFI in Broken Bow OK, HiFi Crusin’ in Hattierburg MS and Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX.

Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 320 on Friday, May 2nd.

The Audio One at the Spring Dust-Off

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VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (04.25.25) – The Audio One is a very proactive retailer serving the Hampton Roads area for over 40 years with with four stores. The Spring Dust-Off with the Saturday cruise-on was a charity event that raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event at the Landstown Commons offered rides and sunshine while many cars enthusiasts were on site to show their projects to attendees across the large shopping center parking area.

The Audio One tent set up on vendor row.
The Spring Dust-Off gave the crowd many vehicles to check out.

Bob Mickonis, Regional Manager, related for The Audio One “There was a good crowd enjoying all the vehicles under a sunny sky. We had many people come by our tent to see products we had on display and pick up some of our flyers, along with keychains and other sway items that we handed out. There was a lot of interest in our booth for dash cams. Many of the people were showing their cars wanted to protect their cars as well as being ready to document any accidents on the road.”

Owners of classics also showed their rides to attendees to at the event.
Custom installations were also featured and this one with a space for cleaning products for his ride.

The Audio One has locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Newport News with a store within 20 miles from any consumer in the Hampton Roads area.

“At offsite consumer events we connect with consumers and enthusiasts. Today aftermarket automotive upgrades is much broader than just car stereo. At a consumer events we show in-vehicle connectivity, dash cams, remote starters, window tint, vehicle graphics and more. Many consumers are not aware of these products. In addition our staff members get a chance to learn what people may want to add to their rides” Mickonis added.

The barbershop on wheels.

The Audio One completes unique projects customers request. A couple years ago the 12volt Central Studios spotlighted a mobile barber shop. From the August 16th 2021 article Mike Kreiselman, Shop Foreman in the Norfolk location, offered “We did a full mobile shop in a 2008 Ford Econoline Bus.The customer supplied the equipment including the barber chair. The was hesitant at the price but soon realized all the work to get all the power requirements needed so his customers would be happy.
He continues to be very happy as he pulls into a parking lot to give his customers the professional hair cut they look forward to.

“Connecting with several hundred enthusiasts at the Spring Dust-Off is already paying dividends,” Mickonis concluded.

Visit theaudioone.com for more.,

Leather Craft to Exhibit at Jeep Beach 2025

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ORLANDO, FL (04.25.25) – VOXX Electronics by Gentex Corporation, is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting its LEATHER CRAFT line of premium automotive upholstery products in Booth #RC22 at the annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show, to be held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway April 25th-26th. Jeep Beach is the world’s largest Jeep-exclusive expo and has raised over $4 million for Central Florida-based charities.

Attendees are invited to visit the booth to explore how LEATHER CRAFT can elevate interior style and comfort for Jeep enthusiasts. Product experts will be showcasing their mini demo seats, featuring various samples of their luxury-quality leather, stitching, inserts, paneling, and accents.

Jeep Beach is a non-profit organization that supports numerous local charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia & Flagler Counties, The NASCAR Foundation, and The Childhood Cancer Foundation. LEATHER CRAFT is proud to support this meaningful cause at one of the most iconic venues in motorsports history. While there, don’t miss other attractions, including the obstacle course and live DJ experience.

Join LEATHER CRAFT at Jeep Beach 2025 and see what’s possible when premium design meets Jeep performance.

For more information about LEATHER CRAFT by Rosen, VOXX Electronics Corporation, and their range of automotive aftermarket solutions, please visit http://www.leathercraft.pro/ and https://www.voxxelectronics.com.

SEMA Letter to President Trump Highlights Tariffs Impacts

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WASHINGTON, DC (04.25.25) – In a letter to President Donald Trump, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is highlighting the impact of tariffs on the nation’s automotive aftermarket industry–which contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy–along with ways the administration can support domestic manufacturers during this transition period.

“Our primary request is that American automotive parts manufacturers, including our members, be provided a transition period to re-shore their manufacturing, as well as some form of economic relief to assist in that transition,” writes SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “That relief could include tariff exemptions for things like molds, tooling, and machinery brought back to the U.S., as well as tax incentives to offset the associated costs.”

