ERIE, PA (08.24.2020) – A recent Custom Audio post on Instagram caught attention at the 12volt Central Studios.

The 2-panel post included an image of the DroneMobile icon on an Apple Watch. The second panel featured a 34 second video on the Apple Watch of the actual DroneMobile vehicle starting process.

Click the image above to view this video on Instagram.

Custom Audio owner Sondralee Orengia and staff member Adam McDermit starred in the video. Adam went through the starting process on his Apple Watch while Sondralee documented the process, and the actual vehicle starting, on her smartphone.

“We sell a good amount of Compustar and DroneMobile products and the remote start season is just around the corner. We had been talking about doing a short video for a social post for a while. One day last week, right after completing a remote start install, we said ‘now is the time…let’s do it’. The car was pulled out of the install bay and parked right out front and we stood at the front door. Adam had his Apple Watch on and went through the starting process while I captured everything on my smartphone. All can hear the sound of the car starting and the real life sound of the plane flying overhead. The whole thing took less than 5 minutes to do” Orengia related.

John Kosmides, Market Dynamics, is the area representative for Compustar and DroneMobile. Kosmides offered “I saw the Custom Audio Instagram post on the DroneMobile start and thought it was super. Sondralee and her team do a great job with our brands and connecting with consumers in the Erie area.”

“We have quite a few customers comment on our social media posts and also say something when they come into the store. We see social media is a great way to engage with followers and consumers” Orengia concluded.

Custom Audio is a proactive 12volt and Home AV retailer that has served the Erie PA area for over 36 years. Custom Audio is a female owned business. All members of the Custom Audio team adhere to COVID-19 mandates by wearing masks, practicing social distancing and sanitizing sales counters plus surface areas in the showroom daily.

For more see customaudio.net and @customaudio.

SHREVEPORT, LA (08.22.20) – WTF…Win This Friday. Redline Audio and Performance won 12volt Prize on Friday, August 21st.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Nine months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

On Friday morning, August 21st, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 90th time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt space. The Redline Audio and Performance slip was drawn from the jar. We will contact Mike at the proactive Spindale NC retail shop and give him the good news.
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, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit and Inkling Designs. 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 and Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, August 28th.

POTTSVILLE, PA (08.21.2020) – 12volt Dave’s Audio is a 12volt retailer that has served the Pottsville, PA community, and surrounding area, for over 19 years. Owner Dave Clews is a people person with a lot of passion for his customers and his business. When it comes to connecting with his customers Mr Clews definitely has a clue.

Recently, I noticed Dave had liked a @12voltnews Instagram post highlighting a new product from Oracle Lighting which prompted my call to 12volt Dave’s Audio. As with many 12volt shops business is rockin’ and the store’s answering system picked up.

The answering system message at 12volt Dave’s is a perfect example that Dave is a people person. If unable to be answered in a few rings, the caller is greeted with an engaging “Thank you for calling” message in Dave’s voice that continues with some information about activity going on in store. The current message highlights the Kicker, JL Audio and Nakamichi brands. Dave’s message ends as he thanks the caller, asks them to leave their message and lets them know he will get back with them as soon as possible.

Clews related “Sometimes we just can’t get to the phone quickly but I want the caller to know we appreciate their call and that want to speak with them. We monitor the missed call messages and work to place the return call as quickly as possible.”

Continuing Clews offered “I came up with the idea to create an answering message in my voice a few years back. Every couple of weeks I record a new message. The new message could be about a new product or seasonal in nature… like the upcoming remote starter season. A cool thing is customers tell me they really like the personal feel plus the way we engage and work to fill their 12volt needs.”

Clews records new messages in his office after hours. “I close the door and make a few notes for the new answering message. Then I speak the message into my smartphone and enter that file into the store’s phone system” Clews concluded.

Clews is a lifelong resident of the Pottsville area and in total has been in the 12volt industry for nearly 4 decades. Also, he is a member of the Pottsville City Council and works to build brick and mortar business in the city.

