SEATTLE, WA (04.14.22) – The PNWCEE 2022 Mobile Electronics Expo, featuring Mobile Electronics, is set for May 9th-11th at the Doubletree by Hilton at South Center in Seattle WA.
Mark Giovannetti and Dan McMillan, who spearhead the event, related “It’s been over two years, and now it’s time to get together again with leading mobile electronics vendors, their representatives and trainers for an event designed for 12volt specialists to grow their businesses. Feedback from the field has been very strong as all think that the time is now right.”
This year the event will kick off with a special Monday evening launch event themed ‘Harley Davidson Audio Install Deconstruction’ presented by Sam Walker and Ryan Klein as they deconstruct a Harley Davidson Road Glide premium after market audio system build on the bike. In the process they will cover the ‘Best Practices’ of motorcycle audio installation using the newest products plus plug & play solutions on the market today. Installation tips will be made and then the vehicle will be put back together and ready roll.
Tuesday and Wednesday will feature factory and industry training events that begin at 9 AM in rooms off the show floor. The Expo Showroom opens at 10AM both days with an amazing number of vendors displaying their latest products.
On Wednesday Travis Chin, from IASCA, will be on site. Dealers and their customers are invited for a TEST THE BEST event outside and Travis will judge the entries and 3 top winners will receive awards. The Doubletree has provided a large outdoor space for this activity.
As an added benefit for attendees the Doubletree has agreed to offer suites at a discounted rate and that will include a complimentary breakfast for 2 people per room.
“With the addition of the larger outdoor area we will have the opportunity to have even more show cars at the 2022 event. May 9th-11th, Monday through Wednesday, are the dates and we look forward to seeing a record turnout at the upcoming 2022 event. So far there is a real buzz in the Pacific Northwest for the 2022 event. Giovannetti concluded.
STILLWATER, OK (04.13.22) – KICKER bids a heartfelt farewell to industry veteran and 18-year Director of Global Marketing, Kevin Campbell.
Since joining KICKER in 2004, Campbell has guided the company’s “Livin’ Loud” message by creating experiences that embody the music that car-audio fans crave.
“It’s been 18 years of total fun,” Campbell said. “I’ve always admired the (KICKER) brand and the way they do business. People talk about KICKER being family; it really has that feel. The kind of place where we all have to work hard, but there’s an atmosphere – a social feeling that is genuine and caring that comes from the top.”
Veteran employees and former marketing associate directors Ron Burnett and Roger Demaree with fill the position as co-directors, splitting Campbell’s duties to continue the department rolling on its current path. Burnett and Demaree bring 48 years of combined industry experience to their new roles.
Kevin Campbell
For the past four decades, Campbell held pivotal roles in some of the most iconic brands in car audio, having led the sales and marketing teams for Rockford Fosgate, Precision Power, TubeDriver and Morel America prior to joining KICKER.
As KICKER searched for a marketing director in 2004, company founder Steve Irby had a desire for 12-volt industry experience and a strong background of leadership for the role.
“We were looking for someone in the industry that knew marketing, somebody that was well seasoned in the industry,” Irby said. “Kevin’s name came up immediately, and with his strong background in marketing, he took to it right away.”
During his tenure, Campbell focused on connecting the brand with consumers and the 12-volt industry in equal measure. For example, he acknowledged that attending MEA KnowledgeFest served to keep the brand connected with retailers and distributors, while participating in the HOT ROD Power Tour raised awareness for the rod and custom community. KICKER’s continued commitment to attending the annual SEMA Show served to strengthen bonds between the company’s automotive manufacturing partners and an increasingly large number of KICKER’s core dealers.
In 2020 when COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of most events, Campbell greenlit a massive in-house undertaking to broadcast a weekly, online audio-centric show dubbed “KICKER UnMasked.” Taking the brand virtual through streaming video was arguably the most significant event that KICKER marketing had completed in the past two years.
The presentation of KICKER directly connected to live music continues to be a high priority. Campbell successfully aligned the brand with artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tim Montana and Nashville label Reviver Music. Events like the KICKER Country Stampede (music festival) gave music lovers a chance to experience the same passion and performance that drives KICKER to recreate great sound in a vehicle.
“Since he came on board, we’ve evolved into a more focused marketing machine,” Irby continued. “He had strong opinions and experience in the industry that go way back. He was fair and easy to work with, with a quick wit and an unmatched sense of humor. We will really miss his wisdom and experience.”
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.12.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.
The images in this article showcase Race Sport Lighting, MCS, AudioControl, RAD Audio, NavAtlas and Hertz Audison team members at work across the US.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news could be in the news. 318 465 0844 is the number. With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.
HUNTSVILLE, AL (04.11.22) – A recent Instagram post grabbed attention in the 12volt Central Studios. In the SpeakerBox showroom team members were pictured with Sony TVs,Triton SoundBars and Sony Mobile speakers. The Sony TVs were 75” and 65” models. Seeing that required a phone call to the store.
Alex Stowe filled in the details. She revealed the entire Speakerbox Team of 8 went to KFest in Vegas. The store was closed while they were on the trip. While on the event floor at KFest in Vegas they spent time at the DOW Technologies Booth where a Blackjack table was set with a dealer and really cool prizes available to win.
SpeakerBox Team members at the DOW Blackjack table.
