MIDDLETOWN, CT (06.12.2020) – GoFast Solutions, LLC has announced that Sanjay Sharma has joined the company as Director of Merchandising. Sharma, the former Sales Director of Boston Acoustics and Focal, brings a wealth of 12 Volt knowledge to the rapidly growing New England distributor. GoFast is growing and investing significantly in the category.
Dave Prinz, the President of GoFast said, “We are excited to have Sanjay on the team. His experience is truly unique and he will make an immediate and positive impact.”
GoFast, a member of EDA, has invested in a 30,000 square foot warehouse, strategically located in the New England market and has quickly made an impact with Sony, Alpine and Kenwood core lines along with fourteen other key brands including EDA exclusive Triton Audio.
Sharma added, “I am excited to join the team at GoFast Solutions and re-enter the 12 volt channel. Given Go Fast’s broad portfolio and track record of success, combined with my years of experience across North America in 12 volt, I am confident we will be able to build even further while providing compelling solutions that benefit GoFast’s growing customer base.”
Jim Warren, Executive Director of EDA, said, “I have know Sanjay since 2005 and have a deep level of respect for his abilities. Sanjay will be an impact player for both GoFast and EDA.”
BRAZORIA, TX (06.11.2020) – The LvLuP Audio Party Tower brings an entirely different element for music and entertainment to outdoor venues. On site the Audio Party Tower definitely takes the audio level up!
The LvLuP Audio Party Tower brings to life an idea Kevin Henry had in 2016 to bring great sounding music to outdoor venues….including stadiums and large outdoor areas. The Audio Party Tower is a self-contained system that can roll into a venue behind a SUV.
JL Audio and XS Power equipment pictured ready to be installed in a Audio Party Tower.
Kevin Henry offered “We are in the marine audio business with the Liquid Rides operation. With great open spaces on the water I thought about being able to play music at large areas on land. I thought about portable construction light towers and putting speaker pods on mast that raised the lights. After several prototypes and revisions we now have the LvLuP Audio Party Tower on sites with customers as far away as Boston, MA.”
An original BoomStick behind a Team Sales rig headed to a show.
The Audio Party Tower is self-contained within a modified top quality Allmand Light Tower rig. Multiple JL Audio amplifiers and six wake tower speakers get their juice from XS Power Batteries and power supply. Fully charged the Audio Party Tower will rock at a venue for 14 to 16 hours. The wake tower speaker mast can reach a height of 29’. Plashlights are installed to highlight the Audio Party Tower after dark. The Audio Party Tower Allmand chassis is custom wrapped with eye catching automotive vinyl. A smartphone via BlueTooth is the source for audio played at the venue.
The Audio Party Tower brings the music.
Brian Tolley, Team Sales, is the area representative for JL Audio and counts Liquid Rides as a key customer in the rep firm’s territory. Tolley related “Kevin came to us with this idea maybe 3 years ago. It was certainly a very interesting idea. We knew Kevin and Liquid Rides did top work so we presented the idea to JL Audio HQ. They approved the plan and we got started with the original model, called the BoomStick at the time. We hooked the BoomStick to the trailer hitch on the back of one of our vehicles and hit the road. We used it with dealers in our Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas territory. We also used it at a variety of trade shows and events like the Texas HeatWave. At all events it was a draw and crowd pleaser. We are happy to see Kevin taking his idea to the next level with the LvLuP Audio Party Tower.”
The BoomStick at a rental show in Orlando, FL.
Joe Parker, Earmark Car Audio and Marine-Lewisville TX, related “We had one of the early BoomSticks at an event by the lake and it really performed and drew a crowd.”
Two Audio Party Tower systems headed to Boston MA on Friday, June 5th from Brazoria, TX.
Over the last year the Kevin was on site with his creation a number of boat shows plus a major rental convention in Orlando, FL.
An Audio Party Tower on the sales floor at Reliable Equipment Rental in Boston, Tuesday, June 9th.
