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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
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’.
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 6, 2021) – With an expanded prize package and increased benefits to applicants, the 9th annual SEMA Launch Pad competition included a record-high number of applications from entrepreneurs of new automotive-related products. At 181, the number surpasses the previous high of 120 applications.
“Based on interest in the SEMA Launch Pad, innovation and creativity in the industry are stronger than ever” said Ted Wentz, SEMA Board Member and Chair of the SEMA Launch Pad Task Force. “Not only did we receive more applications than ever before, but the quality of the applications is impressive. The products represent such a variety and spectrum of items that support vehicle customization.”
Fifteen applicants have been selected as semi-finalists and will advance to the next round. The applicants will be narrowed down further, down to five finalists who will pitch their business ideas at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. There, a panel of judges will select three winners to receive cash prizes in the amount of $5,000, $20,000, and $75,000 to be used for the benefit of their business.
The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad Semi-finalists are:
Cameron Crummie, Owner, MDV Product: Guard – Modular LED Bluetooth-controlled brush guard for trucks and SUVs.
Adam Gruener, CEO, Off Road In Mind Product: RGB-Recovery Gear Box – Can be used for recovery gear, emergency gear, or for any other storage needs, and is typically attached to a spare tire on the back of a vehicle.
Jonathan Hurley, Owner, ToolBox Widget Product: ToolBox Widget – Modular tool organizers that allow a mechanic to connect as many tool organizers together as needed, making them customizable to the mechanic.
Monika Kalenski, President and CEO, Removeable Trail Armor Product: Removable Trail Armor – Printed side body protection paneling utilizing nano-hold technology to stick to aluminum and non-metal vehicles. Protects vehicles from scrapes and scratches when off-roading while adding style with printed graphics.
Brendan McGrath, CEO, Dyme Performance Systems Inc. Product: Rattlesnake Toolkit – Toolkit that can measure the exact length and angle of a hose assembly down to the millimeter, significantly reducing time and cost.
Robert McKeirnan, President and Managing Partner, Stratos Meccanica LLC Product: Strada and Corsa Concealed Quick Disconnect Interface – Concealed interface for mounting a license plate to the front of a vehicle. Does not require having to drill holes into the front bumper and does not require tools to remove once installed.
D.J. Potter, CEO, Sawtooth Product: Sawtooth STRETCH Tonneau Cover and Sawtooth SURFBOARD Cartop Carrier – Tonneau that loads, secures, and protects cargo taller than the pickup truck bed walls.
Alan Reyes, Co-founder and President, Xtrusion Designs LLC Product: Modular Cargo Bedracks – Modular cargo solution that allows the usage of T-Slot aluminum profiles as its main component, allowing a complete customizable platform for the end user.
Kevin Robinson, President, TRAC LLC Product: TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart – Tool designed to simply lift and remove a wheel from a vehicle during service. The tool is designed to reduce workplace injuries while increasing productivity.
Paul Rooprai, CEO, AutoBio LLC Product: AutoBio Tags – 2.5-inch round cling that goes inside the windshield and is embedded with technology (QR & NFC) that serves as a portal to a car’s story and is scannable with a smartphone.
Michael Ruhs, Co-founder and CEO, TailHand Product: TailHand – Customizable platform and accessories system that mounts directly to most pickup truck tailgates, providing an “extra hand” for securing tools and raw materials, transforming a tailgate into a versatile mobile-workstation.
Tom Sawarynski, Owner, Off-Road Research Product: Smart Cap Module (SCM) – Allows any aftermarket shock absorber with a bridge or remote mounted reservoir to broadcast damper position to an external module or modules.
Michael Sullivan, Owner, Fox Products LLC Product: RaZorTop Retractable Cap – Roll open tonneau cover that raises up to a full-size cap when needed and retracts by the press of a button on a wireless remote control.
Edward Tansingco, President, Thinskinz Product: Thinskinz Door Protectors – Removable, hard plastic interior door panel protectors that snap onto OEM interior door panels without fasteners or adhesives to protect doors against damage from objects or pets inside the vehicle.
Dustin Woolf, Owner, Woolfpack Racing Product: Natural Nitrous – Stand-alone refrigerated system for the air induction of the motor. It lowers the air charge and dehumidifies the moisture, which increases horsepower because there are dense oxygen atoms in the cylinder. It also lowers emissions because of the complete burn of the fuel.
