The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – GoAutosound Wins Spin 86

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SHREVEPORT LA (07.25.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eight months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 86, is GoAutosound. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space Friday morning July 24th. We called GoAutosound to let them know the good news. Owner Duke An answered the phone and was so excited to hear the news. His store in Union NJ, like so many other 12volt retailers, has been extremely busy over the last several months. The $100. check may be used for a quiet family dinner.Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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 SpellBrite. 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 and Real Audio in Erie PA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 31st.

Across the 12volt Industry Companies Are Jammin’ N July

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.24.2020) – No doubt the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the entire world…and not in a good way for most. That said, the 12volt retail world has seen a tremendous surge in sales. Showrooms are experiencing strong consumer traffic and installation bays are packed. Many 12volt retailers are booked out several weeks for installs.

With all the activity at retail distributors have seen a tremendous spike in orders from 12volt retailers in their respective territories.

All of this as most vendor staff members, along with many manufacturer representatives, have not been on the road since March. That period of time now stretches for nearly 5 months.

From the 12volt Central Studios we endeavor to focus on fresh, and positive, industry news. With that in mind please check out some action across the 12volt industry.

Jack Bogard out front of Sanford Sound with one of the plaques and trophies to be awarded at the 24th Annual Show ’N Shine this Sunday, July 26th. Check out the AMC Gremlin!

On Sunday, July 26th, Sanford Sound will host the company’s 24th Annual Show ’N Shine. Owner Jack Bogard has 12volt in his DNA. Over the years he has established Sanford Sound as a cool place for car audio gear in and round Sanford, ME. Bogard related “We were kind of on the fence about our Show ’N Shine event this year. We decided to scale it back a bit this year and move forward with the event which is outside the store. We will encourage all to observe social distancing. We have already 40 preregistered for competitions which we downsized. This year’s slogan is ‘If you are not 1st… you are last.’ We look forward to a very good event.”

Michael Medford gives a big thumbs up by his 5-Axis SoundBar display in the Stereo Innovations store in Waynesville NC.

The PowerSports category is so strong across the country. Mike Medford at Stereo Innovations is seeing strong sales in the SoundBar category and opted to place a SoundBar display in his store. Medford, has a number of 5-Axis displays in his store, reached out to Jody Culbertson for a SoundBar display. Culbertson was working of a concept for a SoundBar display and quickly knocked it out for Stereo Innovations. The day the display went up on the wall in Waynesville, NC Medford sold 2 SoundBars off the display.

The large JL Audio graphics grab attention from drivers on the Empire Sound & Security store in Dallas.

Empire Sound & Security in Dallas is experiencing strong sales. Recently the store placed some very large JL Audio graphics on the outside of the building. The 10’x12’ signage, highlighting JL Audio Marine and PowerSports, definitely grabs the eyes of drivers along busy Forest Lane which is just south of the 635 Loop in Dallas.

Charles Stewart is very happy with the Sony headphones he won as the prize on the 84th 12volt-Spin-To-Win wheel. Check out his cool showroom.

Charles Stewart was all smiles when the Sony Headphones arrived at his Car Toys Tulsa OK store. The Sony Headphones were the prize from the 84th 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday July10th. Look at the great showroom behind Stewart in this image. That showroom look encourages customers to come into the store and spend time with upgrades for their rides.

The install bay is packed in this post from the Stereo Connection in Brainerd, MN. What a great image!

Sound Connection in Brainerd, MN makes such cool posts on social media. This recent post shows the very busy installation bay. With this post they asked their followers on Horsepower Friday “How much horsepower is in the shop and win a Sound Connection T-Shirt.” Great posts Joe.

Really hard to believe but this Ford Falcon is 58 years old as it sets in the bay at Auto Styles in Oldsmar, FL ready for a new interior.

Auto Styles in Oldsmar, FL is always making cool posts that grab the eyeballs of their followers. This 1962 Ford Falcon looks like it just came off of the Ford Dealers showroom. This Falcon is 58 years old and in for a complete new interior!