The letter also sheds light on impacts that the Trump Administration might not be aware of, including those experienced companies that want to bring their operations back to the U.S., as well as ways domestic producers of steel and aluminum are making it hard for Made in America companies to stay competitive.

Read the letter.

Team 12V Dashboard Goes To The CMA Expo 2025

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TORONTO, ONTARIO (04.24.25) – The 12V Dashboard displayed in the Automobility booth and we loved working with their team! They are professionals and know how to run their part of the show. We see the opportunities with the Canadian dealer base for our product based on the the constant engaged traffic at our booth and trainings. Frank and Ben run an excellent show, and it’s a great event for dealers and their staff to come and participate in. We’ve made many new friends from all over Canada who are now on the platform, including new relationships with Visions and Andre’s multi-store chains.

Members of Andres Car Audio, with 16 locations in Western Canada, gathered around the booth to learn more.
The 12V Dashboard training was very well attended.

Since we released Vehicle Check-in 2.0 and released our enhancements to this product we have had a high success rate as most have opted to take it along side the fit-guide as well as many have been very interested in the new release of our display product release coming soon.

We also have had a significant amount of interest into our E-commerce product adding the fit-guide to websites for dealers and vendors.

Joe Iglesias-Tint World Corporate is flanked by Brian Hampson-R, CEO of 12V Dashboard and Director of Sales Tom Kolar.
The 12V Dashboard team at dinner following a very busy day in the booth. Brian, Lisa and David Hampson are pictured with Tom Kolar-2nd R.

Contact the Dashboard for more information about these products and how to add to your stores tools. The Dashboard team will be attending their next event at Knowledgefest in Atlantic City June 6-8th in booth 901.

For more information please contact Tom Kolar the Director of Sales at tkolar@the12vdashboard.com.

Content supplied by Tom Kolar Director of Sales.

Many Teens Today Are Delaying Getting Their Driver’s Licenses For 2 Or 3 Years

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SHREVEPORT, LA (4.24.25) – Many teens today don’t want to get their drivers license’s as soon as they can. In today’s digital and AI world so many teens, and adults, spent hours on their smart phone each and every day. Many do this in the comfort of the bedroom in rheir home. In speaking with 12volt retailers the 12volt Central Studios staff has learned that many retailers are not seeing as many young customers as in the past. In fact, one retailer recently mentioned, he had not seen a person under 30 years old in his store in a month.

For decades, many teenagers wanted to get their driver’s license as soon as possible, add a stereo system and get on the streets around town. In today’s world with social media, DoorDash,and Uber available many teens don’t seem to see the need to get out on the street as before. Also, in speaking with many fathers, they mention the expense of the automobile today, the price of gasoline plus the cost of insurance on top of actually purchase cost of the car. Recently 12volt Central Studios staff bumped into to an article posted on CNN that detailed reasons why many teens are delaying getting the driver’s licenses for two or three years after they turn 16.

Please check out the article below that details why teens are not getting their drivers licenses as soon as they could.

For many middle-aged and older people, getting a driver’s license was their first taste of long-awaited freedom –– and one they seized as soon as they could.

But many of today’s teens are putting off this rite of passage, data shows.

Nearly 40% of teens delayed getting their license by one to two years, and 30% delayed by more than two years, according to a 2020 study led by Dr. Federico Vaca, professor and executive vice chair of the department of emergency medicine at the University of California Irvine Medical School.

This continues a trend over the last 20 years: Between 2006 and 2015, the number of high school seniors with a driver’s license dropped from 81% to 72%, according to a 2017 study.

It may seem mind-boggling to adults who have been driving for decades that anyone would delay such a milestone, but it makes sense given the economic and mental health concerns surrounding teens, Vaca added.

Still, putting off getting a driver’s license may have impacts on teens safety as well as their development of independence, experts say.

Here’s what parents need to know.

Click to continue reading this article by Medeline Holcombe on CNN.com

This 12volt Central Studios staff member could not wait to get his license in 1961 and start driving his Mother’s red Corvair convertible.

