Volkswagen Creates a Robot for Charging EVs

Posted on by in Industry.

This article was written by Joseph Szczesny for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (01.05.2021) – Carmakers are scrambling to get electric vehicles out to consumers.

They are also working on simple solutions to deal with one of the drags on EV sales – keeping them charged. Volkswagen Group has developed a robot charger that moves from vehicle to vehicle to perform that exact task.

Volkswagen unveiled the prototype, which looks like a cross between metal trash can and R2D2 from Star Wars, this week. Describing it as a possible concept that could be used to expand the charging infrastructure, which is still inadequate in most parts of the world. Auto executives from a variety of companies have said they believe expanding the charging infrastructure is a critical factor in boosting sales of EVs.

Volkswagen developed a robot that can pull a mobile charging station and “juice up” an EV.

“A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is, and remains, a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” said Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

Volkswagen executives suggest the charging robot could operate in parking garages or other defined areas where vehicles are parked regularly.

VW’s prototype robot looks like a cross between a metal trash can and R2D2 from Star Wars.

The robot operates autonomously, and it is activated by a smart phone. It finds the vehicle needing a charge and communicates with it, opening the charging socket flap to connect the plug and decouple it when charging is complete.

The robot also can charge multiple vehicles simultaneously by hauling a portable charger or chargers to each vehicle from a central station. When the charging is completed, the robot tows the portable chargers back to the central station.

Click here to read the full article on TheDetroitBureau.com

Wet Sounds Seeks Territory Sales Manager – North Dakota, South Dakota & Minnesota

Posted on by in Classifieds.

Wet Sounds continues to experience tremendous growth and is adding to our factory direct sales force to better serve our dealers in markets where significant growth potential exists. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to provide world class service to our current dealers. This individual will excel at prospecting new business and providing this same world class service to new accounts within the powersports, marine and traditional audio channels.

Essential Functions:

· Prospect and establish new dealers within the territory

· Service existing and new dealers within the territory

· Identify Growth Opportunities with existing customers

· Planning & Forecasting Territory Sales

· This is not a telemarketing position and requires extensive travel within the territory.

· Traveling on average 90 percent of the time.

Position Requires:

· Prior experience in sales within the mobile audio, marine and/or power sports industry.

· Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Candidates must:

· Reside within their assigned territory (centrally located within the territory is a plus)

· Background checks are part of the hiring process.

Benefits:

· Competitive base salary, with quarterly growth bonus (exciting new products coming to market to drive growth, in addition to growing business within existing dealers and new dealers)

· Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

· Paid Vacation & Holidays

· 401K

· Company vehicle, cell phone, laptop and company corporate card for business expenses

· An industry leading inside sales team to support you and our dealers.

Submit your resume to careers@wetsounds.com

Saying Hello to 2021 Is Easy… Very Easy

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.04.2021) – Saying Hello to 2021 is easy… very easy.

As the sun rose on Friday, January 1st, we began the New Year 2021. Even though it is a New Year, the world and the 12volt industry, will continue to face major challenges carrying over from 2020. Each individual and company will move forward in light of their respective resources at hand while observing area COVID-19 mandates.

The 12volt News is charting a course to continue to deliver positive news to the 12volt industry. With no in-person CES, and the traditional spring distributor show circuit in limbo, we are moving forward with The 12volt News Show. A presence in The 12volt News Show will provide a venue for vendors to showcase their products to members of the 12volt industry. The 12volt News Show will also be a vehicle for distributors put their products and activities in front of dealers in their respective territories.

The CES 2021 All-Digital Show will certainly provide an enormous amount of Consumer Electronics content to industry members attending virtually from around the world. To be certain there will also be content directed to the mobile electronics category.

The 12volt News Show will utilize image-based presentations to showcase new products. Products and activities will be posted on 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook. Press releases, furnished by companies across the 12volt and aftermarket industries, will be posted on 12voltnews.com which has been the norm for now 27 years.

The twice weekly 12voltBeat newsletter, now marking 8 years, will also deliver industry news to over 5,000 industry members. The 12voltBeat is delivered early on Monday and Thursday mornings.

With a personal 12volt history, dating back to the early ’70’s, we know how important it is to be informed about what’s happening across the 12volt industry. That history includes the retail sales floor, distributor principal, rep, manufacturer and publishing. That history is also marked by attending over 40 CES shows beginning in the summer and winter at McCormick Place in Chicago.

12volt Vendors can very easily put their product (s) and news in The 12volt News Show with an email or the txt of an image to 318-465-0844.

Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios as we kick off 2021 and The 12volt News Show. Let’s Get Our Shine On!

