DETROIT, MI (01.18.22) – The push to draw new pickup buyers forces automakers to do some creative things, including the recent push to add functionality to the tailgate.
General Motors and Ram both have tailgates that provide a myriad of functions easing access or improving hauling capability of their full-size pickups. Ford’s been happy to retain its simple tailgate that offers a step with a handle and that’s about it.
The automaker’s filed for patents on some designs for a multifunction tailgate and they be showing up sooner rather than later, the web outlet reported.
What’s coming?
The drawings show a tailgate with three vertical sections with the center section featuring a side hinge allowing it to open like a door rather than a truck tailgate, similar to the Ram’s multifunction tailgate. Ford takes it a bit further though as it’s a power tailgate, which likely uses the key fob to control it and perhaps the infotainment section or even an app.
Ford submitted patent drawings for a new multifunction tailgate with three sections
Additionally, the existing step that’s been part of Ford’s tailgate for so long is revised as well. The drawings show a new version of the step that essentially flips down from the rear bumper. This allows for easier access while the tailgate is closed.
However, the drawings also show the existing step and handle are still incorporated into the tailgate itself so owners will have a way to gain better access to the bed regardless of the door is closed or open.
DETROIT, MI (01.18.22) – The shortage of semiconductors continues to limit production of new vehicles across North America and other parts of the globe.
However, news reports across the State of Ohio suggest one of the world’s major chip makers, Intel Corp., is preparing to announce plans for a new chip fabrication plant near Columbus, Ohio in the middle of the so-called U.S. “Rust Belt.”
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is looking to position the company as the top supplier of chips to U.S. companies.
New investment headed for Ohio
The location just outside of Columbus would put the new plant within easy reach of vehicle assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky down into Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Mazda all operate plants in area, stretching from the Midwest into the Southeast.
Intel, according to the new reports from Ohio, is looking to invest $20 billion in the new plant, which could employ upwards of 3,000 people in what could be the largest economic development project in the state’s history.
An Ohio plant would be situated close to a variety of auto facilities, including GM’s site in Spring Hill, Tennessee where the new Cadillac Lyriq EV will be produced.
New investment sparked by automotive innovation
Automation and globalization have had a major impact on jobs in the region during the past four decades but investments in electric vehicles, batteries and electronics are drawing new investment into the area.
GM and the South Korean firm LG Energy are nearly finished building a new battery plant in Lordstown, Ohioand have broken ground on a second in Spring Hill, Tennessee. GM also is expected to announce plans for a third battery plant near Lansing, Michigan.
However, IHS Markit noted in a recent report production by the North American auto industry is still limited by the shortage of chips. Both the packaging and fabrication of semiconductors, with some exceptions, is done largely in Southeast Asia, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
AMARILLO, TX (01.17.22) – The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, rolled into the Amarillo National Center on Saturday, January 15th.
“It was cold and very windy outside but inside the action on the track was red hot as riders and attendees were Livin’ Loud. We had a display area in the lobby area and virtually everyone who entered the 10,000 seat Amarillo National Center had to pass by the KICKER setup. We had a selection of KICKER products for all to see. We were talking to members of the crowd about KICKER throughout the evening. Texas is truck country so the new KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention. Powersports in strong in the area so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed attention too.”
The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross track set inside the Amarillo National Center was very well prepared.
Graphics on huge screens highlighted action in the Amarillo National Center.
Continuing, “I talked with one fellow, who had a Soundbar from another brand, and he was so amazed at how much better the KICKER PowerBar sounds than what he has when I cranked it up,” Lorin Morrell-Maddog-Media, who is on site and orchestrates the KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross Series events, related.
For Saturday night’s event the stands were nearly full with attendees very engaged with action on the track. Amateur riders took to the track during the day and pro riders took the track through the evening from 6 until well after 10PM.
Bobby, from JD Glassworks in Lubbock, made the trip to Amarillo with a lovely friend to check out the event. JD Glassworks is a strong KICKER Dealer. Maddog_Media’s Lorin Morrell is on the left.
