SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (04.15.2020) – Accent Mobile, a division of Accele Electronics focused on solutions for Expeditors, Upfitters and Fleet Managers has announced their latest innovation, a solution for integrating any smart device into the Infotainment screen of most late model vehicles, replicating the vehicle’s OE system.
“Expeditors and Restylers can now offer their customers who purchased vehicles without Android Auto or Apple Car Play a practical solution. Installers can now use our Smartphone Application System to integrate their customers devices seamlessly into factory or aftermarket infotainment screens,” said Bob Goodman, Director Of Channel Sales, Accent Mobile. Our SPA500 enables users to access popular applications installed on their smart devices seamlessly and quickly. The Universal SPA500 kit includes an 8-Way Universal Controller, similar to those found on late model vehicles, a Microphone to access voice control functions, and HDMI and Composite AV connections. Plug & Play versions are available for certain Mercedes and BMW models with more becoming available, added Goodman.
Like all Accent Mobile Products, the Smartphone Application System has a 3 Year Warranty and is available immediately. Additional OE applications will be announced when available, call for applications.
SEATTLE, WA (04.14.2020) – The fifth session in our ongoing weekly web training series, we’ll be streaming LIVE from AudioControl HQ.
Join AudioControl’s National Trainer, Matthew Palumbo & Director of Mobile Audio, Chris Bennett for:
“Tech Support: Answers to the most frequently asked tech questions” -a live training direct from AC HQ.
-How do I set up AccuBass? -How do I do signal summing on an LC7i? -Why does an Epicenter need to have full range signal? -What is ANC? How do I deal with that? -Why is the “Maximized” light on all the time? These and many other questions will be answered this Thursday at 11:00am PST.
Click HERE to tune in using Zoom. Click HERE to tune in via Facebook Live.
METAIRE, LA (04.14.2020) – Oracle Lighting has made a donation of 1,000 N95 respirator masks and nearly 500 surgical masks to the Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans to help its staff battle the COVID-19 crisis in Louisiana where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is much needed.
“We want to do whatever we can to support those medical professionals on the front lines battling this pandemic as New Orleans has been one of the most affected communities in the country,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Oracle Lighting works with several companies outside of the United States and these partners have more available PPE sources than we have here in the U.S. Some of them heard about the struggles that we were having across our country and, specifically, in the New Orleans area with the shortage of masks and other PPE.”
Oracle Lighting CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein and Oracle Lighting Director of Development Justin Hartenstein are pictured outside their Metairie LA company headquarters with the PPE donation for Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans.
Hartenstein explained that many of these suppliers are now helping out by including procured PPE in Oracle Lighting’s inbound shipments so that Hartenstein and his staff can donate to places in need.
“We are now asking all of our suppliers do the same and we have more supplies on the way,” he added. “This is just the first donation that we plan to make. We will continue to import PPE from other countries with available supplies and donate to medical personnel that are struggling to help people with this virus and need adequate PPE made available to them as soon as possible.”
Hartenstein said that after procuring the PPE supplies, Oracle was able to donate the much needed masks to Tulane Medical Center through Supplies for Saints, a group that is managing the collection of PPE for local hospitals.
“Co-founding Supplies for Saints was such a crucial endeavor for us because we realized how important it was to keep our frontlines healthy so they could continue to care and heal those stricken with COVID-19,” said Kelly Becnel Rovetto, co-founder of Supplies for Saints. “These men and women deserve to feel safe that they are not bringing home this virus to their families or contracting it themselves. PPE donations like this make a big difference in the lives of these men and women.”
Hartenstein asked that other companies importing products consider procuring available PPE from their suppliers and donate to those who are in desperate need for adequate protective equipment.
VISTA, CA (04.14.2020) – Directed has announced the appointment of Mid-State Distributing as their new distributor for Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.
Al Fontane, Directed’s VP of Sales, stated, “We already do business with Mid States in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota so this was an easy decision.”
Tom Kolar, VP of Sales & Marketing for Mid-State Distributing, stated, “We look forward to servicing the new territory and building business and relationships with Directed in our upcoming fall season.”
CLEARWATER, FL (04.14.2020) – PAC has launched a new RadioPro integrated kit (SKU#: RPK4-CH4103) that allows drivers of 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokees to upgrade their factory radios. The kit, equipped for any radio size (5”, 7”, 8.4”), allows the retainment of all factory functionality including vehicle information, performance gauges and climate controls.
The stylish and easy to install kit features OEM quality buttons, knobs and graphical interface creating a familiar user experience while expanding new features via a show-stopping 5.2” LCD touch-screen.
Key Features include:
Factory-matched dash kit with complete set of climate control knobs and buttons (no need to use OE parts)
4 programmable hard buttons with proximity-sense technology for quick access of cameras and more
Retains factory camera (if equipped)
Supports up to 5 driver safety cameras (sold separately)
Accommodates a single-DIN or double-DIN aftermarket radio
Multi-purpose 5.2” touch-screen LCD display for climate control, camera selection, vehicle settings, performance gauges, vehicle information and feature setup (for installer use)
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.13.2020) – The health and welfare of the industry is a top priority to SEMA, so the association has taken a proactive approach to supporting SEMA members and is working with lawmakers to ensure they are educated and informed about the auto and auto parts industry and how it’s affected by COVID-19.
While some of SEMA’s more immediate events have been cancelled or postponed, the 2020 SEMA Show is set to take place as scheduled on Nov. 3-6. As the situation continues to evolve, we will monitor the landscape closely and will make decisions based on guidance from local, state, national and international health officials.
LATEST NEWS COVID-19 Resources Page The Specialty Equipment Market Association is monitoring the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and tracking what this means for our industry. For the latest updates and resources available, click here.
