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SoundShield Welcomes DOW Electronics to Distribution Channel

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ANCHORAGE, AK (02.22.2021) – SoundShield has announced DOW Electronics as their newest distribution partner. DOW now stocks and sells SoundShield sound deadening and noise control products in 10 Southern region US States including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee. Additionally, DOW offers SoundShield in Missouri, Kansas and Texas for a total of 13 states.

John Schwartz, CEO of SoundShield said “Having the broad distribution channel through DOW locations across the Southeast and Midwest, including Texas, means our customers have access to SoundShield in multiple warehouses. SoundShield availability in all of those states represented is just a one or two day shipment time in most cases.” DOW intends to leverage their reach to provide more permeation of SoundShield in their dealers’ shops which brings increased profit & labor dollars on installations.

“Some dealers love the sound deadening category and some ignore it” explains Drew Fischer, director of sales at DOW Electronics. “We think SoundShield has the right products and is the right vendor partner to elevate the category into something our dealers will routinely quote and sell into their installs instead of being an afterthought category” continued Fischer. DOW plans to be proactive with dealer activities that engage and energize for SoundShield and important installation-related topics. Dealer contests and product highlights on DOW’s What the FAQ is in the Box YouTube Channel are among the activities pending.

“When DOW dealers see installations done by their peers or industry pros using SoundShield, it conveys a sense of trust and confidence regarding the engineering and performance of the products” added Jay Johnson, director of marketing for DOW Electronics. SoundShield works to have great visibility on social media channels popular with 12 volt technicians to further that confidence. “I wouldn’t ask any retailer, professional builder or enthusiast to install any product I don’t use in my own shop” remarked Schwartz.

SoundShield Co-Founder Bryan Schmitt agrees and said “We work hard to develop and produce high quality products in the sound deadening and noise control category. Partnering with DOW Electronics further elevates the category among its dealers and makes it part of the conversation to enhance audio and ride comfort in the automotive environment.”

Visit www.soundshieldusa.com and dowelectronics.com/12volt for more.

The Weather Is Creating the News Across the US

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.18.2021) – For the last couple of weeks the bitterly cold 2021 winter weather has topped the news cycles. Punxsutawney predicted 6 more weeks of winter when he saw his shadow a couple of weeks ago. He just didn’t tell us how cold it was going to be in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday morning outside the 12volt Central Studios in Shreveport, LA is was 4 degrees with 6 inches on snow. The weather forecast was for several days of below freezing temperature with more winter precipitation on the way. They were correct.

This driver on the interstate it in for a big surprise as the snow plow comes along!

The super cold temperatures have overwhelmed power grids and resulted in rolling blackouts in several states. Currently there are over 4 million people across Texas with no power. In Shreveport there are actually issues with the local water system in addition to frozen pipes.

The weather has certainly impacted retail. Yesterday we featured an article from the Dallas Morning News with Walmart and Sam’s shuttering 415 stores in a total of 9 states.

The Jackie Cooper Electronics store in OKC closed until the conditions improve.

Jackie Cooper Electronics in Oklahoma City is closed with over a foot of snow surrounding the facility. “No Car audio, remote starts or even heated seats at JCE in OKC” Donnie Chaffin related to the 12volt News on Wednesday, February 17th.

Celise Harris offered “It is very cold in the Austin area. Wayne actually put some bubble wrap and poly on the ground around the base of a couple palm trees in our front yard.”

Celise and Wayne Harris working to keep their palm trees out front safe.

In Houston, Alan Wojtas commented “I have had no power for 3 days. I went to a friends house and then his power went out. I went back to my place to pack a bag to spend a couple days in a hotel. While packing the bag my power came back on. I told my friend I had power and he brought his family to my house. Then my power went out again. Enough of this BS.”

Tom Ebeling, Tree in Chicago, related “Dealers have been closed in the area for the first couple days of this week. Distributors opened on Wednesday the 17th.”

A shot out front of Brett Phelps’ R&D home office in St Louis, MO.

Brett Phelps with R&D in St Louis reported the same thing with lots of snow in the area and the roads to dangerous to travel. In fact the Lake of the Ozarks is frozen over for the first time in decades.

Even traffic on the interstates get surprises when they think they are having a smooth drive. A snow plow gave this driver a real surprise in this @trucksarelikedrugs post.

