LOS ANGELES, CA (05.07.2020) – Pioneer Electronics is now shipping to the U.S. its newest NEX receivers with Amazon Alexa built-in – a first for the aftermarket. Debuting at CES 2020, the new product line-up enables users to access Amazon Alexa directly through their receivers. When drivers connect to WiFi or a mobile hotspot, they can now leverage voice commands, such as:
Alexa, what’s the weather?
Alexa, add apples to my shopping list
Alexa, close the garage door
Alexa, play radio on Pandora
The introduction of Amazon Alexa built-in continues Pioneer’s tradition of delivering seamless connectivity solutions, allowing consumers’ smart lifestyles to extend to the vehicle. The new models also come equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (see details on models and links to assets below).
DMH-WT8600NEX (10.1 inch; $1,200) / DMH-WT7600NEX (9 inch; $1,000): An all new floating display configuration, allowing a large display to be installed using a universal 1-DIN chassis
DMH-WC6600NEX (9 inch; $900): A modular design that combines a large touchscreen display with a hideaway control unit that installers can tuck into separate compartments of the vehicle
DMH-W4660NEX / DMH-W4600NEX (6.8 inch; $600): A traditional 2DIN chassis for universal application in most vehicles on the road in the U.S.
LONG BEACH, CA (05.06.2020) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is pleased to announce the release of 2 new wireless enabled multimedia receivers; the KW-V960BW (MAP $699.95) and the KW-M865BW (MAP $599.95), as well as 2 new wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto ready multimedia receivers; the KW-M560BT (MAP $299.95), and KW-M56BT (MAP $299.95).
Originally debuted at CES, the KW-V960BW and KW-M865BW now include 4 camera inputs, USB screen mirroring for both Android and iPhone, LDAC technology allowing Hi-Res Audio to be transferred wirelessly, a newly designed graphic user interface with music synchronizing Live Wallpaper, and continued K2 sound technology. Both receivers also expand upon their iDatalink Maestro RR support for best-in-class OEM vehicle integration and enhanced driver safety.
The KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT both sport a 6.8” WVGA clear glass capacitive touch panel with swipe functionality for superior touch control and greater accuracy. Their DVD-less design allows them to have a mounting depth of under 3” for ease of installation. Both receivers include JVC’s exclusive Gesture Touch Control, which allows a user to move a finger over the screen for various operations such as volume adjustment and track selection, all while keeping their eyes safely on the road.
Smartphone integration highlights are not limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT, but also include 1.5 Amp High Current Charging to rapidly charge a smartphone. Android specific features for these models also include Bluetooth Automatic Phone Pairing upon a USB connection, as well as, Screen Mirroring via the “Mirroring for JVC OA” application.
Sound is optimized and customizable on the KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT with advanced DSP controls, along with Front, Rear, and Subwoofer RCA Pre-outs so that users can easily add amplifiers to power speakers and subwoofers. All of the most popular audio formats are accepted, including FLAC, AAC, WAV, MP3, and WMA.
Video integration on both the KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT includes the ability to add an optional reverse camera like the JVC KV-CM30, which features a waterproof design and a ¼” color CMOS sensor for clarity when backing up. A secondary monitor for rear-seat entertainment can also be added by connecting to the receiver’s video output. Users may also choose to connect another video device to the receiver’s AV input.
To gain a better in-car entertainment experience, these 4 models also come equipped with the connection for an optional SiriusXM tuner, (SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner required; sold separately), which enables album artwork and a variety of text information to be displayed from hundreds of channels of music, news, sports, talk, and more.
“The release of these 4 multimedia receivers position our dealers to offer attractive features at price points that consumers are looking for,” said Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales. “With exclusive JVC features like Gesture Touch Control and Optimized Sound Quality, we couldn’t be happier with the ease of use and performance of these new receivers.”
For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit us.jvc.com/car.
