(04.11.22) – AlloyGator USA, the original wheel protection company, is pleased to announce that John Haynes has joined the AlloyGator team to support and grow their USA dealer base. John is a long-time industry veteran and spent most of his career guiding Al & Ed’s Autosound and also represented Clifford Electronics in Southern California He will now be in charge of driving sales for AlloyGator USA.
John Haynes
AlloyGators protect wheels from curb and pothole damage and can effectively cover up most existing curb rash.
“We’re actively looking for mobile electronics dealers who have crossed over and expanded their business model into wheels and tires” says John. “The great thing about AlloyGators is that they don’t compete with any other product space, so you’re adding dollars, not just trading dollars. The end result is increased sales and profits on top of the business your shop would have done anyway. It’s the perfect add actively selling and installing wheels.”
AlloyGator is the only truly engineered wheel protection solution on the market.
MIRA Certified and TÜV approved.
Gator rim protectors fit between the wheel and tire and are held in place with diamond gripping technology. The AlloyGators use specially designed locking teeth, diamond grips and robust stainless-steel clips to ensure a secure, long-lasting fit to your vehicle. AlloyGators have a rounded edge and matte finish the appearance of your customer’s vehicle.
PHOENIX, AZ (04.11.22) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing it has started shipping its new series of Sledgehammer unloaded vented enclosures. The enclosure line-up will feature ten different models that fit both round and square woofers in sizes from 10 to 15 inches in diameter.
The enclosures are solidly constructed out of 3⁄4” MDF material and internally reinforced with additional baffles for heavier model woofers. The integrated slot ports are designed for maximum air flow and bass output while minimizing chances of port noise. For speaker connections the enclosures utilize heavy duty compression style terminals and come with hardware and speaker wire already installed.
The fit and finish of the enclosures features aviation grade carpeting on the exterior with the MTX Audio logo embroidered on top and the front is finished in a vinyl wrapped baffle panel giving it a high end look and feel.
The full line of SLH enclosures is available for purchase and shipping now.
SHREVEPORT LA (04.09.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Southern Auto Fab won the 12volt News $100. Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 173 on Friday morning, April 8th.
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 4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 173rd time on Friday morning April 8th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space and the Southern Auto Fab 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 Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA and spoke with a nice lady and told her a 12volt News check for $100. would be headed their way. She said “Address the check envelop to Christopher Naquin. He will be excited and very happy to receive the $100. check.”
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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a 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 and Automotive EntertainmentHB in Huntington Beach CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 15th.
RINGWOOD, IL (04.08.22) – Every year Race Sport Lighting recognizes the distributors, dealers, and sales reps that make a difference in the industry and perform at the highest level to service their customer with their products. This year is no exception, as 6 key partners are announced in the industry. Here are the Best of 2021:
Dealer of the Year = Auto Tint City Outfitters
WD Distributor of the Year = Sound Distributions
Tint World Franchise of the Year = Tint World #12
M.E.S.A. member of the Year = Horizon Audio
AAM Member of the Year = Tri-State Enterprises
Manufacturer Rep of the Year = End Result Marketing
“I am so glad to see all these Partners do so well with Race Sport Lighting. Some added displays and sales took off. All of them at least doubled sales from the previous year. All of them embraced the newest products from Race Sport Lighting, including the new Projector Series, and our PNP bulbs,” cmomented Race Sport Lighting Sales Manager Dave Hudson
“I always love presenting these awards every year to our key partners in the industry. These are the partners that not only stick out in their numbers, but their passion for the industry and their dedication to growing the lighting category. They regularly go outside of the box to perform at a higher level than the competition in their geographical areas,” said Race Sport Lighting President Steve Jergensen
SAN DIEGO, CA (04.08.22) – The 12volt Spin-To-Win was created over 3 years ago to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry.
On Friday, March 25th with Spin 171, the Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space and the Cutting Edge Audio slip was drawn from the jar. On Thursday, April 7th, Patrick Brooks took I-5 from the NavAtlas HQ in Brea CA south to San Diego to deliver the 27” NavAtlas SoundBar Prize to Ronnie Gumabon at the store.
Ronnie Gumabon (R) receiving the NavAtlas prize in the Cutting Edge Audio shop in San Diego from Patrick Brooks.
“Taking the NavAtlas prize to Ronnie at Cutting Edge Audio was an opportunity to meet him and see the store. Also, get to know more about the business and the store’s approach to the PowerSports category. It was just over a 2 hour drive but well worth it” Patrick Brooks, NavAtlas National Sales Manager, related.
Continuing “Ronnie was very glad to see me arrive. When we opened the NS27A SoundBar box he immediately saw the NavAtlas quality and asked several spot on questions. Then we had a tour of the store and snapped an image in the install bay.”
