SHREVEPORT LA (04.09.22)  WTF…Win This Friday. Southern Auto Fab won the 12volt News $100. Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 173 on Friday morning, April 8th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 4.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 173rd time on Friday morning April 8th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space and the Southern Auto Fab slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA and spoke with a nice lady and told her a 12volt News check for $100. would be headed their way. She said “Address the check envelop to Christopher Naquin. He will be excited and very happy to receive the $100. check.”

Spinning out a 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, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 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, 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, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA,  Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA and Automotive EntertainmentHB in Huntington Beach CA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, April 15th.

NOVI, MI (04.07.22) – Vision Zero Automotive Network is pleased to announce that Itasca, Ilinois based Lucas Lighting has pledged its support to the network’s mission to eliminate traffic-related fatalities by 2036. Lucas Lighting will partner with VZAN to launch several new marketing and marketing related initiatives. The addition of Lucas Lighting to the cause will add great energy for the safety initiative. The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) has comprehensively tested vehicle headlights and found that only 8% of new cars had “good or better” capabilities.

“Lucas Lighting represents all that is great about our industry… and our country for that matter. A truly remarkable entrepreneurial venture that was founded by Mike Hong based on personal experiences turned success story,” said Bernie Sapienza, Executive Director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “I’ve been lucky enough to know a few people personally (Noel Lee comes to mind) that have literally invented a category for our industry and I’m thrilled to have Mike and his team on board. Lighting is clearly an opportunity for our industry and additional training will clearly be a benefit.”

Steve Rogers, Vice President of Sales added, “We are honored and thrilled to be the first stand alone lighting member of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. Improving the visual safety of vehicles has been a top priority of our designs from the beginning. On average, most headlight systems only allow a driver to stop once they have seen an object or danger in the road at speeds up to 45 mph, resulting in vehicle crashes. The IIHS (Insurance Institue for Highway Safety) estimates that 30-35% of these incidents could be avoided with better headlights. Properly designed upgrades will extend driver vision without causing unwanted glare to others. Fortunately, our technology is compatible with millions of vehicles currently in use.”

Sapienze added, “We want to thank Lucas Lighting for joining us on this important cause. Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for vehicles they already own. Lucas Lighting is a leader in aftermarket lighting and highly regarded by their dealers. We’re thrilled that they are supporting our mission.”

Visit www.visionzero.us and lucas-lighting.com for more.

TEMPE, AZ (04.06.22) – Rockford Fosgate is excited to announce new audio solutions for select Polaris Ranger XP1000 Full Size and Crew models are available through authorized Rockford Fosgate retail locations. Purpose built to integrate into 2018+ Ranger vehicles, these audio kits begin at STG2 that include a stereo and speakers, then continue to build in performance, more features, and adds RGB LED lighting from STG3 up through STG6. Plus, all components of the kits are Element Ready so that they perform regardless of water, dirt, mud, or UV rays.

All audio kits, except those with Ride Command integration, include a source unit with a large wet bonded display that is built rugged and is also easy to read in any light, day, or night. With Bluetooth connectivity, to quickly get your playlist loaded as well as an AM/FM/WB tuner, you have all the music and information at your fingertips. They also feature AUX and USB inputs for access to all your music and to charge your smartphone out on the trail.

Rockford ensures simple installation with secure plug and play connectivity, minimal drilling or cutting, and the IPX6 rated M5 amplifier is pre-tuned for the system so no adjustments are needed. In keeping with our installation standards, Rockford engineered every component to match and compliment the factory fit and finish of the vehicle by defining exact specifications to ensure the best-in-class fitment and look.

The STG3 through STG6 kits with RGB LED lighting are designed for use with the Color Optix Controller and RF Connect App which provide total control of the lighting on the Rockford Fosgate speakers and subwoofer in your vehicle.

These seven new options join the RNGR18-STG1 All-In-One audio solution that launched in September of 2021.

• View Ranger Stages 1 through 6
• View Ranger Stages for Ride Command

For more information visit rockfordfosgate.com.

