KICKER Rewarded Tomorrow’s 12volt Leaders at The SkillsUSA 2023 Championships in Atlanta

Posted on June 28, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker.

ATLANTA, GA (06.29.23) – As part of KICKER’s sponsorship of the event, KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey traveled to Atlanta and judged competitions in the SkillsUSA Championships June 19-23, during SkillsUSA’s 59th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

*Aaron Malin looks down on the State Farm Arena, across the street from the Georgia World Congress Center, during the awards ceremony Friday night.*

*A competitor interacts with the KICKER Tech Force members.*

Malin related “This was the second SkillsUSA national competition that KICKER has attended in Atlanta and provided a sponsorship. In 2022 we had a total of 6 competitors from all over the country. In 2023 we had a total of 11 competitors from all over the country. Two of the competitors at the 2023 in Atlanta were from Oklahoma. We would certainly like to see like 20 competitors in at Atlanta in 2024.”

*These competitors are ready to review KICKER products.*

*The KICKER prize products, valued at $5,000 we’re spotlighted during the completion.*

The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. These skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.

*As the SkillsUSA concluded competitors assembled for prizes.*

Continuing Malin offered “The KICKER Tech Force intends to continue our support of SkillsUSA in Oklahoma and at the national competition in 2024. We are actively encouraging other states to join the competition and increase the number of young men and women interested in joining the 12volt industry. We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire.The 12-volt industry needs more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table and SkillsUSA can provide a pathway.”

The event in Atlanta included a written examination covering the Basic MECP certification, a professional interview and five hands-on applications that spotlighted taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering and working with relay circuits plus troubleshooting electronic circuitry.

KICKER donated over $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions. When the event wrapped of Friday night Malin and Luckey handed out prizes and medals for First, Second and Third for secondary and post secondary competitors.

“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level. As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in the very exciting and quickly evolving industry” Malin concluded.

Visit Kicker.com and SkillsUSA.org for more.

Tint World Opens New Location in Brookfield, Connecticut

Posted on June 28, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Tint World.

BROOKFIELD, CT (06.29.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of a new location in Brookfield, marking the second location in Connecticut.

*This new Corvette got the Tint World Triple Play Package of Ceramic Window Tint, Paint Protection Film and Nano Ceramic Coating.*

Tint World Brookfield is owned by military and law enforcement veteran, and automotive enthusiast Jamil Payne, introducing northern Fairfield County to the aftermarket automotive styling services they provide. The business will offer a comprehensive selection of top aftermarket products from the most popular and trusted brands, including solutions for window tint, paint protection films, nano ceramic coatings, custom audio and lighting, remote start and security, wheels and tires, and much more.

“When I set out to choose a franchise, I knew I wanted a proven, stable system, and Tint World’s financial reporting stood out,” Payne said. “I also wanted to pursue a career doing something I loved, so my passion for cars helped make Tint World the easy choice. Thanks to our carefully chosen assortment of ultra-premium window tint, safety and security technology, nano ceramic coatings, performance upgrades and more, I’m confident that drivers in Brookfield and beyond will find something to help preserve their investment and keep them excited about every drive, whether it’s a daily commute or their next family road trip.”

*The signature Tint World look and colors welcome consumers in the new Brookfield location.*

Tint World Brookfield, located at 450 Federal Road, Unit 6, Brookfield, Connecticut 06804, serves Danbury, Bethel, Newtown, New Milford, New Fairfield, Bridgewater, Ridgefield, and Redding. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (203) 504-9998 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/ct/brookfield-148/.

“Jamil’s passion for the industry, work ethic, and drive to succeed makes him a perfect match for our rapidly growing franchise family at Tint World,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Our franchise system is also an excellent investment for veterans like Jamil, and we’re proud to say that Tint World is included on an exclusive list of Top Franchises for Veterans by Franchise Business Review. The character of those that have protected our freedoms by serving in the armed forces is a perfect fit for our system, and we have no doubt that Jamil will lead his store to serve the Brookfield community with integrity and unmatched customer service.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Automobility Appointed as Exclusive Canadian Distributor of ZZ2 CarPlay and Android Auto Interface Systems

Posted on June 28, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged ZZ-2.

MONTREAL, CANADA (06.29.23) – AutoMobility is excited to announce that it will be the exclusive Canadian distributor for ZZ-2.

As the country’s largest automotive electronics distributor, AutoMobility will represent the complete line of ZZ-2 OEM-grade CarPlay / Android Auto Interfaces, streaming Interfaces and vehicle-specific cameras as well as its universal dash camera solutions.