This Saturday evening July 18th drone shot from above the Volusia Speedway Park track shows the venue as American Flat Track Racing got the season underway. KICKER signed on as the audio sponsor.

American Flat Track Racing got their season started on July 17th and 18th at the Volusia Speedway Park in Volusia, FL. Kicker signed on as the Audio Sponsor and supplied the PA system to keep the members of the crowd informed. Race heat winners received Kicker Bullfrogs to cap their night.

Jason Hannon (L) and Greg Orlando give a big thumbs up as they wrapped up a successful test run for the BOSS Audio RZR Kit.

On another fun note Jason Hannon and Greg Orlando sent an image as they wrapped a test run for the new BOSS Audio RZR kit on Wednesday, July 22nd. The duo braved the humid SoCal afternoon as Orlando was behind the wheel and hit every hold and bump on the trail as the new BOSS Audio RZR Kit passed the test.

The above HiLites are just a few of the posts that popped up from proactive members of the 12volt industry on social media.

Let’s Keep Jammin ’N July!

Study Says Eliminating Drunk Driving Saves at Least 9K Lives Annually

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This article was written by Michael Strong for TheDetroitBureau.com:

DETROIT, MI (07.24.2020) – There is a simple way to save more than 9,000 lives annually: use in-car technology to eliminate drunk driving.

That’s according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which adds that if alcohol-detection devices were installed in vehicles, preventing non-sober drivers from getting on the road, it would make a massive difference.

Statistics show that during the past decade, alcohol has been a factor in about 30% of all roadway deaths each year. The numbers would be higher, except for the fact that police arrest about 1 million people a year for alcohol-impaired driving.

“We haven’t made much progress in the fight against drunk driving since the mid-1990s,” said Charles Farmer, IIHS vice president of research and statistical services and the author of the paper. “This is something that could put a real dent in the alcohol-impaired driving problem.”

Despite the fact that vehicles are safer than ever, one area that hasn’t improved significantly is the consistent removal of impaired drivers from the roads. The technology is in place to prevent drunk drivers from hitting the highway, but it’s only used in limited situations.

DADSS is road-testing a new system that can test a driver’s BAC level by checking his breath.

Ignition interlock attached to a breath-testing unit are required in many jurisdictions for repeat drunk driving offenders. The systems, while on the surface seeming to be an extreme measure, do have public support, IIHS notes. In a 2009 survey of U.S. drivers, nearly two-thirds of the respondents said they would support the installation of similar systems in all vehicles, as long as they were fast, accurate and unobtrusive.

“Alcohol-impaired driving has been a scourge in the U.S. for decades, claiming 10,511 lives in 2018, accounting for over a quarter of all traffic deaths that year,” the National Safety Council, a non-profit safety advocacy group.

“NSC knows systems that are able to detect alcohol in drivers’ blood and prevent them from driving can help make roadways in the country safer for all road users. This study showing the thousands of lives saved from such systems strengthens the case for their implementation in all vehicles, and NSC urges requirements for this life-saving technology as soon as possible.”

The study suggests that systems that would prevent people under the influence should be thought of the same way lane-keeping assist or emergency braking are — as advanced safety technologies. Several automakers have investigated how it could be done, although few seemingly as doggedly as Volvo did several years ago.

Volvo developed a system for its vehicles in 2007 it called Alcoguard.

The automaker actually developed a system it called Alcoguard. It required the driver to blow into a device and it could measure the person’s blood-alcohol content, or BAC, and determine if they were legally allowed to drive. If not, it would deactivate the vehicle. It would even display the read out and “verdict” in the gauge cluster.

In the interim, a group called Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) has been working to find a solution. DADSS is a is a public-private partnership linking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, which represents the world’s leading automakers. It’s currently road-testing a passive alcohol sensor that detects the driver’s blood-alcohol content by measuring the driver’s breath or touch.

