The PNWCEE 2022 Mobile Electronics Expo Set For May 9th-11th in Seattle

Posted on April 13, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged PNWCEE.

SEATTLE, WA (04.14.22) – The PNWCEE 2022 Mobile Electronics Expo, featuring Mobile Electronics, is set for May 9th-11th at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA.

Mark Giovannetti and Dan McMillan, who spearhead the event, related “It’s been over two years, and now it’s time to get together again with leading mobile electronics vendors, their representatives and trainers for an event designed for 12volt specialists to grow their businesses. Feedback from the field has been very strong as all think that the time is now right.”

This year the event will kick off with a special Monday evening launch event themed ‘Harley Davidson Audio Install Deconstruction’ presented by Sam Walker and Ryan Klein as they deconstruct a Harley Davidson Road Glide premium after market audio system build on the bike. In the process they will cover the ‘Best Practices’ of motorcycle audio installation using the newest products plus plug & play solutions on the market today. Installation tips will be made and then the vehicle will be put back together and ready roll.

Tuesday and Wednesday will feature factory and industry training events that begin at 9 AM in rooms off the show floor. The Expo Showroom opens at 10AM both days with an amazing number of vendors displaying their latest products.

On Wednesday Travis Chin, from IASCA, will be on site. Dealers and their customers are invited for a TEST THE BEST event outside and Travis will judge the entries and 3 top winners will receive awards. The Doubletree has provided a large outdoor space for this activity.

As an added benefit for attendees the Doubletree has agreed to offer suites at a discounted rate and that will include a complimentary breakfast for 2 people per room.

“With the addition of the larger outdoor area we will have the opportunity to have even more show cars at the 2022 event. May 9th-11th, Monday through Wednesday, are the dates and we look forward to seeing a record turnout at the upcoming 2022 event. So far there is a real buzz in the Pacific Northwest for the 2022 event. Giovannetti concluded.

Click this link for a list of the trainers presenting product sessions

For info email pnwceegrp@gmail.com or conatct Mark at 206-334-2155.

Visit pnwcee.com for more.

The Switch to 5G Could Impact Features on Your Car

Posted on April 13, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

This article by Tanya Rivera of Consumer Reports originally appeared on wfmynews.com

GREENSBORO, NC (04.14.22) – Chances are you haven’t thought much about older 3G cellular networks because all the talk today is about 5G, the super-fast new network for smartphones and other wireless devices. As wireless carriers begin shutting down those old 3G networks, millions of connected cars may lose important safety features.

Consumer Reports has said for years that a car is a computer on wheels, and in many cases, it’s also a cell phone. “Almost every car these days has an internet connection built-in. And that can be used for safety features, like being able to automatically call for help in a crash, or for convenience, like being able to start the car remotely or check to see if the doors are locked or unlocked,” said Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Auto Editor.

But for millions of cars on the road today, that technology relies on an aging 3G wireless network. And by the end of this year, all of the major cellular carriers will permanently shut down their 3G networks.

Automakers have known this for years, but as recently as 2019 they were putting 3G technology into new vehicles, knowing that customers would be left in the lurch without access to some of these services.

Link to Consumer Reports’ list of cars that could be affected by the 3G shutdown.

Some vehicles already have 4G capability, so you may only have to do a software update at home—the same way you would for a phone or laptop—to keep your car’s connected services.

Others will require a hardware upgrade, and for many car owners, that may come at a cost. Knowing what updates your car may need isn’t so easy.

Click here to view the full article on wfmynews.com

Design Engineering Releases Wrangler LJ Headliner Kits

Posted on April 13, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Design Engineering.

AVON LAKE, OH (04.14.22) – The added wheelbase length on 2004-’06 Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited – also known as LJ or “Long Jeep” models – make them highly sought-after, even two decades later. Now, for hardtop applications, there’s a new Sound Deadening/Insulating Headliner Kit from Design Engineering, Inc. that brings even more cool to these coveted off-roaders.

