Industry

KICKER Brings Innovation, Education and Prizes to Indy KnowledgeFest

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STILLWATER, OK (06.22.23) – KICKER returns to MEA KnowledgeFest at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, June 23-25.

Thirty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event. KICKER’s booth will be located north of the Convention Center’s main entrance.

The full KICKER product line will be on display, including bespoke products for auto, marine, motorcycle and powersports. “Bass-head” consumers are rejoicing at KICKER’s reestablished competition line of products, including ST-Series P.A. Speakers and SoloX Subwoofers. Marine and powersports dealers will see the new PXA-Series of waterproof amplifiers, in addition to the award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers.  In a nod to its history, KICKER is also showcasing 50th-anniversary Compeition Gold™ Subwoofers, featuring gold speaker terminals, advanced cooling characteristics and KICKER’s signature ribbed surrounds.

Also in the booth will be KICKER’s Fiat 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers and technology. The Fiat will also feature the KICKER Quad Box loaded with L7 subwoofers.

The KICKER Tech Force training crew will give two trainings during the show. The classes will help installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT™ and KEY technologies. All training attendees will automatically be entered to win one of two weather-proof KICKER PowerBar sound-bar units. The first class will be held Friday at 3 p.m., followed by one on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.  Show attendees can obtain more information at the KICKER booth.

For more details, visit www.knowledgefest.org.

BOSS International Group Systems Hires Matthew Delgado as Senior National Sales Manager

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OXNARD, CA (06.22.23) – BOSS Audio Systems is very excited to announce it has hired 12 Volt industry veteran Matthew Delgado as Senior National Sales Manager. Effective immediately, Delgado reports to Navid Farhand, BOSS International Group Exec VP of Sales and Marketing.

Matthew Delgad, Senior National Sales Manager

Jumping right into it, Matthew’s role will be to revamp the current Planet Audio and new Planet Pro audio lines. “I am excited to join the team. I see this as an opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking/fast-moving company. We have a lot of exciting plans for Planet Pro and Planet Audio to solidify it as our premier brand in the B.I.G. family,” said Delgado. “I can’t wait to start collaborating with the amazing teams here at B.I.G. to deliver audio solutions that exceed customer expectations!”

With over 20 years in the 12 Volt industry, Delgado had previously held a position as Director of Sales for MSC-America, as well as working for Metra Electronics, Elettromedia USA, and even running his own Rep group. His deep understanding of consumer technologies, marketing trends, and car audio industry standards positions himself as a valuable asset to the company.

“Matthew’s impressive track record in the car audio industry makes him a perfect fit for B.I.G. All of us here look forward to his valuable contributions and role in shaping the future of B.I.G.” said Farhand. “Matthew will bring a fresh perspective to Planet Audio and Planet Pro.”
 
For more information, please visit www.bossaudio.com.

Alps Alpine Welcomes Gregg Thomas as the Director of National Sales

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. welcomes Gregg Thomas as the Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division.

“We are excited to welcome Gregg to the Alpine Brand team,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “Gregg’s reputation for excellence in our industry precedes him and we look forward to the ways he’ll positively impact our business, our dedicated retail partners, and our customers.”

With a long, illustrious career in the aftermarket car audio industry, Thomas brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise as well as a proven history of leading companies to growth and success.

“I am thrilled to join Alpine, a premier car audio brand that has always been held in high esteem in the aftermarket retail marketplace,” said Thomas. “I sold my first high-end Alpine system years ago (let’s just say it was the world’s first aftermarket car CD player). As an industry leader for decades, I am excited to join a team of exceptional professionals that have made Alpine what it is today.”

Holding senior-level positions at several high-profile retailers across the United States, such as Car Toys, Ultimate Electronics, and Magnolia Hi-Fi, as well as a stint at SiriusXM, Thomas’ depth of car audio knowledge will provide value to the Alpine salesforce and his professionalism to the Alps Alpine company culture.

Thomas will oversee all national sales activities for the Alpine Brand at Alps Alpine North America.

Visit alpsalpine.com for more.

JVC Debuts New Waterproof Receiver in Golf Cart at KnowledgeFest Indy

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LONG BEACH, CA (06.21.23) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is thrilled to announce the availability of its KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof Receiver. Designed to deliver exceptional audio performance even in challenging outdoor environments, this cutting-edge receiver is now shipping to authorized dealers nationwide.