Click here to view the full article on TheDetroitBureau.com

Volkswagen to Offer SiriusXM with 360L in 2021 Model Year Vehicles

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NEW YORK, NY (07.24.2020) – SiriusXM and Volkswagen have announced that Volkswagen will begin introducing SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform – in most model year 2021 vehicles.

For model year 2021, the majority of Volkswagen models receive the all-new third generation of Volkswagen’s modular infotainment platform—MIB3. Every model that is equipped with MIB3 will offer SiriusXM with 360L, including the model year 2021 Arteon, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Tiguan. The Atlas, introduced as a MY21 vehicle this spring, will incorporate MIB3 and SiriusXM with 360L as a mid-year change for MY21.5.

Volkswagen owners receive a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM’s top tier All Access package with the purchase or lease of equipped 2021 model year vehicles and drive off the lot immediately enjoying SiriusXM.

SiriusXM with 360L gives the listener access to over 10,000 hours of on-demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.

SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, upgrading the way the subscriber interacts with the service by providing more choice in entertainment than ever before. SiriusXM with 360L gives drivers and their passengers access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM’s recorded On Demand content whenever they want – including exclusive interviews, unique shows and live performances.  It also delivers more live channels than ever from SiriusXM’s acclaimed satellite and streaming lineup, which features an extensive selection of ad-free music, plus sports, entertainment, news and much more.  SiriusXM with 360L’s personalized “For You” recommendations and ability to quickly access related content also make it easier than ever for listeners to discover more of the programming they love.

“Volkswagen’s 2021 lineup will be more connected than ever before,” says Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re pleased to offer SiriusXM with 360L to complement our new infotainment system.”

“We are excited to begin the rollout of SiriusXM with 360L in model year 2021 Volkswagens,” said Chris Paganini, VP, Automotive Partnerships, for SiriusXM. “SiriusXM with 360L’s hybrid content delivery system gives drivers access to even more of the SiriusXM content they love, and a new level of personalization, right at their fingertips in Volkswagen’s easy-to-navigate infotainment system.”

The benefits of SiriusXM with 360L include:

More variety

  • More channels available to listeners, including many of SiriusXM’s exclusive streaming channels.
  • Access to over 10,000 hours of on demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews, and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.
  • Enhanced sports play-by-play offering that makes it easier to find the listener’s favorite team when it is game time, and gives them access to the official broadcasts for more pro and college teams.

A more personalized experience

  • Smart “For You” content recommendations enable listeners to discover more of what they love, based on listening habits, served on screen in an easy to use way.
  • Individual SiriusXM listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own SiriusXM favorites.

Ease of use

  • Dynamic user interface allows for easy navigation between satellite and streaming channels and SiriusXM On Demand content.
  • “Related” recommendations feature allows listeners to easily discover other channels and on demand shows/episodes related to the currently playing channel and content.

SiriusXM All Access delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied programming, plus access to SiriusXM outside their vehicle on the SiriusXM app and on compatible connected devices and speakers in their home.  For more on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways you can listen, go to www.SiriusXM.com.

Visit vw.com for more.

Electronics Sales / Distribution Sales Person Inside Sales position and Outside Sales position available

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  • Full-Time
  • Benefits: 401k, dental, life insurance, medical, vision

Job Description

Electronics Sales / 12 Volt Sales Person – Chicago, IL Branch

Must-Have: Working Knowledge of 12 Volt Industry – Through Retail and/or Electronics Sales/Distribution.

Qualifications

  • Experience in Car Audio Retail or Electronics Distribution Industry is preferred
  • A proven track record in sales is preferred. (Retail or distribution)
  • Marketing and online sales experience is a plus.
  • Working knowledge of Excel, Word and Office programs.
  • Some travel required – Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
  • Background checks are part of the hiring process; this may include a Motor Vehicle Check.

Company Description

Mid-State Distributing Continues to expand in the Midwest building a team of professionals who have a passion to deliver excellence in customer service and profitable solutions to their dealers.

