Car Audio Land Wins Precision Power Prize on 12volt Spin-To-Win Spin 91

Posted on August 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (08.29.20) WTF…Win This Friday. Car Audio Land won a Precision Power Prize on Friday, August 28th.

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 28th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 91st time and the Wheel landed on the Precision Power space. The Car Audio Land slip was drawn from the jar. We will contact the San Diego retail shop and give them 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, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX and Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, September 4th.

AIS Releases Dual-Color Fog Lights

Posted on August 27, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged AIS.

MARIETTA, GA (08.28.2020) – AIS has announced the introduction of their new dual-color fog lights.

These new pro-series fog lights are the first ever where the driver can
wirelessly change the color of the fog lights from 6500K (super bright white) to 3000k (yellow) at the push of a button on the dash. National Sales
Manager, Cris Sharp explains, “This is an important safety feature because in a typical situation, the driver would use the white lights. However, in cases of extreme weather such as fog, rain and snow, the driver can change the lights to yellow providing better visibility by simply pressing a button installed on the dash. The fog lights have no moving parts such as fans, which means greater reliability in harsh environments where dirt and moisture have been a problem in the past.”

The lights require no additional wiring, as they plug directly into the factory harness. The lights are available in H7, H8, H10, H11, 9006, PSX24, PSX26 and 880/881.

AIS wants to drive profitable labor dollars to the dealers by incentivizing the consumer to have it professionally installed by authorized dealers in order to have the three year warranty. A beautiful counter-top display is also available for AIS dealers.

Check out the unit on the AIS website: www.aisinterface.com

This active countertop display is available for dealers with a qualifying order.

AIS CEO, Kelley Vickers added, “AIS products are not sold to internet retailers or sold on the internet, thereby allowing our valued network of nationwide dealers the most profitable line of safety and convenience products available today. In addition to providing the best and most innovative products, our number one goal is to protect the profit of our dealers and this is why they are fiercely loyal to the AIS brand.”

AIS is a global technology supplier of integrated automotive safety and convenience products. AIS engineers and controls the manufacturing of automotive back-up cameras, back-up sensors, Blindwatch systems, CD players, GPS Tracking, Cruise Controls, DVRs, video monitors, video mirrors, lighting, navigation, Autoplay and Bluetooth modules. AIS also provides automotive leather kits and is the nationwide distributor of Mobileye Advanced Driver Assist Systems.

AIS carries over 3000 SKUs and offers a three year to lifetime warranty for key dealers. AIS is can be reached at 800-365-6060 and
www.aisinterface.com.

DS18 Said ‘We Like It Loud’ At The Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion

Posted on August 26, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged DS18.

PIGEON FORGE, TN (08.27.2020) – DS18 had a major presence on the grounds at the Smokey Mountain Jeep Invasion Thursday through Saturday, August 20th-22nd. The 3 big red DS18 tents, with the Big Bad Wolf highlighted, drew a big crowd of Jeepers throughout the event…despite the rain and winds. On Friday, strong winds sent some vendor tents into the air.

With the DS18 red tents, lower left, this image shows the scope of the outdoor area.

Rob Ferro, Mr DS18, along with Hery spent the days showing attendees all the latest from DS18. Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers, from DS18 Jeep Fans, also added to the excitement under the DS18 tents.

There was always a crowd around the DS18 booth with many Jeepers taking shots with their smartphones of the great demo vehicle installations.

Ferro relayed “Reports from the Jeep Invasion promoters said there were over 9000 Jeeps at the event. The total attendance was reported to top 20,000. In addition to the huge area outside, where DS18 was set up, the Le Conte Center was filled with vendors in the 100,000 foot facility.”

Even at night Jeepers could tell DS18 was saying “We Like It Loud.”

Continuing, Ferro offered “There was such a great vibe at the event. We worked with people in the booth to maintain social distancing and most understood. Quite a number of Jeepers in the booth commented about the design of our pods and the DS18 RGB lighting. All said that DS18 was the best.”

