The Great Alpine Wall of Bass Creates Excitement at Car Stereo One

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TOLEDO, OH (07.09.2021) – The Great Alpine Wall Of Bass in the Car Stereo One showroom, in place now for 6 months, is creating excitement and driving business.

Steve Braun, President of Car Stereo One, stated “I believe that it is up to our industry, retailers and vendors alike, to bring excitement back to car audio. With the Great Alpine Wall of Bass we created an exciting in-store experience for consumers in Toledo and the surrounding area. On Wednesday, July 7th an Alpine team checked out the Great Alpine Wall of Bass and were very impressed.”

Pictured (L to R) Steve Braun – Car Stereo One owner, Cody, Hunter, JT, Brian, Steve Brown – Alpine, Chris Reavis – Alpine, Steve McGaffee – Online Marketing, and Dan Sparks – Alpine.

Steve McGaffee with Online Marketing joined Steve Brown-Alpine Director of Brand Marketing, Dan Sparks and Chris Reavis to check out the Great Wall of Bass at Car Stereo One.

The Great Alpine Wall of Bass features 30 woofers and 30 amps. It was the first of its kind in the whole country and definitely brought excitement back to car audio in the Toledo area. The 30 Alpine S-SB12V Halo woofer system links to create a wall across one side of the showroom. The 30 KTA-200M PowerPack mono amplifiers are mounted in a corner by the Great Alpine Wall of Bass.

The Great Alpine Wall of Bass is flanked by Alpine product displays.

Continuing, Braun offered, “The Great Alpine Wall of Bass came about following staff conversations with our area Alpine brand representative Dan Sparks. We were talking about car audio in the old days. One thing led to another. We took our ideas, with Steve McGaffee-Online Marketing, to Alpine and they gave the green light to go ahead with the project. The product was ordered and when it arrived Chris Reavis came up from Chicago and we knocked out the installation which took 3 days to get all in place.”

“The Great Alpine Wall of Bass has already been heard and felt. Our staff on the floor is getting a lot of attention when they crank the volume. We just began running some contests on social media. Our customers will be able to snap images and make videos in front of the Great Alpine Wall of Bass which they can post on Tik Tok and other platforms for prizes. We plan a grand prize for the most views. A big thank you for the support from Alpine, Online Marketing and the work of our team,” Braun concluded.

Visit carstereo1.com and alpine-usa.com for more.

iBEAM Ships New Commercial Wireless Rearview System and Multi-View Monitor

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HOLLY HILL, FL (07.09.2021) – iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems by Metra Electronics has two new commercial safety products in stock and shipping. A wireless 7-inch monitor and high-definition camera package, the TE-WMCE, and a 9-inch quad-view monitor, the TE-9VS-4. Both universal solutions feature heavy-duty construction and are designed for the demands of larger vehicles like commercial work vans, RVs, and more.

Wireless Digital Rearview Monitor and Camera System

The TE-WMCE is a wireless rearview system featuring a wide-angle, high-definition camera and 7-inch LCD screen monitor. It has a 90-meter/300-foot range that is ideal for larger vehicles where running wires may not be an efficient option. The monitor has a universal lip mount and connects to the included DC/cigarette socket power plug for an easy setup. The power plug has an on/off button for easy activation of the monitor.

TE-WMCE Product Specifications:

  • Wireless HD camera and monitor kit
  • 7-inch color LCD screen
  • 90 m / 300 ft wireless range
  • DC socket for monitor power with on/off button for easy activation
  • Camera – Rated IP67
  • Camera visual angle – 70 degrees horizontal
  • Camera has IR LEDs for 0 lux minimum illumination at night

Commercial Multi-View 9-Inch Monitor

iBEAM’s TE-9VS-4 is a 9-inch color LCD screen that shows up to four cameras simultaneously with multiple display layouts. It has a removable sun shade, a built-in speaker for camera audio, four 4-pin DIN camera input connectors, and includes a remote for easy operation. This monitor features heavy-duty construction with a tilting bracket mount that can be adjusted up to 30 degrees forward or backward for an optimal viewing angle.

TE-9VS-4 Product Specifications:

  • 9-inch color LCD screen
  • Heavy-duty tilting bracket mount
  • Displays 1 to 4 cameras simultaneously with multiple display layouts
  • (4) 4-pin DIN connectors
  • Includes remote
  • Built-in speaker for camera audio

These solutions are in stock now. Visit iBEAMusa.com for additional product information.

SEMA Intensifies Advocacy Efforts, Connects with Congressional Reps from Washington, DC

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WASHINGTON, DC (07.09.2021) – SEMA representatives escalated their advocacy efforts by taking part in nearly 100 meetings with Republican and Democratic lawmakers from Capitol Hill during June and July. As part of the virtual 2021 SEMA Washington Rally, more than 60 SEMA-member companies joined SEMA staff in a record-high number of meetings with officials from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Discussions focused on top industry issues, challenges and concerns, chief among them passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.