SHREVEPORT LA (07.05.21) WTF…Win This Friday. CG Car Audio won the SiriusXM Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, July 2nd.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 134th time on Friday morning July 2nd. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space. The CG Car Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out by phone several times to contact the dealer in Kissimmee FL. Instagram message too. We will continue efforts to contact CG Car Audio. 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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and 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.. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, July 9th.
12VOLT CENRAL STUDIOS (07.05.21) Sunday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 244 across the U.S. Many businesses are enjoying a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off today, July 5th.
July 4th 2021 is seeing a return to somewhat normal with the COVID 19 Pandemic in retreat with travel and events returning to everyday life. On the 12volt industry side business remains strong but inventory issues persist.
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 ship shortage, came to the forefront.
Now, as the second half of 2021 gets underway, all businesses must put 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”.
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’.
The Sony Car Audio team (Actionlink) is looking for two new additional team members for a high- profile opportunity to represent the brand as a Territory Sales Representative/Brand Advocate. Ideal candidates will be located near the East and West coast of the United States.
Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to showcasing some of the highest quality audio equipment on the market, travelling to trade shows and events, and executing all Sony retail strategies and action plans to grow positive relationships within the industry. Pay is based on experience and the value brought to the position. Travel and a flexible schedule are critical components to fulfilling this role effectively. MECP Certification and three years’ experience selling and/or installing are preferred. ActionLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
BILOXI, MS (07.02.2021) – The 2021 Scrapin’ the Coast event filled the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and surrounding grounds the weekend June 26th and 27th in Biloxi MS. A large enthusiastic crowd checked out hundreds of rides, exhibits and vendors inside the coliseum. Members of the crowd were drawn outside to see more vendors and demos with the Gulf Coast waves in the background. The Limitless Lithium demo, loaded with DS18 gear, was certainly one of the loudest on the grounds. All experienced the DS18 slogan “We Like It Loud.”
The Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi was the place to check out Scrapin’ the Coast 2021.The show floor was filled with great demo vehicles showcasing exceptional design and craftsmanship.
James Halter, Stereo & Video Center in Tyler TX, included time at Scrapin’ the Coast in the family’s vacation. Halter, and daughter Katelyn who takes great pictures, spent a lot of time inside and outside at the event. Halter relayed “The Scrapin’ the Coast was great and one of my favorites to go to every year. I always like to see if there are new enthusiasts and consumers trends we might be able to incorporate back at the store in Tyler. I also like to take the opportunity to catch up with any industry friends or other friends I have made going to shows that might be there.”
James Halter and daughter Kaitlyn, with her camera in hand, who took great images for this article.This demo vehicle, with DS18 subwoofers, was amazing.
Ray Mckenzie, and the BATCAP brand, was in the House. “This is the 19th year we have displayed at Scrapin’ the Coast. Attendance was up from last year. There was so much congestion on the highway out front the show actually got going a couple hours late. Our new BATCAP 7600 Farad Advanced Carbon Capacitor grabbed a lot of attention from folks with big systems.” Ray’s son Tanner and staff Daniel and Zak were also in the booth.
An amazing Rat Rod out front.The BATCAP booth with Ray McKenzie (L) and crew Daniel, Zak and Tanner.
Across the 12volt industry retailers are continuing to have record sales months. Distributors are slammed with business and there are increasing product shortages from vendors. Manufacturer rep firms are beginning to travel their territories in certain areas of the U.S.
BATCAP showed their product lineup including the new BATCAP 7600 Farad Advanced Carbon Capacitor.
Scrapin’ the Coast is an example that the overall marketplace is returning to normal. Sound-Off events are seeing large turnouts of Competitors. The KICKER Country Stampede in Topeka KS June 24-26 drew a large crowd but was dampened by numerous thunder storms. June 23-27 the UTV Takeover in Coos Bay OR also drew large crowd. These are more signs that the COVID-19 Pandemic is fading in the rear view mirror.
Katelyn’ cousin Phil getting ready to experience some heavy bass.Amazing work!
WTF… What’s The Future? Day by Day, from the 12volt Central Studios, we will strive to highlight positives across the 12volt industry. We trust others will do they same in all business segments, organizations and personally. Please be safe, courteous of others and practice social distancing.
Spectacular wraps on show vehicles are becoming more popular.