Author: slaytonja

Alpine Develops Industry-First Tesla Fitment Decoder Alongside New Sound System Kits

Posted on by in Industry.

Auburn Hills, Mich. (Apr. 09, 2026) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), a premium aftermarket car audio manufacturer, announces the industry-first Tesla Fitment Decoder, a proprietary algorithm that’s integrated exclusively into the Alpine website to calculate the Tesla-specific sound system kit for the Model 3 and Model Y platforms.

The decoder was created in-house by Alpine’s Product Engineering and Application Development teams in partnership with Tesla experts from Alpine’s Authorized retailer force.

“This is a first for the aftermarket car audio industry,” said Dan Sparks, National Sales Director for the Alpine Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “We learned early on that we’d need a solution to ensure full integration into the Tesla vehicle while taking the guesswork away from the customer. We’re happy to have launched a solution that alleviates both of those challenges.”

The decoder is designed to read the vehicle build date and vehicle identification number (VIN), pairing each Tesla Model 3 or Model Y vehicle with the correct Alpine sound system kit and harness in a matter of seconds. This ensures that each vehicle retains all factory functions while receiving a substantial audio upgrade.

In tandem with the launch of the Tesla Fitment Decoder, Alpine refreshed its Tesla product category with new systems designed for each audio enthusiast’s journey.

Ala carte speaker options provide a good starting point for the Tesla driver looking for more clarity and precision from their sound system. For those who need a bass boost, Alpine offers a 10” Subwoofer and Amplifier Upgrade kit designed for plug-and-play installation into select Model 3 base, premium, and Model Y vehicles – a substantial upgrade from the factory 8” in premium models! The 13-Speaker Plug-and-Play Sound Systems, originally launched in 2023, have been refreshed with new harnesses that ensure complete integration into the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y platforms using the Tesla Fitment Decoder.

Alpine’s Tesla audio solutions are available for purchase at Alpine Authorized Retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Please check the store locator on www.alpine-usa.com for details.

Mike Beyersdoerfer Retires from His 56-Year Career

Posted on by in Featured.

BATESVILLE, IN (4.6.26) – “October 11th, 2022, was the 20th anniversary of my company BEI Inc. After 32 years in the workplace as an employee, I decided to live my dream. At that time I began as a consultant, entered the manufacturer rep arena and continued by founding a distribution company. Today I am continuing in the rep arena and consulting,” Mike Beyersdoerfer related from behind the wheel of his Honda Ridgeline in front of a Hampton Inn in Batesville, IN. Beyersdoerfer had just dropped off Ceasar Olaes after a day making MTX Audio sales calls in the area.

It all started for BEI Inc in Wertheim Germany with K&M as Beyersdoerfer met with owner Herr Koenig.

The following are industries in which Beyersdoerfer has worked and has enjoyed….Consumer Electronics, Automotive Aftermarket, Motorcycle, RV, Liquor, and Musical Instruments. All of these industries also align with Beyersdoerfer’s hobbies.

Beyersdoerfer checking out a classic custom RV during a show at the RV Museum in Elkhart IN.

Below is a list some of Beyersdoerfer’s  current companies and clients through the years as a Consultant, Representative and Distributor in no particular order.

After wrapping up on the road Beyersdoerfer gives a smiling thumbs up from behind the wheel of his Honda Ridgeline.

K&M Musical Instrument stands in Wertheim Germany (my first client)
Gibson Guitar Nashville, TN
Yamano- Tokyo Japan
Manhattan Oil- Texas,
Harley Davidson Dealers-29 states
Tom Tom- Amsterdam, Nerterlands
Meguiar’s -California
3M- Minnesota
12 Volt dealers in 10 Rocky Mountain and Ohio Valley states
Epsilon California
CRUX-California
Race Sport- Illinois
Vision X- Washington
Diamond & Cerwin Vega- California
Massive -California
MTX -Arizona & Illinois
DEI – Ohio
Big Fat Pastor Spirits- Colorado
THOR RV- Indiana
Colorado Custom Wheels- Colorado and California
Hotchkis – California

“A big thanks to my clients and customers from around the world… and I am still having fun,” Beyersdoerfer concluded.

Window Tint School Expands with New Location in Phoenix, Arizona

Posted on by in Featured.

