The 12volt STP Tool Snap.Txt.Presto

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THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.13.2020) – The 12volt STP tool was created to provide a vehicle for industry members to MAX the visibility their activities. In light of the current COVID-19 Pandemic positive industry news and visibility is more important than ever across the marketplace.

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A manufacturer representative, or vendor staff member, could MAX their time on the road by Snapping and Txt’ing an image to the 12volt Central Studios. Presto… that image could be fashioned as a post to let a rep’s dealers know an area distributor is doing well with one of their lines. That post could highlight a dealer with a great in-store display that could give other dealers an idea to drive more business.

Another possibility for the 12volt STP Tool could be a company HQ tour. We can work with a company’s HQ staff member to develop a list of images including HQ exterior, entry way, conference room, training area, testing facility, warehouse and shipping area. Utilizing new technology in this way touches a lot of bases. A dealer in Oregon could tour the DS18 facility in south Florida.

A resent post, utilizing images supplied by Keith Selby-Cardinal Sales, showcased the great looking Audio Source store in Columbus IN. Selby was traveling with Kenwood Regional Dave Hill in the territory. An additional benefit was highlighting the Kenwood flash drive Selby handed to Matt Murray loaded with Kenwood training videos and information.

The images shown below, of the super Audio Source store in Columbus IN, were supplied by Keith Selby-Cardinal Sales.

Believe me, I do have an understanding of today’s marketplace. The good news is 12volt retailers and distributors for the most part had a record second quarter. The business year is like a football game with 4 quarters. The 12volt industry, as a whole, is ahead at halftime in 2020.

Now for the second half of the 2020 game that is challenged by so many variables storm clouds if you will. That high volume of first half 2020 business, fueled in a major way by government stimulus checks, is already putting a strain on the vendor supply. The national news reports the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to create major disruptions across the U.S. economy. Manufacturer representatives, and factory staff members, in many cases are still unable to travel as usual. Unemployment is still high and consumers spent their stimulus money in the first half.

The 12volt industry is already well into the month of July. Let’s play smart in the second half with a solid game plan….and keep our eye on the ball.

On this end we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry… across the U.S. and beyond.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews to see these posts and more.

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Franken Audio Wins Spin 84

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SHREVEPORT LA (07.11.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seven 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 84, is Franken Audio. The Wheel landed on Sony space Friday morning July 10th. We will reach out to the winning store to let them know the good news.
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, Sony, 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 and Underground Auto in Sarasota FL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 17th.

Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy-when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.  

With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!

KICKER Marine Audio – Well Stocked, Inventoried, and Ready for Summer

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STILLWATER, OK (07.10.2020) – Since its inception in 1973, KICKERâ has been a conservative, growing company with a consistent passion for music, incorporating pure sound and bass you don’t just hear, but feel. KICKER, along with its KICKER Marine Audio division, continues its four-decades practice of “Livin’ Loud,” despite the challenges of a global pandemic. In fact, based on the company’s recent performance, its Livin’ Loud tagline has the company “Feelin’ Strong”—and stable.

According to Director of Marine Audio Systems Phil White, while many manufacturers, and distributors have scrambled for orders to stay afloat or were pressed to secure supply chain components, KICKER beat the trend and is well poised to execute timely deliveries.  

“Our top requested marine inventory items have been head units, RGB coaxials, subwoofers, and amplifiers” said White. “Entering this season with heavy inventory levels and a strong supply chain, we have been able to service our dealers, OEMs, and consumers with product delivery during these trying times.”

In addition, KICKER Marine Audio Brand Manager Jeremy Bale said the company continued to focus on its R&D efforts, with plans to release some exciting new marine exclusive products as scheduled later this year.

In explaining the rationale behind KICKER’s inventory success, Bale points to founder Steve Irby’s decision to bolster inventories based on projections for a robust season of growth in 2020. Irby and his management team evaluated sales trends, developed new product timelines, and strategically focused tactics to grow the marine segment. That decision has paid dividends.

“Music is always a great release,” says Irby, “We are pleased that boaters continue to find solace in upgrading their music systems and enjoying relaxation or recreational activities which are fueled by great music—and KICKER systems.” 

