SEATTLE, WA (07.08.2020) – This week’s AudioControl training will focus on the EPICENTER family of products- some of the most successful mobile audio processors of all time.
Tune in Thursday, July 9 at 11:00 am PST to learn more about The EPICENTER family of products, what they do and how they do it.
“I used to have an EPICENTER in my system years ago, do I really still need one with today’s music?” If you like bass, then yes, you really do. Join AudioControl this Thursday to learn more.
“I don’t have room in my trunk, what’s this InDash Epicenter all about?” Tune in to find out!
MIAMI, FL (07.07.2020) – Last month marked the one-year anniversary of Nakamichi Car Audio’s return to the U.S. It was June 2019 that Diplomat Trading, the exclusive agent for Nakamichi, reintroduced the car audio brand domestically.
NQ721BE: New mechless single DIN with 10-band EQ carries a MAP of $69.95.
The first half of the year finished strong for Nakamichi having processed more dealer applications in June then the prior 5 months of 2020.
Currently all head units are available. The brand’s much anticipated two new audiophile vacuum tube amplifiers are in stock and shipping. Nakamichi continues to process orders at a 90% fill rate.
NA3605: 2DIN DVD CarPlay / Android Auto with a MAP of $299.95.
“We have been working closely forecasting with Asia to keep the shelves full”, commented Nakamichi National Sales Manager Robin McNeal. “Like many brands we are experiencing delays in new products, so the challenge is to have enough of the current product to bridge the gap.” McNeal joined the relaunch last September.
Nakamichi Car Audio is represented nationwide through an independent rep network.
Click chart to enlarge
“We had a great SEMA and fantastic CES that allowed us to connect with many dealers and reps who were longtime Nak fans”, stated McNeal, ”Since then it has been off to the races!”
Established in 1948 the Japanese brand is known worldwide for its innovations in car and home audio equipment.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.07.2020) – Even though 2020 has altered the vehicle landscape for many, the specialty-equipment market had shown impressive growth over the past 10 years with industry retail sales climbing nearly 4% to a new high of $46.2 billion in 2019, according to the new “2020 SEMA Market Report.” The report provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market, market-sizing by vehicle segment, purchasing channels and trends to help SEMA-member companies make better business decisions.
SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward. By Q4 of 2020, nearly 50% of industry businesses expect their sales to be the same as or even better than 2019.
SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward.
“While this year has presented its challenges, the SEMA Market Report can help our member companies identify the key areas of interest for consumers and prepare for the growth that we expect in 2021,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “It’s still early to predict exactly how things will play out over the next couple years, but the positive news is that as the country re-emerges from the shutdown, we can expect that sales should rise back toward previous levels.”
In-store purchases accounted for the largest share of 2019 retail sales, representing almost 60% of the total. It is highly likely that online purchases will spike in 2020 due to COVID-19, but SEMA expects that many consumers will return to in-store shopping once restrictions are loosened. Word-of-mouth and the web were important sources of ideas and information for consumers researching potential upgrades. Forty-four percent of consumers used search engines or review websites; 40% went directly to manufacturers’ own websites; and 37% sought advice or recommendations from friends or relatives.
Pickup upgrades are the largest sector of the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for 31% of 2019 retail sales, although mid-range cars, CUVs and SUVs (including the Jeep Wrangler) are also major components of the market. Fifty-nine percent of specialty-automotive consumers are under the age of 40, and younger drivers are more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts or accessories and make heavier modifications to their vehicles.
To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to get the latest research on market sizing, consumer profiles and 2020 industry indicators, download the report for free today.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.07.2020) – Saturday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 244 across the U.S. Many businesses enjoyed a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking the day off on July 3rd.
To say July 4th 2020 was different is an understatement. The COVID-19 Pandemic and public unrest across the country certainly lead to a setting we have never seen in the previous 244 years.
Great 4th of July graphic created by Sondralee and the Custom Audio team keeping #eriestrong
Over the July 4th weekend there were many positive social media posts by industry members noted in the 12volt Central Studios. We selected a number of them and created the short video below.