SiriusXM Announces Coverage for 2025 NFL Draft

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NEW YORK, NY (04.24.25) – SiriusXM announced its coverage plans for the 2025 NFL Draft and will give listeners across North America access to the live announcements of every pick from every round as NFL teams select their next generation of stars, April 24-26, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Live coverage will air on SiriusXM NFL Radio (channel 88) Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25, starting at 7 pm ET and Saturday, April 26, starting at noon ET. SiriusXM will cover all 32 teams’ selections through all seven rounds, and SiriusXM hosts will conduct interviews with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, draftees, general managers and coaches.

SiriusXM NFL Radio’s NFL Draft broadcast team will be anchored by Jason Horowitz. SiriusXM’s expert analysts will be former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller, former coach Rick Neuheisel, and former NFL running back Jacob Hester.

Immediately following the conclusion of SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Draft broadcast each day, the channel will have live call-in shows where fans can share their reactions and discuss their favorite team’s picks. Bill Lekas, Kirk Morrison, Fozzy Whitaker, Zig Fracassi and Leger Douzable will host these post-Draft shows.

Throughout the week, SiriusXM will cover the NFL Draft across multiple channels with varying perspectives, including SiriusXM NFL Radio, SiriusXM College Sports Radio, SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, Mad Dog Sports Radio, and the SportsGrid and VSiN channels.

Live programming on these channels each day gives listeners access to the latest news, analysis from pro personnel experts on team needs and players that could improve rosters, and interviews with prospects, NFL executives and coaches.

In addition to SiriusXM NFL Radio’s live Draft broadcasts, SiriusXM will have other live programming originating from Green Bay this week.

On Wednesday, April 23, Jacob Hester and E.J. Manuel will host a special SiriusXM NFL Radio show live from the NFL Play Football Draft Prospect Clinic and Community Event in Green Bay from 11 am – 1 pm ET. The show will feature one-on-one interviews with several of the NFL Draft prospects in attendance.

Hester, Manuel and Kris Budden will host SiriusXM College Sports Radio shows live from the Stadium View Sports Bar in Green Bay on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25 starting at 7 pm ET and airing through the final selection both of those days.

Visit www.siriusxm.com for more.

Wayne Harris Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at MasterTech Expo

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MESA, AZ (04.23.25) – We are thrilled to announce that Wayne Harris, a true pioneer and visionary in the 12-volt industry, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s MasterTech Expo!

With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Wayne Harris has left an indelible mark on the aftermarket auto sound world. As an entrepreneur, engineer, programmer, educator, and tech innovator, Wayne’s contributions have shaped the industry and inspired professionals worldwide.

Wayne’s journey began in college, where his passion for car audio was ignited while competing in Rolling Thunder stereo contests. In 1984, he won the first national car stereo competition at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, with his show car, “Eruption.” The following year, Wayne introduced the “Terminator,” an iconic car stereo competition vehicle that influenced many in the early days of auto sound. His groundbreaking innovations, including “stiffening capacitors,” bus bars, and the “hair trick,” are still celebrated today.

The car stereo competition days launched Wayne’s professional career in 1985 at Orion Industries and later at Rockford Fosgate, where he served as Director of Research and Development. He played a pivotal role in developing exemplary products like Symmetry, EPX, and EPX2, earning multiple patents, CES Design and Innovation awards, and global acclaim. Wayne also created revolutionary software tools such as Term-PRO, Term-CAD, and TERM-PAK, empowering installers and engineers to design superior sound systems long before construction.

In 2000, Wayne shifted his focus to his own ventures—dB Drag Racing, Term-PRO, and Term-LAB, a sound measurement system that quickly became the industry benchmark for high SPL accuracy. Recognized with a CES Design and Innovation Award, Term-LAB revolutionized competitive sound measurement and continues to lead the way in audio technology innovation today.

Wayne’s influence has been spotlighted in countless publications, including Car Stereo Review and The Wall Street Journal, which dubbed him the “Bill Gates of Car Stereo.” The Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to Wayne Harris’s incredible contributions and tireless pursuit of innovation. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary career and continued influence.

Congratulations, Wayne, on this well-deserved recognition!