LONG BEACH, CA (05.05.2020) – KENWOOD USA is now shipping 10 new multimedia receivers, as well as their first High Definition Backup Camera. KENWOOD eXcelon receivers include the DNX997XR (MAP $1,299.95), DDX9907XR (MAP $899.95), DNX697S (MAP $899.95), DMX957XR (MAP $799.95), and DMX907S (MAP $649.95). KENWOOD receivers include the DNX577S (MAP $799.95), DDX9707S (MAP $699.95), DMX9707S (MAP $599.95), DMX4707S (MAP $299.95), and DMX47S (MAP $299.95). The new High Definition Backup Camera will carry a model of CMOS-740HD (MAP $199.95).
During CES, KENWOOD made the announcement and provided details on 9 of the 11 new products referenced above. Joining this release now are 2 new lower priced multimedia receiver models, the DMX4707S and the DMX47S. These receivers mark the lowest price that KENWOOD has ever offered for an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready receiver.
The DMX4707S and DMX47S are both mech-less (no DVD slot) digital multimedia receivers that feature a 6.8” Capacitive touch screen. They are ready for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto using a USB wired connection. Video connections include a Rear Camera Input with Parking Guidelines, an AV Input, and a Video Output. Audio features include Front, Rear, and Subwoofer 2V RCA Pre-outs for system expansion, and a 13 Band EQ with Digital Time Alignment. Both receivers incorporate installer friendly features with less than 3” mounting depth, included mounting cage and trim bezel.
Multimedia receiver sales for models that are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready have now surpassed those sales of multimedia receivers that do not feature these technologies. “After heavy consideration and discussion with dealers, we felt that it was necessary to provide this type of product to meet the needs of customers that are seeking KENWOOD performance at value price points,” said Mike Roberts, KENWOOD VP of Sales and Marketing. “We take great pride in the success of our flagship products, as seen in our KENWOOD eXcelon Reference line, and now, with the addition of these new budget conscious models, we open the door to those consumers seeking more affordable options.”
Here is a Sampling of Key Features Listed by Model:
Hi-Res Audio Wirelessly via LDAC, a 720P High Definition Screen, our Top-Level Sound Quality Components, and compatibility with the CMOS-740HD Camera: DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, and DMX957XR
Compatibility with Apple CarPlay Wirelessly or Wired, and Android Auto Wirelessly or Wired: DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, DMX907S, DDX9707S, and DMX9707S.
Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto using a USB Wired connection only: DNX697S, DNX577S, DMX4707S, and DMX47S.
3 Years of Free Garmin map updates and expanded KENWOOD Traffic Powered by INRIX services: DNX997XR, DNX697S, and DNX577S.
USB Smartphone Mirroring for both iOS and Android, 4 Camera Inputs, DRV-N520 Integrated Dash Cam connection, and iDatalink Maestro RR compatibility: DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, DMX907S, DDX9707S, DMX9707S, DNX697S, and DNX577S.
Additional built-in and connection options for select models includes HD Radio and SirusXM compatibility. The DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, DMX907S, and DNX697S all include built-in HD Radio tuners, offering users the convenience of up to three extra HD stations from each frequency that’s being broadcast in digital sound, all with no monthly fees. All 10 receivers are also SiriusXM-Ready (SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner required; sold separately), enabling access to hundreds of channels of music, news, sports, talk, and more, all with album artwork and multiple lines of text information displayed on the receiver.
For detailed product information, view their respective product pages at www.kenwood.com/usa/car.
NEW YORK, NY (05.04.2020) – As a service to truck drivers on the front lines of keeping America moving, SiriusXM announces Road Dog Trucking Radio (ch. 146) will be available free on both active and inactive SiriusXM radios beginning on Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 31.
SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio hosts – including Dave Nemo, Kevin Rutherford, Mark Willis, KC Phillips, Mark Reddig, Tim Ridley, Leah Shaver, Ellen Voie, Dan Ronan, George Noory, Timothy Dooner, Claire Marie and Jimmy Mac – serve as constant companions to America’s professional drivers while providing critical news, information, and entertainment designed to lighten the load.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration approximately 5.8% of all full-time jobs are related to trucking. Trucks move more than 70% of all goods transported around the United States, and there are over 12 million trucks and over 500,000 truck fleets operating in the United States.
Long haul truckers are part of the invisible workforce keeping the United States and Canadian economies going during the COVID-19 crisis. In doing so, they are putting themselves at risk at truck stops, rest areas, and throughout our countries. SiriusXM is proud to serve millions with this free service for the month of May.
Road Dog Trucking Radio, channel 146 can be heard wherever truckers tune in – on SiriusXM radios, on the SiriusXM app, and at home on a variety of connected devices and speakers and is available to subscribers nationwide and to everyone – including anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber – as part of SiriusXM’s free streaming access period through May 31.
SHREVEPORT LA (05.02.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Five months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 74, is Soundz Plus in Naperville IL. The Wheel landed on the Wilson space and a WeBoost Drive X Vehicle Cell Signal Booster is headed to Marty Dean at Soundz Plus. Marty was happy to hear the news when the 12volt News called.
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, Wilson Electronics/WeBoost and Image Dynamics. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
This WeBoost Vehicle Cell Signal Booster will be headed to Marty Dean at Soundz Plus as the winner of 12volt Spin-To-Win Number 74.
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 and Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, May 8th.
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!
FT. SMITH, AR (05.01.2020) – Tri State Enterprises, a large wholesale distributer of aftermarket automotive parts and truck accessories, is proud to announce the acquisition of O.W. Donald.
L to R: Devon Taylor (VP); Tristan Taylor (Owner); Kim Taylor (Owner); Roger Donald (12V Mgr.); Robert Donald (12V Mgr.)
O.W. Donald, a third generation family owned business, started in 1968, specialized in products for the RV industry. In 2005 OWD expanded to become a distributor for the 12V aftermarket, with a focus on higher quality brands and product offerings from audio and remote starts to tint and speakers. Such brands consist of JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer.
Roger Donald President of O. W. Donald commented:
“By acquiring O. W. Donald and its crew, Tri State gains 30 years of 12V Electronic experience that they will use to immediately expand their 12V product offerings. Tri State is growing at an impressive rate and the entire crew at OWD is proud to be the newest part of the Tri State team.”
Tristan Taylor, the owner of Tri State Enterprises commented, “Tri State is very excited to add O.W. Donald’s line of accessories and its team. OWD products and services allow the TSE organization to expand into new markets and at the same time continue to grow our current customer base with the addition of the 12V line.”
Carlos Gonzales is pictured during the event at LESCO’s Orange City location. The Polk Car Audio and Marine specials contributed to the successful Spring Break Event.
ORANGE CITY, FL (04.30.2020) – For over 30 years, LESCO DISTRIBUTING has been running Annual Spring Break events to introduce new products and offer some of the best prices of the year.
“Considering the COVID-19 Pandemic we had a strong event this year. We were fortunate enough to have all of our 4 locations staffed and shipping while following social distancing and other protocols. Most of our suppliers were able to fill our demand and our customers have been able to adjust to the tariffs” Neil Brookmyer, Merchandise Manager, stated.
The Annual Spring Break themed event featured 25 business days of savings from March 16th until April 17th. Brands featured included VOXX, JVC Mobile, Rostra, Dual, PRV, Jensen, Polk Audio, Cobra, AudioPipe, Uniden, Whistler, Massive Audio, Omega, Aquatic AV, Directed, Aries Technology, Metra, AAMP and more. All four of the LESCO branches-Orlando, Miami, Dallas and South Bend-were shipping orders to dealers.
“We’re looking forward to a strong rest of the spring and summer as America gets back to work and the consumer demand for new technology, replacement purchases, safety and convenience products remains strong” Brookmyer concluded.