The KD-MR305BTS takes marine and motorsports audio to new heights with its rugged construction and
advanced features. Built to withstand the harshest conditions, this waterproof receiver ensures optimal functionality on boats, UTVs, ATVs, Golf Carts, and more. Boasting an eye-catching and installation-
friendly gauge-style design, it seamlessly integrates into the dashboard or panel of any compatible vehicle, adding a touch of style and elegance.

Feature-packed, the KD-MR305BTS includes Bluetooth® Streaming Music for wireless audio playback,
Variable Color Illumination buttons for customizable aesthetics, and a Switchable Back-Lit Display for
enhanced visibility. With a 13-Band Equalizer and advanced DSP settings, audio can be fine-tuned to a
user’s preferences. For even more entertainment and safety options, it’s compatible with SiriusXM®
Satellite Radio (requires an optional tuner, sold separately) and has a convenient Rear-View Camera
input. The KD-MR305BTS also offers 3 sets of RCA Pre-outs, allowing easy audio system expansion. Its
user-friendly front panel features subwoofer level control buttons and a glove-friendly volume knob.
Additionally, the Weather Band Tuner enables weather information to be received, even in remote or
rural areas with limited communication options.

To showcase the incredible capabilities and design of the KD-MR305BTS, JVC has partnered with Audio
Electronics (audioelectronicsindy.com), a renowned 12-volt retail and installation specialist store based
in Indianapolis, to outfit a golf cart with a complete JVC motorsports audio system. Visitors attending
the upcoming KnowledgeFest event will have the opportunity to experience the KD-MR305BTS in action,
as it will be proudly displayed in the golf cart at the JVC booth.

“We are excited to introduce the KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof
Receiver,” said Ron Trout, Director of Sales at JVC. “With its exceptional durability, sleek style, and
advanced audio features, we are confident that this receiver will provide the solution that customers are
looking for. We invite everyone to visit our booth at KnowledgeFest to witness the impressive
performance of the KD-MR305BTS.”

JVC also D.A.R.E.’s you to compare its product offerings by attending one of its training sessions,
scheduled for Friday, June 23rd at 1:45 PM and Saturday, June 24th, at 5:30 PM.

The KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof Receiver is now available for purchase
at authorized JVC dealers. To learn more about the KD-MR305B, visit:
us.jvc.com/car/marinemotorsports/kd_mr305bts

To learn more about JVC’s extensive range of car, marine, and motorsports products, visit
jvc.com/usa/car-entertainment

Award-Winning Retail Shop Mobile Edge Changes Hands

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LEHIGHTON, PA (06.20.23) – Mobile Edge, the award-winning retail car audio and accessory store in Lehighton, PA, founded by Mitchell Schaffer, has a new owner. As of noon on June 6, 2023, Ben Tuckett, skilled installation manager and window tint specialist, has taken the wheel.

“Taking ownership of Mobile Edge is a dream come true for me,” said Tuckett. “I’ve always been passionate about car audio in general and providing exceptional service to our Mobile Edge customers in particular. This opportunity allows me to take that passion to new heights. Mobile Edge has a long-standing reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. I’m honored to carry on that legacy and build upon it, ensuring that our customers continue to receive the best products and service in the industry.”

“I’m thrilled to pass the torch to Ben, who’s driven by the same mission of high-quality service as I am,” Schaffer said. “Ben’s commitment to excellence is unbeatable, with a perfect attendance record and outstanding attention to detail in the install bay.”

The business began in 1994 as Schaffer’s Safe & Sound with the goal of providing topnotch products, installations and customer service. Over time, both the name — Mobile Edge — and the business evolved to serve the changing interests of customers and expanding technological advances in the field. In the process, Mobile Edge has received several industry honors, including Retailer of the Year.

Warranties and gift cards remain in place, and there are no immediate plans to change the product lines or policies that have served Mobile Edge customers well for almost three decades.

Hailing from Andreas, PA, Tuckett loves hiking, kayaking and everything outdoors. His car audio passion ignited in high school, and after exploring other industries, he found his true calling at Mobile Edge in 2017. He has become the proud owner at only 31 and after six years with the company. “Ben is young and energetic, and will bring an invigorating spark of passion and innovation to Mobile Edge,” Schaffer said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community I grew up in,” said Tuckett. “Mobile Edge has been my home away from home for years, and I’m excited to take on this new role and contribute to its continued growth and success.”

