SHREVEPORT, LA (01.07.23) – WTF…Win This Friday. Audio Excellence won the Maximum Power prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 on Friday morning, January 6th.

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 5.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 209th time on Friday morning January 6th. The Wheel landed on the Maximum Power space and Audio Excellence slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to with a phone to call and let them know the good news. Will try again next week to speak with the retailer in Orlando FL to convey the great news that David Holland is looking forward to sending Audio Excellence a Maximum Power 4 Gauge Amp Kit.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 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, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. 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, 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 and Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA……Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday January 13th.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.04.22) – Prominent rally racer and action sports star Ken Block passed away after a snowmobile accident in Utah on Monday, January 2, according to a statement posted on the Hoonigan website. Ken was 55 years old.

“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed,” said his team, Hoonigan Racing, in a statement.

In addition to his autograph sessions and special appearances, Block was a featured speaker at the 2022 SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, where he discussed the making of “Electrikhana” a tire-shredding trip on the Las Vegas Strip through the lens of a bespoke, 800-volt, bi-motor, AWD Audi S1, developed and built by Audi.

Block also competed in the American Rally Association (ARA) along with his wife Lucy and 16-year-old daughter Lia, one of three children. Block, a co-founder of the skateboarding brand DC Shoes, was also known for his Gymkhana action videos that received a large following on YouTube and related social media outlets.

For more information on Block, visit the Hoonigan Racing website.

THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.03.2023) – Today begins the first business day, for most, in the New Year… HELLO and a Big Welcome Year 2023.

In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News and the 12volt Central Studios work to deliver positive industry news each business day. A feature article post, along with 2 news articles, are posted on 12voltnews.com each business day. The 12volt Beat newsletter delivers fresh industry news from previous days twice weekly… early Monday and Thursday mornings.

From The 12volt Central Studios we feel it is very important for industry members to stay informed about fresh industry news. New products from manufacturers, event activities happening across in the industry, brick and mortar dealers moving forward with events, new showroom remodels or displays plus successful promotions.

Manufacturer rep firms are a vital to delivering information in the field and bringing a sense of community across the U.S. The annual CES show was traditionally a way for the 12volt industry to kick off the new year. The days of the LVCC North Hall being filled with 12volt exhibitors appears to be history. Not many 12volt companies connecting with industry members in Vegas starting this Thursday, January 5th.

Creating the 12voltSTP in 2020 was another example of making it easy for industry members to put their company’s brand and positive activities in front of members of the 12volt industry.

Put the 12voltSTP Tool to work for your company. The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase your company’s positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..PRESTO. Your company’s positive news could be in the news. 318-465-0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles for information and news delivery. The fact remains all people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news to help them grow their respective businesses. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

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Today a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone. To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. No crazy TikTok drunk driving posts.

For more see 12voltnews.com

MIDDLETOWN, CT (1.2.2023) – GoFast Solutions, is proud to announce that Alpine Electronics has appointed GoFast Solutions as the authorized dealer fulfillment partner for the New York Metro, Central & Northern NJ & Long Island Market.

“We are thrilled to partner with Alpine Electronics in NY” said David Prinz, CEO of GoFast Solutions. “Alpine is a premium, high-end brand long known for their innovative products and the high standards of excellence that they demand of their dealer network that represent the Alpine brand to consumers. To be hand-picked by Alpine as their authorized dealer fulfillment partner in NY Metro, Central/Northern NJ & Long Island is an honor and a validation that GoFast exemplifies the integrity, quality & commitment to excellence that Alpine embodies every day.”

David adds, “We knew from day one that it would take hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to add tremendous value to the retailers in NY to win. We invested in a satellite warehouse located centrally in Hicksville, NY and we have a delivery van travel thru the market weekly to stock our Hicksville warehouse and deliver orders to our customers. GoFast Solutions ability to supply dealers with same or next day inventory is a valuable benefit to dealers for a just in time need.”

Bob Hernandez Director of Sales added “We are excited to bring the GoFast Experience to the authorized Alpine Retailers in the New York Metro, Central/Northern NJ & Long Island. Having served Alpine as the authorized dealer fulfillment partner in New England & Upstate NY for several years, this is a natural extension… expect to see us early and often!”