ONTARIO, CA (04.29.2020) – PowerBass recently entered the safer at home order as put in place by the California State and local government in an effort to keep our employees safe during this trying time in our world. During this time we began reaching out to our customers and checking in on thing across the country and we began to see many retailers and installers banding together to make shields for the essential healthcare workers to protect themselves on the front line when dealing with sick patients and the general public. This great initiative was started from the lack of supplies seen by this great group of people and began with nothing but an idea, the money in their own pockets, and the strong desire to help our nation.
PowerBass wanted to do its part to help these great men and women on their journey as we learned of their plans to ramp up to large scale production the need for more materials was very apparent so we decided as a company that is was our duty to in turn step up to help our friends and partners in business achieve their goals. Early on in the progress we reached out to our friend Gary Bell and offered our assistance by means of a donation to help him and others that have joined in the group for producing these much needed face shields, a bit of help to gather the needed materials for production.
Gary Bell of Define Concepts stated “Erik reached out to see how PowerBass could be most effective in helping the 12v community. The timing was perfect as we were sourcing more material to help shops across the country. Many were having trouble sourcing the PETG material need for the face shield lenses. PowerBass’s donation was able to provide the material for over 650 lenses. These lenses covered important front-line faces across the country.”
We are extremely proud of the efforts of all evolved in this valiant project to help those healthcare workers remain safe while protecting our families and friends across the country and we know they have made a positive impact on the world from their efforts.
Erik Harbour of PowerBass stated “PowerBass wanted to show its support by helping this great group of not only 12V retailers and installers but also people we are happy to call friends. We feel this program is a great thing and has already helped so many medical and other professionals in need during this strange time in our world and we are looking forward to seeing how many more they can help along this journey. The efforts of these great men and women truly show how we can all come together to overcome obstacles that we are all facing together and by supporting and lifting each other up, this is how we as a nation will endure. We wish them and the world all the best and hope everyone around the globe remains safe and healthy during this tough time.”
For more information on how you or your company can contribute please contact Gary Bell at FreeFaceShieldsSoCal@gmail.com
WARREN, OH (04.28.2020) – The Advanced Custom Sound makeover in Warren OH is nearly complete.
Following a fall 2019 fire Advanced Custom Sound owner Dan Nezbeth made the decision to find a new location and come back stronger than ever. That decision has become a reality in downtown Warren. The old 2-story Wilt Pontiac dealership building, built in 1940, has been transformed into the new stunning new Advanced Custom Sound store.
The new Advanced Custom Sound Store is in a building built in 1940 for a Pontiac car dealership.
Nezbeth related to 12volt News “I opened Advanced Custom Sound in 2005. Prior to that I had experience working in the 12volt industry. At this point 12volt is in my DNA. After the fire at the old store I made the decision to find a location and open a new store that would be a show place. After months of hard work moving walls, replacing the the floor and ceiling in the 2400 square foot showroom it was time finish to the job. Working with 5 Axis we created a concept to turn the first floor into a stunning showroom for 12volt and aftermarket products.”
The Advanced Custom Sound showroom is truly amazing.
End Result’s Ed Dalesandro has worked with Nezbeth for years representing several key lines to Advanced Custom Sound. Dalesandro stated “When Dan mentioned working to open a stunning new location we talked about his vision and commitment to making that happen. At that point I put him in contact with Jody Culbertson at 5 Axis Innovations that I represent in the territory.”
Product displays line this wall with striking LED displays graphics above.
Culbertson offered “From the beginning the idea of creating a showroom from basically scratch was exciting. Also, the showroom area was not just a basic rectangle. The angled walls provided cool display and merchandising opportunities. Dan sent a diagram of the space and we talked back and forth at length before coming up with the actual floor plan.”
Brand and category displays are featured on the showroom floor.