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Sound FX Acquires Get Frogged Customs to Enhance Its Dealership Services

Posted on by in Industry.

LEWES, DE (01.04.2021) – Sound FX Automotive has acquired Get Frogged Customs, a vehicle customization sales and service center in Millsboro. The acquisition allows Sound FX to grow its dealership services division and expand its market share throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.

As part of the acquisition, Sound FX will continue to service existing Get Frogged Customs clients and dealerships under the Sound FX brand. The assets of Get Frogged Customs will transfer to the Sound FX facilities in Lewes and Bridgeville, Del., and its associates will be welcomed into the Sound FX family.

Brian Layton, president of Sound FX

Founded in 1992, Sound FX has grown from an aftermarket mobile electronics retailer to two full-service vehicle personalization facilities employing more than 45 dedicated staff members. The company targets customer and client needs with divisions that specialize in dealership fulfillment, commercial upfitting, law enforcement support, vehicle styling through its TomKat GraFX brand, and premium vehicle customization through its Musaic brand.

Started by the Preston Automotive Group, Get Frogged Customs opened in 2017 and quickly tapped into the demand for vehicle personalization in Millsboro and surrounding communities. Focusing on the dealership group’s customers as well as local consumers, its offerings included car electronics, style enhancement, commercial utility and performance products. With the acquisition, the Get Frogged Customs facility will be renovated and reincorporated into the dealership group as Millsboro Jeep.

“We are extremely pleased to complete the acquisition,” said Brian Layton, president of Sound FX. “Like Sound FX, Get Frogged Customs was built on the idea that vehicle owners can experience a complete driving experience through personalization. We anticipate a smooth integration as both companies offer similar services throughout the area, and we are happy to keep their staff of four hardworking individuals employed, especially during these uncertain times. The goal of myself and our team is to build on the success the company generated and welcome its customers into the Sound FX family.”

“I am excited about the Get Frogged Customs merger with Sound FX,” said David Wilson Jr., president and CEO of Preston Automotive Group. “With two convenient locations in Bridgeville and Lewes, Brian Layton and his team can serve our Preston Automotive Group customers. I have always been impressed with Sound FX’s commitment to superior customer service and follow up. Under Brian’s leadership, I know our customers will receive great service and selection.”

For more information, call (800) 454-AUDIO or visit sound-fx.net.

Voltz Auto Sports Highlights Santa’s Sleigh

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

BRIDGEPORT, CT (01.04.2021) – On Christmas Eve, Santa is known to travel the globe to deliver Christmas presents in his Sleigh.

Juan Zambrano, with his Santa suit on, highlighted that annual event with a decked red RAM1500 pick up truck in a social media video post.

Click the play button below to view the video on this page:

After an opening Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas Santa Juan spotlighted upgrades to Santa’s Ram 1500. Sturdy Westin running boards were added to make it easier for Santa get in and out of his sleigh with all the Christmas Eve stops to deliver presents. An Extang Tonneau cover was added over the sleigh’s bed to keep all the presents safe and dry if snow was on the air.

Santa Juan concluded the Christmas video with his signature social media “Volts Truck com.”

Juan Zambrano, always having fun, pictured from a 2019 social media post where he won a cup for the ugliest sweater.

“It was a very strange year 2020. Overall we had a strong sales. My showroom now looks like a warehouse as I ordered product every time I heard a supplier had inventory to ship.”

Continuing, Zambrano stated “Going forward in 2021 is certainly going to be different. There is no in-person CES, we are not sure about area distributor shows and reps are not traveling. How to see new products in 2021 is a big question.”

Voltz Trucks and More, celebrating 19 years, specializes in truck accessories, remote start, custom wheels, 12volt audio products and lighting at the Bridgeport, CT location.

Visit voltzautosports.com for more.

Infinity Auto Sound and Security Wins 12volt Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 109

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (01.02.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Infinity Auto Sound and Security won a $100. 12volt Prize on 109th 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Four weeks ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 109th time on Saturday, January 2nd. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space. The 12volt Gift Card 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 will reach out to the dealer in South Richmond Hill NY and let them know a $100. check will be headed their way.

Spinning out a new 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, 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 and Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, January 8th.

Saying Goodbye to 2020

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.31.2020) – Saying Goodbye to 2020 will be easy… very easy.

As the sun rises on Friday, January 1st, we begin a New Year. Even though it is a New Year the world, and the 12volt industry, will continue to face major challenges carrying over from 2020. Each individual and company will move forward in light of their respective resources at hand.

