SHREVEPORT, LA (09.18.23) – The 12voltBeat newsletter delivers fresh, positive industry twice weekly. The 12voltBeat is emailed early Monday and Thursday mornings and recaps fresh, positive industry news from the previous days.
The 12volt Central Studios posts a wide variety of industry news each business day. News reporters are on the ‘beat’. In the 12volt car audio industry ‘beat’ also refers to music. Combining the two describes the activities of the 12voltBeat.
Today’s digital universe, along with the 12voltSTP Tool, provides a vehicle for the 12volt Central to post fresh industry from coast to coast. Recently from South Africa, too. We appreciate the efforts of industry members who share images and information from their activities to showcase to the 12volt industry.
This past week posts from the GoFast Winter Summit in Sringfield MA, BIKE FEST in Salisbury MD, Alpine Experiences in Aurora IL plus Lake Charles and Lafayette LA along with the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa demonstrates the amount of fresh, positive news delivered by the 12volt Central Studios.
Check out multiple daily post @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook along with the website 12voltnews.com.
Be sure to checkout fresh, positive news in the 12voltBeat early Monday and Thursday mornings.
SHREVEPORT LA (09.02.23) WTF…Win This Friday. Victory Lap Auto Restyling won the 12volt News prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 237 on Friday morning, September 15th.
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 5.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 237th time on Friday morning September 15th. The Wheel landed on the 12voltBeat space and the Victory Lap Auto Restyling 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 East Moline IL to let them know a $100. check prize will be headed their way. Some confusion resulted waiting to speak with the owner. After a 8 minute onhold their phone hung up. We will continue to contact he winning retailer.
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 and Limelight Automotive in Webster NY.
Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 22nd.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.15.23) – Tickets are now available for SEMA Fest, the inaugural, two-day outdoor festival to be held Friday, November 3-Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds in Las Vegas, that brings together automotive enthusiasts, the biggest names in music and the hottest automotive brands in a large-scale festival format. It’s a must-attend event that’s open to the public and features world-class musical acts Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, AJR, Third Eye Blind, Bush, Walk the Moon, Ludacris, The Struts, Badflower, Chase Matthew, Meg Meyers, Ayron Jones, Rome & Duddy, renforshort, Starcrawler, Dead Sara, Bones UK, Brooke Alexx, Paper Idol, The Foxies, Good Boy Daisy and Hot Crazy.
SEMA Fest, open to all ages of the public, will unite automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry “in a high-octane and immersive festival-like celebration of car culture.” The event will feature a full slate of automotive lifestyle events, including world-class drifting, motorsports competitions, freestyle motocross, off-road demonstrations, ride-and-drive activations, craft foods and a bustling consumer marketplace.
Whether you’re a diehard car enthusiast, a motorsports fan, a music lover or just like to have a good time, SEMA Fest is an event not to miss.
The inaugural SEMA Fest marks the conclusion of SEMA Week, which kicks off with the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31–November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
SEMA Fest: Ticketing and Admission
Admissions to SEMA Fest can be purchased at five distinct levels:
2-Day General Admission (all ages): $179, which allows access to all General Admission areas, including the SEMA Fest Marketplace, motorsports activations, headlining talent on two stages, and food and beverages are available for purchase.
2-Day General Admission PLUS (all ages): $229, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admissions as well as access to mobile phone charging stations, upgraded restroom facilities, and limited paid lockers to secure your personal belongings.
SEMA Show Friday Festival Experience (ages 16+): $299, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS as well as access to the SEMA Show on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Friday Festival Experience offers the ultimate bucket-list enthusiast experience like no other event on the planet. It’s the best place to see the newest automotive performance products and discover the latest product and vehicle trends before anyone else.
SEMA Fest VIP (all ages): $349, which includes access to all the features of 2-Day General Admission PLUS admissions as well as exclusive access to a VIP viewing area with premium sightlines, VIP food and beverages for purchase and VIP washrooms.
SEMA Fest VIP and SEMA Show Friday Package (ages 16+): $469, which includes access to all the features of SEMA VIP admissions as well as access to the SEMA Show floor on Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Keep an eye out for more details on the SEMA Fest ticket rewards program. To purchase tickets and receive the latest SEMA Fest updates, visit semafest.com.
CORAL SPRINGS, FL (09.15.23) – NAV-TV CORP. today announced that it will be exiting the Aftermarket Automotive products business, which includes all aftermarket infotainment and vision products.
The OEM and Test equipment divisions are not affected.
Following a strategic review, the company determined that the Aftermarket Automotive products business was no longer positioned to sustainably meet our customers best needs. The exit from this line of business will be phased over the next 12 months.