“We are communicating with many of our dealers throughout the world and are pleasantly surprised by the boating consumer psyche,” adds White. “Boaters are taking time during COVID-19 to escape with their families and spend time on their boats out on the water. Many choose to either invest in new boat products or to enjoy DYI projects to upgrade their existing boats, which positively impacts the purchase of our sound systems. We are fortunate that boat dealers are essential services in many parts of the world and that our strong positioning allows us to respond to the resulting demand. As boat ramps and marinas have continued to reopen, we are continuing to experience a very high level of demand and a strong push for product.”        

Besides the sales initiatives, KICKER also participates in COVID-19 support services, donating PPE products to New York City and several Oklahoma healthcare facilities. KICKER team members even recently used the company’s 3-D printers to create face shields for donation.

For more information visit www.KICKER/marine-audio.com or contact Marilyn DeMartini at md@prpower.biz or Wanda Kenton Smith at wanda@kentonsmithmarketing.com

Chinese Court Sides with Oracle Lighting in Case Against Counterfeit Producers in China

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METAIRE, LA (07.10.2020) – Oracle Lighting has announced that it has successfully defended its intellectual property rights by recently winning its legal battle against a Chinese-based manufacturer of imitation products.

“Shortly after we unveiled our Vector LED Grill System at a trade show in 2017, Chinese knockoffs began appearing,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Director of Product Development at Oracle Lighting. “After nearly a year of work designing and developing this product, it was honestly heartbreaking to find knockoff products pop up online. I had seen this happen before to other manufacturers in our industry and decided that we were not going to stand for this blatant design theft. We worked with our IP attorney, Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law, LLC, to develop and execute a strategy to take action against the overseas knockoff producers. I knew it would not be easy but I had no idea where this journey would take us.”

The decision was issued on June 28, 2020 by the Intellectual Property Division of the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court (Case No. [2019] Suzhou 05 Intellectual Property First Instance No.580). The court found that the defendant’s products fall into the scope of protection of Oracle Lighting’s Chinese Design Patent Registration No. ZL201830136860.7, and thus infringes the patent.

The court’s decision includes an order for the defendant to immediately cease infringing upon Oracle Lighting’s patent. The court also ordered the defendant pay significant monetary damages to Oracle Lighting and ordered that the defendant pay certain court costs associated with the litigation. In doing so, the court also rejected the defendant’s arguments that they had come up with the design for this particular grill prior to Oracle Lighting filing its design patent application.

“In order for us to file litigation against the infringing company, the Chinese court explained that we had to first complete a ‘notarized purchase’, which basically translates to us having to conduct our own sting operation,” Hartenstein continued. “Our attorney assisted us in hiring private investigators overseas who, after months of investigation, used a cover story to gain access to the factory and, with hidden cameras, obtained evidence of the counterfeit parts. The entire operation had to be covert because these factories producing knockoff goods are often designed to be packed up and moved overnight, making them hard to pin down. Once our legal team in China presented this evidence to the judge, the court issued a demand to the factory to shut down production and the nearly two-year-long litigation process began. This was a massive undertaking for our company but I pursued this in the hope that it provides insight for other small businesses trying to protect their intellectual property rights overseas. It was not easy but these results demonstrate that even overseas counterfeiters can be held accountable. Oracle Lighting takes our intellectual property rights very seriously and we are willing to do whatever it takes to prevent the blatant theft of our patented designs.”

Banyas explained that Oracle Lighting asked his firm to develop and implement a plan to protect its products against overseas knockoffs and counterfeits. “This was no easy task as those who deal in illegal products often take extensive measures to insulate themselves from liability and accountability,” he explained. “Through our firms’ extensive network of private investigators and international law firms, we identified the factory making the knockoff products and obtained all of the evidence we needed to enforce Oracle Lighting’s Intellectual Property Rights. We thank the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court for giving us a fair day in court and we hope that this decision serves as a strong example to other American companies that they can enforce their Intellectual Property Rights in China, and they do not simply have to accept lost market share to Chinese knockoffs and counterfeit products as an inevitable cost of doing business. I applaud the folks at Oracle Lighting for bucking that trend, and I am proud to have spearheaded the efforts that lead to these successful results.”

Designed for use on the Jeep Wrangler, Oracle Lighting’s innovative Vector Grill has earned the company awards from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), including a 2018 Global Media Award and a runner-up award for the SEMA Best New Exterior Accessory Product of 2019.

