SUNRISE, FL (04.27.22) – Andy Adkins is on the M.A.G. Sales Team. Andy will be working with M.A.G. Sales/Progressive 12volt brands based out of the East/Central Florida area. Those brands include Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, Elettromedia, Harman, Race Sport Lighting, Boss Audio and ATG.
Adkins is an avid Side by Side enthusiast, ex installer and graduate of the Installer Institute. He is very hands on with 12volt products and served as a product specialists for several of the Metra brands over his 15 years with Metra Electronics. Most recently Adkins was the Metra Florida Sales Manager.
“Please welcome Andy to the M.A.G. Sales Team and look for him at The Jeep Beach activities in Daytona Beach this week” Mike Sajecki, M.A.G. Sales Rep Principal stated.
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.27.22) – Jeep Beach 2022 will be heaven on earth for Jeepers. From the sands of Daytona Beach to the Daytona International Motor Speedway, and surrounding areas, Jeepers will rule.
Jeeps will line the sands of Daytona Beach and there will literally thousands of Jeeps on the infield of the Daytona International Motor Speedway. Hundreds of vendor booths, many with Jeep demos and showing Jeep specific products will grab the attention of the massive crowd of Jeepers. Also on the infield an obstacle course track, designed for Jeepers, will let all show their skills behind the wheel of their Jeep. Hundreds of truckloads of dirt, plus other discarded concrete obstacles, form mounds for Jeepers to navigate and earn their Jeep Beach ‘Certification.’
Images from Jeep Beach 2021
12volt brands DS18, Alpine and many more will show Jeep specific offerings. Daytona Beach retailer SoundCrafters, with Paul Papadeas and crew, will a large booth. Alpine, with retailer Roco 4×4, will show new Jeep specific products.
Images from Jeep Beach 2021
Papadeas, with decades of spring events experience in Daytona Beach, related “At SoundCrafters we are excited to be onsite at Jeep Beach 2022. The Jeepers community continues to grow rapidly and this event will put us in front of 1000’s of potential customers. The IASCA event will bring even more excitement to Jeep Beach 2022.”
DS18 will have very large presence with a number of Jeep demos in the booth. The Exotic features an amazing DS18 wrap and will scream to all “We Like It Loud”. M2 Audio and Accessories will also scream “We Like It Loud.”
Martin Pineda, for M2, stated “We are planning for a very big event. We loaded up on DS18 products and plan to show Jeepers ‘We Like It Loud’ with Mr DS18 and the DS18 crew.”
Jeep Beach 2022 began with a 5K run on Sunday April 24th and ends with a Jeep Parade of Sunday May 1st. Each day is packed with events for Jeep enthusiasts.
There will be more from Jeep Beach in coming days… stay tuned.
DETROIT, MI (04.27.22) – There has been much speculation about how Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter will impact the EV company. Are the top executives ready to be more involved? What will happen to the share price? Is the proposed split still a go?
Well, the impact is already being seen on one front as one competitor deleted his Twitter account: Henrik Fisker.
Now helming his second vehicle company, Fisker and Musk have a history together — most of it unpleasant. For that reason, Fisker seemingly decided to get out (of Twitter) when the gettin’ was good.
“Please follow me on IG from now on if you want updates. Thanks.” Fisker had about 86,000 followers at the time he cut his account. In contrast, Musk has more than 84 million. If you search for Henrik Fisker on Twitter now, you’ll just get an error message.
However, it appears to be clearly a personal issue, which may not be much of a surprise given the two are definitely not friends, as the Fisker Inc. Twitter account is alive and well.
We ain’t friends
The two haven’t been kind to one another throughout the years. Fisker worked for Musk at Tesla in the early days, playing a role in the design of the Model S in 2007 before he departed to start his own eponymous company that made hybrids with an eye toward going all electric.
The first vehicle was the Fisker Karma, a hybrid sports car, which received a warm reception for its looks, despite its lofty price take of more than $100k. However, Musk was less than kind in his assessment of the vehicle — and the designer — at the time.
Henrik Fisker deleted his Twitter account shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk acquired Twitter.
“The fundamental problem with Henrik Fisker — he is a designer or stylist … he thinks the reason we don’t have electric cars is for lack of styling,” Musk said at the time. “This is not the reason. It’s fundamentally a technology problem.