The company is committed to ensuring a smooth exit for current commercial customers by maintaining all warranties to 12 months from date of purchase or until 9/15/2024, whichever comes first.
“This decision enables NAV-TV to focus resources on our greatest opportunities for growth and where we can deliver industry leading value to customers. It is in line with the company’s strategy to focus our resources primarily on OEM, Test Equipment, and specialty programs. We are confident in NAV-TV’s continued success and our commitment to innovate and serve.”
-Moni Melman, NAV-TV’s Chief Executive Officer
During the phase-out period, NAV-TV will be discounting existing products and offer package deals to its aftermarket customers. Engineering, Manufacturing, and other equipment will also become available over the next 12 months as will competitively priced licensing structures for NAV-TV’s Intellectual Property.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.15.23) – Attending networking events at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, is not just about expanding your contact list; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining valuable insights and accessing tailored support for your career or business.
One of the standout features of the SEMA Show is the various Council and Network events that provide specialized support for each automotive segment. Whether focused on classic hot rods and restoration, the latest truck and off-road innovations, automotive technology, automotive restyling, wheel and tire or if you’re a woman or aged 39 and under, the SEMA Show has events and resources tailored to your needs.
“SEMA council and network events are the premier venues for SEMA Show attendees to forge powerful connections with industry peers and leaders in their specialized market segment,” said Zane Clark, SEMA Vice President of Membership, Education, Research and Councils & Networks. “The inclusive environments allow for engaging conversations where attendees can share experiences and exchange ideas with people who understand their industry inside and out.”
With everything from receptions and happy hours to meetings and lunches on the calendar, attendees can expect to expand their network and connect with those who share common interests and challenges. The diversity in automotive communities ensures an event for everyone–making SEMA Show council and network events a must-add to your SEMA Show itinerary this November.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI (09.14.23) – The Alpine Experience was positioned in front of the WOW Electronics location in Clinton Township MI early Saturday, September. Chris Reavis was behind the wheel of the Alpine Experience RAM. This Alpine Experience was a double doubleheader as Alpine’s Mike Schafer supported the event with his vehicle loaded with Alpine for demos.
Alpine tents and demo vehicles drew attention to the Alpine Experience at WOW Electronics.
Alpine products were stacked with specials for the day in the showroom.
JD Daniels and his team was prepared and ready to get the event started and showcase the Alpine Experience to enthusiasts in their marketplace.
“The Saturday Alpine Experience was definitely a much bigger day that a normal Saturday in terms of store traffic and sales. The Alpine RAM stayed busy with Chris doing demos. Having Mike Schafer on site with his SUV loaded with Alpine was a welcome addition as people could experience Alpine’s great sound in a rather normal setting. Alpine speakers, amps and subs were the hot items with sales during the day. We are still following with prospects days after the event” Daniels related.
Early Saturday morning Mike Schafer prepared product display and his vehicle was ready for demos.
The Alpine Experience RAM provides attendees with amazing sound demos as well as showcasing custom installation.
Reavis commented “The event was very good with sales and traffic. As a result of Mike being on site with his vehicle an Optim8 was sold. JD was very happy with the event. In May of this year an Alpine Experience event at the WOW Electronics store in Eastpointe MI was also successful. We are talking about scheduling events in 2024 too.”
Brothers JD and Rick Daniels operate the two WOW Electronics locations.
Watch for coverage of more Alpine Experience events that are driving store traffic and sales with Alpine retailers across the U.S.
TORONTO, CANADA (09.14.23) – Slated for Friday April 5th to Sunday April 7th, 2024 at the Toronto Congress Centre, CMA EXPO offers an opportunity for Canadian dealers to experience the latest industry training delivered by the top product experts. Featuring major Canadian distributors representing over 100+ of the leading mobile electronics brands, an expansion to 75 training sessions and over 30,000 ft2 of exhibit space, the 2024 CMA EXPO Training & Networking Event will be the must-attend show for retailers next spring.
“Canadian 12v retailers delivered a resounding message of support with their attendance and enthusiasm for product training, making the build-up to the 2024 EXPO highly anticipated”. Once again, next year’s event is the result of a continued collaborative effort from the leading Canadian mobile electronics distributors and their supporting manufacturers,” said Frank Spezzano, President, CMA Networks.
The 2024 CMA EXPO will represent all aspects of the mobile electronics industry including mobile audio, remote starters, telematics, ADAS and lighting systems. Attendees can look forward to special skills-based seminars covering fabrication, sales and marketing, while DSP sessions will round out the stacked weekend schedule. To enhance the overall experience, expect to see the latest product demonstrations, new product unveilings and demo vehicles on display.