The Court’s decision is still subject to an appeal to the Jiangsu Higher Court.

Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Louisiana -based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products 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.

AAPEX 2020 Event Update

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LAS VEGAS, NV (07.10.2020) – View the following announcement regarding AAPEX 2020:

At this time, we plan to proceed with AAPEX 2020 as scheduled, November 3-5.

We continue to pay close attention to the evolving COVID-19 situation and its potential impact on the show. Our primary concern is providing a trade show in a safe and healthy environment. We will stay in touch in the coming weeks and months regarding any new developments.

Watch: Health and Safety Updates for AAPEX 2020

Watch: A Message from AAPEX

Exhibitors

Watch: AAPEX Exhibitor Town Hall

Exhibitors will be able to cancel and receive a full 100% refund on their booth space until September 1. Booth space applications are still being accepted. Reserve your booth today.

Important Dates:

  • July 15 – Priority Booth Selection Process Deadline
  • November 3-5 – AAPEX

These changes will allow you to invest in AAPEX with confidence. Please reach out to Bill Glasgow Jr. at billjr@aapexshow.com with any questions.

Resources

Visit AASA’s and Auto Care Association’s COVID-19 aftermarket business resource pages for additional information, access to webinars, safety tips, market insights, and more.

Visit our onsite health and safety page to see how we’re preparing for November.

Orca Ships New Audio / Power Wiring and Interconnects Product Line

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CAMARILLO, CA (07.09.2020) – Orca Design and Manufacturing announced it has agreed to become the exclusive U.S. provider of the iConnects line, and that products are available for shipment to Orca dealers. iConnects is a comprehensive selection of cables, power distribution systems and accessories that enable aftermarket car audio components to operate with maximum efficiently. The addition of iConnects positions Orca as a single-solution provider of premium audio products for OEM Integration and custom modification, along with the materials and components to optimize their performance.

The iConnects line comprises amplifier kits, audio interconnects, distribution blocks, fuse kits and bulk cable spools. All power wiring features the brand’s Pure Flow technology: 100-percent oxygen-free copper coated in tin for maximum conductivity and protection against corrosion. Interconnect offerings include flexible TosLink cable and nickel-plated RCAs with balanced, twisted-pair conductors. Amplifier kits come in hangable blister packaging, and other wiring kits are available on spools or in resealable bags that are ideal for storing remnants for later use.

“We’re incredibly pleased to bring yet another line of quality product to Orca dealers,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for Orca. “The iConnects line is an established premium upgrade from standard shop wiring and provides retailers with ‘show-and-sell’ packaging as well as bulk options for the bay. Plus, orders count toward our incentive programs which help our dealers stretch their purchasing dollars significantly.”

Orca dealers can contact their authorized Orca representatives for pricing and additional feature information. For information on Orca products and represented brands, visit orcadesign.com.

Design Engineering Releases New Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover

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AVON LAKE, OH (07.09.2020) –Keep your Sprint car looking good in the pits and help prevent cool-down between races with the new Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover from Design Engineering, Inc.

The Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover allows racers to avoid cold engine damage by keeping their sprint car engines up to racing temperatures. Easy to install and built to last, the innovative cover features a triple-layer construction and can be used on hot or even running engines without damage.

“DEI’s Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover is designed to prevent engine cool-down between races,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “Built Ohio-tough to last many race seasons and still look great, it’s easy to install and fits all Sprint cars.”

The thermal cover’s unique design includes drop-down-side wings that can be folded up and snapped into place and can rest directly on hot exhaust pipes. The heavy-duty, triple-layer construction incorporates a durable, PVC-coated polyester black outer layer that will last for years, a glass fiber inner insulation, and a final layer of glass blanket fiber.

Final touches from DEI include high-strength fiberglass edge binding, use of heat-and flame-resistant Nomex fiber thread, and built-in stainless steel snaps.

Learn more about DEI’s Sprint Car Thermal Engine Cover and the company’s entire line of race-inspired heat-and sound-control products at designengineering.com.

Cadence Summer Giveaway in June

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INDUSTRY, CA (07.09.2020) – Cadence Sound loves to stay connected with the audio community. They understand that due to Covid-19, some customers have been affected financially. They decided to do a monthly giveaway all summer so that Cadence aficionados can still enjoy their passions without worry.