Jay Johnson, DOW Technologies Director, related “At KFest in Vegas we showcased some of our Triton Audio products. In our booth we had a Blackjack table set up where dealers could play to win prizes. If the retailer beat the Blackjack dealer they could pull a card with a prize on it. Anyone could play, even multiple dealers from a store and outside our territory. All dealers attending KFest were invited to play Blackjack at the DOW table. Our Blackjack table sponsors were Sony, Triton, Metra, Alpine, Lucas Lighting and DOW.”
Wes Powell (L) and Adam Brown in action at the DOW Blackjack table.
Johnson added “After seeing the image of the prizes with team members in the SpeakerBox showroom I was shocked to see how the shop cleaned up on the prizes DOW offered at KFest.”
From SpeakerBox and DOW Instagram posts the 12volt Studios staff located more images that were included with this article. Adam Brown posted the lead image in the showroom @speakerbox_adam.
Looks like Adam Brown drew a very special card at the DOW Blackjack Table!!
SpeakerBox began business in 2011 and the team markets a wide variety of 12volt products to members of the Huntsville community and surrounding area.
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.
RINGWOOD, IL (04.08.22) – Every year Race Sport Lighting recognizes the distributors, dealers, and sales reps that make a difference in the industry and perform at the highest level to service their customer with their products. This year is no exception, as 6 key partners are announced in the industry. Here are the Best of 2021:
Dealer of the Year = Auto Tint City Outfitters
WD Distributor of the Year = Sound Distributions
Tint World Franchise of the Year = Tint World #12
M.E.S.A. member of the Year = Horizon Audio
AAM Member of the Year = Tri-State Enterprises
Manufacturer Rep of the Year = End Result Marketing
“I am so glad to see all these Partners do so well with Race Sport Lighting. Some added displays and sales took off. All of them at least doubled sales from the previous year. All of them embraced the newest products from Race Sport Lighting, including the new Projector Series, and our PNP bulbs,” cmomented Race Sport Lighting Sales Manager Dave Hudson
“I always love presenting these awards every year to our key partners in the industry. These are the partners that not only stick out in their numbers, but their passion for the industry and their dedication to growing the lighting category. They regularly go outside of the box to perform at a higher level than the competition in their geographical areas,” said Race Sport Lighting President Steve Jergensen
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.”
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
MIDDLETOWN, CT (04.05.22) – The date is April 6th, Wednesday, for the GoFast 2022 Mobile Expo at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA from 9 AM-6 PM.
“The Mobile Expo is the traditional kick-off to the season,” said David Prinz CEO of GoFast Solutions. “As the weather starts to turn and the days get longer, consumers are anxious to break out recreational vehicles (cars, ATVs, boats, motorcycles, etc.) that were stored for the winter.”
Last year, GoFast held the Mobile Expo virtually… this year, it’s back Live and in-person and bigger than ever! GoFast, together with the Mobile Expo Platinum Sponsors, is offering attendees the opportunity to win nearly $2 Million. Three Grand Prizes are sponsored by some of the biggest names in the Mobile Electronics industry. Sony ES is sponsoring the $1 Million Challenge, Boss Audio is sponsoring the $500k Challenge, and Diamond Audio is sponsoring the $250k Challenge.
David expounded, “These are potentially Life-Changing prizes, but the truth is that simply attending Mobile Expo 2022 and investing the time into your business, meeting with 40+ vendors, and getting specialized training and product knowledge is guaranteed to impact your business exponentially.”
This One-Day Only Live Show will Feature:
Keynote Speaker Chris Cook from the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA)
Live Training & Presentations
New Product Launches
Catered Breakfast & Lunch
Cocktail Hour
Prizes & Giveaways
Networking Opportunities
The 2022 GoFast Solutions Mobile Expo is being held LIVE & In-Person at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 6th, from 9 am – 6 pm.
Register for the 2022 GoFast Mobile Expo at expo.gofst.com
CLEARWATER, FL (04.04.22) – AAMP Global, leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle solutions, has acquired AudioControl, known worldwide for high-performance audio solutions engineered for the automotive, residential, and commercial markets. Based in Seattle, WA for over 45 years, AudioControl will continue to provide premium entertainment solutions to automotive aftermarket installers, professional audio/video specialists and home technology integrators.
“As an engineering-based provider of premium entertainment solutions supported by award-winning service, AudioControl is a natural fit as part of the AAMP Global brand,” said President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Forst. “These core competencies combined with AAMP’s unique vehicle integration capabilities and best-in-class service will help to position us as a leader in the core audio market. Alex and team will be driving this exciting initiative and we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome them to the AAMP family.”
AAMP’s President of North America, Herb Brown, stated, “We believe embedding our vehicle integration platform with AudioControl’s world-class electronics, will be game-changing for the industry.”
AudioControl CEO, Alex Camara, will join the AAMP Global leadership team, heading the organization’s audio growth strategy for the automotive and residential businesses. AudioControl’s award-winning residential, commercial, and home theater products, sold and installed by home theater specialists and professional installers, will benefit from access to AAMP Global technology platforms under the continued guidance of AudioControl’s current management team.
“We are excited to bring our industry-leading audio products across all the channels we serve to the AAMP Global brand,” said Alex Camara, CEO of AudioControl. “We have experienced an unprecedented level of growth over recent years, and by joining with the team at AAMP Global, we will have the resources to maintain that trajectory, quicken our product development roadmap, and expand operations to best serve our customers, and continue making good sound great!”
AQ Technology Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor to AudioControl in the transaction.
12VoltNews.com 