Contact GoFast Solutions at Main Number (203) 641-0272, Info@gofst.com

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.31.2022) – January 1st 2023 marks the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2023 presents an opportunity for all 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 2022 holiday season were up nearly double digits over 2021. 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.

Brick and mortar retailers across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2022.

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. Seeing 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 capture business 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 the 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, along with power sports for UTV 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 2023.

TULSA OK (12.30.22) The Car Toys Tulsa Sony Mobile ES Build is already getting action in front of the store in Tulsa. Mark Adams, Car Toys Tulsa store manager’s 2023 Prius, was the retailer’s contest entry. “This was a 2-month project to complete. We finished just a day prior to the contest deadline. Already the Sony ES build is getting attention out front of the store…even in very chilly weather.”

The Car Toys Tulsa store is a free standing building across the street from a Walmart Super Center. Talk about possibilities for visibility for Sony ES Mobile products.

Contestants were tasked with building an effective Sony Mobile ES demo vehicle to show installation creativity highlighting Sony Mobile ES benefits to consumers. Spotlighting the Mobile ES name and outlining how contestants would utilize the vehicle in practical ways to sell Sony Mobile ES systems were added requirements to enter the contest.

Car Toys Tulsa was selected as a Top 10 entry in the ES Mobile Build contest but did not place in the Top 3.

Car Toys owner Charles Stewart related “When our Sony rep Richard Wong told us about the ES Mobile build contest we saw the possibilities and started making plans. An employee’s personal car could be the build vehicle and Mark jumped at the opportunity to make the installation in his Prius. He and I have worked together for probably 20 years and I knew he would give the build his all.”

“I worked on the build in the Car Toys Tulsa installation bay on Sundays as we are closed. Also, Tuesday is an off day for me, so I could work in the bay too. Charles and Chance, along with techs Frank and Gabe, were right there when I asked for input or needed a few extra hands” Adams offered.

Continuing Adams stated “We did a lot of planning to design the system. We wanted the Prius interior to look stock and demonstrate the sound quality of the Sony ES Mobile System. In addition we wanted to highlight in-vehicle LED lighting which we did in a couple ways. There is chasing LED’s around the top trunk interior plus under Mobile ES products installed in the trunk. One of the LED light patterns showcases the ES Mobile theme color. I was able to show the many aspects of the build in a video which I included with our contest entry. All in all we are very pleased with the Car Toys Tulsa Sony Mobile ES build.”

Stewart concluded “We thank Sony for creating the Mobile ES build program and the opportunity to participate. The program shows a lot of thought and in the end equips many dealers across the U.S. to showcase the Sony ES Mobile brand and possibilities in their area. We will definitely plan store activities around the build plus have the Prius on site at many local offsite events we do each year. Ultimately the build program will drive business for all ES Mobile retailers.”

FLORENCE MS (12.29.22) As the Christmas Holidays approached weather forecasts called for record low temperatures in much of the south. In Shreveport LA the temperature dropped to a very chilly 8 degrees.

In Florence MS, close to Jackson, those record low temperatures were also forecast. Wayne Holton, Audio Solutions owner, decided to let followers know that a remote car starter would be a great item for Christmas gift giving. He put a social media plan in place to drive sales.

Holton related “We had a good inventory Viper products and got together with my graphics contact and put together an ad that we posted a few days before Christmas. On yes, it got some good action.”

Once customers came into the store the Audio Solutions team let all know there were more benefits to a remote starter than just keeping their vehicle warm in the winter. We informed customers about heated seats, security and convenience feature benefits in addition to keeping their vehicles cool when the summer heat arrives.

Continuing Holton related “Across the board there are so many products available in the mobile electronics category that consumers are not aware of today. Professionally created social media posts can get the message across for proactive 12volt retailers. An example is window tinting for farm tractors as agriculture is big in our area. We made a post of a completed job which led to more tinting jobs, cameras and audio jobs too.”

In the past year Audio Solutions completed construction of a large new facility in Florence that is definitely driving business for the company throughout the area.

See @audiosolutions49 on Instagram.