Pitching In The SEMA Garage is assisting Stratasys by providing 3D printed visors, which will attach to face shields and assist those who are working in healthcare facilities. Details here.
Status Report Champion Oil, Impact Racing, and Racecar Engineering are among the aftermarket manufacturers that remain fully operational during the COVID-19 outbreak. Details on how other companies have been affected here.
HR Hub Human Resources professionals can discover the latest HR news related to the Coronavirus at the SEMA HR Hub. The online resource helps industry professionals stay up-to-date on the latest policies and information on employee matters. Details here.
Data is Key As online shopping surges due to the current economic climate, the SEMA Data Co-op is showing companies how enhanced product data can be a key component in weathering the storm. Details here.
Seeking Young Entrepreneurs The SEMA Young Executives Network is accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad Program, which encourages and supports young entrepreneurs in the automotive industry. Details here.
A New Perspective Independent retailers in the automotive aftermarket remain the most used sales channel for getting parts to consumers, according to the new SEMA Industry Perspectives Report. Details here.
New Products SEMA Data Co-op members Holley, Klein, and CURT have released new products. See them here.
UPCOMING DATES • June 24-26: SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, Las Vegas, Nev. • July 24: SEMA Installation Gala, Newport Beach, Calif. • Nov. 3-6: SEMA Show, Las Vegas, Nev.
KNOXVILLE, TN (04.13.2020) – XS Power Batteries has announced its acquisition of all of the assets of New York-based ultracapacitor manufacturer, Ioxus, Inc.
Ioxus HQ
Ioxus will continue to manufacture the same great quality products through Systematic Power Manufacturing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Systematic Power Solutions, LLC d/b/a XS Power Batteries. Existing customer orders will continue to ship on schedule with no foreseeable delays in the manufacturing and delivery process. The company will continue to push the envelope with new product development and advancements in the ultracapacitor industry.
“For many years XS Power Batteries has partnered with Ioxus to offer ultracapacitor products to our customers because Ioxus has always offered the most reliable, powerful and longest lasting product suitable for the rigorous demands of our customers,” stated Scottie Johnson, founder and CEO of XS Power Batteries. “The opportunity to combine the synergistic technologies and expertise of both companies to develop and manufacture cutting edge new products, including high tech lithium batteries, smart charging solutions and new hybrid capacitor and battery solutions will propel both brands forward much further than ever possible individually.”
Chad Hall, Co-Founder of Ioxus, Inc. also commented, “For most applications, ultracapacitors were always intended to complement batteries, not replace them. With the streamlined collaboration under common ownership, XS Power Batteries and Ioxus will be able to expand their offerings to their respective customers and supply more advanced hybridized energy storage options in the future.”
CHICAGO, IL (04.13.2020) – “We are extremely excited to announce that we are the rep and distributor for Braille Battery in the Midwest and Hawaii. We have stock and are ready to ship to dealers” stated Michael Foundation stated.
Braille Battery is a US manufacturer of high end Lithium ION and AGM batteries for cars, SUV’s, trucks, motorcycles, UTV/ATV,s, high performance race cars, boats, golf carts and RV’s.
Contact CE Guys to find out how to become an authorized dealer in the following states: IL, WI, MN, SD, ND, MO, IA, IN, KY, TN, 0H, MI and HI. CE Guys is a very aggressive rep firm and distributor based in Chicago IL focused on car audio, motorcycle, powersports and motorsports.
SHREVEPORT LA (04.11.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Two months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel winner, number 71, is Audio by Art in San Antonio, TX. The Wheel landed on the Sirius XM space and a SVX300 tuner will be headed Art’s way.
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, SiriusXM, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics and Image Dynamics. 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 and Audio Jam in Bear DE. Congratulations to all.
WTF….Where’s The Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel Friday, April 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!
SEATTLE, WA (04.10.2020) – AudioControl has rolled out live online presentations for the 12-volt industry that have had over 15,000 views thus far via streaming on ZOOM and Facebook LIVE, providing training and overall excitement during these challenging days. Attendees are interacting with the trainers and asking thoughtful questions.
The AudioControl training session on Thursday, April 9th, was a terrific hour and a half for all who attended. Matt Palumbo was on camera with Chris Bennett adding great input as they covered the AudioControl amplifier line in detail. The duo provided a lot of information regarding features, specs and installation tips.
Matt Palumbo holds an AudioControl amplifier with the top plate in place.
At the conclusion of the session Chris and Matt answered several questions, in great detail, from dealers on the ZOOM call.
David Holland, Shiflet and Dickson, was on the call. Holland, an AudioControl distributor in the Carolinas, related to 12volt News “The AudioControl ZOOM call was really great. Those on the call learned so much about the amp line. Real world installation questions were answered in detail. It is super to see AudioControl supporting their customers with these online sessions”.
Block diagrams were posted during the presentation. Click image to enlarge.
The 12volt News was on the ZOOM Call and encourage industry members to tune into the AudioControl sessions every Thursday at 11 AM PST. Great job Matt and Chris. Your back and forth during the session was so very good!
“The energy and enthusiasm from these trainings has been phenomenal,” said Matthew Palumbo National Trainer & Sales Specialist at AudioControl. “The feedback we are receiving from trainees is incredibly positive and everyone is so grateful to have us jump right in and start doing meaningful, valuable trainings. We are hosting these trainings, open to all, every Thursday at 11am PST. That way everyone knows what day, and at what time, without having to look it up. We are putting lots of resources into these sessions, and they are growing every week.”
The AudioControl LC Amplifier Family was covered in detail during the ZOOM Call.
12VoltNews.com 