Phoenix, AZ — April 4, 2026 — Window Tint School, a leading hands-on training provider in the window film industry, is proud to announce the opening of its newest training facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This expansion comes as the company celebrates its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of training thousands of students from across the United States and around the world. With the addition of the Phoenix location, Window Tint School now operates two full-time training facilities:

Jacksonville, Florida: 320 Dundas Dr, Suite #1, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Phoenix, Arizona: 4222 S 37th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040


Both locations are conveniently positioned near major airports, making travel easy for out-of-town students. The Jacksonville facility is located approximately 6 miles from Jacksonville International Airport, while the Phoenix training center is just 3 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Founded and operated by industry professionals Jon Dewar and Darren Fettik, Window Tint School is known for its immersive, hands-on training programs designed to prepare students for real-world success in the window tinting industry.


Over the past decade, Window Tint School has trained students from a diverse range of locations including Haiti, Honduras, Guam, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, the Philippines, Dubai, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the United States—having welcomed students from every state except Wyoming.


“Our goal has always been simple—provide real training, with real tools, in a real-world environment,” said Jon Dewar, co-owner of Window Tint School. “Expanding into Phoenix allows us to reach more students across the country and continue raising them standard for training in our industry.” Window Tint School offers intensive 3-day and 5-day training courses focused on developing practical skills, efficiency, and confidence. Students work with a wide range of window films—including carbon, nano-ceramic, and ceramic—while gaining experience that translates directly into professional application.


The new Phoenix facility is strategically located to better serve students throughout the western United States, providing increased accessibility to high-quality training without the need for cross-country travel.


For more information about upcoming classes, enrollment, or program details, please contact:

Window Tint School
Phone: 904-297-TINT
Email: info@tint.school
Website: www.TINT.school

Remembering Dereck Duane “D.” Tircuit

Posted on by in Featured.

HOUMA LA (03.21.26) Dereck Duane Tircuit, known and loved by many simply as “D,” passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at his home in Prairieville, Louisiana, at the age of 51. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on March 21, 1974. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert N. Tircuit; his maternal grandparents, Eugene Roe Sr. and Vera Hunt Roe; his paternal grandparents, Leonard “Boots” Tircuit and Genevieve Grass Tircuit; his aunt, Jenny Tircuit David; his uncle, Leonard G. Tircuit; his cousins, Travis and Kristie David; and his beloved fur babies, Kramer G., Gabby, and Deuce.

He is survived by his loving mother, Maxine Roe Tircuit; his devoted brother, Kyle Tircuit, and wife Jodie; and his two adored nieces, Shelby and Lainey Tircuit, who brought him endless joy. He also leaves behind his cherished fur companion, Goose Tircuit.

Dereck earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Management from Southeastern Louisiana University on December 15, 2001. He started his lifelong career in the audio industry in 1990 after bugging Earl for almost two months and was well known and respected for his knowledge, skill, and integrity.

After gaining years of experience working at numerous audio shops, Dereck fulfilled his entrepreneurial dream by opening his own business, Tiger Audio, in Gonzales, Louisiana. He was an expert in his field and a man of honesty and principle, never selling anything he did not fully stand behind. If you ever rode with him, you might notice missing dashboard panels or dangling wires—he would quickly assure you he was testing the latest and greatest equipment. No worries!

Dereck’s memory will live on in the laughter he inspired, the love he shared so freely, and the countless lives he touched. May the Force be with him, always.

Above all, Dereck loved making people laugh. He treasured time spent with his family, especially Sunday dinners at Mama’s, boiling crawfish during holidays, and playfully aggravating his beloved nieces just to hear their laughter. He was an avid Star Wars fan and proud collector.

He also treasured his Band of Brothers memorabilia honoring his grandfather, Eugene “Doc” Roe, who was portrayed as a main character in the series. Dereck cherished time on the water, never missing an opportunity to board a charter boat out of Port Fourchon with his buddies, enjoying the thrill of catching big fish, and the peaceful sunrises and sunsets.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. at Jefferson United Methodist Church, 10328 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809. The service will be conducted by Reverend Mark Martin.

AMA KICKER ArenaCross Reno Was Livin’Loud

Posted on by in Featured.

RENO, NV (02.16.26) – THE AMA KICKER ArenaCross 2025-2026 Series Round 10 rolled in the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for a 2-Day run on Friday, February 13th and Saturday February 14th.

Attendees gathered in the lobby mezzanine area before the track action began.

“It was great to get back to Reno this year. The Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center venue is perfect for ArenaCross. The whole track area can be seen from the stands and again this year the attendees in the stands were very engaged. Also, the lobby was very busy as attendees arrived and made stops at the KICKER booth spotlighting products before heading to the mezzanine before heading to their seats” Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media, related.

During the AMA KICKER ArenaCross Series, during pre-racing activities, enthusiasts had a chance to walk the track mounds and visit the pit area. “This time was a great way to give fans a fun experience and they got to meet and talk with their favorite riders and check out their bikes” Morrell added.

