Oracle Lighting to Debut New StarLINER ColorSHIFT Fiber Optic Hardtop Headliner During SEMA360

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

METAIRIE, LA (10.27.2020) – Oracle Lighting will debut its new StarLINER ColorSHIFT Fiber Optic Hardtop Headliner for 2018-2020 Wrangler JL and 2020 Gladiator JT (p/n 5872-333) during the SEMA360 online event Nov. 2-6, 2020. With an MSRP of $499.95, Oracle Lighting is currently taking pre-orders with plans to ship Dec. 12, 2020.

“Our new StarLINER panels are self-contained acoustic panels with integrated fiber optics which create a unique ‘Starlight’ effect on the ceiling of your hardtop,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “These eye-catching panels easily mount to the hardtop ceiling with the included mounting hardware. Wiring simply connects to the nearby courtesy light for power and features quick connect plugs for easy hardtop removal.”

Normal installation time is under an hour, and the StarLINER package includes a wireless remote which allows the user to select the color, brightness, and patterns of the fiber optic stars. These acoustic panels are 2-inch thick dense foam which also provide sound buffering.

According to the SEMA360 website, with the 2020 SEMA Show live event in Las Vegas not taking place and the industry recognizing the need for a viable marketplace during these challenging times, SEMA360 was created. As an online ecommerce solution taking place Nov. 2-6, 2020, SEMA360 focuses on manufacturer / attendee / media relationships, new product introductions, project vehicle debuts, industry-leading education and unparalleled networking opportunities. SEMA360 will leverage the association’s exclusive manufacturer and attendee databases and media partnerships to provide participants with the best online experience and maximum value.

Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Metairie, LA-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

ZZ-2 Welcomes New Canadian Distributor 12Volt Solutions

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

PALM BEACH, FL (10.27.2020) – ZZ-2 has announced a partnership with our new stocking distributor for the Canadian market 12VOLT SOLUTIONS. In business for over 14 years, catering to the expeditors and specialty retailers they have built a solid network and a great reputation with their customers.

Rich DeSclafani stated, “We are extremely happy to welcome in Norman and the rest of the 12VOLT SOLUTIONS family into our network. We are looking forward to a great partnership for many years to
come.”

Norman Degruijter stated, “12VOLT SOLUTIONS is looking forward to working with Rich and the ZZ-2 product line.”

Visit zz-2.com for more.

CE GUYS Adds Pandora Remote Car Starters

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

CHICAGOLAND, IL (10.27.2020) – The remote car starter season has arrived with snow in the northern U.S. Pandora Remote Car Starters are now available in the U.S. just in time for the season.

Michael Foundation, GE GUYS firm Principal, stated “It’s a go with Pandora. CE GUYS is the exclusive distributor for Pandora Remote Starters in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Hawaii. We received the first shipment and are ready to ship.”

CE GUYS Michael Foundation is pictured in the Company’s Chicagoland office with 2 feature laden Pandora Remote Car Starter models.

Pandora is a well known car alarm systems brand developed and made in Russia in the cozy industrial city of Kaluga. Car alarms, immobilizers and various accessories are included in the product line. Established in 2004 Pandora never stops increasing the level of security and service to provide car owners with the best vehicle security defense possible.

“The Pandora line is amazing and boasts features that other well-known brands in the marketplace do not offer. Pandora is the number one remote start and security brand in Russia and the UK. We at CE GUYS now offer this feature laden brand in the U.S. and are looking forward to working with dealers to drive their remote stater business….very profitably”

For more see ceguys.com

Happy 74th Birthday to Eddy Kay

Posted on by in Featured.

BLOOMFIELD, MI (10.26.2020) – Last week the 12volt News noticed Eddy Kay Celebrated his 74th birthday. Many in the 12volt industry will remember Eddy Kay as a featured speaker at retailers like Circuit City and industry events like MERA and CES. Kay’s ‘TakeCharge! A Manager’s Guide to Specialty Retailing’ book was a must read for many in the mid-1990’s.

Eddy Kays’ Book published in 2003.

The 12volt News reached out to Eddy and we would like to share some of what he has been doing these past years.

“I have been basically ‘retired’ for a boat load of years. At the end there was little left for me in the 12volt industry as so much had changed. I did well with sessions for companies in jewelry, auto supply and of all things trailer hitches. Like many the crash of 2009 almost put me out of business. By 2012 it all came back… but I had really gotten used to not working during that off time. So when I was making a trip to the airport for another speaking engagement I quit my job. I basically laid myself off. I gave myself an exit interview and told myself…Good Luck.”