When the NavAtlas prize was selected Patrick Brooks sent an image from the Brea CA HQ and this post was made on social media.
Gumabon commented, in a phone call with 12volt News, “We sell and install mobile electronics across the board. When a customer comes in with a side by side we get it done. I was not familiar with the NavAtlas brand but now certainly see it as a brand we can do well with in our store. The NavAtlas craftsmanship was apparent the minute I picked the unit up. Now knowing Patrick, as a go to source for product and information, is also a big plus.”
The NavAtlas NS27A Amplified IP6 rated 27” SoundBar features a 200 watt full-range Class D amplifier, six 3.5” full range speakers and 4 bullet horn tweeters. Analog and digital connections too and the only SoundBar on the market with signal out on the side of the SoundBar. Two mounting options are available with direct bar mount plus off-bar cage mounts are supplied for irregular bar design. The NavAlas NS27A has a MSRP of $499.
Hats off the Patrick Brooks for the ‘special in-person delivery’ and Ronnie Gumabon for being a dedicated member of the 12volt industry.
DETROIT, MI (04.08.22) – Federal regulators have launched an investigation involving battery fires and other problems that have forced the recall of nearly 140,000 vehicles built by five different automakers.
The common thread is the use of lithium-ion batteries produced by South Korean supplier LG Energy Solution.
“We understand NHTSA’s latest request is a follow-up procedure to determine if the same or similar batteries involved in the recalls were supplied to other OEMs,” the battery manufacturer said in a statement. “LG Energy Solution will fully cooperate with the inquiry.”
NHTSA is investigating battery fires and other issues related to EV batteries produces by LG Energy Solution.
The auto industry is in the midst of a rapid transition from internal combustion engines to all-electric propulsion. But there has been growing concern about lithium-ion batteries over their risk of catching fire. That has led to a number of recalls in recent years by manufacturers including Ford, BMW and Tesla, currently the largest BEV manufacturer.
Feds now looking into problems
But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new probe is focused on LG Energy Solution. It has become one of the world’s largest suppliers of lithium technology, but has been involved in several troubling recalls.
GM has just resumed production of the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV after a campaign to replace the original batteries.
Since February 2020, a total of 138,324 BEVs and hybrids using LGES batteries have been recalled due to problems that include unexpected stalling. The bigger concern is that faulty batteries can short out and catch fire.
That led General Motors to temporarily halt production of its Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models late last year while recalling all models already on the road. It has been replacing their battery packs with newer ones deemed to be at lower risk of catching fire. GM only resumed production of the two Bolt models this week, also using newer batteries.
Along with GM, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Volkswagen have ordered recalls involving LG Energy Solution batteries during the past 26 months.
NOVI, MI (04.07.22) – Vision Zero Automotive Network is pleased to announce that Itasca, Ilinois based Lucas Lighting has pledged its support to the network’s mission to eliminate traffic-related fatalities by 2036. Lucas Lighting will partner with VZAN to launch several new marketing and marketing related initiatives. The addition of Lucas Lighting to the cause will add great energy for the safety initiative. The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) has comprehensively tested vehicle headlights and found that only 8% of new cars had “good or better” capabilities.
“Lucas Lighting represents all that is great about our industry… and our country for that matter. A truly remarkable entrepreneurial venture that was founded by Mike Hong based on personal experiences turned success story,” said Bernie Sapienza, Executive Director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “I’ve been lucky enough to know a few people personally (Noel Lee comes to mind) that have literally invented a category for our industry and I’m thrilled to have Mike and his team on board. Lighting is clearly an opportunity for our industry and additional training will clearly be a benefit.”
Steve Rogers, Vice President of Sales added, “We are honored and thrilled to be the first stand alone lighting member of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. Improving the visual safety of vehicles has been a top priority of our designs from the beginning. On average, most headlight systems only allow a driver to stop once they have seen an object or danger in the road at speeds up to 45 mph, resulting in vehicle crashes. The IIHS (Insurance Institue for Highway Safety) estimates that 30-35% of these incidents could be avoided with better headlights. Properly designed upgrades will extend driver vision without causing unwanted glare to others. Fortunately, our technology is compatible with millions of vehicles currently in use.”
Sapienze added, “We want to thank Lucas Lighting for joining us on this important cause. Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for vehicles they already own. Lucas Lighting is a leader in aftermarket lighting and highly regarded by their dealers. We’re thrilled that they are supporting our mission.”
OMAHA, NE (04.07.22) – “Last Friday Dan Bernholtz had a massive stroke and has a very LONG road to recovery ahead of him. Dan is truly one of the GOOD guys! Dan is one of our best techs here at Stereo West Autotoys and our Install bay manager. We hope to see him as soon as possible under the dash and yelling at us to get him the right product for the car but he has a long road ahead of him. So please help out a fellow GREAT guy in the industry if you can in ANY way,” Brian Hampson, Stereo West Autotoys Chief stated.