Morris Hartman got to use his new roof rake in the Big Apple.

Pioneer’s Jeff Shultz and Morris Hartman-Big Daddy’s are both seeing a lot of snow around the Big Apple. Both have ‘roof rakes’. The rake is on a telescoping handle so snow can be pulled from the roof.

Looking out the front door at the 12Volt Central Studios on Tuesday morning.

The weather has been extremely cold in Erie, PA which led to a feature on a local TV station highlighting Remote starts at Real Audio. See the top news story today on 12voltnews.com.

Jack Bogard has the new Sanford Sound store cleared from the last snow… but another is on the way.

Surely news about the weather will get off the front page soon and let all get back to business.

Walmart Closes 415 stores, Amazon Shuts Down Delivery Stations as Businesses Confront Tough Weather

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This article was written by by Maria Halkias and Dom DiFurio for DallasNews.com

DALLAS, TX (02.17.2021) – Walmart closed 415 stores and Sam’s Clubs and put together an interactive map to help Texas shoppers determine if their neighborhood location was open or not.

And if you didn’t see Amazon delivery trucks in your neighborhood Monday, the online retailing giant closed its delivery stations in Dallas-Fort Worth to protect its drivers from navigating treacherous roadways.

Businesses faced with unprecedented nasty weather across Texas, and elsewhere around the southern U.S., had to decide Monday if worker safety outweighed expectations that they’d be open for customers needing food and other essentials.

Click above to visit dallasnews.com

“We assess the status of our facilities and will continue to operate as long as it is safe to do so,” Walmart said in a statement. Its closings spanned 10 states, including Texas.

Walmart recommended customers check an interactive map it’s continuing to update before venturing out. Some closed stores continued to operate curbside pickup and delivery.

The prospects of a second snowstorm makes decisions trickier during what’s shaping up to be a week of sub-freezing temperatures.

“The safety and well-being of our employees, customers and the drivers who deliver packages are our No. 1 priority,” said Amazon spokesman Daniel Martin.

A snow-covered Downtown Dallas seen from S. Houston St. on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. (Juan Figueroa/ The Dallas Morning News)(Juan Figueroa / Staff photographer)

Amazon will continue monitoring the storm’s effects in Texas, and directed customers to check order status on its app or amazon.com. Martin said Amazon will continue to take orders, but the delivery promise date may be delayed depending on the item and location.

Grocery stores, one of the main stops for people riding out the storm, were open Monday but planned to close early.

Kroger, which usually keeps stores open until 1 a.m., was closing its doors at 8 p.m. Central Market’s Dallas-Fort Worth stores were shutting down at 6 p.m. Kroger will reopen stores at 8 a.m. Tuesday, two hours later than usual.

Click here to view the full story from The Dallas Morning News

Alpine on the Road to Extreme Audio in Wisconsin

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MANITOWOC, WI (02.16.2021) – Alpine Brand Specialist Chris Reavis, and Mike Lewis with Echo Sales, made a swing to Wisconsin. Working with the 3 store Extreme Audio company, to conduct product trainings and help with store displays, was lead on the schedule. The Extreme Audio stores in Manitowoc, Green Bay and Appleton, were visited 3 days during the week of February 8th.

Alpine Brand Specialist Chris Reavis (R) pictured with Chad Nissen in front of Alpine products on the display. Nissen is a new member of the Extreme Audio sales team at the Manitowoc, WI store.

Reavis stated “Extreme Audio has a few new team members on the sales floor. We spent time bringing all up to speed with the latest Alpine products. For new sales members we also helped them get familiar with a sales presentation for consumers looking to upgrade audio in their rides. While at each location made sure the Alpine products on the display boards were 100%.

Chris Reavis at work on the Extreme Audio Alpine display at the Green Bay, WI store.

Extreme Audio’s Kurt Scherer related “Alpine is a key brand with our company and it was super to have Chris and Mike travel to our stores and spend quality time with our team members.”

Echo Sales covers 7 states in the upper MidWest for Alpine. Mike Lewis, area representative for a portion of the northern Echo Sales territory, offered “With no in-person trade shows it is very important to spend in-store time with Alpine dealers. During the time with sales staff members we really got a feel for what customers were asking for with regard to upgrading their rides. Smartphone connectivity and display size was a topic that continued to come up. Alpine is certainly at the very top of aftermarket upgrades in those areas.”