A smiling Eddy Kay at 74 Years Young

Continuing, Kay related “I built a recording studio in the house and went back to my roots as a professional musician. I’ve got 3 albums on Spotify and two more in the can. I write almost all the material and do play all the instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals and Backup vocals. Multi-track recording allows me to be the whole band. Personally, I would rather have a band… but those guys want to get paid. The Bastards!”

That’s Eddy

Eddy Kay’s days are filled with tunes.

“Recently we were looking to buy a new car. We were astounded at the lack of professionalism at multiple car dealerships. The sales staffs didn’t seem to care about what we wanted and we didn’t buy anything. It’s a different world on the sales floor today. That’s why good sales people, who care and ask questions, will always be in demand for successful 12volt retailers” Kay concluded.

Click above to listen to “Take It Easy”

Eddy lives in Bloomfield, which is about 10 miles north of Detroit, with his sweetheart of 15 years.

Happy Birthday again Eddy. Eddy’s email address is eddy@eddykay.com

Massive Releases New DRAGO DP10K 5,600 Watt RMS Amplifier

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

CITY OF COMMERCE, CA (10.26.2020) – Massive Audio has released the new Drago DP10K Amplifiers for 2020.

Want to crank it up to 11, here is your chance with DRAGO SERIES Amplifiers. The Massive Audio DP10K Digital Amplifier solves the problem of powering those megawatt Subwoofers so they can achieve max SPL without straining. The DP10K is an all-Digital, Ultra-High-Speed Switching, Mono Block “Monster” with rated power of 5,000 Watts RMS that can achieve a true output of 5,600 Watts RMS @ 1 ohm @ 16V.

Chuck Kenney, National Sales Manager, holds the new Massive Audio Drago DP10K Amplifier.

The first impression is that this is one rugged yet beautiful crafted Amplifier! Upon further inspection you will realize how compact this powerhouse really is, this amplifier measures in at only 3.07” x 9.11” x 13.07”. You will also notice the twin full time exhaust fans that insure this “Firebreather” is always running cool.

We ensure your system is protected with our 6 Way Protection circuit including an LED Clip indicator to correctly match the Gain and RCA inputs. Additionally, adjustable Hi Pass and Low Pass crossovers along with a parametric equalizer with a variable 0-10dB bass boost allow for complete control. Another unique feature is our “Flat” mode switch enabling you to bypass any sound coloration for testing and comparison purposes. When utilizing an electronic crossover, like the Massive TRI-XO, in combination with the FLAT setting on the amplifier this allows you to bypass all equalization on the amp and utilize the signal input from the electronic crossover. This eliminates the cumbersome task of configuring multiple settings on the amp and crossover.

Visit massiveaudio.com or call at 323-262-2262 for more.

WeConekt Joins Forces with Air Associates to Better Support 12 Volt Dealers

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

BOCA RATON, FL (10.26.2020) – WeConekt has announced they are joining forces with Air Associates, a sales representative firm – representing some of the top car audio brands in the New England Territory.

“We wanted to partner with WeConekt because we saw that they could be a valuable resource for our dealers with their deep understanding of our market and their wide range of services,” said Art Rickless , President of Air Associates.

To contact Air Associates, call 413-348-6756 or email airassociates@aol.com

WeConekt offers a variety of services that include business consulting and marketing – their first approach is not to try and sell the client any particular service, but to get a 360 view of the company and then offer only what is needed. All plans are highly specialized to each client

Now is the right time for partnering with Air Associates as more eyes are online than ever. It is imperative for dealers to have a strong online presence with an updated website, active social media and more.

“We are excited to be working with 12 Volt dealers in the New England territory, as we feel this is a greatly underrepresented category online in today’s world of consumer brands. We recognize that dealers are busy and do not have time to focus on next leveling their companies and performing critical marketing functions,” said Risa Schultz, SVP of WeConekt.

WeConekt is offering dealers a FREE 1 hour consult to discuss challenges and offer solutions. Please contact WeConekt directly or through Air Associates to set up a time.

Visit www.weconekt.com for more.

To contact Air Associates, call 413-348-6756 or email airassociates@aol.com

Audio Source Inc Wins KICKER Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 99

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (10.24.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Audio Source Inc, with stores in Columbus and Greenwood IN, won the KICKER Prize on Friday, October 23rd.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

On Friday morning, October 23rd, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 99th time and the Wheel landed on the KICKER space. The Audio Source Inc slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We called and Matt Murray was very happy to hear the news. He enjoys seeing the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel posts. A Kicker Bluetooth Speaker 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit and ZZ2. 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 and AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, October 30th.