This amateur racer caught one of the special KICKER T’s shot into the crowd during a break in the Pro Racer heats. He is pictured with his Bullfrog prize and certificate with Lorin Morrell.
In addition to the action on the track T-shirts are fired into the crowd during Pro race breaks and track maintenance periods. An air cannon fired wrapped KICKER T’s into the crowd. A special T has a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. One of the amateur racers caught the KICKER T with the certificate and went to the booth and picked up his Bullfrog prize.
Crowd members also participated in flag-waving sessions for a chance to win a KICKER BullFrog.
A wide selection of KICKER gear was displayed on tables in the lobby.
Racers were flying high when they circled the track.
Concluding, Morrell added, “Bobby from JD Glassworks in Lubbock, a strong Kicker dealer, came over to the event and it was great to visit with him. The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland and the Amarillo TX event continued the excitement. The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross is Livin’ Loud in 2022.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.17.22) – Featuring 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders Champion Robert Matranga with his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, the History Channel will premiere the Battle of the Builders special on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. (PT/ET). The one-hour special has aired on television since 2015, giving viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, up-close footage of the vehicles, and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their personal stories and journey to the SEMA Show. For many of the builders, SEMA Battle of the Builders is their chance to prove that they are among the elite.
The History Channel will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show with the one-hour Battle of the Builders TV special on Sunday, January 23.
“As a trade-only event, the SEMA Show is where every car enthusiast dreams of attending,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President, Events. “SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party, has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers who have never experienced the SEMA Show an opportunity to see what happens behind closed doors, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”
Along with Matranga, the TV special will feature dozens of builders in the automotive industry, as well as hosts Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and judges Cam Miller, Jeremiah Proffitt, Kyle Kuhnhausen, and R.J. de Vera. For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special airing Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 9:00 AM. (PT/ET) on the History Channel, visit www.semashow.com/botb.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.17.22) – Following the recent CES 2022 and SEMA Show 2021 it was more apparent than ever the need for companies to let the members of the 12volt industry know about their new products. With the current uncertainty in the air the in-person event dilemma continues. In past years 12volt News has worked with nearly three dozen distributors to bring attention to their Spring Shows. The Spring of 2022 sees very news about distributor shows.
Also, the process that a company utilizes to showcase their efforts to create interest for their brand and products across the marketplace has been disrupted. Many factory sales staffs have not traveled in nearly 2 years. The travel activity of rep firms has also been curtailed.
All companies across the 12volt industry have positive messages they need to deliver about their products and activities to 12volt retailers… that includes manufacturers, reps and distributors. The 12volt News Show is the vehicle to make that happen.
With just a smartphone companies can be featured in The 12volt News Show. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your company could be showcased in The 12volt News Show. That’s the 12voltSTP Tool in action. Information may also be sent via email to mike@12voltnews.com.
With The 12volt News Show there is no booth, freight, travel, hotel, miscellaneous expenses or associated hassles. 12voltvoltnews.com programs, that include visibility in the 12volt Central Studios and the 12voltBeat newsletter, are available to deliver company messages to members of the 12volt industry.
All industries across the business spectrum through the years have benefitted from the in-person experience. For the past 2 years the COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted activities around the world. 12volt industry disruptions have certainly not been immune to the impact of COVID-19.
Many members of the 12volt industry have already seen the value of The 12voltSTP Tool. With a smartphone it is so easy to showcase a company’s positive activities in the 12volt News. Snap and txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto…your company could be in the 12volt News.
On a personal note… This writer began attending CES in Chicago in the early 1970’s. As an award winning Sony distributor principal we hosted distributor shows throughout that 4-state territory… even purchasing a Sony Motorhome as a rolling showroom. With dB SpeakerWorks had booths at MERA plus CES in Vegas. All of those in-person events were terrific. Today, those in-person events are not happening with the same impact.
