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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
LONG BEACH, CA (02.08.2021) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is announcing the launch of its USA Dealer Support Facebook Group. The group can be found by searching for “JVC Mobile Entertainment USA Dealer Support” on Facebook.
“With the rising demand for interactive product support groups, we have chosen to officially provide that environment via Facebook,” stated Ron Trout, JVC Mobile Entertainment’s Director of Sales. “We want this to be a fun environment with a meaningful purpose, providing a place for dealers to share information and gain valuable insights.”
The group was created with the primary intent of providing a place for members to share valuable information and offer tech support to each other. It is a place that will allow dealers to have contact with both their peers and employees of JVC, creating an open environment of learning and camaraderie.
JVC will also encourage the sharing of ideas for future products and ask for constructive product feedback. New product information, upcoming trainings, tech tips, and more will be provided in the group, which is ultimately an extension of its dealer on-demand resource site JVC DRIVE (jvcdrive.us.jvckenwood.com). JVC DRIVE originally launched in 2019 as a private dealer learning management system and resource site, providing instant access to new product information, trainings, videos, tech papers, marketing assets, and more.
To gain admittance, authorized JVC dealer’s employees must answer specific questions, of which will be reviewed by the admin team. This will help to ensure that the admin team can devote their time in prioritizing help to authorized JVC dealers.
SHREVEPORT LA (02.06.21) WTF…Win This Friday. AngelVIP 2474 won the 12volt $100. prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, February 5th.
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.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 114th time on Friday morning February 5th. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The AngelVIP2474 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 the Draper UT retailer.
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 and Sanford Sound in Sanford ME. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, February 12th.
LONG BEACH, CA (02.05.2021) – The Industry School announced that AAMP Global, headquartered in Clearwater, FL, will be the first major supplier to host its training and education with The Industry School. AAMP will join The Industry School as a Premier Partner and offer training courses for the mobile electronics industry across six branded training rooms.
AAMP will open four training rooms dedicated to its four major brands: PAC, Stinger, Phoenix Gold and EchoMaster. A fifth training room will focus on different technology solutions, while the sixth is reserved for private retail training. In addition, AAMP will host its Zoom training within The Industry School platform.
“Training has been a cornerstone of our existence since AAMP was founded,” said Jeff Smith, director of training and events for AAMP. “Today we conduct training on multiple levels, from trade shows to product videos, from individual retailers to big-box chains. In researching different LMS (Learning Management System) solutions, we found that The Industry School represents the perfect balance of next-generation learning with a framework built specifically for our industry. We are excited to launch this partnership to showcase our new technology and be an integral part of evolving education in our industry.”
The Industry School is the first industrywide e-learning platform dedicated to the mobile electronics industry. Its objective is to be an always-available training destination for retail, sales and installation professionals. In addition, it will serve as a peer-based educational hub in which users can interact and share information.
“We are excited to welcome AAMP as the first partner in our efforts to create a home for training and education in our industry,” said Solomon Daniels, director of operations for The Industry School. “AAMP’s success is due in no small part to its prioritization of training, and we are committed to expanding on that initiative for AAMP and its retail dealers.”
AAMP plans to open its training rooms in time for The Industry School’s opening date of March 1. The Industry School is currently conducting one-on-one and weekly virtual tours for industry manufacturers via Zoom.
MOORESVILLE, NC (02.04.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is opening a new location in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Owned and operated by Sean Jackson, the store will provide full-service automotive styling services for Iredell County and the north Charlotte metropolitan area.
Sean Jackson behind the sales counter at his new Tint World Franchise store in Mooresville, NC.
12volt aftermarket products are showcased in attractive, consumer friendly displays.
“Tint World will be an ideal match for the Mooresville community,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Sean is bringing years of experience to this new franchise location, and we’ve already seen his passion for the industry and success. We’re looking forward to bringing quality auto styling services to the community of Mooresville in a way they’ve never seen before!”
The new Tint World location definitely grabs the attention of drivers from the busy street in front of the store.
The trademark layout and floor in the new Tint World installation area provides a sense of professionalism and confidence from consumers.
Tint World Mooresville delivers a full range of automotive styling and safety services including automotive tint, automotive paint protection film, mobile electronics, advanced driver-assistance systems and car stereo upgrades, and residential and commercial window film. Many of the products for automobiles are also available for powersports, boats and other marine watercraft.
PITTSBURGH, PA (02.03.2021) – End Result is proud to announce the addition of Rusty North to the End Result Team. Most recently Rusty worked for Davis Distribution and previously owned North Peak Sales, a trusted and respected rep firm carrying such prestigious brands as JL Audio, and many other well-respected manufacturers for 30+ years. Rusty will be working with his long-time friend, Ed Dalesandro.
“Business is growing and we are positioning ourselves to take advantage of new opportunities. The goal is to expand support to the dealer-base which is badly needed in this very important time and to increase sales as the company widens it’s coverage into expanding categories,” Dalesandro commented.
Rusty North
Continuing “Business is changing everyday but to simplify it, people buy from people. If you rep good stuff, and you are a good person, you will succeed. In that respect Rusty fits in perfectly with our approach to work with, not just sell, the dealer-base. We are aware of the importance in choosing the right manufacturers to represent which will enhance our relationship with our dealers, not harm it. Rusty’s people skills are immense. He has great deep relationships and he understands our dealers in the Ohio Valley, even if he is a Dallas Cowboy fan in Pittsburgh!” offered Dalesandro.
“I started with Rusty and am thrilled to finish my career with him. Rusty will be working out of his home office in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania as well as interfacing at the End Result office in Canonsburg, PA. He will have sales responsibilities throughout the territory for home, mobile and expanding categories for the company,” Dalesandro concluded.
SHREVEPORT LA (01.30.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Sanford Sound won a NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, January 29th.
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.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 113th time on Friday, January 29th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space. The Sanford Sound 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 reached out to Jack Bogard at Sanford Sound in Sanford ME. Jack was very happy to hear the news. The new Sanford Sound store is seeing increased activity in the Powersports category and the NavAtlas prize will be welcomed.
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, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and PopTronics in Baltimore MD. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, February 5th.
12VoltNews.com 