June Giveaway winner: Salvador in Los Angeles, CA

The June Giveaway winner is Salvador, in Los Angeles, CA. Salvador won a Cadence Beast Subwoofer. Cadence is excited to see what kind of project Salvador uses his new Cadence BT for. Check him out wearing his Cadence Lanyard to work!

To enter the raffle for Cadence’s next giveaway, make sure to be following them on Social Media so you can see the next post.

Visit CadenceSound.com for more.

The Sling Experience 2020 in Houston

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THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2020) – The Sling Experience was originally scheduled for April. Due to COVID-19 the event was rescheduled to June 25th through the 28th. Over the weekend the event lit up Houston. The huge grounds surrounding the Marriott Westchase Hotel for the national event was filled with over 30 exhibitor setups and over 300 Slingshots. Live DJ, kids activities, food trucks, audio competition, lighting competition, People’s Choice Awards, donut competitions, after party and more were on the schedule.

This The Sling Experience Instagram image shows the action at the event.

Event organizer Mark Mallet offered on Instagram, “Although the odds were stacked highly against us with the pandemic and sketchy weather reports the event was truly a memorable experience for all who attended. We had well over 300 Slingshots on site and had many more who wanted to attend but could not attend”

This The Sling Experiences Instagram image shows the extensive list of activities scheduled for the 4-Day event.

House of Sound Car Audio is a huge player on the Slingshot scene in Houston and sponsored the audio competition at the Sling Experience. Owner Alex Restrepo related “This year’s Sling Experience, the second annual was truly amazing. We had our work on 33 of the Slingshots showing at the event. Audio, lighting, wheels, graphics and air ride systems are big product categories for aftermarket add-ons for Slingshots. DS18, Beyma, db Drive and PRV are audio brands we installed on Slingshots at the event.

This House of Sound Car Audio Instagram image post shows one of the retailer’s 33 Slingshots on site at the Sling Experience.

Houston retailer Dabass is also big on the Slingshot scene. Mike Truong commented “We look forward to the Sling Experience as a place to show our work. We custom fabricate several items that go into our Slingshot projects and utilize DD Audio gear for the audio many times. Our friend and customer @rokstar100 won the lighting competition this year and finished second n the sound competition. The turnout at the Sling Experience this year was really amazing. Events like this really raise the awareness and drive business.”

Mike Troung (L), DaBass Houston retailer, is shown with rokstar100 who won the lighting contest. DaBass put created the winning Slingshot for their friend and customer.

Jack Polubinski, Underground Auto Styling, made the trip from Sarasota FL to The Sling Experience with his Slingshot in the trailer. “At our retail store we have been working with Slingshot projects for several years and actually produce quite a few items that are used to customize Slingshots. This category is red hot for us and we see it continuing to grow. Events like The Sling Experience accelerate that growth. Right now we are working on our 4th custom Slingshot for the one and only Shaq. One of our projects with him was on display at CES and SEMA”

The Underground Auto Slingshot was put in the trailer for the trip from Sarasota FL to Houston for the Sling Experience in this Instagram post.

Amir Dhanani, SSR Distributing in Houston, is seeing much growth from area 12volt retailers for PowerSports and Slingshot products.

Great to see events like The Sling Experience draw large turnouts and create excitement in the marketplace.

Epsilon Electronics Hires New Western Regional

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MONTEBELLO, CA (07.08.2020) – Epsilon has announced the addition of Ceasar Olaes to their continually growing family. Starting immediately, Ceasar will take his role in working with Western sales representatives and direct accounts, introducing himself and sharing new focus for Precision Power, Soundstream, and Power Acoustik.

Ceasar Olaes has joined Epsilon Electronics as Western Regional. Olaes proudly shows off the Power Acoustik, SoundStream, and PrecisionPower brands on his new Epsilon shirt.

Ceasar has a solid mobile electronics background with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, including serving recently as a sales manager for popular manufactures.

Olaes commented, “As Western Regional Sales Manager for Epsilon Electronics, I look forward to partnering with Vice President Ronnie Brashear and the rest of the Epsilon team as we continue to provide our customers with brilliant products with outstanding and professional service. I’m honored to take part in such a reputable company.”

Ceasar is looking forward to meeting dealers and conveying his experience to Epsilon’s upcoming first time exhibiting KnowledgeFest shows.

Visit www.epsilonelectronicsinc.com for more.