CHARLEROI, PA (03.31.22) – Many people know the SEMA acronym for the amazing automotive aftermarket trade show that occurs every November in Las Vegas – The SEMA Show. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is much more than a show; the organization is a far-reaching trade association that has many other facets benefiting the overall automotive aftermarket industry.

One such endeavor is a SEMA Education initiative called the High School Vehicle Build (HSVB) program. High school automotive programs across the US are able to apply for consideration and, if accepted, SEMA furnishes them a vehicle to build along with connecting them to member companies for sponsorship and local retailers plus mentor resources to further the automotive aftermarket immersion as a career path.

The HSVB program is currently in its third season and has ten vehicle builds at high schools across the US in progress; 5 Jeep Wrangler TJs and 5 3rd-gen Toyota 4Runners.

Veteran automotive consultant Todd Ramsey of Ramsey Consulting Group. Inc. is currently contracted by SEMA to manage the program. “It’s truly an honor to be entrusted with the program’s day-to-day process” commented Ramsey, who recently traveled to one of the schools for an in-person visit and tour.

Ramsey’s Thursday March 24th visit to Mon Valley Career and Technical Center (CTC) in Charleroi PA was part of the engagement in linking the industry to local resources. He along with Pittsburgh area retailer Ed Nuttall, from Team Nutz Technology, visited the school to talk about long-term career opportunities in the industry, as well as checking out what Mon Valley’s Automotive Instructor Chris Mance has going on with the students, the program and their 2002 Jeep Wrangler build process.

Beginning the day Ramsey and Nuttall had an orientation meeting with Automotive Instructor Mance before touring the facility and shop area. Next, was time spent with the students. The work on the Jeep build was very impressive as they saw first hand the level of detail the students achieved. Then Ramsey and Nuttall spoke to the students about career paths in the automotive aftermarket industry and answered questions from the students that were very engaged during the meeting. Following the meeting students enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch that Ramsey arranged.

Team Nutz Technology is a very proactive 12volt retailer in the Pittsburg area that is also involved in other aftermarket aspects including vinyl wraps, automotive clearing supplies and marine audio. Team Nutz occupies 2 additional shops to complete installation and custom work. The company is also a large exhibitor at major consumer events at major downtown venues. The recent Pittsburg AutoRama is just one example. At that event several Mon Valley CTC students visited the Team Nutz 7000 square foot booth filled with displays and demo vehicles.

“Like so many companies across the 12volt industry we are looking for qualified employees and those with technical skills. Meeting with the students at Mon Valley CTC may lead to some future employees with our company. It was tremendous to meet with Chris Nance and the students. The SEMA High School Build initiative will contribute to the future of growth in the aftermarket automotive industry in many ways” Nuttall related. 

Mance stated “To have Todd Ramsey travel to our school to witness the SEMA High School Build in action was truly an honor. To have a key area 12volt retailer along really added a lot to seeing the entire concept becoming a reality. We will work diligently in future years to prepare Mon Valley CTC students for career futures in the automotive aftermarket industry.”

“Overall we were so pleased to see the level of engagement Chris has with his students and that each of them are exposed to so many facets of the automotive career path over their three-year vocational training” said Ramsey of the Mon Valley CTC program.

As part of the final step in each season, the vehicles sell on an online auction site called Bring A Trailer where the proceeds go back into the program to fund the next season’s builds. To date, nearly $250,000 has been self-funded to fuel this program and it’s just in its infancy. SEMA is passionate about reaching potential career-minded folks at the high school level with this program and is actively seeking interested companies, both at the manufacturer level and local level retailers/employers/mentors to engage with the high school automotive programs participating in the HSVB program. There is a whole new generation of automotive enthusiasts out there that crave the exposure and engagement of the automotive aftermarket this HSVB program brings.

There is a SEMA High School Build application process each year and the 2023 school year has not been announced.

For more see sema.orgmonvalleyctc.org  @semaeducation @sema_association @monvalleyctc