Let’s put your company in The 12volt News Show. Just Snap and Txt an image, with a few words to 318-465-0844. Presto… Your company could be in The 12volt News Show!
SHREVEPORT LA (01.15.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Elite Audio Hollywood won a $100. 12volt News check on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 161 on Friday morning, January 14th.
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 has now rolled into year 4.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 161st time on Friday morning January 14th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space and the Elite Audio Hollywood slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the dealer in Los Angeles to give them the good news. They have no phone number listed on social media on their website. We look forward to giving them the good news when they reply to the txt message.
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 and Auto Additions in Springfield IL. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, January 21st.
DETROIT, MI (01.14.22) – New data released Wednesday by Kelley Blue Book shows that the average new-vehicle transaction price rose to $47,077 in December 2021, a new record.
That’s a 1.7% increase — $808 — from November, and a 14% increase — or $5,742 — from December 2020. The high prices stem from continued strong demand, low vehicle inventories and dealers charging at or above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for certain vehicles.
Luxury vehicle sales driving higher prices The types of vehicles sold also played a role in raising the average price: 18.4% of last month’s sales came from luxury cars, higher than the 16.9% share they held in June, or the 15.5% share they held in December 2016.
Dealers are charging at or above sticker price for most new cars.
“December typically is the best month for luxury vehicle sales, and 2021 followed that trend in a big way,” said Kayla Reynolds, analyst for Cox Automotive. “The result was another record in overall average transaction prices, completely driven in December by the increase in luxury vehicle sales.”
Luxury car buyers paid an average of $64,864, more than $1,300 above sticker price. A year ago, these buyers were paying more than $3,000 under MSRP.
Other vehicles prices rising as well
Yet it wasn’t just luxury buyers who were paying more. Non-luxury vehicles cost an average of $43,072, down from the record high set in November 2021, but still more than $900 above sticker price, a trend that has been consistent during the past six months.
Tesla’s average transaction prices rose more than any other brand from November to December 2021
The higher cost is being driven by the shrinking number of sedan sales, which tend to be more affordable than SUVs or trucks. Whereas the average price of a sedan in December 2021 was $42,460; SUVs averaged $46,075; vans $46,908; and trucks $55,049.
Some pricing anomalies arise
The price of all vehicles rose year-over-year, but some prices fell from November to December, with entry-level luxury cars and high-performance cars seeing a 1.7% price decline, and sports car prices falling 1.9%. But electric vehicle prices rose 13.9% from November to December, luxury midsize crossover SUV prices increased 3.3% and luxury subcompact SUV prices increasing 2.5%.
Consumers paid an average of $55,049 for their new truck in December 2021.
Among brands, Mitsubishi’s prices rose the most year over year, increasing 33.1% from December 2020 to December 2021. Other brands seeing sharp increases include Cadillac at 25%, Infiniti at 20.5%, Chevrolet at 19.6%, Acura at 19.2% and Jeep at 17.9%.
Month to month, Tesla’s average transaction price rose 16.9%, more than any other brand followed by Cadillac at 11.8%. Other brands saw far smaller price increases, mostly in the low single digits. And some brands’ average transaction price decreased, such as Mazda, down 3.7%; Rivian, down 3.6%; and Jeep down 2.6%.
NEW YORK, NY (01.14.22) – SiriusXM Holdings Inc. has announced that its subsidiary, Sirius XM Radio Inc., has acquired Cloud Cover Media, Inc. Cloud Cover Media offers Cloud Cover Music, a music for business service, and employs business management, music programming, licensing, and software development teams. Cloud Cover Music’s easy-to-use solutions and robust tech platform allow businesses to deliver music, with customized audio messaging if desired, to create the desired atmosphere for their prospects, customers, and clients.
Cloud Cover Music’s combination of an intuitive online platform and experienced large enterprise account team offers organizations of any size in any industry a robust selection of ad-free music for their business with full control over what their customers and employees will hear. Cloud Cover Music’s self-service solutions and dedicated staff offer a wide range of features and options that can be tailored for each business’ needs. Cloud Cover Music provides the soundtrack for a wide variety of commercial locations across the United States and Canada.