Mid-State Distributing – Why Work Here?

Great benefits including medical, dental, vision care with paid vacation and holidays. We are a family owned Business thriving in the Midwest developing new business opportunities.

Compensation and benefits will depend upon level of experience.

Submit your resume to p.beland@m-state.com

Relocations will be considered.

5-Axis SoundBar Display Drives Sales at Stereo Innovations

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MILWAUKEE, WI / WAYNESILLE, NC (07.23.2020) – The PowerSports category is strong with 12volt retailers across the US…and that’s no secret. Just after July 4th an Instagram post popped up @5axisinnovations featuring a PowerSports SoundBar display designed for 12volt retail showrooms. That had been a secret. We reached out to Jody Culbertson for details.

This is the SoundBar concept was completed at 5-Axis Innovations HQ in Milwaukee, WI.

Culbertson related “A while ago I had a concept of creating a PowerSports SoundBar display for 12volt retailers. Recently, and coincidentally, one of my customers Michael Medford called and wanted a SoundBar display. I told him that was funny as I already had the design for that type of display. Stereo Innovations was that customer. We put his logo on the display and mounted two Memphis Audio SoundBars we had in the shop. We added blue Race Sport Lighting LED’s for a halo affect that matched the lighting of the displays we previously created for his store. We wired up the 30 amp power supply, built a shipping box, and shipped it. Learning that Mike had sales success the first day he put the display up in his store was such super news.”

Michael Medford gives a big thumbs up as he stands next to SoundBar Display in his Stereo Innovations store in Waynesville, NC.

The 5Axis SoundBar display arrived at Stereo Innovations on Friday, July 13th. Medford and team mounted the display that day.

The SoundBar Display mounted on the wall is 39”W and 36”T. The blue halo, created by Race Sport Lighting LED’s, draws attention on the showroom floor.

“We had prepared a spot on a showroom wall and the display took only 15 minutes to mount on the wall. The minute it went live the blue halo lighting grabbed all’s attention. In fact, the first day we sold 2 Memphis Audio SoundBars from demos on the display. It is so cool as customers can sync their smartphones with a Bluetooth SoundBar and actually listen to their favorite tunes as they stand in front of the display” Medford commented.

The 5-Axis SoundBar display features an “in the seat…on the trail” graphic complete with UTV dashboard. The display is mounted at a specific height so as customers stand in front of the display, and listen to their favorite tunes, they really have the sense they are riding on their favorite trail.
“We are excited about our new SoundBar display. We have a number of options and would welcome the opportunity to create one of these exciting displays for your company” Culbertson concluded.

Visit 5axisinnovations.com for more.

Remembering Larry ‘Lars of Mars’ Milboer

Posted on by in Industry.

DELRAY BEACH, FL (07.23.2020) – Sad news – Industry veteran and proponent, Larry Milboer suddenly died at his home, in Delray Beach, Florida over the July 4th weekend. Everyone who had attended the Spring Break Nationals over its 32 years, will recognize and remember Larry, aka “Lars of Mars,” as the show’s emcee. Milboer took the stage, entertaining attendees, holding contests, creating a fun environment, issuing thousands of dollars of car audio gear and swag every year. He also emceed the Pizza Eating Contests and the infamous SBN Bikini Contest. Repeat SBN revelers came to the event, asking if “Lars” was present, opting for a chance to win prizes.

Recently retired, Larry’s role in Mobile Electronics was that of a Sales Representative. Milboer had worked for two different Florida Distributors, and performed International Sales for Directed Electronics. Milboer’s candor was always frank, to the point, pleasant and cheerful. He would always go “above the call”, serving his clients with thorough and timely product information, sales tips and training doing anything he could do to stimulate his client’s sales.

Longtime friend Paul Papadeas contributed these poignant words and thoughts.