DEI’s 5-piece, custom-cut, peel-and-stick kit dresses up the interior of LJ hardtops while minimizing outside noise. The pieces are made of high-quality, marine-grade acoustical foam that resists mold and mildew while insulating from outside heat and cold.

“Give your Jeep’s hardtop a finished look with our new LJ Sound Deadening/Insulating Headliner Kit,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “With different colors and textures available, there’s a kit to match any interior.”

CNC machined for a perfect fitment, the pieces are available in two finishes – Original and Leather Look. The Original finish option is offered in Black (#50601), Gray (#50603) and White (#50602) , while Leather Look kits are available in Gray (#50605) and Black (#50604).

All kits feature matching window trim pieces for total interior coverage, and simple peel-and-stick application for a quick, hassle-free installation.

For more information about the LJ Sound Deadening/Insulating Headliner Kits and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

KICKER Congratulates Longtime Employee and Friend Kevin Campbell on Retirement

Posted on April 12, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker.

STILLWATER, OK (04.13.22) – KICKER bids a heartfelt farewell to industry veteran and 18-year Director of Global Marketing, Kevin Campbell.

Since joining KICKER in 2004, Campbell has guided the company’s “Livin’ Loud” message by creating experiences that embody the music that car-audio fans crave.

“It’s been 18 years of total fun,” Campbell said. “I’ve always admired the (KICKER) brand and the way they do business. People talk about KICKER being family; it really has that feel. The kind of place where we all have to work hard, but there’s an atmosphere – a social feeling that is genuine and caring that comes from the top.”

Veteran employees and former marketing associate directors Ron Burnett and Roger Demaree with fill the position as co-directors, splitting Campbell’s duties to continue the department rolling on its current path. Burnett and Demaree bring 48 years of combined industry experience to their new roles.

For the past four decades, Campbell held pivotal roles in some of the most iconic brands in car audio, having led the sales and marketing teams for Rockford Fosgate, Precision Power, TubeDriver and Morel America prior to joining KICKER.

As KICKER searched for a marketing director in 2004, company founder Steve Irby had a desire for 12-volt industry experience and a strong background of leadership for the role.

“We were looking for someone in the industry that knew marketing, somebody that was well seasoned in the industry,” Irby said. “Kevin’s name came up immediately, and with his strong background in marketing, he took to it right away.”

During his tenure, Campbell focused on connecting the brand with consumers and the 12-volt industry in equal measure. For example, he acknowledged that attending MEA KnowledgeFest served to keep the brand connected with retailers and distributors, while participating in the HOT ROD Power Tour raised awareness for the rod and custom community. KICKER’s continued commitment to attending the annual SEMA Show served to strengthen bonds between the company’s automotive manufacturing partners and an increasingly large number of KICKER’s core dealers.

In 2020 when COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of most events, Campbell greenlit a massive in-house undertaking to broadcast a weekly, online audio-centric show dubbed “KICKER UnMasked.” Taking the brand virtual through streaming video was arguably the most significant event that KICKER marketing had completed in the past two years.

The presentation of KICKER directly connected to live music continues to be a high priority. Campbell successfully aligned the brand with artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tim Montana and Nashville label Reviver Music. Events like the KICKER Country Stampede (music festival) gave music lovers a chance to experience the same passion and performance that drives KICKER to recreate great sound in a vehicle.

“Since he came on board, we’ve evolved into a more focused marketing machine,” Irby continued. “He had strong opinions and experience in the industry that go way back. He was fair and easy to work with, with a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor. We will really miss his wisdom and experience.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

Tint World El Paso Hosts Grand Opening Event on April 16

Posted on April 12, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Tint World.

EL PASO, TX (04.13.22) – Owners Alex and Myriam Guerrero will host a grand opening event to celebrate the new El Paso location of Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, on Saturday, April 16.

Guests will enjoy custom and exotic car demonstrations, raffles and other games, food and refreshments, and entertainment from 104.3 HIT FM DJ and Sirius XM host Johnny Kage. The Easter Bunny will also be making a visit to entertain the children.