Cloud Cover Music joins SiriusXM Music for Business and Pandora for Business in SiriusXM’s commercial music portfolio. Together these services provide comprehensive and complementary offerings for businesses of all sizes.
The Cloud Cover Music team will continue to be led by Vice President and General Manager Mark Lehman.
“We are thrilled to become part of the SiriusXM family,” stated Lehman. “As one of the fastest growing music for business services, we’re proud of the track record that Cloud Cover Music has achieved with our tens of thousands of customers. We’re excited to have the brand recognition and strength of SiriusXM and Pandora behind us as we continue to focus on delivering the best music and messaging products for businesses.”
“Cloud Cover Music has built an advanced tech platform with a host of features that are very attractive to businesses who want an easy-to-install solution, want to be fully covered on licensing, and also want to be able to create a tailored soundtrack for their business,” said Joe Verbrugge, Executive Vice President, SiriusXM. “SiriusXM and Pandora have always offered a unique blend of great content and great technology. The addition of Cloud Cover Music to our commercial music portfolio is expected to help propel us forward and contribute to the growth of our business.”
SiriusXM was represented by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as counsel. Alkali Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Cloud Cover Media, and David Wohlberg and Ekong Udoekwere represented the company as counsel.
DETROIT, MI (01.14.22) – Unmet demand for new vehicles due to unavailability forced many new vehicle buyers gobble up late model used vehicles in 2021, setting a new sales record at 40.9 million vehicles.
The total marks a 10% jump compared to 2020 results. According to Cox Automotive, more than half of those — 22.2 million — were sold by used car dealers. The strong sales came despite used car prices rising.
Used car sales set a new record of 40.9 million vehicles in 2021.
Used vehicles are expected to break a record, with the average monthly payment for used vehicles climbing to $520, an increase from $500 in the third quarter of 2021 and $437 in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to Edmunds.com.
That payment came over a slightly longer term compared to Q3 2021 — 70 months v. 69.6 months — but the payment jumped, and the amount financed rose by nearly $1,300: from $28,634 to $29,913.
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.13.22) – SiriusXM highlighted new products in the VOXX Electronics Central Hall booth at CES 2022. Paul Trueman, Sr. Director, Retail Sales worked the booth throughout CES 2022 that was shortened to 3 Days.
The VOXX Electronics booth in the Central Hall showcased the 12volt brands under the corporate umbrella.
“I was very excited about the new SiriusXM introductions. Here is why I’m excited about the RoadyBT and Road Dog BT. From an installation side there are three features that makes the process a much better experience. First the chipset and connections have been relocated to the CLP which leaves one cable to the display instead of three, this alone makes for a much cleaner installation. The Second feature is the new magnetic mounting solution which allows for more options when installing, including the ability to sell other well know magnetic mounts. The Third is in the BT name, this unit has the option to connect to the customers radio the usual ways (FM and Aux), but now has Bluetooth which again makes for a much cleaner installation.”
Paul Trueman in the SiriusXM portion of the VOXX booth during setup.
The new SiriusXM Roady BT mounted in the display on the show floor.
In the VOXX Electronics booth the new SiriusXM units were spotlighted in freestanding displays.
Continuing Trueman offered “We will also be launching a version called “Road Dog BT” for the retail truck channel. The Road Dog BT includes an antenna mount designed to work with most truck mirrors…more details to come on that.
The new SiriusXM Road Dog BT was spotlighted in a freestanding display.
Concluding “Also the launch of our updated consumer rebate. We are continuing the 3 months free of our best package with purchase of any new aftermarket radio. However we have added the option of selecting one year of our best package for only $99 (which can be paid monthly). For customer purchasing the SXV300V1 they can still take advantage of the $70 rebate which when combined with the subscription offer makes it a “No Brainer” to recommend SXM on the sales floor.”
12VoltNews.com 