Rob Ferro-Mr DS18, surrounded by show stopping demos, embodied the great vibe at the Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion.

DS18 was front and center at after show events too. All in all it was quite a journey for the DS18 crew as they drove the DS18 pickup, with Jeeps on a trailer, the 968 miles from Miami FL to Pigeon Forge, TN.

The journey to the Jeep Invasion was normal, but mechanical truck issues caused delays on the return to DS18 HQ in Miami.

Concluding, Ferro offered on a Facebook post “So I have been driving for 2 days and haven’t had an opportunity to thank everyone for the tremendous support and for those that drove hundreds of miles to show us your Jeeps and amazing builds. The energy you gave us is out of this galaxy. We are proud to have each and every one of you on our team. You are the best.”

Visit ds18.com for more.

Pioneer Expands Aftermarket Automotive Driver Assistance with New Blind Spot Detection Systems

Posted on August 25, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Pioneer.

LOS ANGELES, CA (08.26.2020) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. has announced the launch of its Blind Spot Detection (BSD) System lineup, the SDA-BS900, SDA-BS100 and SDA-BS1. The lineup, a first for Pioneer in the U.S. market, provides consumers with an aftermarket solution that adds technology to assist drivers by notifying them when there is a vehicle entering their blind spot zone1.

While driving, the Pioneer BSD System can detect vehicles to the rear and in the lanes to the left and right. The system signals the driver with a flashing light indicating the direction of the detection (left or right) and if the driver has engaged the turn signal in the corresponding direction, the system will also produce an audible buzzer warning. All three systems can also detect cross traffic approaching from the left or right entering the vehicle’s blind spot zone while slowly backing out of a parking spot or driveway, activating both the corresponding left or right flashing light and audible buzzer warning.

“Pioneer’s Blind Spot Detection System portfolio reinforces our commitment to developing products that allow consumers to update almost any vehicle on the road today with newer technology and features,” said Ted Cardenas, VP of Marketing for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Blind spot detection assists drivers so they can practice more attentive driving habits whether they are changing lanes or reversing their vehicle.”

All three BSD Systems utilize microwave radar sensor technology for object detection and GPS for determining the current speed of the vehicle, and include left/right LED indicator lights, an audible buzzer speaker and all necessary cables and sensor calibration template (SDA-BS900).

The Pioneer Blind Spot Detection lineup includes:

SDA-BS900 (Suggested price: $900): The SDA-BS900 places a microwave radar array module behind both the left and right corners of the vehicle’s rear bumper2. When properly installed, this design results in extended blind spot coverage range up to 82 feet with the ability to detect both vehicles that are approaching from behind and vehicles that are being passed. Additionally, because the ingress protection rated3 microwave radar array modules install under the rear bumper cover, the system is cosmetically integrated with no visible or exposed sensors. The left and right LED indicator lights are designed to be surface mounted in the vehicle interior and include both silver and black colored covers.

SDA-BS100 / SDA-BS1 (Suggested price: $500): The SDA-BS100 and SDA-BS1 are unique, placing the microwave radar array in an ingress protection rated3 bar designed to be installed on the vehicle’s center mounted rear license plate. This design simplifies installation, eliminating the need to remove any exterior body panels or bumper covers, while also expanding vehicle compatibility to include vehicles with either plastic or metal bumpers and the flexibility to be mounted to the top or bottom of the license plate. The SDA-BS100 and SDA-BS1 provide blind spot detection of vehicles approaching from behind with a coverage range of up to 50 feet. The left and right LED indicator lights are designed to be surface mounted in the vehicle interior. The SDA-BS100 includes both silver and black colored LED indicator light covers, while the SDA-BS1 includes only black.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., headquartered in Torrance, Calif., is a preeminent manufacturer of leading-edge technology solutions for the mobile electronics aftermarket. Its affiliate Pioneer Automotive Technologies (PAT) is a key supplier for Tier 1 automotive entertainment systems and components to vehicle manufactures. Pioneer is focused on creating the ultimate in-car entertainment experience with high performance audio and video components, as well as connectivity with today’s smart devices.