*Mike Berger, Automobility VP of Sales, is all smiles and ready to connect with ZZ-2 in his AUDI outside the HQ in Montreal.*

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome AutoMobility to our team, and honored that they have welcomed us to theirs. The company has a stellar reputation for both quality offerings and impeccable service, which was a prerequisite for us in selecting an exclusive distribution partner. We share a passion for excellence, and that’s why this partnership is a perfect fit”, said Tiago Sperandio, VP of ZZ-2.

“Automobility is very happy to have a partner that understands the OEM integration side of the industry so well” said Mike Berger, VP of Sales at Automobility.

Visit zz-2.com and automob.ca for more.

Alpine Awards Xtreme Autosound the 2022 Customer Care Award

Posted on June 27, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Alpine.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.28.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) awarded the 2022 Customer Care Award to Xtreme Autosound & Marine during an Alpine Experience Event hosted at the store earlier this month. Located in Louisville, KY, Xtreme Autosound & Marine has been an Alpine Authorized Retailer since 2018 and an Alpine Style Center since the program was introduced in 2020.

*Left to Right: Michael Humphrey, David Coleman, Matthew Crouch, Bryan Eckenroth, Michael Cockerell, and Anthony Zagata (owner).*

“We’re thrilled to present the 2022 Customer Care Award to Xtreme Autosound,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alpine Aftermarket Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “Their dedication to serving their customers and upholding the standards of the Alpine brand made them the ideal candidate for this prestigious award.”

The Alpine Customer Care Award is given to the Alpine Authorized Retailer who provides outstanding customer service on behalf of the Alpine brand. Recipients of this award have gone above and beyond to provide the perfect Alpine product solution to a customer and ensure the longevity of the product experience by registering the product for warranty and support services.

“We love selling and installing Alpine products in our store,” said Anthony Zagata, owner of Xtreme Autosound & Marine. “The customers love the pricing, quality, and the fact that we can offer them a warranty with their installed product. It truly is a ‘win-win-win’ for us, the customer, and Alpine.”

Alpine presented the first Customer Care Award in 2022 during an Alpine Styler Center Dealer Council hosted at Alpine Headquarters.

See Xtreme Autosound on Instagram at instagram.com/xtremeautosound502

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

GoFast Solutions Becomes Authorized Distributor for Element Fire Extinguishers

Posted on June 27, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Go Fast Solutions.

MIDDLETOWN, CT (06.28.23) – GoFast Solutions, the leading provider of premier Mobile Electronics & Powersports products in the North East, is pleased to announce its recent addition of Element Fire Extinguishers to their diverse product assortment. This new partnership positions GoFast Solutions as a trusted source for the groundbreaking fire suppression technology offered by Element Fire Extinguishers, a proud member of the AAM Group.

Element Fire Extinguishers has gained industry-wide recognition for its cutting-edge and highly effective fire suppression solutions. Utilizing a groundbreaking compound, Element Fire Extinguishers are designed to extinguish fires rapidly and effectively, ensuring maximum safety for users. The extinguishers are compact, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, from automotive and powersports to marine and industrial sectors.

*Bob Hernandez in the GoFast Solutions Studio with a number of the very small ELEMENT Fire Extinguishers, which are blister packed to display on slat wall.*

With this authorization, GoFast Solutions further solidifies its position as a premier distributor of Mobile Electronics and Motorsports products in the region. By expanding its product portfolio to include Element Fire Extinguishers, GoFast Solutions aims to provide its customers with comprehensive automotive and powersports safety solutions that meet the highest industry standards. The company’s extensive network and commitment to exceptional customer service make it the go-to choice for automotive and 12V enthusiasts.

“We are thrilled to be authorized as the premier distributor for Element Fire Extinguishers in our region,” said Bob Hernandez, Director of Sales for GoFast Solutions. “Our partnership with the AAM Group represents our ongoing search to bring our customers new & innovative opportunities to grow their business. Element Fire Extinguishers is the type of innovative product that is outside the traditional 12V retailers ‘box’, but has obvious applications in & out of the install bay. Element Fire Extinguishers portability, the fact that it requires little or no service and has no effective expiration date makes it ideal for automotive, powersport, & marine applications. There are several Roll cage, Magnetic, Tactical and vehicle mounting options also available and in stock at GoFast Solutions”.

Here’s an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage reviewing Element Fire Extinguishers:

As an authorized Distributor for Element Fire Extinguishers, GoFast Solutions will leverage its extensive distribution network, comprehensive inventory, and knowledgeable staff to ensure seamless availability and prompt delivery of Element fire extinguishers to customers across the Country. The company’s commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with Element Fire Extinguishers’ mission of delivering top-quality fire suppression products to the market.

