Dallas, TX – January 3, 2025 – HARMAN International Industries has partnered with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast to represent the company in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas for the Car Audio division, plus Louisiana, and Arkansas for the Motorsports Categories.

“We’re excited to work with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Aftermarket at HARMAN. “Their vast industry knowledge and strong dealer relationships make them the perfect partner as we expand our presence and deliver top-quality audio products in the territory.”

This new collaboration underscores HARMAN’s commitment to providing not only innovative products but also the local expertise and support necessary to build dealer relationships and driving results. By partnering with Crossover Marketing Group Southeast, JBL aims to strengthen its dealer network and deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of the Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas markets.

“We’re proud to represent a brand as iconic as JBL,” said Shawn Simpson, Principal at Crossover Marketing Group Southeast. “Our focus will always be on helping dealers thrive selling HARMAN products.”

For more information Shawn Simpson, Principal (832) 594-4040

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.02.2025) – January 1st 2025 marked the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year’s 2025 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2025 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2024 holiday season were up double digits over 2023. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS along with the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% pf those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2024.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook and Twitter accounts also.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, along with power sports for UTV, motorcycle and marine plus lighting, is a terrific way to kick off the New Year.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.31.2024) – January 1st 2025 marks the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year 2025 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2025 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2024 holiday season were up nearly double digits over 203. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS, Amazon and the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% pf those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers of all categories across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2024.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and engage consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook and Twitter accounts also.

The Instagram Business Profile, which is free, features a contact tab. A follower can tap the contact tab and call the store from their smartphone as they view the post. Also, a follower can send an email to the store as well as get a map to the store. Making a post, with the opportunity to get an immediate response from a follower, is an amazing outreach 12volt retailers can’t pass up in today’s marketplace.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, in-vehicle connectivity, dash cams, power sports, motorcycles and marine plus lighting upgrades to promote it’s a terrific way to kick off the New Year 2025.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.

SHREVEPORT LA (12.30.24) – In this digital driven cyber world it is more important than ever to drive store traffic into brick and mortar retail stores. All 12volt retailers have digital options to create a network of social media followers to drive store traffic for the in-store experience. Proactive 12volt retailers utilize those digital social media platforms.

The outside-the-store-experience is equally important for successful retailers. The retailer’s building and upgrades are a large portion of a 12volt retailer’s investment. Creating an eye-catching appearance from the street is an extremely important component to drive sales. A well maintaned parking lot is step one. Another important step is to let drivers from the street see that the store is in the car stereo and automotive aftermarket upgrade business.

A company demo vehicle spotlighted in front of a retail location is certainly an easy option, Showcasing a customer’s with just completed vehicle installation is another option. Many old-timers remember full expensive time-consuming in-vehicle car audio demo vehicles in the store’s parking lot.

Images below showcase several proactive retailers that spotlight vehicles out front plus highlight those vehicles with
social media posts. Large street-side signage is an ideal image setting. Positioning the vehicle to show the
company logo on the building in the background can add to grabbing eyeballs.

Vehicle lighting is a growing category across the 12volt industry. Smartphone control options add so many options for colors.
Winter time daylight savings adds to the timeframe a demo vehicle can grab eyeballs from the street. On building lighting can also add to grabbing drivers’ attention from the street.

Online sales continue to grow. In-store demos are the only way consumers can feel the bass in their chest and experience the mids and highs. Professional installation is truly an ace in the hole for 12volt retailers.

Let’s all continue to work to drive the in-store experience…beginning with the outside—the store experience.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (12.27.24) – Atlantic Car Stereo first came to the attention of the 12volt Central Studios at the April CMA Expo 2024 in Toronto. Six members of their team traveled 1100 miles from from Halifax to Toronto for the 3-day Expo. When checking out their Instagram post it became apparent they have taken the in-store experience to the next level.

The company is continuing to showcase the in-store experience with frequent social media posts as 2024 wraps to get a jump on 2025.

Periodically, the full graphic on the store’s front door have changed. Recent graphics have celebrated the company”s 40th Anniversary.

Once inside the store consumers are greeted with a tremendous layout in the showroom and other adjacent areas. Showroom highlights include a number of large monitors which can be changed digitally to showcase different graphics and specials in addition to product displays..