CRUX Interfacing Solutions Intros Side View Cameras System

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CHATSWORTH, CA (07.23.2020) – CRUX is shipping the new CSV-01 universal side view camera system that easily mounts to the door on the side of a vehicle. The 2 camera system is offered in 4 colors… black, silver, white and grey.

Hamza Khalid, CRUX Marketing Director, offered “The cameras mount very easily with no holes to drill. Clean the door surface where the camera will mount, making sure to remove any car wax. Remove the backing from the 3M tape on the camera, position and press. The cameras will fit securely and are safe to run through the car wash.”

All wiring is included in the box. The MSRP for the CSV-01 is $138.00.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

The new CRUX Universal Side Mount Camera System installs with no drilling of holes.

American Flat Track Racing Returns…. And Livin’Loud with KICKER

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VOLUSIA FL (07.22.2020) – American Flat Track Racing’s return to the track at the Volusia Speedway Park for the inaugural Half-Mile I and II was an exciting 2-Day event. KICKER was aboard with an exclusive American Flat Track Racing partnership for the 2020 season. The initial event hit the track July 17th and18th following a lengthy delay in scheduling due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. KICKER is the official Audio Partner of AFT as the racing season got underway at the inaugural Volusia (Fla.) Speedway Park doubleheader, the Volusia Half-Mile I and II.

Champagne was in the air with these race winners who were Livin’ Loud on the podium in Volusia Florida.

“At KICKER, we deliver the kind of products that excites – that makes your heart race when you hear your favorite song through our equipment,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Marketing. “Now in our 47th year of developing high-performance audio, our ‘Livin’ Loud’ trademark is a perfect fit for the passion of the racers and teams of American Flat Track Racing.”

Riders were on the track Saturday evening when this great image of the Volusia Speedway Park venue was captured by a drone camera.

Continuing Campbell stated “The event in Volusia was definitely exciting for the racers and members of the crowd. KICKER staff are limited with travel due to the COVID-19 situation. I tuned into the live stream of both events and I could feel the excitement as I watched in Stillwater.”

American Flat Track Racers can hit 140 mph on the straightaways.

Helen Pardee, AFT Director of Marketing, related “The event at the Speedway Park got us back on the track. We worked our plan to implement safety procedures plus social distancing for members of the crowd and racers. The races in the 3 classes were very exciting as expected. New for these races was a timing format. Each of the races was based on 12 or 8 minute runs plus 2 additional laps.”

Staff members ready everything on the podium that included the Kicker PA system for announcements to the crowd.

KICKER provided a high-power public address system to AFT so the entire crowd could hear which racers earned a place on the podium. The winners of each event were also awarded a KICKER Bullfrog BF400 wireless outdoor speaker.

The Kicker brand, along with other top brands, was highlighted at the AFT event.

The racers exceeded 140 mph on the straightaways and 90 mph in the corners. “The sport remains perhaps motorsport’s purest test of man and machine,” according to the americanflattrack.com website.

NBCSN aired each race, with live streaming through NBC Sports Gold.

For more information, fans can visit www.americanflattrack.com and kicker.com

New Ground Zero 25th Year Anniversary Component Set

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DANIA BEACH, FL (07.22.2020) – What better way to celebrate our 25th year in the audio game than to release a Limited Edition kit, available all across the world, but we did it in a different kind of way. With the launch and success of our new Radioactive Components (GZRC 165.2SQ), and the announcement of our new Uranium series of components, we have decided to combine these two lines into one single box, bringing you the best of both. 

While using the aluminum cone midbass driver from the RadioActive series of SQ components, and pairing it with the newly designed 28mm silk dome Uranium tweeter, we needed to build a passive network that was a step above. Either used in a passive install, or active with a DSP, this kit brings an uncompromised level of quality to an often overlooked price point. 

The 25-Year Anniversary GZRC165 comes in this attractive commemorative box.

“We expect to start shipping this amazing limited edition component sets before end of August to the best retailers across USA”, says Diogo Iannaccone.

Visit www.GroundZeroUSA.com for more information.