SEMA members also spoke with federal lawmakers in opposition to electric vehicle mandates while voicing support for increased federal investments in roads and bridges, protecting motorized off-road recreational access, tax credits for businesses participating in trade shows and ensuring that aftermarket businesses can market products that are interoperable with vehicles that are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

SEMA staff and representatives have connected with lawmakers this year to discuss key initiatives, including passage of the RPM Act. John Hotchkis, far right, of Hotchkis Performance, met with Rep. Ted Budd, center, to talk about top industry issues, challenges, and concerns.

The bipartisan RPM Act is a top priority for SEMA, and will protect the motorsports industry against overreach from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill clarifies the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete and protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars.

“We must continue to communicate with and educate elected officials about the issues that are important to the industry,” said Daniel Ingber, SEMA vice president of government and legal affairs. “We value the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and will continue to push for the rights of the aftermarket industry.”

The RPM Act was first introduced in 2016, after the EPA began interpreting the 50-year-old Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) to include race car conversions. SEMA has led the fight to advocate for passage of the bill, which was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives after enthusiasts sent more than 1.3 million letters to lawmakers urging them to pass the RPM Act. The bill currently has Congressional support from 82 co-sponsors, including a number of lawmakers who signed on after meeting with SEMA-member business representatives and staff. SEMA urges racers and race fans to continue to reach out to lawmakers and demand that the RPM Act be passed into law.

“We cannot let up on our efforts to push for the RPM Act,” said Ingber. “As the EPA attacks the motorsports industry, we must protect our rights to modify vehicles. The RPM Act will clarify that it is legal to modify street vehicles into dedicated race cars and give the industry the assurance it needs to continue to legally compete.”

With strong bipartisan support and engagement from the industry, the RPM Act is well positioned for passage in the current Congressional year. Committees have reviewed the bill in previous years and are prepared to expedite the bill.     

“It was great to meet with lawmakers who seriously considered the RPM Act, which allows street vehicles to be converted into racing vehicles,” said Braden Liberg, director of compliance and calibration engineering of the Edelbrock Group. “Without the RPM Act there is a threat to the motorsports industry. Many lawmakers are unaware of the challenges facing our industry, and it’s imperative that we work with them to ensure that motorsports businesses can continue to operate.”

Racers, race fans, and related businesses are encouraged to continue to contact their legislators to pass the bill and #saveourracecars by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.

Written by Juan Torres for sema.org

Steel Valley Regional IX Set for July 24th & 25th

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2021) – The HARV Arena at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort, in New Cumberland WV, will be the site of the 2021 Steel Valley Regional IX July 24th and 25th presented by ARC Audio.

“The excitement is really growing as we get closer to the event featuring a MECA 4X, IASCA 3X and EMMA competitions. We are looking for a great event and will be excited to see competitors in the lanes and vendors set up to showcase their latest products in the HARV Arena for our SQL event,“ Larry Chijner related.

Continuing, Chijner stated, “The SVR features the Top 40 SQ Showdown where 6 judges will evaluate all the cars and rank them from 40th to 1st place. Prizes and Trophies will be presented to all who compete. Judges for this event are Harry Kimura, Brian Huston, Tony Pasquale, Scott Welch, Ron Buffington and Keith Turner. Klifton Keplinger and I will be the Head Judges for the event.”

12volt companies planning to participate on site at the event include ARC Audio, ORCA Design, Focal, Mosconi, Gladden, Black Hole, TRU Technology, JL Audio, Dynaudio, Teamaudionutz.com, Zapco, Accuton Automotive, ESB Audio, Stinger, Hybrid Technologies, Xcelsus, Mercury, Audio Visions, Quartorgio, Audio Wave Ltd, Italia HiFi, ResoNix, German Maestro, Kharma Audio, Vibe Audio and Davis Distribution.

Competitors in place inside The HARV during a previous Steel Valley Regional

IASCA’s Travis Chin commented, “I’m looking forward to attending SVR. This premier SQ event is the beginning of a string of triple point events that will help members acquire enough points to earn an invite to our North American Championship in October. There will be plenty of top sound quality vehicles to check out as they prepare for their run for the championship.”

The HARV Arena is an excellent facility for SQ competitions.

MECA Commish stated, “Larry Chijner’s SVR is a premier event on the MECA SQL schedule. This year we are bringing our enhanced 4X SQL program to the SVR, as part of SQOLOGY, sponsored by ARC Audio. Three of our top SQL judges will rate each system’s Sound Quality, individually, and scores are averaged for the most fair outcomes. Judges will give detailed notes for improvement leading to better scores for all MECA competitors. The MECA 4X events are designed to help prepare MECA competitors for our Finals event October 23/24 in Bentonville AR. Contests include 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 install classes, RTA Freq Out and two 2 seat (old School) SQ classes.”