Included are posts from Custom Audio in Erie PA, Memphis Car Audio, Columbus Car Audio in Columbus OH, Morumo LED Lighting, SSV Works, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Sound Connection in Brainerd MN, RetroSound, VisionX Lighting and the 12volt Central Studios.
Click above to view on instagram.com/12voltnews
The business year is divided into four quarters….much like a football game. This year’s ‘game’ certainly is being played under the COVID-19 cloud. The first quarter of 2020 was just OK from what most say. The second quarter, with billions in stimulus checks, saw off the chart sales.
We are now entering the second half of the 2020 ‘game’. As of Monday, July 6th, there are 178 days remaining in the 2020 ‘game’. The COVID-19 Cloud is still overhead, as well as products shortages, which can definitely impact the playing field in the second half.
Let’s keep our eye on the ball and play smart as we work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry.
TORRANCE, CA (07.06.2020) – Rydeen Mobile is proud to announce the distribution of CUB ADAS products through its independent retailers & distribution partners exclusively in USA and Canada for 12-Volt channels.
“We are excited to work with Rydeen Mobile because of their outstanding reputation in the automotive industry and their passion to help create a safer road,” said Augustin Leung, Vice President of Novus Radar Technologies, sole authorized importer of CUB ADAS products. “Saving lives and mitigating accidents is a key focus to CUB since we are an industry leader in ADAS and driver safety devices.”
“CUB ADAS products are the reflection of our commitment to engineering, as the provider of the best radar based ADAS solutions in the market with as many vehicle applications as possible, from motorcycles, truck taillights, trailers and motorhomes,” Leung continues.
Rydeen Mobile has been in Vehicle Safety Electronics manufacturing and distribution for over 10-years and is recognized as the leader in the aftermarket mobile electronics marketplace. “CUB products fit well with our product mix, we will be able to represent them very well in our distribution network,” said Phil Maeda, President CEO of Rydeen Mobile. “We look forward to a great future together as both companies grow and prosper. Together with CUB products, Rydeen continues to offer the latest in driver safety technologies. The CUB product line will make Rydeen’s Blind Spot offering more comprehensive, as both companies are utilizing OE grade blind spot solution using the latest advancement of true radar technology,” Maeda continues.
Rydeen and CUB product overview and training sessions are available for 12V distributors and retail customers in USA and Canada. Feel free to contact us at 310-787-7880 or sales@rydeenmoble.com to communicate with our sales staff for any arrangements.
SHREVEPORT, LA (07.06.2020) – 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.
JBL has a space on the wheel and several retailers across the industry are enjoying JBL prizes in their stores. The latest JBL winner on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel was Intense Car Audio in Oklahoma City OK. Rene Rodriguez was the JBL Clip3 winner on the 82nd spin on June 26th. Shawn Spedding at JBL sent the Clip3 right out to the winner who received the JBL prize on July 2nd. “The Clip3 is really cool and I received it just in time for some 4th of July fun” Rodriguez related to 12voltnews.com.
A happy Rene Rodriguez in the Intense Car Audio showroom in OKC with his JBL Clip3 and JBL koozies from Spin-To-Win number 82.
Spedding, Director of Sales-Mobile Aftermarket, relayed “At Harman JBL we are committed to supporting 12volt News and the 12volt Spin-To-Win program. In a time where it is easy to get distracted it’s great to see 12volt News and the dealers remaining focused and engaged in our industry. Keep on spinning and we’ll continue to support.”
New prizes from JBL on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel are the JBL WIND2 and the JBL CLICK. These are 2 new exciting Bluetooth enabled on-the-go products that will make a winner very happy.
The JBL WIND2 and JBL CLICK are 2 new prizes available on future spins of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The list of JBL prize winners continues to grow. Intense Car Audio joins past winners including Markland Designs, Traffic Jamz, Earmark Car Audio and Marine, Audio Depot and SK Customs Car Audio as past JBL 12volt Spin-To-Win prize winners.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 10th. One lucky 12volt retailer could win one of the cool new JBL prizes when the next wheel spins.