Dana Doyle, KICKER rep Doyle Sales, was on site and provided a lot of help in the booth as well as connecting with Carson City KICKER dealer Unique Sounds that was attending the event with family. Carson City is about 30 miles from Reno.

“It was great having Dana and Khalid from Unique Sounds to lend big hands to engage with attendees and spend time in the KICKER booth” Morrell added.

Lorin Morrell presents a KICKER Bullfrog prize to a T-Shirt toss winner on Friday evening night.

As soon as racers hit the track they got their rhythm as they went up a mound and easily flew over the next mound to land… 50 feet away. Between races the PA announcer let the crowd know there was a special offer inside one of the KICKER T’s being tossed into the stands had a certificate for a KICKER Bullfrog. The lucky people who caught the KICKER T with the certificate went to booth and pickup their Bullfrog prize from Lorin Morrell.

All smiles Saturday night for the T-shirt toss winner presentation. Khalid and Dana on the left joined Lorin by the KICKER booth in the lobby.

“Certainly look forward to returning to Reno next year. Every year I see enthusiasts from the previous event and talk to attendees who have KICKER gear in their rides. KICKER gear for trucks, marine, bikes and power sports are very popular in this part of the US” Morrell concluded.

Visit kicker.com for more.

CAR TOYS TX Adds Pedro Rodriguez To The Team

Posted on by in Industry News.

HOUSTON TX (02.16.26) CAR•TOYS Texas announced the appointment of Pedro Rodriguez as Regional Install & Sales Manager (RISM), following a competitive hiring process.

Rodriguez began his career with CAR•TOYS at the Frisco, TX store as an installer years ago and has since built a strong reputation in 12-volt. Most recently, he served in territory sales with Marketing Pros, where he supported retailers and manufacturer partners. In his new RISM role, Rodriguez will focus on driving consistent installation quality, training, improving sales execution, supporting store leadership, and strengthening vendor and industry relationships.

“Pedro has charisma and high energy, and he connects quickly with installers, sales teams, and vendor partners,” said Chris Pritts. “He’ll rally our teams and strengthen key relationships with a ‘get it done’ mindset, aligning with where Troy and I are taking the business.”

Pedro is based in the Dallas area and will help oversee all 12 CAR•TOYS Texas locations across the DFW and Houston markets, reporting directly to ownership.

SEMA APPLAUDS REPEAL OF GREENHOUSE GAS ENDANGERMENT FINDING

Posted on by in Industry.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 16, 2026) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is celebrating the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards, dubious policy positions that empowered regulators at the federal and state levels to override consumer choices on vehicles. Among those abuses were federal- and state-led efforts to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and impose nationwide electric vehicle (EV) mandates.

  • By following through with its intent to repeal the GHG endangerment finding, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is unleashing innovation in a significant segment of the automotive aftermarket industry that is entirely dependent on ICE technology. That segment, which has a $100 billion annual economic impact and employs more than 330,000 Americans, is now free to rely on free-market solutions to our emissions challenges.

“This is a tremendous decision by the EPA to course-correct after nearly two decades of abuses by previous administrations at the federal and state levels, and instead return sanity to our nation’s environmental policies,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “It was with great trepidation that SEMA watched our nation’s leaders demonize and ban the very motor vehicles that serve as the bedrock upon which the American people – families, small businesses, and automotive enthusiasts – rely to live their best, most prosperous lives. It was even more infuriating to watch these policymakers brazenly justify their actions with a dubious policy position that now rightly goes away, to be replaced with a common-sense, free-market view of what drives our nation’s prosperity.”

BACKGROUND

  • The EPA’s decision will directly impact federal new car requirements and does not impact existing emissions laws established by the Clean Air Act. Instead, it will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse gas limits, that latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009. This policy shift will directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years.
  • In comments responding to the EPA’s rulemaking for Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2025–0194 — Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards, SEMA identified economic and cultural considerations for re-establishing a foundation of vehicle choice in the U.S. automotive market, which, because of recent GHG emissions policies, have experienced an erosion of affordability and innovation.
  • SEMA and its 7,000 member businesses are the heart of the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry, which annually contributes more than $337 billion to the U.S. economy and supports more than 1.3 million American jobs.
  • Most of the businesses that make up the aftermarket are small businesses, but there is nothing small about the innovation and ingenuity they show every day. The products that aftermarket businesses manufacture, sell, and distribute to automotive enthusiasts worldwide are a testament to our nation’s engineering superiority.
  • The SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the largest trade show in North America, with 160,000 attendees expected, annually includes the centerpiece “FutureTech Studio” activation, where the organization showcases different propulsion technologies, including EV, hybrid, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and other technological advancements that represent the “what’s next, what’s possible” of the American automotive industry.
  • SEMA is not anti-EV, nor will it ever be. Rather, SEMA is passionate about protecting the freedom of businesses to deliver the next groundbreaking product, and the American consumer’s freedom to choose whether that product fits their needs and lifestyle. Such innovation can only be delivered through technology-neutral government policy and by allowing the marketplace to drive demand for these products.