Oracle Lighting’s Hartenstein Named Finalist for 2020 SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

METAIRIE, LA (10.23.2020) -Oracle Lighting has announced that for the second year in a row, founder Justin Hartenstein has been named a finalist for the prestigious SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year. Hartenstein was also a 2019 finalist.

“Once again, it is truly an honor to be nominated for an award that recognizes hard work and innovation in such a large and dynamic industry,” said Hartenstein, who founded Oracle Lighting in his garage in 1999.

Justin Hartenstein

One of just two individual awards that the SEMA organization presents each year, the Gen-III innovator is an honor given to a young innovator who exhibits the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders. According to SEMA, the Gen-III Innovator of the Year recognizes individuals whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current automotive marketplace.

When the Coronavirus pandemic first began, as for many other manufacturers, demand began to decrease as the economy slowed. Being the innovator that he is, Hartenstein pivoted and redirected his energy into an anti-virus device utilizing UV lighting technology. The result was the A.I.R. Device (Antimicrobial Irradiation Respirator), the world’s first UV face mask. The Ultraviolet Irradiation produced from specialized UV-C LEDs protects the user wearing the A.I.R. by inactivating bacteria, pathogens, and viruses- including COVID-19. This multi-patent pending innovation has gained global attention for its unique and effective anti-viral design.

Besides being a trend-setter, enthusiast, and innovator, Hartenstein is also an advocate for the automotive lighting aftermarket, making him an excellent candidate for this award. He sees the challenges that are taking a toll on the aftermarket lighting industry such as overseas counterfeiting. After months of working with foreign courts, attorneys, private investigators, and other authorities in China, Hartenstein filed and won legal action against an underground counterfeit factory ring in China that has repeatedly violated not only the Intellectual Property of ORACLE Lighting but of a half dozen other SEMA manufacturers. He hopes to use this experience to create a roadmap for other SEMA manufacturers to follow in order to receive relief from the damage caused by illicit counterfeiting in the industry.

According to the SEMA360 website, with the 2020 SEMA Show live event in Las Vegas not taking place and the industry recognizing the need for a viable marketplace during these challenging times, SEMA360 was created. As an online ecommerce solution taking place Nov. 2-6, 2020, SEMA360 focuses on manufacturer/attendee/media relationships, new product introductions, project vehicle debuts, industry-leading education and unparalleled networking opportunities. SEMA360 will leverage the association’s exclusive manufacturer and attendee databases and media partnerships to provide participants with the best online experience and maximum value.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com

CMA Live Podcast Ep. #5 Connected with the Latest in Remote Start

Posted on by in Industry.

TORONTO, CANADA (10.23.2020) – The Wednesday evening EP5. Connected CMA LIVE, October 21st, featured some of the biggest brands in the remote car starter business. Brand representatives shared information highlighting the latest and greatest technology available in the marketplace today.

Jeff Bates from Lockdown Security helped co-host the podcast bringing with him over 20 years of experience as an installer and successful retailer.

The remote starter industry was well represented on the podcast by key brands and professionals including Alan Birce from VOXX/Directed Canada, JP Raymond of Fortin, Joe Dentamaro of VOXX Electronics and finally Phil Camirand of Automobility.

“Make sure to check out this episode and stay connected with all things remote starter related” stated Frank Spezzano, President Canadian Mobile Audio.

See this video and more at facebook.com/canadianmobileaudio/live

Visit canadianmobileaudio.com for more.

KICKER Acknowledges its “Top 12” Professionals Vying for MEA Industry Awards

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

STILLWATER, OK (10.23.2020) – KICKER watched some of its 24 authorized installers, retailers and sales professionals from the “Top 50” list earn a spot in this year’s “Top 12 Finalists” for the 2020 Industry Awards, as determined by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA).

According to the MEA press release, some of the award categories are decided solely on industry votes.  The final awards will be announced at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebration during the virtual KnowledgeFest trade show and conference Dec. 4-6.

Winners at this stage also qualify as semifinalists for the top honors of Retailer-of-the-Year, Installer-of-the-Year and Sales Pro-of-the-Year.

Top 12 KICKER Retailer finalists:
Mobile Toys – College Station, TX
Absolute Electronix – Rockville, MD
Car-Tunes – Greenville, MS
Showtime Audio – Chicago, IL

Top 5 KICKER Sales Professionals finalist:
Jim Skaggs – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX

Top 12 KICKER Installer finalists:
Justin Kush – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Matt Vowell – Mobile Toys Inc. – College Station, TX
Dean Beyett – Five Star Car Stereo – Clearwater, FL
Dalton Trainer – Car-Tunes, Inc. – Greenville, MS

The complete list of winners is posted at the official Industry Awards website, meindustryawards.com.

Visit kicker.com for more.