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CES 2022 Falling Significantly Short of Expected Attendance

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LAS VEGAS, NV (01.06.22) – COVID 19, along with testing procedures and uncertainties in marketplace, led to a less than expected attendance opening day of CES 2022. Recent news of large companies cancelling plans to exhibit, along with major flight cancellations and delays, added to lower than anticipated attendance.

This image shows the West Hall mid afternoon on Day 1.
The large VOXX Electronics Central Hall booth midday Day 1.

In this CES 2022 article the 12volt News will take a high road to showcase the efforts of exhibitors on the floor at CES 2022. VOXX Electronics, SiriusXM, XS Power, CUB and Installer Net continued with their plans to exhibit. The VOXX Prestige, Directed, Viper, Rostra and Rosen brands showcased their 12volt products. Sirius XM, with Paul Trueman, shared the large VOXX booth in the Central Hall.

The XS POWER booth in the West Hall saw good activity on Day-1. Scottie Johnson, Fawwaz-XS Power dealer from Trinidad, and Brady Basner are pictured (LtoR).

XS Power, with Scottie Johnson and Brady Basner, had an impressive booth in the West Hall with the company’s batteries and accessories positioned for attendees to check out.

CUB and Installer Net also moved forward in the West Hall to let all see their latest products and services.

CUB showed the company’s add-on vehicle safety and convenience products.

As an industry veteran, with parts of seven decades in the industry, witnessing CES 2022 is sobering and disheartening. CES for this writer began in the early 1970’s in Chicago. With all the variables in the marketplace getting things back to close to normal will be challenging to be sure. Let’s all set plans to accomplish positives each day as we work to accomplish respective goals for the year.

We encourage all to utilize the 12voltSTP Tool. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, Your company’s products and positive activities could be in The 12volt News Show.

Visit ces.tech for more.

SSR Distributors North Celebrates The Grand Opening

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DALLAS, TX (01.05.22) – SSR Distributors North celebrated the Grand Opening of the new Dallas facility on Monday, January 3rd. The SSR Distributors North facility is located at 2880 Virgo Lane Dallas TX 75229. Amir Dhanani, SSR CEO, travelled from the company’s Houston location to attend the Grand Opening.

Tracy Farr (L) and Amir Dhanani (3rd L) are joined by old friends Brian and NT, 12volt industry veterans, who stopped by to visit and check out the new location.
Anita Graham, Sales Manager, shows sales staff members Lakin Christian (L) and Oscar Garza the computer order entry system.
Tabatha Marsh, Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable shown at her desk.

The new warehouse facility, which covers 25,000 square feet, underwent extensive updating and remodeling with new office configurations plus office and showroom floors over the past several months. Racks and racks of shelving was added to the warehouse area.

Lucia Farr helping Joseph’s Auto Toy Store with an order.
Amir Dhanani and Jay Grimes (R), Warehouse Manager, look over an area of the warehouse as more inventory goes on the shelves.

Tracy Farr, VP of Sales and Operations who oversaw the remodeling process, related “For the Grand Opening Day local dealers were invited to see the new facility and get an idea of the SSR North plan going forward. We are presently offering courier services, limited shipping and customer pick up. Several dealers who came to the Grand Opening actually picked up orders.”

Amir Dhanani has some quiet space in the new SSR North Facility.
Warehouse staff work in the background to stock shelves.
Heise LED displays spotlight the lighting category in the showroom.

The new SSR North location has a staff of 10 people with office, sales and warehouse staff members. Key brands include KICKER, Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Compustar / FirsTech, VOXX and Metra.

“A number of the area dealers attending the Grand Opening commented they were very impressed with the new facility. They immediately noted the investment that was made and saw SSR’s commitment to the future of the 12volt industry” Farr added.