“We finally had the opportunity to provide an in-person training experience featuring the amazing roster of trainers we have on CMA Networks and the feedback was nothing short of overwhelming. I’m excited for the opportunity to deliver our unique brand of training and info-tainment once again to Canadian mobile electronics retailers,” stated Ben Woo, Content Director & Host, CMA Networks.
EARLY BIRD registration opens on Thursday, Oct. 12th for attendees and will feature a special rate along with an exclusive swag bag.
PHOENIX, AZ (09.14.23) – Fullbay, the turn-key platform that improves the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, has launched its annual survey that will help formulate the company’s fourth State of Heavy-Duty Repair report. The survey allows repair shop owners and managers to anonymously provide feedback about their business operations over the past year. The survey results will be compiled into a detailed report of benchmarks and trends intended to provide transparency and insights to shop owners, fleet managers, key stakeholders and more. The final report will be available for free download in early 2024.
The survey covers topics related to inventory management, mobile repairs, finances and industry trends, as well as services offered and technician benchmarks for efficiency, hourly wages and more.
“Now in its fourth year, heavy-duty repair shops are relying on our annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report to provide them with benchmarks and trends for running their businesses,” said Patrick McKittrick, CEO of Fullbay. “With this report – the only one of its kind – we aim to support the commercial repair industry by shedding light on best practices, enabling shops to increase both revenue and efficiency.”
Survey participants will be entered to win a number of prizes including ten $100 Amazon gift cards and ten $50 gift cards to the soon to launch Fullbay online store. Additionally, one participant per day will win an exclusive Fullbay swag box.
Fullbay’s survey is found here and closes on October 13. To view last year’s 2022-2023 State of Heavy-Duty Repair report, click here.
LIMA, OH (09.13.23) – The Custom Audio Concepts 3-Day Tent Sale took place Thursday through Saturday, September 7th thru 9th. The company’s store is located at a very busy intersection in Lima OH. A row of tents was positioned outside along with numerous tables stacked high with specials under tents for customers to check out. A 20’ tall Memphis Audio air dancer was waving on top of the store.
The stage was set early Thursday morning September 7th for the Tent Sale.
Mark Wallace, Custom Audio Concepts GM, who orchestrated the event offered, “We had a strong event. When others around may be slowing down we are moving forward. I have been in this industry for 25 years and seeing an event busy, busy… and making the register ring with strong sales, is the way it is supposed to be.”
Tables were filled with Tent Sale deals.
Mark Wallace (L) and the sales team drove Tent Sale business.
Continuing, Wallace added “We sold a wide variety products. Memphis Audio was especially strong with subs and speakers… lots of bike products were also sold at the event. ATG Bluetooth speakers were lot too. We may have done in 3 days what some stores may do in a couple weeks.”
“What Mark Wallace and his team are doing in the small market of Lima is astounding. It is, to me, the number one story in our Ohio Valley territory. He partners with Memphis Audio and has definitely outkicked his coverage area” Ed Dalesandro, End Result, related.
“There were 7 store staff members working the event. We promoted the event on Facebook and Instagram with targeted ads” Wallace concluded.
Custom Audio Concepts is owned by Nate Gast and sells home and car audio plus associated automotive aftermarket products.
PENSACOLA, FL (09.13.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has expanded its service along the Gulf Coast with a new location in Pensacola, Florida.
Tint World Pensacola, owned by John and Jennifer Mitchell, delivers premium automotive aftermarket services and accessories to drivers throughout the western Panhandle area. In addition to the industry’s leading window tint solutions, Tint World offers automotive paint protection film, wheels and tires, audio and video, safety and security technology, custom lighting, detailing and more.
The comfortable showroom features multiple product displays.
The large installation bay has plenty of room to handle several vehicles.
“We meet the needs of drivers and automotive enthusiasts in every category,” said John Mitchell. “Whether you’re looking for features to keep your family safe, eye-catching exterior upgrades or a competition audio system, Tint World provides high-quality products and service along with outstanding value.”
Vehicle lifts provide the opportunity to add many automotive aftermarket upgrades.
“John and Jennifer are passionate about serving the Pensacola community, and they’ve proven their commitment to Tint World’s world-class franchise system and processes,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We offer franchisees unique support through training, technology, marketing and operations that position them for success.”
Tint World Pensacola, located at 6254 N. W St., Pensacola, Florida 32505, serves the Pensacola, Pace, Cantonment, Gulf Breeze, Avalon, Tiger Point, Bellview, Goulding and Lillian areas. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (850) 786-2627 or visit tintworld.com/locations/fl/pensacola-161/.