Visit extremeaudio.com and alpine-usa.com for more.

JD Glassworks Connects with the Custom PitBox

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LUBBOCK, TX (02.15.2021) – Creativity is a hallmark across the 12volt industry. JD Glassworks, a proactive 12volt retailer located in Lubbock TX, takes the standard shop toolbox to the next level. The JD Glassworks PitBox is a totally customized shop toolbox that connects with consumers by showcasing the company’s creativity.

The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc PitBox in the JD Glassworks shop.

The PitBox caught the12volt News eye at the recent KICKER AMA ArenaCross in Levelland TX. JD Glassworks, a longtime KICKER dealer, was an exhibiting retailer at the event with a customized pickup demo and a red PitBox project for Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. The red Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox drew attention at the event from afar with the red color, flashing RGB lights and crankin’ KICKER Livin’Loud sound.

Jimmy Davis, JD Glassworks owner, related “We came up with the idea of a customized shop toolbox for exhibiting at local shows for our store. We customized a standard toolbox from Harbor Freight as a mobile office area for us at a show. The word got out to some local companies and we have done several of the custom PitBoxes. The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox is the wildest to date.”

KICKER Marine Speakers, along with battery and power supply, shown inside the PitBox.

The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc. PitBox is wrapped in custom red vinyl. The 8 KICKER marine speakers are framed and arranged around the PitBox. Inside the PitBox is a KICKER L715. Three KICKER Amps deliver the power. A KICKER Bluetooth Media center provides plenty of music source options. A Viking battery is aboard along with a power supply. The Mesquite Oil Tools Inc PitBox is on heavy duty casters for mobility at events. At 400 pounds plus the PitBox is a load put easily fits into a pickup truck bed.

The KICKER Bluetooth multimedia source unit provides many content sources.

“Off and on around the shop we probably spent a couple weeks on the Mesquite Oil Tool Inc project. The company is a regional oil field provider and utilizes their PitBox in the company”s HQ gym, at company events and tailgating at games. We have created PitBoxes for other companies and some are also around swimming pools and on patios. Depending on the gear we install, and level of customization, the PitBoxes are in the $3000 to $5000 range. The Mesquite Oil Tool Inc project was more.”

Concluding, Davis offered “We also have space in our showroom to display a PitBox and use the store’s PitBox at events where is works great as a mobile office. PitBoxes always start a conversation with consumers. We had several customers come into the store after the KICKER AMA ArenaCross who wanted more info on a PitBox and gear for their vehicles, boats and Side-by-Sides.”

See @jd_glassworks on Instagram to see a short video and images of the Mesquite Oil Tool Inc PitBox.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Dynamic Car Audio Wins Sketch My Ride Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 115

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SHREVEPORT LA (02.13.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Dynamic Car Audio won the Sketch My Ride prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, February 12th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Two months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 115th time on Friday morning February 12th. The Wheel landed on the Sketch My Ride space. The Dynamic Car Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We have reached out to John Edwards at Dynamic Car Audio in Virginia Beach VA with the good news.

Sketch My Ride is a new company on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. Sketch My Ride, with Brett Marek at the drawing board, is nationally known for creating custom automotive art. With a vehicle image from John, Brett will create a cool black and white line art sketch.  See @sketchmyride on Instagram to see hundreds of posts featuring Brett’s great work.

This is an example of Brett’s cool Sketch My Ride work.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, the 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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Design Engineering, Power Acoustik, JVC, ZZ-2 and Sketch My Ride. 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, 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 and Angelvip2474 in Draper UT. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, February 19th.

KICKER CompR Subwoofers Shipping to Dealers, Increases Efficiency with Forced-Air Cooling

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STILLWATER, OK (02.12.2021) – KICKER has begun shipping its new-for-2021 CompR Subwoofers, featuring Forced-Air Cooling and available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers nationwide both in-store and online.  Introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show in October, CompR Subwoofers will retail from $99.95-$269.95. CompR Subwoofers are also available at www.kicker.com.