“At the same time, you need to make it look good and feel good, because otherwise you’re going to have an impaired product. But just making something look like an electric car does not make it an electric car.”
As for the car itself, he told Automobile Magazine back then, “It’s a mediocre product at a high price. The car looks very big, and yet it has no trunk space and is very cramped inside, particularly in the rear seats.”
NEW YORK, NY (04.27.22) – SiriusXM will provide listeners nationwide with comprehensive coverage of the 2022 NFL Draft, with live announcements of every selection from every round and in-depth analysis on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, as well as additional NFL Draft-focused programming on other SiriusXM channels.
From the first round on Thursday, April 28, through the final round on Saturday, April 30, the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel will broadcast onsite from inside the NFL Draft Theater in the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Live coverage will air Thursday and Friday from 7 pm – midnight ET/4 – 9 pm PT and Saturday from noon – 7 pm ET/9 am – 4 pm PT. Listeners will hear the announcements of all 32 teams’ selections through all seven rounds, as well as interviews with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and dozens of draftees, general managers and coaches.
SiriusXM NFL Radio’s NFL Draft broadcast team will be anchored by Jason Horowitz. SiriusXM’s expert analysts all three days will be former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller and former coach Rick Neuheisel.
Immediately following the conclusion of SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Draft broadcast each day, the channel will have live call-in shows where fans can share their reactions and discuss their favorite team’s picks. Alex Marvez and Kirk Morrison, a former third round selection, will host the Thursday and Friday post-Draft shows, and Zig Fracassi will be joined by former first round pick Ryan Leaf post-Draft on Saturday.
On Wednesday, April 27, Rick Neuheisel and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik will host a special SiriusXM NFL Radio show live from Draft Experience on the Las Vegas Strip from 1 – 3 pm ET/10 am – noon PT. The show will feature one-on-one interviews with several of the NFL Draft prospects on the eve of one of the biggest nights of their lives.
SiriusXM NFL Radio is available on channel 88 on SiriusXM radios. Subscribers can also listen with the SXM App (https://siriusxm.us/NFLDraft), and with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream at home. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s trials and most popular plans.
In addition to SiriusXM NFL Radio’s coverage, SiriusXM’s 24/7 college sports channel – ESPNU Radio (channel 84) – will broadcast live from Margaritaville on the Las Vegas strip on Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29 from 7 pm – midnight ET/4 – 9 pm PT. Rhett Lewis will anchor these shows. He will be joined by Mark Dominik and former NFL players Dusty Dvoracek (a 3rd round selection in 2006), Danny Kanell (a 4th round selection in 1996) and Chris Doering (a 6th round selection in 1996).
The SportsGrid Radio channel on SiriusXM (channel 159) will broadcast from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas throughout NFL Draft weekend. Scott Ferrall and Mike Carver will host pre-Draft shows on the channel on Thursday and Friday from 3 – 6 pm ET/noon – 3 pm PT. Gabe Morency, Cam Stewart, Mike Blewitt, Joe Lisi and Dave Sharapan will host coverage airing from 6 pm – midnight ET/3 – 9 pm PT both nights, and noon – 6 pm ET/9 am – 3 pm PT on Saturday, reacting to key new additions to NFL rosters.
LAKE HAVASU, AZ (04.26.22) – KICKER stretched West from Stillwater, OK to join dealers and fans with festivities at Desert Storm, running April 21-23, on Lake Havasu and Lake Havasu City AZ.
The KICKER XRV rolled out of KICKER HQ on Monday morning, April 18th, for the 1100 mile trip to Lake Havasu. Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, was behind the wheel as the XRV hit the road. Tracy Focht, Western Regional Sales Manager, and David Glasgow were also on board the big rig. Glasgow is involved in International Sales and has had his travels overseas restricted for nearly 2 years.
The KICKER XRV stopped for fuel Monday morning on the way to Lake Havasu and Desert Storm.
KICKER demos during set up at Desert Storm.
This is the 6th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 4 years KICKER has been onsite as the Title Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake with the Poker Run and boat parades through the days and evening Friday and Saturday.
Tracy Focht related “As we continue to enjoy the customers and attendees it’s the KICKER family too. Dealers Wired 4 Sound and Ron In your Ear Audio were huge help this year. The staff at Murfco helped with the event and equipment. Frank and Annette were awesome to host us. Desert Storm has grown into a family event and we love them all out there.”