Once entering the lane on the floor leads customers to the sales counter. The Audio Zone features demo display boards. Each area of the store, including the installation are spotless. Even the parking lot in the shopping center is maintained daily.

Sarah Russell related “Our team thoroughly enjoyed all parts of this year’s CMA Expo…the networking, the training, the parties and the demo vehicles. We closed the store for the trip and had very detailed plans that each member of our team would do to maximize our investment. We learned a lot of information that will help us better serve our customers. The DSP training, sales training and hands on fabrication were our favorites. Vehicles are becoming more complicated as even base models are equipped with technologies, such as ANC, so having the skills and tools do our job is a must. We are looking forward to the CMA Expo 2025 April 4-6 in Toronto”

Watch for more from Sarah and Darrell Russell, along with their Team, from the 12volt Central Studios in 2025.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.26.24) – It was terrific to see 12volt companies across the 12volt industry utilizing social media to wish their followers and friends Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas 2024 wishes. The custom graphics delivering the heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday messages jumped off the screen of 12volt Central Studios iPhone on Christmas Day.

The 12volt Central Studios Santa sleigh is now headed back to the North Pole for a much needed rest before the trip back to the US for Christmas 2025.

The posts above were selected from the hundreds of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays posts that the 12volt Central Studios staff members noted on social media feeds.

Always more at 12voltnews.com.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.24.2024) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Season 2024.

During this time of the year we wanted to take time to thank all across the 12volt industry for their support, encouragement and business in 2024 as we continue to work each day to showcase positives across the 12volt industry.

The year 2024 continued to be an uncertain time in the world and 12volt industry with so many changing factors in play. In many cases inventory supply issues were resolved in 2024 but high inflation continued to impact consumer spending on non-essentials. Many brick and mortar retailers are stocked but are not seeing the sales spike from previous year’s stimulus checks. Increases in online spending continues impact the brick and mortar 12volt marketplace as well. Black Friday and Cyber Monday online sales again reached record levels.

Work is now underway as Las Vegas prepares for CES 2025. The presence of 12volt companies planning to exhibit seems to reach a new low each year as CES continues to be known as a gadget show. Travel concerns and associated expenses also continue to impact in-person trade show attendance.

The Christmas tree is up in the 12volt Central Studios. From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities. Manufacturers, Distributors, Rep Firms and Retailers alike must work to inform and connect to showcase their products to consumers. Consumers must be informed about our products and the positive ways those products can add to their in-vehicle safety and enjoyment experiences.

Let’s all work to make a bigger pie for all to share across the 12volt industry.

We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2025 and beyond.

WAILUKU, HI (12.23.24) – Certified Sounds, a multi-award-winning audio/video retailer and Hawaii’s premier A/V dealer, held the Grand Opening of its new home-audio showroom with live demonstrations of Marantz’s new 10 Series, Horizon, and Grand Horizon products on Saturday, December 7th.

“The event was a rousing success,” said Derek Pace, owner and founder of Certified Sounds. “It featured live demonstrations of Marantz’s new Model 10 integrated amplifier, Model 10 SACD player, and LINK 10 Streamer, all through Bowers & Wilkins 801 Signature loudspeakers in California burlwood finish. We also debuted Marantz’s new and very exciting Horizon and Grand Horizon high-performance wireless loudspeakers.”

Jim Knight, Red Wood Marketing a premier A/V West Coast rep firm, traveled to Hawaii to support dealer Certified Sounds. “Delivering a high-performance listening experience was the main theme Derek planned while unveiling the new showroom. Seeing the smiles on attendees faces immediately showed Derek achieved the goal.” Knight represents Masimo brands and he worked on site with Masimo Director of Sales Mike Hickman.

Certified Sounds is serious about enhancing people’s quality of life with the addition of premium audio and video equipment in people’s homes and businesses. Their new showroom was built to do something unique in Hawaii: to deliver high-performance listening experiences through equipment that is easy and enjoyable to use. To do this, Certified Sounds takes great care to partner with some of the very best brands in the industry, including Marantz, Denon, Bowers & Wilkins, JL Audio, Luxman, and Tributaries, to name just a few.

“We have been in business here on Maui for 24 years, specializing in high-performance audio and video for vehicles,” said Pace, “but our customers kept asking if we could work on their homes, too. I’m pleased to say that we now offer that service, on a par with the same level of quality we offer our mobile customers.”