Concluding, Kevin Henry related “We are really so positive about the future. We have a US Patent and are seeing some very strong interest from major rental companies. On Friday, June 5th, we loaded two of our Audio Party Towers onto a trailer for the trip to the Boston area. Reliable Equipment rents a wide variety of items to large construction companies in the area. One of our Audio Party Towers is now on display in their show floor.”
Kevin Henry (L) is pictured with Mattress Mack in Houston during a Thanksgiving 2019 Event with his furniture chain.
METAIRE, LA (06.10.2020) – Oracle Lighting has announced the new Sidetrack LED Lighting System for Jeep Wrangler JL (2018-2020) and Jeep Gladiator JT (2020) models is now shipping. The new system (Part # 5861-504) has an MSRP of $199.99.
“Our new Sidetrack LED Lighting System is a stylish and functional upgrade for Jeep Wrangler JL and Jeep Gladiator models,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “This tactical-inspired body cladding is equipped with multi-function integrated LED lights that provide benefits to both driver and passengers.”
The light modules consist of a pair of injection-molded inserts that fit in the original body lines and contour the factory fender vent for a seamless look. Matte black panels provide an aggressive look that adds a rugged and tactical appearance to the Jeep. Installation requires no modification to the fender sheet metal, and the cladding simply applies with included VHB adhesive.
“The LED ‘Entry Light’ features high-output white LEDs which illuminate the area outside of the vehicle for the driver and passengers approaching the vehicle at night,” Hartenstein said. “This convenient feature allows the driver and passengers to identify puddles, potholes, and other hazards when entering and exiting the vehicle. The entry lights are connected to the vehicle’s dome light circuit so the entry lights will activate when the vehicle is unlocked, when the doors open, and can be manually turned on with the factory control knob.”
The LED “Turn Indicator” addresses a potential visibility issue with the US-spec Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator models which do not have a clear indicator on the side of the vehicle. This can be hazardous when changing lanes with a vehicle is positioned in the Jeep’s blind spot, and this blind spot is increased substantially on lifted vehicles. By adding a bright amber indicator in a clearly visible position, the Sidetrack provides a needed benefit for lifted Jeeps.
Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive market since 1999. Oracle thrives on low-to-mid production specialized components with a goal of providing a dual benefit to clients by lowering manufacturing costs and reducing lead-time for product development.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIO (06.09.2020) – No doubt the world is in the midst of an unprecedented time. The COVID-19 Pandemic, amplified by the recent George Floyd death in Minneapolis, has brought so much uncertainty to everyone’s daily life. Across the 12volt industry the COVID-19 mandates impacted different regions and localities indifferent ways. The southern part of the U.S. has seen strong store traffic and sales while the northeastern part of the U.S., the upper midwest and west coast are dealing with restrictions and uncertainty on the path forward for their businesses.
That said, businesses must strive to find a way to do business. Letting the marketplace know they are open for business is extremely important for 12volt retailers. That point was made very clear by the Sharks on the Friday night, June 5th, Shark Tank episode. The Sharks further stressed the importance of utilizing social media platforms to connect across the marketplace.
A ‘Yes We’re Open’ graphic offer was made by the 12volt News. The offer …Send us you logo and, using a custom ‘Yes We’re Open’ template, staff will prepare a graphic 12volt retailers can post on their social media outreach. On Monday, June 8th, 12volt Central Studios sent ‘Yes, We’re Open’ graphics to 4 12volt retailers. The Soundshop in SoCal, Broken Silence in Greenwich CT, Aspiring Audio in Cincinnati and Car Sounds in the Netherlands were happy to receive their graphics.
All the above happened in the space of 24 hours. We encourage all across the 12volt industry to strive to put priorities in place and utilize technology available today to ‘get things done.’
We feel more requests will come in, and be completed, before the June 10th cut off for the “Yes, We’re Open” offer.
ST. GEORGE, UT (06.08.20) – Wilson Electronics has announced the launch of the weBoost Drive Reach, a powerful in-vehicle cellular signal booster designed to provide solid cellular connectivity in cars, trucks and RVs. Compatible with all mobile phones and wireless carriers in North America, it allows users to enjoy strong call quality, fewer dead zones and faster data upload / download speeds while on the road.
