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.

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.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (04.23.25) – DD AUDIO is proud to introduce the PLE-112.1, a loaded enclosure featuring a 100 Series, 12 inch subwoofer powered by an integrated 400 watt monoblock. The PLE-112.1 was designed for performance with an emphasis on ease-of-use.

The precision tuned enclosure is made from 18mm MDF, incorporates a flared port, and is finished in black carpet with DDA embroidery. The 100 Series, 12 inch subwoofer features a high strength, high excursion motor with a rigid, non-pressed pulp cone for tight controlled bass response. The amplifier is a compact 400 watt RMS integrated monoblock using discrete outputs on a traditional DD style heat sink to ensure long-term cool runnings. It also comes with a remote control, allowing the user to adjust the balance of their sound palette on the fly.

Check out the PLE-112.1 and the entire line of sub enclosures, available to buy online or locally at an Authorized DD AUDIO Dealer.

JASPER, IN (04.23.25) – Meyer Distributing is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of its top manufacturing partners with the announcement of the 2024 Vendor of the Year Award winners. These annual honors celebrate excellence in product innovation, supply chain performance, and strategic collaboration across a wide array of categories within the Meyer portfolio.

“We’re excited to announce our 2024 Vendor of the Year award winners,” said Cody Ziegler, VP of Sales for Meyer. “Each year presents new challenges and opportunities. How we proactively capitalize on these opportunities relies heavily on a solid relationship, dedicated people, effective communication, and well-thought-out marketing programs. Brand integrity, enforcement of pricing policies, profitability, availability, marketing participation, and data quality are additional factors taken into consideration. As a family-owned-and-operated business, we realize how meaningful it is to recognize standout partners. Congrats to all the winning manufacturers!”

Bruce Terwiske, VP of Purchasing for Meyer, echoed the excitement, adding, “We are excited to congratulate this year’s Category Vendors of the Year for going the extra mile to be innovative with programs designed to ensure their lines are positioned for success within the Meyer Distributing portfolio of products. Meyer Distributing and its entire staff is appreciative of all vendor partners and the long-standing relationships we have built. We understand the importance of our vendor partners as being integral and the cornerstone of our overall success.”

2024 Meyer Distributing Vendor of the Year Award Winners:

• Truck Accessory Brand of the Year: Westin Automotive
• Performance Brand of the Year: Powerstop Brakes
• Tire & Wheel Brand of the Year: Method
• RV & Towing Brand of the Year: Dometic
• 4×4 & Off-Road Brand of the Year: Bilstein
• Commercial & Fleet Brand of the Year: Weather Guard
• Outdoor & Recreation Brand of the Year: GCI
• Industrial Supply Brand of the Year: Performance Tools
• Vehicle Detail & Protection Brand of the Year: Covercraft
• 12V & Audio Brand of the Year: Metra Electronics
• Marine Brand of the Year: Bob’s Machine
• Powersport Brand of the Year: Odyssey

Meyer Distributing extends its sincere appreciation to all vendor partners for their continued support and commitment. Together, we look forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater success in the years ahead.

Visit www.meyerdistributing.com for more.

ARVADA, CO (04.22.25) – Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (M.E.S.A.) is proud to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, member success, and long-term strategic growth.

Appointed to the M.E.S.A. Board of Directors are James Alexander (New Hampshire), Kevin Cornutt (Oregon), Nathan Dunn (Tennessee), Vikas Moolchandani (New York), and Nick Paulson (North Dakota).

These industry leaders bring a wealth of knowledge, fresh perspective, and a shared passion for advancing the 12-volt industry. With a focus on innovation, adaptability, and future growth, this Board is well-positioned to help guide M.E.S.A. and its members through the evolving landscape of the industry.

The new Board will lead key initiatives including vendor promotions, national marketing campaigns, M.E.S.A. Summit planning, and exploration of emerging product categories. In addition, they will play an active role in guiding M.E.S.A.’s marketing direction and broader evolution—helping shape the future of its programs, initiatives, and impact within the 12-volt industry.

As part of this transition, M.E.S.A.’s former Board of Directors will now serve as the newly established Executive Team, which will focus on vendor program development, financial planning, membership growth, and long-term organizational direction.

“Our new leadership structure gives us the best of both worlds—fresh energy and ideas from our incoming Board, combined with deep-rooted experience and strategic oversight from our Executive Team,” said Ryan Gunter, Executive Director at M.E.S.A. “Together, this unified leadership approach positions us to boost our programs, strengthen our partnerships, and better serve our members as we shape the future of the 12-volt industry.”

As M.E.S.A. continues to grow, this dynamic leadership model ensures the organization remains agile, innovative, and aligned with the needs of its members.

Visit mesadealer.com for more.

HOLLY HILL, FL (04.22.25) –  Metra Electronics has begun shipping the state-of-the-art all-in-one audio systems that were unveiled at SEMA. Created in collaboration with VIBE Audio, these comprehensive audio kits include everything needed to install a premium aftermarket audio system in one convenient package. They are engineered for seamless integration and exceptional sound performance, with every component working harmoniously to deliver unparalleled sound quality and ease of installation. Vehicle applications available now include:

• Non-amplified 2024-up* Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-1)
• Amplified 2024-up* Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-2)
• Non-Amplified 2018.5-2023 Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-3)
• Amplified 2018.5-2023 Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-4)

In addition, a system designed to fit the BOSE amplified 2019-2025 GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado (GM-PPKT-1) will be shipping soon. More applications will be released in the future.

These kits combine VIBE’s premium amplifiers, a set of hand-picked VIBE speakers that complement the acoustics of each specific vehicle, VIBE subwoofers and enclosures, and Metra products that make installation easy, including vehicle-specific plug-n-play amplifier interfaces, pre-tuned to provide best-in-class audio performance. All necessary power and vehicle-specific mounting accessories are included for straightforward installation. The GM-PPKT-1, JP-PPKT-2, and JP-PPKT-4 are designed for amplified vehicles and include amplifier installation harnesses that bypass the factory amplifier and utilize OE speaker wires to minimize wiring.

*Visit the Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific information.