For more see 12volt Dave’s Audio on Facebook and @12voltdaveclews on Instagram

WATERTOWN MA (08.19.20) Sound in Motion has relocated to a much larger facility in Watertown MA after 32 years in Allston. Derek Kenney stated “After 32 years we made the decision to move to a new facility that is over twice the size of the previous location near downtown Boston. We have opened at the new facility but are continuing to work to complete the showroom and a couple other areas”.

Just 2.5 miles from the from the old location the new facility is 5500 square feet with plenty of parking. In addition to mobile electronics sales and installation the company will offer deep detailing for vehicles, paint protection film window tinting and other vehicle maintenance services. Also on site the company has 2 vehicles to rent to customers while their vehicle is in the installation process.

“Over the years the industry and our business has changed. We no longer have the stack’em high and let’um fly strategy. We focus on system design and performance. Our new showroom will be more of an area to sit with customers and consult on their project. When completed that area will have an 8’ glass window where customers can see projects under way in the very large installation area. With the double wide garage door we have plenty of room for vehicle work, fabrication and storage. The wood shop is enclosed and will be competed soon” Kenney added.

Much of the preplanning and move occurred as the COVID-19 Pandemic was unfolding and staff members were staying safe at home.

For more see www.sound-in-motion.com and @soundinmotionboston

MARIETTA GA (08.18.20)  Friday, August 14th, was Rock-N-Roll T-Shirt Day for the Team at Vickers AV. “We were looking for something that would be fun to do as a group. The idea of finding an old Rock-N-Roll T-Shirt came us and we said let’s do it…and it fits perfectly with the car stereo business” Kelley Vickers related.

Members of the Vickers AV Team looked though drawers and closets to find old Rock-N-Roll themed T-Shirts. T’s from bands December Radio, Guns-N-Roses, Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Kid Rock, Metallica, Shonen Knife, Black Sabbath, Misfits and Tupac were worn by Team members. Great all fit into the old T’s.

Will Mahavier won the prize for the best T-Shirt as his sleeveless Kid Rock T-Shirt best exemplified the Rock-N-Roll spirit. Will won a $20. gift card.

“I think everyone had fun and the T-Shirts brought back memories for all. Could be we will do this once a month” Vickers offered.

Vickers AV is a proactive 12volt distributor based in Marietta GA and serves the Southeastern US with a wide selection of top 12volt brands.

See vickersav.com for more.

SANFORD ME (08.17.20) On Saturday, August 15th, Sanford area automotive enthusiasts drove their dirty rides to the 24th Annual Sanford Sound Bikini Car Wash. It was an overcast day but that did not slow the action as 5 lovely bikini-clad models, from The Lightworks Studio, lathered up the dirty cars and rubbed them until they shined.

Jack Bogard, Sanford Sound owner, related “We had cars lined up around the building. At the end of the day we totaled over 80 cars that had been scrubbed and shined by the hot models. We had a $5. fee with the proceeds going to the area Breast Cancer Foundation”.

In addition to the Bikini Car Wash, Bogard arranged for a professional photographer to be on site to snap images of the shiny rides with models. ‘We had half a dozen people do the photo shoot with the models and themselves with their shiny rides. That image will be a great memory of the event for them”.

Many people who came stayed to hang out and talk about their rides. Some also enjoyed a bite from the local food truck parked on site.

“We even had the store open and had a better than average Saturday sales day. We thank our staff and all who helped with the event. All in all it was a great event and we look forward to the 25th Annual Sanford Sound Bikini Car Wash in 2021” Bogard concluded.

For more see……..@sanfordsound

SHREVEPORT LA (08.15.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Mobile Sound Systems won Soundstream on Friday, August 14th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eight months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

On Friday morning, August 14th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 89th time and the Wheel landed on the Soundstream space. The Mobile Sound Systems slip was drawn from the jar. A quick call was placed to the company in Arlington TX. Nick Willams was surprised and happy to hear they will be receiving a prize from Soundstream. Bobby Booshay, who handles the social media posts for the company, came to the phone and we talked about the great job they do with graphics for their Instagram posts.
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, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit 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, 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 and Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, August 21st.