The Drive Reach boasts uplink output power capabilities of 29.5 dBm and 50 dB gain – the maximum allowable gain under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards – allowing it to boost signal strength from locations over two times further away from cell signal towers than previous models. This provides users with the strongest connection and fastest data rate available in the mobile amplifier market.
“Whether you’re traveling for work or play, a strong cellular signal is crucial for both productivity and safety reasons,” said Wilson Electronics’ CEO Bruce Lancaster. “Thanks to the Drive Reach’s upgraded uplink capabilities, users will see a huge improvement in cellular connectivity and speed across all wireless carriers, providing peace of mind wherever the road takes you.”
The Drive Reach also shines in its ease of installation. Its versatile mounting plate allows users to install the booster in whatever way is most convenient for them. The typical everyday user can use velcro strips to sturdily attach the booster to the carpeting of the vehicle. More advanced installers can more permanently fasten the booster to a vehicle’s side walls. Once the booster is secured, weBoost’s innovative SMB connectors provide tactile confirmation that the antenna and booster have been successfully connected.
The Drive Reach has all components needed for installation, including: ● Powerful cellular amplifier ● Mini magnetic antenna ● Versatile mounting plate ● SMB connectors ● Power supply, including an extra port with rapid charging capabilities
How it works: The powerful exterior antenna reaches out to cell phone towers to receive a signal. The antenna then transmits this signal to the booster. The booster receives this outside signal and amplifies each of the supported frequency bands throughout the vehicle using a series of sophisticated low noise amplifiers and filters.
Priced at $499.99 and certified by the FCC, the weBoost Drive Reach is available for purchase now online at weBoost.com or through authorized resellers. All boosters have a two-year warranty.
SHREVEPORT LA (06.06.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 79, is Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ. The Wheel landed on the 12volt space Friday morning June 5th. A call was made to Model Electronics for Rocco Gugliemello. The call was forwarded to the corporate office and a nice lady, Mary, took the message for Rocco. Look forward to speaking with Rocco. A check for $100. will be headed his way.
Just heard back from Rocco and he said “WaHoo..nice to get some good news for a change. With the COVID-19 mandates and recent events it has been tough in New Jersey. Thanks Mike”.
Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Image Dynamics and SpellBrite. 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 and Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, June 12th.
Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.
With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.
Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (06.05.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its 16th Florida location under the ownership of local entrepreneurs Chris and Michelle Mays. The store will provide full-service auto styling for Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, Arcadia, North Port and Venice.
Chris and Michelle Mays
“Our experience with Tint World has been overwhelmingly inviting and positive,” Michelle Mays said. “After working in retail management for several years, I understand how people want to feel when they are looking for a product or service. Tint World focuses on the overall experience of auto styling and offers customers a pleasant environment to visit for window tinting and other services.”
Tint World Port Charlotte, Florida will provide a full range of the following automotive styling and safety services:
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
Paint Protection Films
Window Tinting
Car Stereo Upgrades
Mobile Electronics
Residential and Commercial Window Film
“Michelle is a customer service expert who has spent years making customers smile,” said Charles Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Michelle and Chris are passionate about providing the Tint World experience to the people of Port Charlotte. They are focused on building their business in a way that supports the local community.”
The all-new Tint World Port Charlotte store is located at 2000 Tamiami Trail #217-218, Port Charlotte, FL 33948-2182. For more information, call (941) 229-6055.
STERLING, VA (06.04.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has opened a new location in Sterling, Virginia. The second Tint World franchise in Virginia is under the ownership of LeRoy Schubert and will be managed by Hans Schubert.
“It’s exciting to be part of such a rapidly growing franchise,” LeRoy Schubert said. “I’m passionate about the diverse services we provide and the innovative products we offer, and I’m ready to give Sterling locals outstanding service.”