Continuing, Stern offered, “Judges scheduled for SVR are Mike Flanagan (MS), Joseph Hedden (IL) and Mic Wallace (NC). A big thanks to Larry and Klifton from SQOLOGY for working to make this a highlight of the MECA season.”

Concluding, Chijner relayed, “We look forward to seeing everyone at the SVR IX event.”

Visit steelvalleyregional.com for more.

Marketing Pros Inc. Adds to Team for Future Growth

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ARLINGTON, TX (07.08.2021) – 7 time- Rep Firm of the Year – Marketing Pros Inc. has added Pedro Rodriguez to its team to assist in the North Texas region with Pete Daley.

Pete Daily (R) and Pedro Rodriguez are set to drive business in TX, OK, LA and AR.

“With our vendors market share growing over the past several years in the TALO market, we felt now was the time, and that Pedro was the ideal candidate for the job. We wanted to provide better service for our dealers, distributors, and vendor partners, this allows this continued expansion,” said Pete Daley, Marketing Pros Inc. President.

“Pedro brings a new perspective to our team since his experience comes from the bay, in addition to being bi-lingual, and his impeccable customer service skills from his prior endeavors, he can only flourish in this environment.”

Pedro can be contacted at pedro@marketingprosinc.com

Visit www.marketingprosinc.com for more.

The 12VoltSTP Tool at Work for Trauma Car Audio

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THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2021) – The 12volt STP Tool provides a vehicle for members of the 12volt industry to deliver their respective brand’s news and activities to the 12volt industry. With a smartphone it’s as easy as Snapping and Txting the image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO..your company could be in the news.

Trauma Car Audio has hit the 12volt scene with a line of Bluetooth enabled amplifiers. Slamology 2021 provided a venue for the company to introduce that new product to a large audience of enthusiasts. Damian Reyes, along with Steve Garone and Paul Castellano, were in the booth and provided demos for attendees.

This recent 12voltSTP Tool post provided a vehicle for Trauma Car Audio to extend the ROI from Slamology 2021.

Damian Reyes held the company’s new M80.4d mini BlueTooth amplifier. He snapped and txt’ed the image. PRESTO..staff at the 12volt Central Studios made a post to Instagram and Facebook.

“WOW…that was a great post and we really appreciate the support” Reyes stated following the post.

It is extremely important for vendors to tell the 12volt dealer base about their products and activities.

The 12voltSTP Tool can make that happen for companies across the 12volt industry. #12voltSTP to see examples.

Audio Solutions 49 Opens a New Store in Florence, MS

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FLORENCE, MS (07.07.2021) – The Grand Opening of the new Audio Solutions 49 location took place on Saturday June 26th from 10AM until 2PM. Wayne Holton and family members, along with City of Florence leaders and Chamber of Commerce members, attended the ribbon cutting. Food and refreshments were enjoyed by attendees with a jump house for children. Friends, customers and enthusiasts were invited to cruise in for the Grand Opening.

Wayne Holton and wife, Florence City leaders with Chamber of Commerce members, at the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting. Holton’s 92 year old Grandfather seated.
Great signage grabs attention at night.

“The Grand Opening went very well and it was certainly a very special day. We opened at our previous location in 2016. We outgrew that facility as we made plans to grow. Our new facility was a ground up build with a 10.000 square foot layout focused on mobile electronics and accessories sales. The previous location remains open and will focus on the Powersports market,” Holton related.

This overhead drone shot shows the scope of the new location.
A wide variety of vehicles look to Audio Solutions 49 for upgrades.

During the Grand Opening attendees enjoyed several hundred hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill. The 2 acre parking lot was packed with cars and the showroom was filled with people celebrating the Grand Opening.

Ricky Gibson, N&H Electronics owner, made the 180 mile roundtrip drive from Hattiesburg MS to attend the Grand Opening. “The new Audio Solutions 49 location is really first rate. When I arrived the parking lot was jammed, showroom was packed and the phones were ringing off the hook in the showroom. Wayne is a very good N&H customer and seeing his new location was terrific. When I drove by the old location there was action too with golf carts outside.”

Audio Solutions 49 utilized social media to wish followers and customers a Happy 4th July. This post also planted seeds for  some of the mobile electronics products that the company offers.
Wayne Holton, with his Shelby GT in the showroom at the new Audio Solutions 49 location. He holds a Nakamichi product which is a brand added recently to the company’s inventory.

“The first 10 days open at the new location we have been so busy. We truly appreciate the support from our customers, friends and the City of Florence,” Holton concluded.

Florence is in the immediate Jackson, MS area and Highway 49 a major north/south highway.