More than 50 people attended to enjoy music, food and drink. “It’s exciting to have such a mix of people come from Oahu, the Big Island, and all over Maui to spend time with us and experience the best-in-class audio from Marantz and Bowers & Wilkins,” Pace continued. “The new Horizon and Grand Horizon models are huge hits with customers.” The 10 Series of reference products, and the Horizon and Grand Horizon models, deliver high-performance wireless sound from a package worthy of the Marantz name.

“I was told, ‘If you build [the new showroom for home audio], customers from all over Hawaii will come’—and they did!” Pace concluded, adding that feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive. Certified Sounds is excited to host its next event in 2025.

For more information about Certified Sounds and their new audio/video showroom, please visit their website: www.certifiedhifi.com.

Jim Knight supplied the above article showing the positives of the in-store experience for consumers… listening experiences not available on a smartphone or laptop.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (12.14.24) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 6.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 301st time on Friday morning on December 20th. The Wheel landed on the JVC space and the CP Design 512 slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.

We have reached out to contact the lucky winning dealer in Jarrell TX and will continue to contact them to deliver the super JVC news.                                                  

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, THINKWARE, Race Sport Lighting, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Lids-On-Demand, Massive Audio and VIPER. 12volt News $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the 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, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA,  Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting  Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD,  Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY,  Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA,  Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR,  XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA,  Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston and Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA.

Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s The Fun……On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 302 on Friday, December 27th.

ORLANDO, FL (12.19.24) – VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) (“VOXX” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer technologies for the global markets, as well as strategic joint ventures including biometrics, today announced that VOXX and Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX) (“Gentex”) have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger (“Merger Agreement”) for Gentex to acquire VOXX in an all-cash transaction. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Gentex will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of VOXX common stock not already owned by Gentex for $7.50 per share, representing an aggregate enterprise value of approximately $196 million.

The $7.50 per share merger consideration represents a premium of approximately 163% to the Company’s unaffected closing Class A common stock price of $2.85 on August 26, 2024, the last trading day before VOXX publicly announced that its Board of Directors was conducting an exploration of strategic alternatives in an effort to maximize stockholder value, as well as the public disclosure that Gentex had made an unsolicited proposal to acquire VOXX at $5.50 per share. After several months of a robust sales process led by a transaction committee of directors unaffiliated with Gentex, working with the committee’s independent financial advisor, Solomon Partners, and meeting with an extensive field of prospective purchasers, both strategic and financial, the transaction was approved unanimously by the Company’s transaction committee and by the disinterested members of its Board of Directors.

Ari Shalam, Chairman of the board of directors of VOXX, stated “the transaction with Gentex ensures a seamless transition for our brands, employees, customers and partners. After a thorough and exhaustive sales process, the disinterested members of the board, the transaction committee and I unanimously support this decision, believing that it represents the best and most reliable path forward to maximize value for all VOXX stockholders. My father, John Shalam, who founded VOXX 60 years ago, and I are incredibly proud of the legacy we have built and the remarkable accomplishments of the VOXX team. We are confident that under Gentex’s stewardship, VOXX’s legacy will continue to thrive for the benefit of our stakeholders.”

Simultaneously with the execution of the merger agreement, John and Ari Shalam, along with certain family members, entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they agreed to vote their shares of common stock in favor of the proposed merger, with such voting obligation terminating should the Merger Agreement be validly terminated or the Board of Directors or transaction committee making a recommendation adverse to the Merger Agreement and the merger. The Shalam family beneficially own 1,935,898 shares of Class A common stock and 2,260,954 shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately 57% of the outstanding voting power of the Company’s common stock. The Shalam family will receive the same $7.50 per share merger consideration for their shares of Class A and Class B common stock as other VOXX stockholders, demonstrating their full alignment with other VOXX stockholders.

The proposed transaction, which was approved by VOXX’s Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of a transaction committee of the Board of Directors comprised entirely of directors unaffiliated with Gentex, is expected to close during the first quarter of calendar year 2025. The proposed transaction is subject to stockholder approval, receipt of anti-trust regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Visit www.voxxintl.com and www.gentex.com for more.

Content supplied by VOXX International Corporation via investors.voxxintl.com