Visit https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA for more.

KICKER Celebrates Employee Service in Annual Awards Ceremony

Posted on August 24, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Kicker.

STILLWATER, OK (08.25.2020) – Stillwater Designs, the maker of KICKER mobile-audio products, celebrated the anniversaries of 56 employees August 20 during a company luncheon, culminating with recognition of KICKER Vice Presidents Jeanne Snyder and Bob Spencer who have been with the company 35 years.

Kicker Founder Steve Irby addressing the luncheon gathering on Thursday, August 20th. Note all of the gift bags on the table.

KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s, and employees gather for an informal meeting each year to earn a gift and a handshake from KICKER President and founder Steve Irby. This year is like none other, with employees donning masks and practicing social distancing at KICKER headquarters.

“I’m really honored,” said Irby. “It’s unbelievable to me to know somebody seeks to make a work career here, and great to see people that are team players and succeed in their years.”

Kicker Vice Presidents Jeanne Snyder (C) and Bob Spencer (L) are pictured with Kicker Founder Steve Irby. Snyder and Spencer received recognition awards for 35 years with Kicker. The luncheon was held in the Kicker warehouse with masks in place.

A pin embossed with the KICKER logo was awarded to employees for one year of service, a wristwatch for three years and a ring for five years. Accolades were also given to employees with 10, 15 and 20 years of service. In addition to the pair of 35-year service honors, employees Glynn Cooper, Bruce Moore, Jason Sigrist and Jeff Womack received recognition for being with the company for 25 years.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Custom Audio Highlights DroneMobile Remote Start Installation with Instagram Video

Posted on August 23, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

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.

Check out the @customaudio remote start DroneMobile video live on Instagram.

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.

Adam McDermit set time tap the remote start on his Apple Watch.

“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.

Redline Audio and Performance Wins 12volt Prize on 12volt Spin-To-Win Spin 90

Posted on August 22, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

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.

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.

12volt Dave’s Audio Answering System Speaks to Callers in Dave’s Voice

Posted on August 20, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

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.

A smiling Dave Clews in the 12volt Dave’s Audio showroom in Pottsville PA.

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.”

The 12volt Dave’s Audio shop vehicle sports over $10K in audio gear.

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

Firstech Expands Virtual Installer Support for 12-Volt Retailers

Posted on August 19, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Firstech.

SEATTLE. WA (08.20.2020) – Firstech, the maker of Compustar and DroneMobile products, is launching expanded support hours and virtual resources for installers.

Effective August 15th, Firstech will offer over-the-phone and online installer support Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM PST. Installers will have access to these extended hours throughout the holiday season.

Firstech has also expanded its offering of digital training resources for installers. The company’s award-winning technical support team conducts biweekly virtual trainings using Facebook Live. All of these trainings are hosted on Firstech’s “TechFeed” support group, one of the industry’s largest installer-only communities on Facebook.

In addition to live and on-demand trainings, Firstech announced the beta release of major updates for “MyFirstech Install.” MyFirstech Install provides a one-stop-shop for installers to access technical documents and wiring schematics for remote start and audio applications. The website also features a portal for installers to activate and configure DroneMobile connected car systems. Beta access is currently reserved exclusively to members of Firstech’s TechFeed support group on Facebook.

Firstech’s technical support team is led by a 24-year industry veteran, Wade Beebe. Beebe shares, “Firstech is committed to investing in the current and future generations of installers. We believe that innovation in our industry starts and ends with those individuals that are open to learning and trying new things.”

If you are an installer in the mobile electronics industry and would like to learn more about Firstech’s products and services, visit firstechllc.com or search “Firstech Techfeed” on Facebook.

Sound In Motion Relocates To A Larger Facility

Posted on August 18, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

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”.

Anil Bhawnani, Jim Cavanaugh and Derek Kenney (LtoR) pictured in the new location. Once complete a large plate glass window will be behind the group. Customers will be able to see projects, like the red Porsche, from the showroom.

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.

**The wood shop and fabrication area has yet to be completed.**

“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.