See ssrdistributors.com and reach the new Dallas location by phone 214-396-5959

SEMA Young Executives Network Rebrands as Future Leaders Network

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.04.22) – The Young Executives Network (YEN), a SEMA group dedicated to cultivating talent in the automotive aftermarket, is now the Future Leaders Network (FLN). The new name more accurately reflects the network’s 1,142 membership, which includes employees ranging from entry-level staff to managers, and trade workers, executives, and business owners.

“The network supports talent and individuals who are aspiring to further their careers in the automotive aftermarket. The Future Leaders Network will continue to offer programs and resources that will help members advance their careers,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso.

Caloroso explains that the former Young Executives Network name did not accurately reflect the group’s membership. “More than half of our members do not fall into the executives category, and although we will retain the age requirement, the word ‘young’ is relative and implies inexperience. Regardless of the individual’s role, each member is aspiring to become a more effective and productive leader in the industry.”

The new Future Leaders Network name puts the focus on the group’s purpose and goal: Growing and supporting individuals to become successful leaders, regardless of their actual job title or position. Membership is open at no cost to all employees under the age of 40 who work for a SEMA member company.

Since 1989, the network has evolved and grown to include 1,142 members. In addition to year-round virtual and in-person mixers and gatherings, FLN hosts education sessions targeted to up-and-coming leaders. FLN also launched the Launch Pad product pitching competition to support emerging entrepreneurs and business owners. New this year, FLN teamed up with Dale Carnegie to provide members with an exclusive professional development training.

To learn more about FLN or to sign up to become a member, contact FLN Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.

Put Your Company in The 12volt News Show

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.03.22) – Following the SEMA Show 2021 it was more apparent than ever the need for companies to let the members of the 12volt industry know about their new products. With the current uncertainty in the air, surrounding this week’s CES 2022, the in-person event dilemma continues.

It’s a new year…don’t need a badge to see the latest in The 12volt News Show… #the12voltnewsshow for more.

Also, the process that a company utilizes to showcase their efforts to create interest for their brand and products across the marketplace has been disrupted. Many factory sales staffs have not traveled in over a year. The travel activity of rep firms has also been curtailed.

All companies across the 12volt industry have positive messages they need to deliver about their products and activities to 12volt retailers… that includes manufacturers, reps and distributors. The 12volt News Show is the vehicle to make that happen.

With just a smartphone companies can be featured in The 12volt News Show. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your company could be showcased in The 12volt News Show. That’s the 12voltSTP Tool in action. Information may also be sent via email to mike@12voltnews.com.

With The 12volt News Show there is no booth, freight, travel, hotel, miscellaneous expenses or associated hassles. 12voltvoltnews.com programs, that include visibility in the 12volt Central Studios and the 12voltBeat newsletter, are available to deliver company messages to members of the 12volt industry.

All industries across the business spectrum through the years have benefitted from the in-person experience. For the past 2 years the COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted activities around the world. 12volt industry disruptions have certainly not been immune to the impact of COVID-19.

Many members of the 12volt industry have already seen the value of The 12voltSTP Tool. With a smartphone it is so easy to showcase a company’s positive activities in the 12volt News. Snap and txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto…your company could be in the 12volt News.

FOR YOUR BADGE #the12voltnewsshow 

On a personal note…This writer began attending CES in Chicago in the early 1970’s. As an award winning Sony distributor principal hosted distributor shows throughout that 4-state territory…even purchasing a Sony Motorhome as a rolling showroom. With dB SpeakerWorks had booths at MERA plus CES in Vegas. All of those in-person events were terrific. Today, those in-person events are not happening with the same impact.

Let’s put your company in The 12volt News Show.

HELLO And A Big Welcome Year 2022

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THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.01.2022) – Today begins a New Year…Hello and a big Welcome Year 2022.

In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News and the 12volt Central Studios work to deliver positive industry news each business day. A feature article post, along with 2 news articles, are posted on 12voltnews.com each business day. The 12volt Beat newsletter delivers fresh industry news twice weekly…early Monday and Thursday mornings.

Creating the 12voltSTP was another example of making it easy for industry members to put their company’s brand and positive activities in front of members of the 12volt industry.