This overhead image shows the scope of KICKER’s Sponsorship presence at Desert Storm.
The KICKER Boom Toon double decker was Livin’Loud on Lake Havasu.
Dan Murphy’s Murfco is the Southern Nevada, Arizona and SoCal Rep Firm for KICKER.
Focht added “We feel this grass roots event is the perfect event to work directly with both boat manufacturers, dealers and end consumers. This allows us and our dealers to learn more about what customers are actually looking for and where the the target market is headed. Each year we work diligently to better our approach and showcase KICKER at the event.”
With London Bridge in the background, it’s easy to see the high performance water crafts at Desert Storm 2022.
KICKER’s Glasgow added “Participating in an event like Desert Storm is certainly something that will interest all of the international customers that I work with…they all like to know about Livin’Loud activities in the US.”
Jeremy Wynn offered “It’s so great to see attendees in and around the KICKER XRV. They definitely see and Hear, in the Boom Room, KICKER is definitely Livin’Loud.
From the first night kick off the vendor party, to the hustle of the street party, to the Poker Run and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2022 at Lake Havasu was amazing. Lasting friendships have been created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2022 KICKER went overboard and was Livin’Loud.”
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.26.22) – 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.
The images in this article showcase Vickers AV with a new Crunch amplifier, The KICKER set up Desert Storm in Lake Havasu, DS18 at a mega event in Puerto Rico plus MaxPro Film ready for the window tint season. All in the last few days.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news 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 news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
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.
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.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.
DETROIT, MI (04.26.22) – General Motors will begin electrifying the Chevrolet Corvette next year, GM President Mark Reuss announced Monday, confirming previous reports by TheDetroitBureau.com.
The two-seater often referred to as “America’s sports car” will go through several steps, starting with a hybridized version and then an all-electric model, the automaker indicated. While the news immediately generated buzz in automotive circles it was not unexpected, the automaker previously laying out plans to go 100% battery electric by 2035.
“We will have an electrified Corvette next year,” Reuss said during an appearance on CNBC. “It’s coming very quick.”
Separately, GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra tweeted, “Electrified Corvette. That’s it. That’s the tweet.”
The Corvette, which is approaching its 70th anniversary, has gone through a number of changes in recent years. The latest version, known to aficionados as the “C8,” or eighth-generation Corvette, made the switch from a traditional front-engine to mid-engine layout.
GM President Mark Reuss confirmed today the company will build an all-electric Corvette. Photo Credit: CNBC.com
Prepping for this moment
At the time of the sports car’s launch in 2019, several senior members of the Corvette team told TheDetroitBureau.com they had built into the program the ability to electrify the new model. At the time, they declined to say whether that meant a conventional hybrid, a plug-in version or an all-electric model.
Sources suggest the first electrified version due out next year will be some form of hybrid, spy photographers capturing what appear to be test “mules” several times during the last several years. In terms of nomenclature, it could pick up the ZR1 badge, though a new designation referencing its hybridized drivetrain could be adopted.
A 100% electric Corvette will follow, it now has become clear — though that leaves open a number of questions. For one thing: will the BEV model use the existing ‘Vette platform or share one of the new “Ultium” architectures GM is developing for the rest of the line-up.
Also unclear is how many motors would be used in an all-electric model. All but certainly, there would be a minimum of two — which would create the first-ever all-wheel-drive version of the Corvette. But GM’s Ultium system provides the ability to use three motors — as are found in the new GMC Hummer, and potentially even four.
What’s clear is the all-electric Corvette’s battery pack would be mounted below the two-seater’s load floor, helping drop what is already an extremely low center of gravity. Add to that the all-wheel-drive system and the ability to torque vector. That’s a way of shifting extra power to the outside wheels while cornering to enhance high-speed handling.
CHICOPEE, MA (04.25.22) – Safe & Sound is a very proactive 12volt and Home AV specialist located in Chicopee MA. Established in 1983 by Mike Laventure, the Company recently moved to a larger location 18,000 square-foot facility. A total renovation was completed. A stunning display area was orchestrated with 5Axis Innovations.