The 12volt News is charting a course to continue to deliver positive news to the 12volt industry. With no in-person CES, and the traditional spring distributor show circuit in limbo, we are moving forward with The 12volt News Show. A presence in The 12volt News Show will provide a venue for vendors to showcase their products to members of the 12volt industry. The 12volt News Show will also be a vehicle for distributors put their products and activities in front of dealers in their respective territories.

The 12volt News Show will originate from the 12volt Central Studios. I will miss adding another CES Badge to my collection and my vest is getting a rest.

The CES2021 All-Digital Show will certainly provide an enormous amount of Consumer Electronics content to virtual attendees from around the world. To be certain there will also be content directed to the mobile electronics category.

The 12volt News Show will utilize image-based presentations to showcase new products. Products and activities will be posted on 12voltnews.com and @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook. Company supplied press releases will be posted on 12voltnews.com which has been the norm for now 27 years.

The 12volt News Show will showcase new products and industry activities.

With a personal 12volt history, dating back to the early ’70’s, I know how important it is to be informed about what’s happening across the 12volt industry. That history includes the retail sales floor, distributor principal, rep, manufacturer and publishing. That history is also marked by attending over 40 CES shows beginning in the summer and winter at McCormick Place in Chicago.

12volt Vendors can put their product(s) in The 12volt News Show with an email or the txt of an image to 318-465-0844.

The 12voltBeat Newsletter is emailed twice weekly to over 5,000 industry members with fresh industry news… plus news from The 12Volt News Show.

Much more to come as business resumes in 2021 on Monday, January 4th.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

New Dash Kits for Hyundai Venue and Ford Transit Now Shipping from Metra Electronics

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

HOLLY HILL, FL (12.31.2020) – Metra Electronics has two new dash kits for the new Hyundai Venue and 2020 Ford Transit models. Metra’s 95-7398 dash kit for 2020-up* Hyundai Venue models fits an ISO Double-DIN radio provision and is painted scratch-resistant matte black with silver trim to match the factory look and feel.

95-7398

The 107-FD1B fits the 2020 Ford Transit, excluding models with the factory radio delete option. This dash kit is designed for Double-DIN radios that have an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. This includes Pioneer’s 6.8-inch modular receivers and installers should refer to the radio manufacturer for current models. The 107-FD1B is painted scratch-resistant matte black.

107-FD1B

Both of these news dash kits are now shipping from Metra Electronics.

Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

KICKER Celebrates MEA Award Winners

Posted on by in Featured.

STILLWATER, OK (12.30.2020) – KICKER congratulates its recent winners from the 2020 Mobile Electronics Association Industry Awards, announced in December during the virtual KnowledgeFest tradeshow.  KICKER long-time authorized dealer Car-Tunes, Inc. (Greenville, Miss.), earned top honor for retailers – 2020 Retailer-of-the-Year, while Justin Kush from Mobile Toys (College Station, Texas) was named the Installer-of-the-Year.  Additionally, other KICKER retailers and associates performed well in several categories.

“Kim (Trainer, owner of Car-Tunes) and her team are very motivated, very forward-thinking,” said Lori Boyer, KICKER Southeastern Region Sales Manager.  “The standard they hold themselves to is very high on every aspect of their business, whether it’s the customer service, sales or the install side. They are a fantastic shop.”

Justin Kush posing with the Street Outlaws at the KICKER booth during the annual SEMA Show.

Car-Tunes has been a KICKER dealer for more than 15 years. The shop and its four employees pride themselves on attention to detail and their ability to communicate with care and genuine interest, both in-store and online. The company also believes in an active training schedule for every employee, with consistent education for leadership, installers and sales.

“We are so humbled and grateful for this honor, words cannot fully express how very much this means to us,” said Trainer.  “We try to stay connected with the industry as a whole. It’s important for all of us to continue to learn from each other. Even after more than 20 years in the industry, sometimes we learn something new that we can apply in our business.  It keeps everyone engaged and motivated.”

Kush, from the successful Mobile Toys shop, beat out several talented and well deserving installers to be names the year’s best.

“Justin reflects the definition of what a manufacturer wants out if its retailers – in design, fabrication, and sound,” said Brad Ganz, KICKER Central Region Sales Manager.

“He pushes the limits of imagination to make reality,” said Pete Daley, Marketing Pros (Conroe, Texas) sales representative.  “He is a hidden gem in this industry.”

Other KICKER colleagues fared well in the final tally.  Mobile Toys earned runner-up in the Retailer category and also won the Customer Choice Award.  Dean Beyett of Five Star Car Stereo (Clearwater, Fla.) took runner-up in the Installer category.  Top Rep Firm went to Marketing Pros, Inc.

Visit kicker.com for more.