Dan Bernholtz and wife Jaime on a sunny spring day.
Dan’s wife Jaime offered, “Dan is breathing on him own. He can move his head to some questions.The stroke did some damage to his brain but they are unsure right now what the long term damage will be. He is still in ICU but moving in the right direction. So many people have reached out and I am beyond thankful for all the support. Dan has a long road to recovery ahead of him.”
Continuing, “Our family truly thanks Brian at Stereo West Autotoys for taking the lead to organize the GoFundMe initiative. We sincerely thank all of those who have already shown their support for Dan and our family.”
“Dan has been with Stereo West Autotoys for 10 great years and we look forward to his return,” Hampson concluded.
DETROIT, MI (04.07.22) – Honda and General Motors revealed today a plan to develop a “series” of electric vehicles together based on GM’s Ultium battery technology with the first of these shared vehicles arriving in 2027.
The two automakers have engaged in a series of agreements during the past several years for alternative fuel vehicle technology, such as fuel cells, batteries and, now, full-on battery-battery electric vehicles.
Unsurprisingly, the companies said in a joint release they will keep searching for ways to collaborate on future technologies that “drive down the cost of electrification, improve performance and drive sustainability for future vehicles.”
GM and Honda plan to produce EVs developed together using GM’s Ultium technology by 2027.
The goal with the current agreement is to create EVs in a variety of popular segments that are currently underserved with affordable options: the current average price of a new vehicle exceeds $45,000 and that number is higher for EVs, even with tax credits.
The first vehicle coming will likely be a compact crossover, as the two sides note it is the largest in the world with annual sales of about 13 million vehicles. Toyota’s Rick Schostek, executive vice president of Corporate Operations at American Honda declined elaborate on what kind of vehicle was coming.
However, Ken Morris, executive vice president of electric, autonomous and fuel cell programs at GM, said the auto company was planning for a vehicle that would “slot below” the recently announced 2024 Chevy Equinox EV with a price point of about $30,000. He said it would be physically smaller and less expensive, although he didn’t provide any detail beyond that point.
Honda and GM’s jointly developed EVs will likely be small crossovers, like the HR-V.
Moving toward common goals The two executives did agree the offerings coming from the newest deal would be focused on customer and dealer wants and needs. One of the “wants” that some may focus on would include autonomous driving capability, which GM and Honda have collaborated on previously, but it’s unlikely either of the vehicles from GM or Honda will have that technology available at launch, the pair agreed.
Aside from the new EVs, the two companies are also looking to expand their collaboration on battery technologies — especially anything that will help drive down the cost of EV batteries.
GM is already working to accelerate new technologies like lithium-metal, silicon and solid-state batteries, along with production methods that can quickly be used to improve and update battery cell manufacturing processes.
Honda is making progress on its all-solid-state battery technology which the company sees as the core element of future EVs. Honda has established a demonstration line in Japan for all-solid-state batteries and is making further progress toward mass-production.
TEMPE, AZ (04.06.22) – Rockford Fosgate is excited to announce new audio solutions for select Polaris Ranger XP1000 Full Size and Crew models are available through authorized Rockford Fosgate retail locations. Purpose built to integrate into 2018+ Ranger vehicles, these audio kits begin at STG2 that include a stereo and speakers, then continue to build in performance, more features, and adds RGB LED lighting from STG3 up through STG6. Plus, all components of the kits are Element Ready so that they perform regardless of water, dirt, mud, or UV rays.
All audio kits, except those with Ride Command integration, include a source unit with a large wet bonded display that is built rugged and is also easy to read in any light, day, or night. With Bluetooth connectivity, to quickly get your playlist loaded as well as an AM/FM/WB tuner, you have all the music and information at your fingertips. They also feature AUX and USB inputs for access to all your music and to charge your smartphone out on the trail.
Rockford ensures simple installation with secure plug and play connectivity, minimal drilling or cutting, and the IPX6 rated M5 amplifier is pre-tuned for the system so no adjustments are needed. In keeping with our installation standards, Rockford engineered every component to match and compliment the factory fit and finish of the vehicle by defining exact specifications to ensure the best-in-class fitment and look.
The STG3 through STG6 kits with RGB LED lighting are designed for use with the Color Optix Controller and RF Connect App which provide total control of the lighting on the Rockford Fosgate speakers and subwoofer in your vehicle.
These seven new options join the RNGR18-STG1 All-In-One audio solution that launched in September of 2021.
• View Ranger Stages 1 through 6 • View Ranger Stages for Ride Command
12VoltNews.com 