Tint World Sterling, Virginia will provide a full range of products and services, including:
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems Car Stereo Upgrades Custom Wheel and Tire Packages Industry-Leading Accessories Mobile Electronics Nano Ceramic Coatings Paint Protection Films Security Systems Vehicle Wraps Window Tinting
“LeRoy is an excellent addition to our team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He’s knowledgeable with our products and services, and he has exceptional customer service skills. We look forward to seeing his positive contributions to the brand.”
The all-new Sterling franchise is located at 42750 Trade West Drive, Sterling, Virginia 20166. For additional information, call (703) 436-4900.
LAFAYETTE, IN (06.03.2020) – Sound Check Mobile hosted dB Drag Racing and MECA competitors in Lafayette IN on Sunday, May 31st. The parking lot of the company’s store, along with adjacent business parking lots, were filled with competitors, spectators and vehicles on a warm sunny day.
The Sound Check Mobile lot was only part of the event layout.
RP Patel, Sound Check Mobile owner stated “We had a terrific turnout. The total crowd topped 150 people with north of 70 competitors. We were a bit worried that the crowd would be a problem with the local limits mandated by COVID-19 restrictions. All turned out well and everyone was happy to get back in the competition scene”
People and vehicles spread to adjacent lots during Sunday’s event.
Patel handled the dB Drag Racing and Bass Race lanes while MECA Indiana Event Director Chad Bleeke, with help from Judge Sean Paradis, were in the MECA lanes.
MECA Commish Steve Stern relayed “The event was a great way to get the season kicked off in Indiana. Sound Check Mobile was the MECA 2019 Retailer of the Year and does great store promotional events. RP Patel runs a great operation”
The Sound Check Mobile building is visible in the background.
“Our retail business has been amazing once COVID-19 restrictions were eased some in Indiana. Every year we have a number of sound competitions and this event was a great way to get the competition season off and running” Patel commented.
This B2 demo vehicle is quite a setup!
Celise Harris, DBDRA Marketing Director, related “Great news from Sound Check Mobile. The DBDRA would like to thank all the competitors that came out to compete at events this past weekend in Alberta Canada, Utah and Indiana. It is great to see everyone back in the lanes again!”
Concluding Patel offered “We certainly thank all the competitors who came out. dB Drag Racing and MECA are super organizations and we appreciate their continuing support.
TOOELE, UT (06.02.2020) – dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors filled the lanes at the Boomin’ Audio Spring Super Slam in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st. Under a warm and sunny Utah sky 39 dB Drag and 23 USACi entrants made their ways through the lanes.
Db Drag Racing and USACi Competitors pictured with their trophies at the Boomin’ Audio event at the Spring Super Slam in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st. Flags are flying on the Boomin’ Audio event tower.
This was the 3rd Annual Spring Super Slam and was held in V Auto Care’s very large parking lot. V Auto Care and Jones Subwoofer Solutions were sponsors of the event.
Competitors filled the V Auto Care lot under a warm sunny Utah sky.
Boomin’ Audio’s Andy Teuscher and Jeffrey Fernandez were behind the meters in the lanes. Fernandez, who traveled from SoCal for the event, relayed “I had an awesome time. It’s always fun coming out judging shows with Andy in the Idaho and Utah area. There are definitely a lot of diehard bass heads out there in the “Bass Elevated” State of Utah”
Andy Teuscher (L) and Jeffrey Fernandez pictured at the end of a very busy day in the lanes.
Jason Jones, Jones Subwoofer Solutions commented “Our business is designing and building subwoofer enclosures that rock. We are based about 60 miles down the in Sunset UT and really like attending the Boomin’ Audio events at V Auto Care. We had several competitors running with our enclosures and walls that took home top trophies”
These companies and organizations came together to host a very successful event.
Teuscher offered “We had competitors that showed up early and were excited to be around fellow competitors in light of all the COVID-19 restrictions. This was our 6th Boomin’ Audio event at V Auto Care and as always Cory Bird had everything in place. The company vehicle repair and also sell audio and video products as well as do tinting on vehicles of all types”
“We at Boomin’ Audio Competitions are extremely excited to get the season underway and look forward to more successful events in 2020” Teuscher concluded.
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