UNIVERSAL CITY, TX (01.04.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of a new store providing drivers throughout the San Antonio area with a comprehensive selection of premium automotive aftermarket services and products.

Tint World Universal City, owned by Dan Billings, is the 24th Tint World location in Texas. The store serves the heart of the fast-growing San Antonio metropolitan area.

“Tint World has had tremendous success in Texas, and I’m proud to be building on that as part of the most trusted automotive styling and performance brand here and across North America,” Billings said. “With Tint World’s proven franchise systems and commitment to quality products and dependable service, we’re positioned to immediately stand out from the competition.”

Tint World Universal City, located at 1734 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City, Texas 78148, provides a comprehensive range of premium aftermarket products and services, including customized audio and video systems, high-quality wheels and tires, advanced security enhancements, industry-leading window tinting, and paint protection films.

To book an appointment, request a quote or learn more about Tint World Universal City, call (210) 357-6222 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/tx/universal-city-156/.

“Dan and his team have quickly become the go-to destination for automotive enthusiasts in the central San Antonio area,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’re committed to Tint World’s formula for success, which is based on providing unmatched quality and value for drivers of every category.”

RINGWOOD, IL (01.03.23) – Race Sport Lighting proudly commemorates its 17th anniversary, marking an illuminating journey of lighting innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to automotive lighting excellence.

Since its inception in 2007, Race Sport Lighting has paved the way for cutting-edge automotive lighting solutions, catering to the ever-evolving needs of automotive enthusiasts, professional installers, and resellers alike. With a steadfast dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, the company has continually evolved, introducing state-of-the-art lighting products that have redefined performance standards and drastically improved aesthetic options in the automotive lighting sector.

From its humble beginnings, Race Sport Lighting has demonstrated an unwavering passion for pushing boundaries and delivering unmatched lighting solutions. Its comprehensive product lineup spans an impressive range of LED and HID lighting, accent lighting, off-road lighting, Jeep lighting, marine lighting, and other innovative lighting accessories, serving as a testament to the brand’s commitment to meeting the dynamic demands of the industry through the years and into the future.

“We’re incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone of 17 years in the industry,” said Steve Jergensen, Founder and CEO of Race Sport Lighting. “You can’t think of the first door valet ghost shadow kit, the first LED headlight kit, the first can-bus HID kit, the first LED/camera combo docking light, or some of our other patented and niche new lighting solutions launched in the last few recent years without thinking of our Generation 1 product releases. Our journey has been characterized by leading innovation, dedication to the industry, and the unwavering support of our customers and partners. We remain committed to driving the industry forward with groundbreaking lighting solutions that continue to exceed expectations.”

Over the years, Race Sport Lighting has valued its strong industry partnerships, collaborated with industry leaders and innovators, and consistently adapted to emerging consumer trends, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the automotive lighting sector. The company’s commitment to excellence has garnered many industry awards and earned the trust of its customers nationwide.

As Race Sport Lighting celebrates its 17th anniversary, it reaffirms its original pledge to be the only true one-stop lighting supplier for all your lighting needs. The company commits to elevate the automotive lighting experience, continuing to deliver innovative, high-performance lighting solutions that set new standards for quality and reliability in the future.

Race Sport Lighting has officially reduced its 5000+ sku monster evolutionary lineup to just 1200 Active and Top selling skus to kick off 2024 and moving forward. To learn more about Race Sport Lighting and explore its diverse range of lighting products, please visit www.RaceSportInc.com.

BLOOMFIELD, MI (01.03.2024) – Last week the 12volt News noticed Eddy Kay celebrated his 77th birthday. Many in the 12volt industry will remember Eddy Kay as a featured speaker at retailers like Circuit City and industry events like MERA and CES. Kay’s ‘Thrive In The Shadow Of Giants’ and ‘TakeCharge! A Manager’s Guide to Specialty Retailing’ books were a must read for many in the mid-1990’s.

The 12volt News reached out to Eddy and we would like to share some of what he has been doing these past years.