For more information about GoFast Solutions and its authorized distribution of Element Fire Extinguishers, please visit www.gofst.com or contact their sales team at sales@gofst.com.

Domestic and International Momentum Continues to Build for 2023 SEMA Show

Posted on June 27, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA Show.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.28.23) – The SEMA Show is the premier international marketplace that unites automotive

aftermarket professionals from across industry segments worldwide. The momentum is building for this year’s event, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, as registration and hotel bookings are seeing double-digit percentage increases at press time.

With the easing of travel restrictions, Show organizers expect nearly 20% of attendees from outside the United States, making this year’s SEMA Show the most influential business meet-up on the calendar.

Following is a detailed look at some of the SEMA Show attendees. Attendees travel from all 50 states, and the top 10 represented at last year’s event were:

California
Texas
Nevada
Arizona
Florida
Washington
Utah
Hawaii
Colorado
Illinois
Last year, the top 10 countries in attendance, after the United States, were from:

Canada
Mexico
Australia
Brazil
Germany
United Kingdom
Colombia
Japan
France
Switzerland

For 2023, organizers are again seeing several attendees from these 10 top countries. Still, buyers from every major market, including countries across the Pacific Rim and Middle East and North Africa, will be represented. There is also a rise in registrations from members and guests across Asia as business and travel opportunities return to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, it’s expected that by Show time, there will be attendees registered from more than 130 countries and regions around the world.

Every SEMA Show guest, no matter their country of origin, is an opportunity to build your business and brand and expand your professional network.

Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

International Buyers and Attendees
International travelers can request a letter of invitation during the registration process. Unsure if you will require a visa from your country of origin? Use the U.S. Department of State’s handy Visa Wizard to determine your needs. In addition, many countries are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If you are traveling from any eligible country, register for your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before your travel.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact customer service at 866-229-3687. International callers dial direct +1-224-563-3154 or email aapexsema@csreg.zohodesk.com. Service is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CDT.

Stereo King on the Dunes at the UTV TakeOver 2023

Posted on June 26, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Stereo King.

COOS BAY, OR (06.27.23) – Stereo King was on site at the UTV Takeover in the Oregon Dunes National Recreational area for the seventh time. The 2023 UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from June 21st-25th. Reports noted well over 3000 UTV’s were on site with the crowd of powersports enthusiasts topping 10,000.

Kevin Cornutt, Stereo King GM, related, “The PowerSports category is very strong for our company. This year was our seventh year to exhibit at the UTV Takeover. We were very busy and had strong sales as we did installs on nearly 100 UTVs.”

*Stereo King set up as UTV TakeOver opened.*

*Throughout the 2023 UTV TakeOver the Stereo King area on vendor row was busy.*

Stereo King rolled into the event with a big U-Haul truck and 30’ trailer with Stereo King custom graphics. The booth was set up in vendor row with multiple tents and demo vehicles. “During the 5-day event run we did a ton or promoting with business cards, fliers, free stickers, shirts caps and more. We spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth and saw a lot of customers from previous years which is always great to see. We offered onsite installation and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. It was a strong mix of Can Am X’s and RZR PRO’s that came through and were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage 6 Kits which were the biggest hits” Scotty Miles related.

*Stereo King was packed under their tents.*

*Action happened in the install bay into the night.*

Continuing, Miles offered, “We set up quite a few side-x-side related jobs along with some daily usage vehicles and RV audio upgrades back at the stores too. Attendance was huge again this year and probably exceeded the 2022 crowd. ”

*Rockford Fosgate was a strong seller in the Stereo King booth.*

Stereo King staff members on site at the UTV TakeOver 2023 included Kevin Cornutt, Bethany Cornutt, Alissa and Scotty Miles up front. In the bay Corey O, Corey T and Jeff handled the installations.

Stereo King crew members spent the nights at local motels in North Bend and wrapped their long days at in town spots that stayed open late to serve the hungry Stereo King crew.

*UTV enthusiasts are into add-on that include wraps as well as big sound.*

Following the event Cornutt thanked the Stereo King Team is a very heartfelt social media post…”After a long week at UTV TakeOver I think about the week and how lucky I am to work with such an amazing team. They showed up two hours early before the event opened because we were so busy and needed to get clients taken care of. Then they stayed late because they wanted our clients to have audio to have fun the next! The whole time nothing but big smiles and positivity!! Thank you to each and everyone of you…we could not have done it without you.”