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!

SHREVEPORT, LA (08.14.20) OEM’s are addressing in-vehicle audio performance. Recently 2 very interesting articles crossed the desk. An article from The Detroit Bureau noted a new Acura 2021 sedan to feature an audio system producing 710 wats through 16 channels and 17 speakers.

A second article noted the McIntosh Group and Alps Alpine have joined forces to bring luxury audio to the automotive industry. Those 2 articles may be enjoyed below:

DETROIT, MI – If you’re one who goes by the numbers, you might measure the worth of your car by its horsepower, torque or fuel economy. But many buyers also look at other figures, including the power of a vehicle’s audio system and the number of speakers it’s outfitted with.

If you’re among the traditionalists, you might be excited to learn that the base 2.0-liter turbo-four in the base 2021 Acura TLX makes 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with the 3.0-liter turbo-six upgrade in the TLX Type S pushing to 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

Click here to view the rest of the above article on TheDetroitBureau.com

AUBURN HILLS, MI (08.14.2020) – McIntosh Group Inc. and Alps Alpine have teamed up to deliver transcendent audio systems to the automotive industry.

The collaboration entails a technical alliance between Alps Alpine and McIntosh Group audio brands, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. and Sonus faber for select vehicles. This will bring extensive knowledge and expertise from both companies to create an unparalleled listening experience for consumers. The outcome will be truly worthy of the McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber home listening experience.

McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber have been gold standards in audio equipment for over 70 and 35 years respectively, blazing a trail in top-of-the-line home audio systems. Meanwhile, Alps Alpine has more than 50 years of automotive experience and can build to McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber’s exacting standards. Known for both individual components, as well as fully integrated automotive audio systems, Alps Alpine knows how to deliver in-vehicle audio with emotional impact. The combination of the companies’ expertise will elevate the in-vehicle listening experience.

“Alps Alpine has a long history of delivering excellent sound and value to its customers. Our partnership with McIntosh Group allows Alps Alpine to build on that legacy and elevate our offerings” said Koji Ishibashi, Vice President, Display & Sound Business and Engineering. “We’re confident that together, we will set a new standard for performance and execution of factory-branded automotive audio systems.”

Alps Alpine will be leading the system integration with OEM partners while adhering to and precisely implementing the acoustic signatures that have made McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber equipment so instantly identifiable and revered by consumers. Alps Alpine will design and develop speakers and amplifiers with McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber patented technologies incorporated, ensuring a listening experience that is true to McIntosh and Sonus faber. To exemplify luxury home audio sound, reference rooms in Alps Alpine facilities in Europe and North America were fitted with McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber’s top of the line audio equipment.Engineers from McIntosh Laboratory & Sonus faber and Alps Alpine will collaboratively work on tuning the sound systems to recreate the authentic sound quality of each brand, in the respective vehicles.

“We expect simply the very best out of every product we bring to market,” said Jeff Poggi, McIntosh Group Co-CEO and CEO of the Sonus faber brand. “It’s the reason we joined forces with Alps Alpine to ensure our exacting standard of excellence will never be compromised. And now, consumers can enjoy our luxury audio experience in their cars, everywhere they go.”

“We felt this was a perfect partnership since Alps Alpine and McIntosh Laboratory share the same values regarding in-cabin sound reproduction. Our strategic teaming with Alps Alpine is the perfect avenue for McIntosh to take for making its long-awaited return to car audio,” said Charlie Randall, McIntosh Group CEO and President of McIntosh Laboratory. “We are ready to transform your car into your next great sounding listening room.”

Vehicles equipped with McIntosh Laboratory and Sonus faber sound systems as original equipment will be available in 2021.

Visit mcintoshgroup.com and alpsalpine.com/e/ for more.