“We’re inviting the El Paso community to join us as we officially introduce Tint World’s premium window tinting and automotive styling services and products to the area,” Alex Guerrero said. “Serving the local community is critical to our success, and the support of our family and friends has helped make the dream of business ownership a reality for Myriam and me. Speaking not only as a business owner, but also as a veteran, I’m proud to provide exclusive discounts to military personnel. We are in El Paso for El Paso. As a token of our gratitude, we’re hosting this special family-oriented grand opening event, as we showcase Tint World’s full range of high-quality aftermarket styling products and services.”

Tint World® El Paso’s grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 16, will include car displays, refreshments, music, and other family-friendly entertainment.

Tint World El Paso is located at 7741 Lockheed Dr, El Paso, TX 79925. Grand opening festivities start at 10 a.m. and will run until 3 p.m.

Visit tintworld.com for more.

PAC Announces Two New Vehicle-Specific Kits for the Stinger HEIGH10

Posted on April 12, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged PAC, Stinger.

CLEARWATER, FL (04.13.22) – PAC has launched a fully integrated 2015 – 2021 Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 kit for the Stinger HEIGH10 multimedia head unit under its well-known radio integration brand, RadioPRO Advanced.

The kit (part number: SRK-CHR15H), enables you to upgrade the factory radio in any of these vehicle applications with a show-stopping 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system (HEIGH10 sold separately), while providing access to vehicle information screens and maintaining a beautiful factory look and feel. The kit includes everything you need including plug-n-play harnesses for an easy, seamless install.

With the SRK-CHR15H kit you retain key features such as steering wheel controls, factory amplifier and factory backup camera (if equipped). In addition, add new customizable screens to your infotainment experience including complete climate controls, real-time performance gauges, tire pressure, door status, engine status, and access over 70+ customizable vehicle settings (when equipped).

In addition, last month PAC added to its vehicle-specific kit lineup, a 2016 – 2021 Toyota Tacoma installation kit. The SR-TAC16H plug-n-play kit enables you to upgrade your factory head unit with a HEIGH10 infotainment system, enabling features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4 camera inputs, built-in amplifier and many more.

The SR-TAC16H retails for $429 and the SRK-CHR15H retails for $749.

To order contact your local PAC sales representative or get more information at www.pac-integrate.com. If you are interested in becoming an authorized PAC dealer, contact our Global Headquarters, AAMP Global.

See the 12VoltSTP Tool at Work for Companies Across the US

Posted on April 11, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged STP.

SHREVEPORT, LA (04.12.22) – 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 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 Race Sport Lighting, MCS, AudioControl, RAD Audio, NavAtlas and Hertz Audison team members at work across the US.

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.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Metra Marine Ships New Products

Posted on April 11, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Metra.

HOLLY HILL, FL (04.12.22) – Metra Marine by Metra Electronics is shipping new Amplifier Wiring Kits and Marine Wire for marine applications. Drawing on Metra’s expertise in high-performance automotive audio and lighting accessories, the Metra Marine line has added four new amplifier wiring kits and three new options for marine wire. These new products are specifically designed for the demands of watercraft.

Metra Marine’s new amplifier wiring kits feature fully tinned oxygen-free wire in a BC5W2 marine compliant jacket. Benefits to using tinned copper wire versus bare copper wire are that it won’t corrode, oxidize and turn green, and it’s easy to solder. Metra uses 100% virgin oxygen-free copper, which ensures that the tin doesn’t flake off from the copper, commonly seen when using recycled copper. While it is also common to tin just the tips of the wire for cost savings, this practice does not actually provide any benefits. Metra’s amp kits use fully tinned copper wire from top to bottom to ensure a reliable connection that can withstand a harsh marine environment and salty air. The ignition-protected circuit breaker is IP67 rated with stainless steel connection points for corrosion resistance. Included in the kits are:

A four or eight gauge tinned oxygen-free copper side-by-side red power and yellow ground wire (10 or 20 feet)
18-gauge tinned oxygen-free copper blue remote turn-on wire (18 feet)
Connectors, ring terminals, and wire ties
Ignition protected circuit breaker (50-amp or 100-amp)

The amplifier kits are now available and shipping and come in two different gauge and length options as follows:

ML-AK8-10: 8 AWG Amp Kit (10 feet)

ML-AK8-20: 8 AWG Amp Kit (20 feet)

ML-AK4-10: 4 AWG Amp Kit (10 feet)

ML-AK4-20: 4 AWG Amp Kit (20 feet)

The assortment of new marine wire from Metra Marine is designed specifically for marine applications using marine standards and marine color code. Each are constructed from fully tinned copper wire to ensure a reliable connection that can withstand a harsh marine environment and salty air. This new group of products offers three reliable wiring options for boating enthusiasts that will stand up to corrosion:

ML-BL18-500: Tinned OFC Marine Grade Remote Wire, 18 GA 500 foot Spool

Blue primary wire
18 AWG fully tinned OFC multi-strand power wire
BC-5W2 marine compliant
500 foot spool
1 year limited warranty

ML-SPG8-100: Tinned OFC Side-by-side Red/Yellow wire, 8 GA 100 foot Spool

Jackets of the power and ground wires are bonded together to make running the cable simpler and faster
Red and yellow side-by-side (power/ground)
8 AWG fully tinned OFC multi-strand power wire
High strand count for maximum flexibility
BC-5W2 marine compliant
100 foot spool
1 year limited warranty

ML-SPG4-100: Tinned OFC Side-by-side Red/Yellow wire, 4 GA 100 foot Spool

Red and yellow side-by-side (power/ground)
4 AWG fully tinned OFC multi-strand power wire
High strand count for maximum flexibility
BC-5W2 marine compliant
100 foot spool
1 year limited warranty

These products are in stock and available now. View more information and place orders for these and other marine products at MetraMarine.com.

Major League Baseball’s 2022 Season Airs Nationwide on SiriusXM

Posted on April 11, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged MLB, SiriusXM.

NEW YORK, NY (04.12.22) – SiriusXM will again provide the most comprehensive national audio coverage available for the 2022 Major League Baseball season, offering subscribers access to live play-by-play of every regular season and postseason game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

programming on SiriusXM, including live game broadcasts and the MLB Network Radio channel, is available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM radios, the SXM App, 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.

The SXM App offers 30 play-by-play channels dedicated to streaming the official radio broadcasts of every MLB team, giving fans the choice between the home and visiting team announcers for every game, all season long. All 30 MLB play-by-play channels are also available on vehicles equipped with SiriusXM with 360L radios.

The 2022 MLB season begins on Opening Day this Thursday, April 7, with a slate of nine games. It will include the next episode of one of the most storied rivalries in sports when the New York Yankees face the Boston Red Sox at 1:05 pm ET in the Bronx, and also features the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves hosting the Cincinnati Reds at 7:20 pm ET. For a full schedule of MLB games and their SiriusXM channels visit www.SiriusXM.com/sports.

MLB Network Radio will broadcast live on Opening Day from Nationals Park before the Washington Nationals host the New York Mets. Former general manager Jim Duquette and Mike Ferrin will host live from the ballpark starting at 1:00 pm ET.

Listeners get the most in-depth coverage of the league 365 days a year with MLB Network Radio. New this season to MLB Network Radio’s lineup is Unassisted with Jenny Cavnar, which airs live every weekday at 2:00 pm ET. MLB Network Radio’s roster of expert hosts includes former GMs Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former players Matt Diaz, Kevin Frandsen, Chris Gimenez, Jensen Lewis, Brad Lidge, CJ Nitkowski, Eduardo Perez, Rico Petrocelli, Xavier Scruggs,Ryan Spilborghs and Mike Stanton, former manager Kevin Kennedy, national baseball writers Tyler Kepner, Scott Miller and Jon Morosi, as well as Scott Braun, Robert Brender, Mike Ferrin, Dan Graca, Jeff Joyce, Jim Memolo, Grant Paulsen, Ed Randall and Dani Wexelman.