Stereo King operates 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise, ID.

Visit stereoking.com for more.

KENWOOD USA Showcased the New eXcelon Motorcycle Audio for Harley Davidson at K’Fest in Indy

Posted on June 26, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Kenwood.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (06.27.23) – KENWOOD USA showcased the highly anticipated eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line specifically designed and engineered for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the company’s booth at K’Fest. The cutting-edge audio products are now shipping, allowing motorcycle enthusiasts to elevate their riding experience with unparalleled sound quality and performance.

*Josh Bowen in the Kenwood booth during setup with the Harley RoadGlide by Audio Source.*

Area retailer Audio Source, in Columbus IN, installed the new eXcelon Harley products in a customer’s nice 2020 RoadGlide for the trip to the K’Fest show floor.

Matt Murray related “The RoadGlide received 3 amplifiers that included all plug and play harnesses and mounting plates. The original 4 speakers were replaced with the new 6.5” speakers. We also added lower pods to hold additional 6.5” speakers. We then used the KENWOOD PowerSports lid kit in kit for 6×9 speakers. The bike sounded amazing and the build quality was excellent. It was super for our store to complete this project that was on display at Knowledgefest.”

*The RoadGlide in the Audio Source bay and ready for the trip to Indy.*

*Kenwood 6.5” speakers were installed in the RoadGlide pods.*

*The Kenwood 6×9” speakers were installed in the lid kits.*

Murray offered “We also added a KENWOOD STZ-RF200D motorsports camera system with front and rear cameras.”

Key Features of KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports Motorcycle Audio Line: Products are designed and engineered specifically for Harley Davidson® motorcycles, Sleek designs that enhance the bike’s overall appearance, Plug and Play installation, keeping factory wiring intact, Designed to work with the motorcycle’s charging system, Built to work with a factory or aftermarket receiver, no flash is needed and Convenient packages to build a system in stages or all at once.

*The Kenwood Motorsports Camera System in action and showing the Audio Source store in the smartphone screen.*

For more information on KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line, visit kenwood.com/usa/car/motorcycles

SEMA 2023 Education Program to Offer EV Certification by Legacy EV

Posted on June 26, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.27.23) – Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, have the exclusive opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) certified as part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.

Electric Vehicles 101 Presented by Legacy EV is a full-day program set for Monday, October 30, allowing early arrivals and exhibitors to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains in an intimate, hands-on session capped at 20 participants.

Subject-matter expert Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems will join curriculum specialists Baily Soto and Tom Santilli of Legacy EV to demonstrate how to observe, describe and predict the relationship between volts, ohms and amperes in a variety of electrical circuits; apply principles of Watt’s Law; identify tools and equipment required to maintain an electrical system safely; perform a manufacturer high-voltage disconnect procedure; and much more. And attendees will work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches.

At the end of the course–broken into two sessions named “Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory” and “Applications with EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety”–attendees will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV, a study guide and an at-home assessment which will grant attendees seven hours of continuing education credits toward achieving and/or maintaining Legacy EV’s certification.

The cost to attend Electric Vehicles 101 presented by Legacy EV is $600 per attendee. Legacy EV will allow participants to apply the session cost ($600) toward a full Legacy EV Certified Technician certification course.

Stay tuned for more details on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, including the announcement of partner education tracks and the overall keynote speaker program.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work Across the US

Posted on June 25, 2023 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged STP.

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.26.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

See action from Sayville NY, Elizabeth Town NJ, Indianapolis IN, Biloxi MS and Coos Bay OR. The images below are examples of the 12volt STP Tool at work in just the last week. There will be much more to come as coverage of events and activities take place.

Main St. Stereo’s Alpine Experience took place on Thursday, June 22nd in Sayville NY. Alpine’s Colin Vargo with Steve Salvio, Jay Ruiz and Tom Morton (L to R) with the Main Stereo crew under the tent. Matt Gonzalez, Trent Partners and Associates, was in the house and supplied images and details.

*During K’Fest in Indy a Kenwood and JVC connected multiple trainings.*

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

*KICKER was Livin’Loud at K’Fest in Indy with a busy booth and training sessions.*

*Shawn Spedding and Leigh Powell showcased a variety of new JBL and Infinity Audio products in Indy.*

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.

*This DB Drive Gladiator, with Carlos doing demos, was one of the loudest vehicles at Scrapin’ the Coast in Biloxi with Dave Gill and the SMS Team in the house.*

*MTX and CE Global Pro were going full throttle on the dunes at the UTV Takeover in Coos Day OR.*

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.