The Auto Hobby’s Holiday Is Nearly Here

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WASHINGTON, DC (07.07.2021) – The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 292 (S. Res. 292) at the request of SEMA recognizing July 9, 2021 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD).” A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H. Res. 491). The date marks the 12th commemoration of what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

The two resolutions were introduced by co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. S. Res. 292 was sponsored by Senate Co-Chairs Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) while House Co-Chairs Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) and Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) sponsored H. Res. 491. These Congressional leaders are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan member organization that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Automotive businesses and enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in this year’s CCAD celebration by planning or participating in events in their community. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) maintains the official event list to commemorate the day, which includes car shows, cruise-ins and parades nationwide. If you or someone you know is hosting a vehicle-related gathering in July—whether public or private—submit the details on the SAN website if you haven’t done so already! Those planning live gatherings and virtual celebrations (online event, livestream, digital gallery, etc.) are welcome to provide details for official inclusion.

Check out the video PSA above featuring TV personality Courtney Hansen.

SiriusXM Launches “Good Vibrations: The Beach Boys Channel”

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NEW YORK, NY (07.07.2021) – The Beach Boys, one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands of all time, and SiriusXM announced today the launch of ‘Good Vibrations: The Beach Boys Channel,’ a limited-engagement channel featuring sun-drenched songs from every phase of the group’s decades-spanning career. The channel begins July 1 on channel 105, and airs through August 31.

Ideal for summertime listening, “The Beach Boys Channel” will bring the band’s iconic sounds from the California coastline into the homes and cars of SiriusXM listeners, wherever they are. As the most complete and comprehensive audio collection from one of America’s most-beloved bands, the channel will feature The Beach Boys’ early songs about surf, sand, girls and cars, to their pioneering sounds that influenced generations of artists. Listeners can expect to hear the band’s biggest hits, hard-to-find rarities, a cappella vocals, backing tracks, alternate versions, exclusive stories from family and band members (past and present), band members’ solo work, and much more.

In the hours leading up to The Beach Boys’ new and expansive box set, “Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971,” out on August 27 via Capitol/UMe, the channel will spotlight some of the rare and never-before-heard audio material from the box set, which boasts 135 tracks, including 108 previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the album sessions.

Courtesy SiriusXM

For all information on ‘Good Vibrations: The Beach Boys Channel’ visit: https://siriusxm.us/BeachBoysChannel

“Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971” will be released by Capitol/UMe on August 27. For more information on this please visit: https://thebeachboys.lnk.to/FeelFlowsPR

July Begins The 2nd Half Of The Game 2021

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12VOLT CENRAL STUDIOS (07.06.21) Sunday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 245 across the U.S. Many businesses enjoyed a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Monday, July 5th.

July 4th 2021 saw a return to somewhat normal with the COVID 19 Pandemic in retreat along plus travel and events returning to everyday life. Cities across the U.S. hosted spectacular fireworks shows that drew big crowds although the lack of rain forced cancelations some areas. Reports are that Fireworks sales topped over $1 billion for July 4th activities.

On July 4th KICKER hosted a celebration at the company’s Stillwater OK World HQ for the employee family. The KICKER XRV formed the backdrop for tents. There were multiple tables set up under the tents with a buffet of traditional 4th of July food, refreshments and desserts. The KICKER employee family numbers 200 and many enjoyed the 4th of July together.

Kevin Campbell, KICKER Marketing Director related “This was not a big production but families having a good dinner to celebrate July 4th on a nice night. Kids played in bounce houses and on slides plus there was music…Gotta have the music. The KICKER XRV was recently revamped and was open for all to experience. The KICKER family definitely enjoyed the music and was Livin’Loud.”

Members of the KICKER Family getting set to enjoy the buffet and then checkout the XRV at the July 4th company celebration.

The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship took place on Coney Island and once again Joey Chestnut was the winner…this for the 14th time. He downed 76 hot dogs and buns, that amounted to 22,800 calories, in 10 minutes!

It was very nice to see so many posts on social media as 12volt companies reached out to followers and friends to wish them a Happy 4th of July.

The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2021 was strong as another round of stimulus checks arrived. Many billions more arrived in the second quarter with more stimulus checks arriving for many and sales remained strong in the first couple of months in the second quarter. As the second quarter came to a close the shortage of inventory, caused for the most part by the chip shortage, came to the forefront.

Great to see 12volt companies utilizing social media to wish their friends and followers a Happy July 4th.

Now, as the second half of 2021 gets underway, all businesses must have a game plan in place. Importantly, businesses must then keep their eye on the ball and work their game plan.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to “Get Our Shine On” as an industry.

Let’s all set a plan for the 2nd half of 2021.

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt..PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO..your company could be in the news.

As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be….. ‘Jammin’ N July’.