Put the 12voltSTP Tool to work for your company. 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 for information and news delivery. The fact remains people need still, 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. It’s the 12volt Central Studios 6 Pack. 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.

Check out the 12Volt 6-Pack as The 12volt Central Studios will work to make 6 social media posts each business day delivering fresh positive news the 12volt industry.

STAY TUNED AS THE 12VOLT NEWS SHOW IS ON THE WAY!

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Good Bye To The Year 2021

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THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (12.31.2021) – It goes without saying the COVID-19 driven world of 2021 was truly upside down.

With COVID-19 news front and center every day there was a cloud overhead every day. With normal travel and in-person activity on a daily basis curtailed the mood across the nation was not good. Product shortages, caused by factory slow-downs and shipping delays, added considerable stress across the 12volt world. Rep firm staff members were swamped daily with requests to track orders for their dealers. Vendor staffs were swamped replying to rep firms regarding inventory questions.

With all the above 12volt retailers for the most part had a positive year fueled by stimulus money the first part of 2021. With many not working, time was spent time upgrading home and vehicles.

During 2021, industry show activity was definitely impacted in a negative way with no CES 2021 and no distributor shows in the spring. The SEMA Show resumed in November but overall exhibitor count was down as well as attendance.

Strong online Holiday sales activity was also not positive for 12volt brick and mortar retailers.

With that… let’s wash off and say Good Bye to 2021 and get ready for a New Year 2022.

Epsilon 2021 Rep Firm Awards Are on the Way

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MONTEBELLO, CA (12.30.2021) – Epsilon stepped up during times of product shortages, delays and uncertainties by flying in over 40 US sales reps from every territory for the company’s 2-Day Inaugural National Sales Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos CA November 30th and December 1st.

During the meeting Rep of the Year Awards were announced. Those actual awards are now on the way to the winning firms. Southwest Sales and Marketing was named Rep Firm of the Year. Online Reps received the Door Opening Award. High Altitude Sales received the award for Most Improved Territory.

Jordan Shahriary, Epsilon Marketing/Social Manager, holds the Rep Firm wards ready to ship.

Chris Brinkley, Southwest Sales and Marketing, related “A special thanks to the Epsilon Electronics, Precision Power, Power Acoustik and Soundstream for the Rep of the Year Award. We love all the companies we work with and this means a lot.” Southwest Sales and Marketing covers the stats of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas for the Epsilon Brands.

Online Reps is on the ground in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

High Altitude Sales, headed by Dixon Smart, if based in Colorado and covers the Rocky Mountain area.

Based on the success of the Inaugural National Sales Meeting the company has already started planning arrangements for the 2022 sales meeting.

Visit epsilonelectronicsinc.com for more.

Tint World expands its South Carolina reach

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LEXINGTON, SC – Dec. 29, 2021 – Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, has expanded its reach by opening a second location in Lexington, South Carolina. Both stores are owned by father-and-son team Tom and Drew Nixon.

The new Tint World Lexington SC location will provide in vehicle upgrades for a wide variety of vehicles.

“We are excited to open our second location in South Carolina,” Tom Nixon said. “Our whole team is looking forward to providing the Lexington area with the same high-quality products and services that we provide at our Charleston location!”

Drew Nixon agrees.

“It gives us a great sense of pride to continue our growth in South Carolina,” Drew Nixon said. “We’re excited to bring the full array of customization and automotive styling services Tint World® offers to Lexington residents at this brand-new location!”

Signature Tint World showroom displays showcase a wide selection of products.

Tint World® Lexington, South Carolina will offer the latest in automotive aftermarket accessories, ultra-premium window tint, expert installation, and a staff of highly experienced installers and technicians.

“The Nixons opened their Charleston location in 2019 and we’ve enjoyed tremendous success in South Carolina. This new Lexington location will expand on that prosperity,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “Drew and Tom are real go-getters. I know their initiative and drive will result in another home run for the Tint World® family. We are fortunate to have them as part of our team.”