The CompR features a stacked magnet structure for improved power handling and sound quality, while withstanding extraordinary levels of power. The woofer’s innovative thermal system, dubbed “Forced-Air Cooling,” uses its own cone movement to route even more air than previous through the CompR’s motor, forcing unwanted heat out of vents built into the backplate and allowing the sub to run 25 percent cooler than previous versions. Users get the bass they love, the sleek look, and the reliability expected.

The subwoofer also features the SoloKon cone system, defined by a signature red, double-stitched surround and all-polypropylene woofer cone. It is available in 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-inch models with dual voice coils (2 or 4 Ohm). The CompR is engineered to maintain a superior level of volume and musical accuracy, while delivering reliable performance everyone can enjoy.

Visit www.kicker.com for more.

Tint World Builds Franchise Development Strategy from 2020 Success

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BOCA RATON, FL (02.11.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is building on its 2020 success with major investments in franchise development, positioning the company to continue its fast growth and ongoing expansion into new national and international markets.

“There’s no doubt that 2020 was a difficult year,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “But early on we made a concerted effort to develop and implement best practices for the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the entire Tint World family remained safe and healthy and could continue providing essential automotive services. Because of that proactive spirit, we had more existing franchisees invest into opening additional locations or relocate to larger stores to handle the increased service business growth. And not a single Tint World location closed in 2020, despite all the major economic challenges we faced.”

Charles J. Bonfiglio

Tint World’s 2021 strategy for franchise development includes focusing on an optimized sales process, streamlining lead management, and increasing investment in online marketing and social media efforts.

Tint World was founded in 1982 and began franchising in 2007. Since then, the company has opened more than 80 locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – with over 30 additional locations currently in development. In 2020, Tint World’s continued success earned the company multiple awards from a range of prestigious industry organizations, including the Inc. 5000, the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Business Review’s 200 Best Franchises to Buy, the Franchise Gator Top 100 Franchises, the Franchise Times Top 200+ and Franchise Business Review’s Culture100.

“Our growth really speaks to the unique business model we’ve developed and the character and commitment of our franchisees,” said Bonfiglio. “Even in a period of economic uncertainty, we’re on pace to have a record-breaking number of new franchises in 2021, and that creates extreme confidence throughout the Tint World family for growth opportunities well into the future.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

MECA SQL Contests for Beginners

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GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (02.10.2021) – MECA Commissioner Steve Stern has developed an updated, new and improved, Sound Quality contest for beginner consumers, with the help of our R&E Committee, Retailers, Manufacturers, Competitors, and Judges. This is part of the 2021 Sound Quality League Rule Book ( tinyurl.com/2021MECASQLRulebook ) and intended to be stand alone contests, or included with regular MECA events. The SQ score sheet is used, just like all MECA SQL contests, so that the new people see exactly how the systems and music are evaluated.

This archive image shows a smiling competitor from Trinidad.

There are 2 classes that are simply defined by the speaker set-up: Street 1 is for 3-way systems, and Street 2 is for 4-way systems. There are some basic rules, but overall the competitors are given space for creativity and custom installs, that may have been built before they read the Rule Book or before the new classes were introduced. Consumer beginners only, so no pros or experienced competitors of any sort are permitted. The Retail Members who choose to use this promotional program will be responsible for making sure the competitors fit the profile, and are brand new to our sport. These 2 classes are State Champion eligible, but are not offered at the MECA World Finals Soundfest.

This archive image highlights a classic creation from World Champion Steve Cook-Audio X.

The events are clinics and contests designed to educate about MECA’s judging and scoring, focused on the quality of the music reproduction: clarity, resolution, imaging, and tonality being the most important criteria. It’s like Music Appreciation, but more technical with regard to recordings that are official SQL Judge tracks, listed in the Rule Book.

For the month of February, MECA is offering 1 FREE event for all Retailers, even non-MECA members, which includes clinic direction and a Judge. The event can be scheduled for later in the year, but it must be scheduled by March 1st. Score sheets will be provided at no charge. These events are designed to last 3 -4 hours, depending on the participation and agenda. A retailer could work a good plan with 6 -8 customers engaged in an event like this. Saturday’s might work best, although Friday evening get-togethers work when set up right, and Sunday’s are always an option for businesses that are comfortable with that. After the 1st event, additional events are only $50 for MECA Retail Members ( $75/year ), with a limit of 3 events in 2021.