MLB Network Radio is available to subscribers nationwide on SiriusXM radios (channel 89) and on the SXM App at siriusxm.us/2Pdwnu6.

To help get fans ready for Opening Day, SiriusXM is presenting its annual MLB Network Radio Spring Training Tour, consisting of 30 one-hour shows, each focused on a single MLB team. MLB Network Radio’s experts and insiders visit MLB team camps to give fans an in-depth preview of every ball club as it prepares for the season. Hear the episodes anytime on the SXM App: siriusxm.us/SpringTrainingTourMLB.

Throughout the season, listeners will hear regular one-on-one interviews with several managers including: Rocco Baldelli (Twins), Bud Black (Rockies), Kevin Cash (Rays), Alex Cora (Red Sox), Terry Francona (Guardians), Joe Girardi (Phillies), A.J. Hinch (Tigers), Brandon Hyde (Orioles), Gabe Kapler (Giants), Mike Matheny (Royals), Charlie Montoyo (Blue Jays), Dave Roberts (Dodgers), Scott Servais (Mariners), Derek Shelton (Pirates) and Chris Woodward (Rangers).

MLB Network Radio features a simulcast of Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s MLB Network show, High Heat with Christopher Russo presented by Liberty Mutual, every weekday afternoon at 1:00 pm ET as well as simulcasts of additional MLB Network television programming, including the flagship studio show MLB Tonight on weeknights at 6:00 pm ET.

A new season of Black Diamonds, the award-winning podcast presented by SiriusXM and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will debut on April 14, the eve of the 75^th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the Major League Baseball color barrier. Hosted by museum president and historian Bob Kendrick, season two of the podcast will look back at integration, the forces that created baseball’s segregation and the people who fought to tear those barriers down. Listeners will hear the stories of baseball legends like Josh Gibson, Ray Dandridge, Leon Day and many more. Black Diamonds, a SiriusXM Sports Podcast production, is available on the SXM App, Pandora, Stitcher and other podcast platforms.

Follow MLB Network Radio on Twitter and Instagram.

SpeakerBox Scored Big with DOW at KFest in Vegas

Posted on April 10, 2022 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged DOW Technology.

HUNTSVILLE, AL (04.11.22) – A recent Instagram post grabbed attention in the 12volt Central Studios. In the SpeakerBox showroom team members were pictured with Sony TVs,Triton SoundBars and Sony Mobile speakers. The Sony TVs were 75” and 65” models. Seeing that required a phone call to the store.

Alex Stowe filled in the details. She revealed the entire Speakerbox Team of 8 went to KFest in Vegas. The store was closed while they were on the trip. While on the event floor at KFest in Vegas they spent time at the DOW Technologies Booth where a Blackjack table was set with a dealer and really cool prizes available to win.

SpeakerBox Team members at the DOW Blackjack table.

Jay Johnson, DOW Technologies Director, related “At KFest in Vegas we showcased some of our Triton Audio products. In our booth we had a Blackjack table set up where dealers could play to win prizes. If the retailer beat the Blackjack dealer they could pull a card with a prize on it. Anyone could play, even multiple dealers from a store and outside our territory. All dealers attending KFest were invited to play Blackjack at the DOW table. Our Blackjack table sponsors were Sony, Triton, Metra, Alpine, Lucas Lighting and DOW.”

Wes Powell (L) and Adam Brown in action at the DOW Blackjack table.

Johnson added “After seeing the image of the prizes with team members in the SpeakerBox showroom I was shocked to see how the shop cleaned up on the prizes DOW offered at KFest.”

From SpeakerBox and DOW Instagram posts the 12volt Studios staff located more images that were included with this article. Adam Brown posted the lead image in the showroom @speakerbox_adam.