Pickup trucks are top vehicles in South Carolina and Tint World offers a wide variety of aftermarket upgrades.

The address of this new location is 520 N Lake Dr., Lexington, SC 29072 and they can be reached at (803) 828-0008. It will be open Monday – Saturday. For more information about the products and services Tint World® Lexington offers, request a quote, or to book an appointment, visit their website at https://www.tintworld.com/locations/sc/lexington-071/.

Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

Scottie Johnson Buys Knox News Building With XS Power To Co-Locate With The Newspaper Publication

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KNOXVILLE, TN, December 28, 2021 – Scottie Johnson, a Knoxville-based leader in after-market battery applications, has purchased the Knox News property from its parent company, Gannett, which has pursued a strategy of selling properties and leasing back office and production space.

All Knox News operations, including printing of the News Sentinel and other regional newspapers such as The Tennessean and the Lexington (Kentucky) Herald Leader, will continue at the facility, one of the nation’s busiest newspaper presses. The newsroom, advertising, circulation and human resources offices will remain in the building under the lease-back deal.

In all, Knox News will continue to use more than 115,000 square feet of the approximately 190,000 square feet of the building on News Sentinel Drive near the Mechanicsville neighborhood.

Johnson’s business will occupy much of the office space on the ground floor, and he will lease out additional office space on the first and second floors.

Press operations will remain at the 2332 News Sentinel Drive property, which was purchased from Gannett by Scottie Johnson of XS Power Batteries for $8.5 million. Johnson’s employees will move into first-floor office space in 2023, while newsroom and advertising employees at Knox News will work on the building’s second floor.

“This is a ideal relationship for everyone,” said Joel Christopher, Knox News executive editor. “Scottie Johnson gets a great location to expand his rapidly growing, locally based businesses, Knox News locks in a long-term deal for its production and office needs, and other businesses get an opportunity to lease in a location with tremendous access to downtown, the airport and the interstate system.”

He plans to construct a manufacturing facility on site before moving his employees in 2023 to the current building that was built less than 20 years ago.

“This opportunity to not only buy a building but buy a building with such a respected and well-known main tenant, the newspaper, was a no-brainer for me,” Johnson told Knox News. “I have a very solid understanding that the newspaper is not leaving any time soon. The plan is for that business to still grow here.”

Let’s All Work To Finish 2021 On A High Note

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SHREVEPORT, LA (12.27.2021) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry had a Merry Christmas and will enjoy this week as the Happy Holidays Season and 2021 come to a close.

2021, that was driven by the COVID-19 Pandemic, certainly has been such a very strange year on so many fronts. Many retailers posted record sales in the first part of the year while vendor companies within the 12volt industry struggled with the impact of product delays. Travel restrictions by many companies added to the difficulties that impacted the overall day-to-day business across the 12volt industry.

The tremendous spike in online holiday sales no doubt impacted recent traffic in brick and mortar storefronts. Online holiday sales in 2021 were estimated at $209 BILLION.

As 2022 dawns, there will still be considerable uncertainty on many fronts….including product shortages. Even CES 2022 has been impacted by new COVID-19 Omicron variant spike across the US and around the world. General Motors, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Waymo, T-Mobile, AT&T and Twitter will undoubtedly be joined by more high profile consumer electronics firms. A significant number of major 12volt vendors announced months ago they would not exhibit as CES 2022.

The huge North Hall of the LVCC was occupied 100% by 12volt vendors less than a decade ago. Assuming CES 2022 happens, 12volt vendors will certainly make up less than 10% of the North Hall floor space. The rise in the popularity of the SEMA Show has certainly impacted the number of exhibitors attending CES. That said, the recent SEMA Show was also impacted in a negative way by the current state of the world.

The Front Page of the Las Vegas newspaper on Friday, December 24th.

The above narrative is a harsh reality that each 12volt related business is facing.

From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities.

Utilizing social media to put your company’s brand, products and activities in a must in today’s marketplace.

We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2022.