The 12volt News Celebrates 32nd Anniversary

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (02.02.26) Delivering Fresh, Positive industry news across the 12volt industry is Job 1 at the 12volt News and the 12volt Central Studios.

These past 32 years went by very quickly in hindsight. In February 1994, we mailed the first 12volt Advertiser which transitioned to the 192 page 12volt News newspaper that weighed 10 tons to mail 20,000 copies when the 12volt News transitioned to digital in 2008. Today, 32 years later, we still put out more fresh industry news than anyone, utilizing digital platforms for web and social media posts.

In 1995 Security was a hot new category.

In today’s world, everything is continually changing. The 12volt industry was founded on music. Music is still very important and the way consumers connect with music, in this continually growing AI and digital world, is extremely important. In-store experiences for consumers in brick and mortar retailer stores is extremely important. Activities of industry members connecting at events and on the road is also extremely important.

The 12volt News grew to 3 sections and 192 pages

12volt Central Studios staff members utilize today’s digital technology to showcase positives across our industry, including in-store, at shows, and with industry members on the road.

Today the 12volt Central Studios delivers the latest news by scanning the QR Code with a smartphone.

As we begin a new year, we will re-double our efforts to deliver fresh news in a very timely manner.

We encourage industry members to utilize the 12voltSTP tool. With a smart phone simply snap an image and txt it with a few words to 318-469-2526. Your company’s positive activities could be spotlighted by the 12volt Central Studios.

A big thank you to all across the 12volt industry from the 12volt Central Studios!!

The 12volt News Celebrates 32nd Anniversary

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (2.01.26) Delivering Fresh, Positive industry news across the 12volt industry is Job 1 at the 12volt News and the 12volt Central Studios.

These past 32 years went by very quickly in hindsight. In February 1994, we mailed the first 12volt Advertiser which transitioned to the 192 page 12volt News newspaper that weighed 10 tons to mail 20,000 copies when the 12volt News transitioned to digital in 2008. Today, 32 years later, we still put out more fresh industry news than anyone, utilizing digital platforms for web and social media posts.

In 1995 Security was a hot new category.

In today’s world, everything is continually changing. The 12volt industry was founded on music. Music is still very important and the way consumers connect with music, in this continually growing AI and digital world, is extremely important. In-store experiences for consumers in brick and mortar retailer stores is extremely important. Activities of industry members connecting at events and on the road is also extremely important.

The 12volt News grew to 3 sections and 192 pages

12volt Central Studios staff members utilize today’s digital technology to showcase positives across our industry, including in-store, at shows, and with industry members on the road.

Today the 12volt Central Studios delivers the latest news by scanning the QR Code with a smartphone.

As we begin a new year, we will re-double our efforts to deliver fresh news in a very timely manner.

We encourage industry members to utilize the 12voltSTP tool. With a smart phone simply snap an image and txt it with a few words to 318-469-2526. Your company’s positive activities could be spotlighted by the 12volt Central Studios.

A big thank you to all across the 12volt industry from the 12volt Central Studios!!

The 12voltCentral Studios Marketing Ball Puts Your Company’s Marketing In Play

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (1.29.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. The Marketing Ball is the latest way. The 12voltSTP Tool, Custom QR Codes and 12volt Central Studios offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE is all it takes!

With a SMARTPHONE the 12voltSTP Tool works with an image txt, plus a few words, and PRESTO it can happen.

The number is 318-469-2526. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

This image of Mike Femino in the N&H Eectronics warehouse in Hattiesburg MS shows the KICKER products in stock for their dealers plus spotlights the KICKER brand across the 12volt industry.

In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrades awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mid range and highs on a smartphone or laptop. The in-store experience is more important than ever!

The Specialty Marketing Ball is in play with Ryan Hawkin spotlighting RYDEEN products in the Jacksonville FL warehouse.
Sean Davis has the Mid-State Distributing Marketing Ball in place showcasing a XK Glow motorcycle lighting kit.

In person trade and distributor shows are terrific to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Trade show and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own customized booth using the 12voltSTP and deliver the message to the 12volt industry with The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details to get your company’s ball on play!