Matt Herald-Trent Partners, David and Mike Laventure and Jody Culbertson (LtoR) pictured after a Safe & Sound tour.
This Before and After picture is definitely worth 1000 words!
Mike Laventure and son David, along with seven employees, create exciting audio and video experiences for their customers. The saying that a picture is worth 1000 words has never been more true than with the Safe and Sound makeover. The images in this article show the scope of the Home AV and 12volt category presentations.
Home AV selection showcased.
Each of these Home AV products include a tag discretely placed with model and price.
During a lengthy phone call with David he mentioned when old customers come into the new location the first thing they do is say WOW!… and grab their phones to start taking images of the new set up.
On the 12volt side separate display areas feature high-end car, mid-range car, DSP and Marine. There are three installation bays plus installation facilities from the previous location located just a few miles down the road.
12volt product selection is wide… and LIVE.
This display is live and ready to impress.
Home AV products are displayed in separate rooms and showroom areas. Large screen monitors and lighted graphics make every inch of the showroom come alive. With the latest technology, every car audio and Home AV speaker in the showroom can play the same music at the same time. Talk about an in-store experience!
This large digital sign lets all know Safe & Sound is open in their new Chicopee location.
Jody Culbertson, 5Axis Innovations Principal, related “When we were approached by Mike it quickly looked, due to the size of the proposed project, that I travel to their store in Chicopee. Once there we spent a lot of time and actually sketched out ideas on the unfinished concrete floor. Over the following months there was much back-and-forth as we discussed options leading up to the final design and installation. Overall this project took almost 2 years. When we completed the fabrication of displays, cabinets, counters and shelving materials it filled one entire 53′ semi plus another partial semi load.
Amazing work. The finished Safe & Sound project is spectacular. More images may be seen on Instagram @safeandsoundhq and @5axisinnovations.
CORONA, CA (4.25.22) – Thursday evening, April 21st, Paragon Sales and Marketing hosted another successful AudioControl training session at the Company’s facility in Corona CA. Food, refreshments, Epicenter demos plus demo cars were on the schedule along with a lot of industry co-mingling for the more than 20 area dealers in the house.
The AudioControl training took place in the Paragon Sales warehouse area where door rolls up for easy access to demo vehicles outside.
Mike Rios related, “We touched on Dynamat to start off our training by reminding dealers in attendance how important it is to control the environment of the car to achieve great sound.”
Continuing, Rios related, “We then moved to the AudioControl Epicenter training as we set up an Epicenter to a d5.1300 by AudioControl hooked up to two sets of Gladen 12″ subs and showed on a live DM-RTA the set up showing what an Epicenter does acoustically. We proceeded to explain how to properly set up an Epicenter and the difference it makes…leading to reason we have our Legacy Epicenter and Epicenter Micro.
Wayne Smedile and Aaron Davis conducted the meeting with a big hand from Mike Rios.
Wayne Smedile and Aaron Davis conducted the meeting with a big hand from Mike Rios who supplied info and images for this article.
Concluding, Rios offered, “We plan to host these dealer sessions quarterly. Since we began the trainings the number off dealers attending has been growing. Our setup is great as the warehouse door rolls up so dealers can check out the vehicle demos outside and then return to seats in the warehouse for the meeting presentation.”
Paragon represents Focal, Mosconi, Illusion Audio, Gladen, Blackhole, AudioControl, ARCAudio, Dynamat, Mobile Solutions and Concept.
ELKHART, IN (04.25.22) – ASA Electronics has hired Rachel West as the Marketing Director for ASA Electronics after Monica Pletcher’s retirement. In this role, West will manage the marketing team and handle strategic planning, digital marketing, and brand management. She brings 12 years of combined education and experience in the RV industry.
“We are thrilled to have Rachel with us. Her leadership and drive for continued improvement are exactly what we were looking for in a Marketing Director. She’s a breath of fresh air,” stated Brent Barrow, President of ASA Electronics.
“I’m excited to work for a company with such a great reputation amongst its employees and partners,” commented Rachel West. “ASA Electronics has an innovative product offering and a diverse customer base, providing our team with the opportunity to work with many different industries and audiences.”
Rachel’s first goals are to put her focus and efforts toward customers and clients.
“We want to continue supporting them and providing them with the assets and details they and their customers need to feel confident in our product.”
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