The MECA Tantric Tuning CD is the classic official test source for the SQ League

MECA is pro-active, with 22 years evolving and promoting the Sound Quality League contests. We have some of the best judges and resource people in the mobile electronics industry who are willing to share their knowledge and abilities. These events are prime opportunities for Retailers to showcase their products and services.

Click here to view the 2021 SQL Amateur Rule Book PDF

Six Manufacturer Members have stepped up to co-sponsor this program: Arc Audio, JL Audio, Linear Power, Stereo Integrity, TRU Technology, and XS Power. Their contributions will help with logistics and paying the judges, travel and expenses. They will be sharing and endorsing the program with their Retailers.
Contact the Commissioner for more info, to schedule an event, or with questions and concerns: mecacaraudio@comcast.net or 615-851-7428.

Visit mecacaraudio.com for more.

Metra Electronics Launches New Dash Kit Integration Package for Jeep Wrangler JL with Pioneer In-Dash Receivers

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HOLLY HILL, FL (02.09.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a fully integrated dash kit package that interfaces with a variety of Pioneer’s in-dash receivers. The first product of this new series, the AXPIO-JL1, is designed specifically for 2018-up Jeep Wrangler JL models and works in both single and dual-zone vehicles. This solution features an Axxess AXPIO Series interface, vehicle specific harnessing, a direct OE replacement camera, built-in STOP/START engine override interface, USB/AUX/HDMI replacement panel, radio antenna adaptor, and a dash kit in one complete package. The AXPIO-JL1 is designed specifically for Pioneer’s Double-DIN 6.8-inch in-dash multimedia receivers, the DMH-W4660NEX, DMH-W4600NEX, and the new DMH-WC5700NEX**. This kit will also work with Pioneer 9-inch receivers, the modular solutions DMH-WC6600NEX and the floating type DMH-WT7600NEX, as well as the floating type 10-inch receiver, the DMH-WT8600NEX, with the additional purchase of the Metra 109-UN02 floating mount kit**.

The AXPIO-JL1 will allow Pioneer’s in-dash receivers to fit in the shallow space within the Jeep dashboard while still retaining important vehicle functions. The included Axxess interface with plug-n-play harnessing allows vehicle information and settings that were controlled on the factory screen to be retained, displayed and controlled on the Pioneer touchscreen. This solution will retain and control most of the settings that would otherwise be lost after replacing the head unit, including HVAC controls and gauges, heated/cooled seats, and other driver personalization options.

Since the factory LVDS backup camera will no longer work, Metra has included an IP68 rated iBEAM backup camera as a high-quality, direct OE replacement. A replacement panel for the USB, AUX, and HDMI ports is also included with 3-feet of wiring, along with a radio antenna adaptor for GPS. For even more value, Axxess’s patented STOP/START engine override interface is built-into the interface, which is designed to disengage the STOP/START feature of the vehicle and keep that feature disengaged even after the key has been cycled.

The built-in integration technology from Axxess also retains safety chimes through an offboard speaker, retains audio controls on the steering wheel, retains R.A.P. (Retained Accessory Power), and provides accessory power (12-volt 10-amp) and NAV outputs for parking brake, reverse, and speed sense. As new vehicle technology has evolved, the factory head unit now goes beyond displaying just the car audio settings, presenting a challenge for installers who are replacing the factory radio with an aftermarket receiver. Losing the ability to display vehicle settings on the screen is not only an inconvenience for many drivers but may prevent them from upgrading their audio system altogether. With Metra’s new solution, installers can now offer a fully integrated package that will fit and function like the factory head unit.

“This new integration with Pioneer’s products is a first for Metra Electronics and our Axxess integration line,” says Jason Anderson, VP of Product Research and Development for Metra’s 12volt brands. “As vehicle technology changes each year to make car audio upgrades more challenging, our solutions will evolve to help installers continue to offer OEM-quality upgrades for their customers,” he added.

A video showcasing this new product is available at https://youtu.be/_q6HOzewoR4 (see above) from Metra’s YouTube channel. The AXPIO-JL1 is in stock now and Metra will release additional integration packages from the Axxess AXPIO Series in the near future that will cover even more vehicle applications.

Visit AxxessInterfaces.com for more.

**Refer to radio manufacturer for most current models.