“I have been basically ‘retired’ for a boat load of years. At the end there was little left for me in the 12volt industry as so much had changed. I did well with sessions for companies in jewelry, auto supply and of all things trailer hitches. Like many the crash of 2009 almost put me out of business. By 2012 it all came back… but I had really gotten used to not working during that off time. So when I was making a trip to the airport for another speaking engagement I quit my job. I basically laid myself off. I gave myself an exit interview and told myself…Good Luck.”

Continuing, Kay related “I built a recording studio in the house and went back to my roots as a professional musician. I’ve got 3 albums on Spotify and two more in the can. I write almost all the material and do play all the instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals and Backup vocals. Multi-track recording allows me to be the whole band. Personally, I would rather have a band… but those guys want to get paid. The Bastards!”

That’s Eddy

“Recently we were looking to buy a new car. We were astounded at the lack of professionalism at multiple car dealerships. The sales staffs didn’t seem to care about what we wanted and we didn’t buy anything. It’s a different world on the sales floor today. That’s why good sales people, who care and ask questions, will always be in demand for successful 12volt retailers” Kay concluded.

Click above to listen to “Take It Easy”

Eddy lives in Bloomfield, which is about 10 miles north of Detroit, with his sweetheart of 18 years.

Happy Birthday again Eddy. Eddy’s email address is eddy@eddykay.com

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.31.2023) – January 1st 2024 marks the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year 2024 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2024 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2023 holiday season were up double digits over 2022. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS along with the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% pf those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2023.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook and Twitter accounts also.

The Instagram Business Profile, which is free, features a contact tab. A follower can tap the contact tab and call the store from their smartphone as they view the post. Also, a follower can send an email to the store as well as get a map to the store. Making a post, with the opportunity to get an immediate response from a follower, is an amazing outreach 12volt retailers can’t pass up in today’s marketplace.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, along with power sports for UTV, motorcycle and marine plus lighting, is a terrific way to kick off the New Year.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2024.

SHREVEPORT LA (12.30.23)  WTF…Win This Friday. JBT Car Audio Won the JVC  prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 252 on Friday morning, December 29th.

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.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 252nd time on Friday morning December 29th. The Wheel landed on the JVC space and the JBT Car Audio slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to the lucky winning retailer in Santa Paula CA to give them the super news. The owner was not in the store but will be back Saturday, December 30th, and we will reach out again. More to come on this 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

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

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards 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, The Best Guys in Concord CA, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL, Kalsec Audio in Bayville NJ and Jenkins PRO Window Tinting in McDonough GA.

Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 253 on Friday, January 5th 2024. 

MIDDLETOWN, CT (12.29.23) – GoFast Solutions, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the automotive aftermarket industry, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Blake Johnston to the position of Director of Merchandising.

In his previous role as purchasing manager, Blake demonstrated exceptional dedication, strategic thinking, and a keen understanding of market trends. His commitment to excellence and proven track record in driving successful merchandising initiatives have set him apart as a valuable asset to the GoFast Solutions team.

As Director of Merchandising, Blake will be responsible for overseeing the development and execution of merchandising strategies to optimize product placement, enhance customer experience, and drive overall business growth. His extensive industry knowledge and leadership skills make him well-suited to guide the merchandising team towards achieving new milestones.

“We are delighted to announce Blake Johnston’s promotion to Director of Merchandising. Blake’s expertise, passion, and innovative approach have consistently contributed to the success of GoFast Solutions. We are confident that under his leadership, our merchandising efforts will reach new heights, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to delivering top-notch solutions to our customers,” said Bob Hernandez VP, GoFast Solutions.

Blake’s promotion comes at an exciting time for GoFast Solutions as the company continues to expand its product offerings and strengthen its position in the market. One of Blake’s first tasks as Director of Merchandising is to find an assistant buyer to fill the gap created with his promotion. For details contact Blake Johnston at BlakeJ@gofst.com

Please join us in congratulating Blake Johnston on his well-deserved promotion. His dedication and leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in driving GoFast Solutions forward in the dynamic automotive aftermarket landscape.