Intense Car Audio was the Winner of Spin-To-Win 82 on June 26th. The Wheel landed on JBL space and Rene Rodriguez is enjoying his JBL Clip3 over 4th of July weekend.
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!
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.06.2020) – The U.S. Congress passed a bill to extend the deadline for businesses to apply for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans to August 8, 2020. The application deadline was June 30, 2020 but the program still has about $130 billion available for lending. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a “Find Local Lenders” page to help locate the nearest PPP lending institutions.
Lawmakers recently enacted the PPP Flexibility Act to provide companies more options on how funds are used. Highlights include:
Loan Amount: PPP loans equal the average of one month’s 2019 payroll multiplied by 2.5 (capped at $10 million).
Amount Forgiven: The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent payments, mortgage interest, and the cost of utilities for a fixed period-of-time. As a result of the PPP Flexibility Act, the employer may now choose the covered period, either: (a) 8 consecutive weeks from when the loan was received, or (b) up to 24 weeks from when the loan was received or on Dec. 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
Use of Funds: PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and other specified expenses. At least 60% of the amount to be forgiven must be spent on payroll, which includes employee benefit costs for vacation, sick/parental leave, insurance premiums, retirement benefits, and state and local taxes.
Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The loan interest rate is 1%. Repayments on any amount not forgiven is deferred at least 10 months after the end of the covered period, with a two-year term for loans secured before June 5 and five-year term for loans on or after that date.
Rehiring Workers: Employers have until December 31, 2020 to rehire workers and have their salaries count towards forgiveness.
Payroll Taxes: Businesses receiving a PPP loan may also defer payment of 2020 payroll taxes.
Forgiveness Application: The SBA has created two applications for seeking loan forgiveness, a standard form and an EZ version which requires fewer calculations and less documentation.
SHREVEPORT LA (07.04.20) 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.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 83, is Underground AutoStyling in Sarasota FL. The Wheel landed on Image Dynamics space Friday morning July 3rd. We called and let Ryan know an Image Dynamics prize would be headed Jack’s way. Underground AutoStyling is definitely living large on the Slingshot scene. 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, Image Dynamics 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. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 10th.
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.
PICKERING, ON (07.03.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, has opened a new location in Pickering, Ontario. This brand-new store is owned by Rob Lebovic and is the third in the greater Toronto area.
Rob Lebovic pictured in front of the sales counter of his great new Tint World Store.
“Tint World offered the ultimate solution that would allow me to own my own business and follow my dreams,” Lebovic said. “I have a passion for the automotive industry, and I believe everyone deserves an amazing customer experience. I can’t wait for Pickering residents to see everything we can do for them.”
Tint World Pickering offers a full range of products and services, including mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, car stereo upgrades, window tinting, custom wheels and tire packages, paint protection films, nano ceramic coatings and much more.
The open showroom area makes it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for and certainly has a ‘hi tech’ feel.
“We’ve been steadily expanding into Canada, and the Pickering store is a great addition to the Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Rob’s enthusiasm for the industry and his drive are going to ensure this new location is an asset to our brand and his community. He’s worked hard to get this store open, and that determination is going to lead to a great deal of success for him.”
The new Tint World is now open in Pickering, Ontario Canada.
The all-new Tint World of Pickering store is located at 1735 Bayly Street, Unit 5, Pickering, Ontario L1W3G7.
CHATSWORTH, CA (07.03.2020) – Crux has released the TDR-RVM32 a 9.66″ Wide Screen Rear View Mirror Monitor & DVR with GPS functions.
With all the changes in the auto industry, the team at CRUX constantly strives to meet all current needs for aftermarket products, while developing products for future demands.
The company’s e-mails will contain new product information, new pricing and sales opportunities.
Contact The Crux sales department to update all your sales and pricing information. Toll Free: (855) 822-1348 – ext 238
Key Features
– 9.66” full view monitor with touch screen operation. – Wide angle HD front and rear camera. – DVR function with 32GB micro SD card included. – Loop video recording with real-time playback. – Split screen viewing of front and rear cameras. – GPS logger. – Audio recording with built-in microphone. – Collision detection sensor automatically locks the video in the event of a collision
12VoltNews.com 