Working with Culbertson at Milwaukee based 5 Axis a showroom floor layout was finalized utilizing a number of freestanding displays for categories and highlighting brands. A striking sales counter and customer meeting area were key elements. The customer meeting area was actually constructed to hide a support beam. Stunning graphics and lighting were a key part of the showroom layout that brings the large showroom to life. One LED backlit graphic is 2’x46’ and positioned to follow walls just below the ceiling that is painted black.
High tech product displays provide opportunities to make A/B demos for customers.
The displays were fabricated at the 5 Axis facility in Milwaukee and shipped to Warren. Culbertson and Phil Plagge pulled a trailer with counters and more of the displays to Warren for the actual setup. Dalesandro worked along side Culbertson and Plagge for 3 days with Nezbeth and Jeanna Kennedy to set up the display. Family member Cory was also part of the crew.
The building, built for a car dealership has full windows facing the street and a huge garage area that has been sectioned as an installation bay with room for 12 vehicles. There are plans for the second floor to be outfitted as an area where locals and customers could relax and see images detailing the history of the Wilt Pontiac dealership.
The showroom at night grabs attention from the street.
Concluding, Culbertson stated “Everything turned out so well. The displays and signage will really engage customers. As a matter fact the last evening we were there a customer knocked on the door to let us know how great the showroom looked at night from the street.”
The crew doing the installation is pictured at the end of a long day. Jody Culbertson, Phil Plagge, Ed Dalesandro, Jeanna Kennedy, Dan Nezbeth and Corey Nezbeth (L to R).
“My hats off to Dan. He saw the opportunity and committed to make it happen. He is a great dealer and we look forward to working together into the future.”
“There are still plans to finalize for reopening with all that is happening with the Coronavirus. When we do open the word about our new showroom will quickly to all in Warren and the surrounding area” Nezbeth commented.
STILLWATER, OK (04.27.2020) – Stillwater Designs, the parent company of KICKER Audio, is actively supporting the regional community during the international Coronavirus pandemic.
While KICKER’s management team has sent employees home to work remotely and to care for families and kids, the organization has also flexed its resources and manpower to support regional health-services providers.
Kyle Ambrose assembles the 3-D printed headbands & shield.
KICKER, with support from several component suppliers, recently stepped up to the plate to offer 10,000 facemasks in support of community efforts to fight COVID-19. Believing that “charity begins at home,” 8,300 masks were donated to Stillwater (Okla.) Medical Center to accommodate hospital patients and the staff caring for them.
Another 1,200 face masks have been sent to Hillcrest Medical Center, a 620-bed hospital in Tulsa, Okla., through a KICKER staff connection.
Another 500 masks were contributed to a group of New York City hospitals through KICKER brand and sports marketing director Roger Demaree, whose nephew is a surgeon currently working at a NYC hospital.
6-year-old Noah demonstrates the protection of the face shield.
Additionally, the company was pleased to offer a supply of clear face shields to area first-responders.
Besides distributing the vendor-supplied face masks, a 15-year KICKER team member and his family have also found a way to make a positive impact in the local community.
Kyle Ambrose, who works in research and development, began experimenting with the company’s 3-D printer, normally used for creating prototype parts. Ambrose consulted with a healthcare professional about local needs and learned that beyond face masks, face shields were in great demand. Ambrose subsequently researched and discovered approved patterns online and created a headband that could be used to secure a clear face shield. He reached out to Stillwater Christian School where his children are enrolled to inquire about the availability of clear safety film used for overhead projectors. He enlisted the school’s participation in donating needed materials and also secured additional film donations from Fenton Office Mart (Stillwater).
While 3-D printing is a slow process, Ambrose is able to produce three bands simultaneously in under three hours. To date, he has hand-crafted over 100 shields which were initially slated for Stillwater Medical Center and then redirected on the hospital’s recommendation to the area’s senior-assisted living homes that were experiencing shortages. Ambrose personally delivered the shields to each home where they were gratefully received.
“We are pleased to be able to share our resources with our community,” says KICKER founder Steve Irby. “Stillwater is our home and we appreciate the opportunity to support those who care for us.”
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