Schaffer will remain available to steer the new owner through the transition and help him manage the administrative side of the business. “Having the support and guidance of the previous owner during this transition is invaluable,” Tuckett said. “I’m fortunate to have a mentor who has built such a reputable business.”

As he planned to step away from the company, Schaffer offered a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made Mobile Edge the success it is today. “From past employees and our awesome customers to the many people I’ve called ‘mentor’ throughout the years, building Mobile Edge was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done — and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.

With Mobile Edge in trusted new hands, Schaffer will focus on expanding his other business, 1sixty8 media, which provides websites, social media, and other business-building services to retailers and vendors around the U.S. and Canada along with publishing BestCarAudio.com. “I look forward to spending more time and effort on 1sixty8 media, which keeps me anchored in the car audio business that I’ve loved for the past 30-plus years,” he said.

“Swing by the store and give Ben a warm welcome to his new role — and maybe buy something!” said Schaffer. “Cheers to a fantastic new chapter for Mobile Edge.”

Tuckett and Mobile Edge can be reached by phone at 610-377-2730 or email at ben@mobileedgeonline.com.

Tint World Greensboro Renovates, Relaunches Under New Ownership

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GREENSBORO, NC (06.20.23) – Building on their success in North Carolina, Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, announces an ownership change and refresh to the company’s Greensboro location.

Tint World Greensboro is the second Tint World location in North Carolina owned by Shawn McMaster, Jaysen McMaster Foreman, and Candi Krueger. They continue to provide premium automotive aftermarket styling services for auto enthusiasts and residents throughout the Greensboro area and welcome a new general manager, Chris Bivens, to operate the location. Bivens is the Guinness World Record holder for most vehicles tinted in eight hours, and he has over 15 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years managing tinting businesses.

“Candi, Jaysen and I recently opened the Fayetteville location, and we’re thrilled to be at the helm in Greensboro as well,” said Shawn McMaster. “We knew that Chris’s proven skills and experience in tinting would be a perfect match for Tint World’s world-class offerings, and with him serving as general manager, we’re confident that Tint World Greensboro will surpass the expectations of our customers.”

Tint World Greensboro also offers a refreshed 12-volt product line, including audio, visual, navigation, alarms and more, and has recruited new specialized talent to enhance service and installation offerings for this line.

“Shawn, Jaysen and Candi are great examples of our proven franchise system empowering growth through multi-unit ownership,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’re already finding success in Fayetteville, and through trusting in our reliable processes, they are taking Greensboro to the next level as well. I can speak for the entire Tint World leadership team when I say that we expect to hear about first-class service in Greensboro and can’t wait to see what the future holds for these committed, driven owners.”

Tint World Greensboro, located at 4407 Landover Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27407, serves Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Mebane, Summerfield, Winston-Salem, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Archdale, Kernersville, and Gibsonville. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (336) 899-8395 or visit tintworld.com/locations/nc/greensboro-029

See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work Across the US

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SHREVEPORT, LA (06.19.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios’ staff, works to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool in 2020 was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and positive activities to members of the 12volt industry.

The 12volt Central Studios is Jammin’ N June. The images below are examples of the 12volt STP Tool at work in just the last 5 days. There will be much more to come as coverage of events and activities across the 12volt industry take place.

The Alpine Experience RAM was positioned early Friday morning June 16th in front of Amped Auto and Audio in Rochester MN. This was the last stop on Chris Reavis’ 9 Alpine Experience event tour in 16 days that covered well over 3000 miles.
A demo under way from the Arrowhead Sales ‘Dare To Listen JBL’ trailer at the Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence MO. Chris Pace was on site connecting with enthusiasts at the C10 Shindig on Saturday, June 17th.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase their positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318-465-0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

The Horizon Audio crew-Canton OH in the showroom following the JVC training on Thursday June 15th. Josh Bowen (C) conducted the training and End Result’s Ed Dalesandro is 3rd from the left with Rusty North behind the camera.
Junior Odeh shows the new King Box center console enclosure that is now shipping. The console features a 12” cutout, two 6.5” cutouts, two tweeter cutouts plus a port.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends over 5 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. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

The JBL Palooza with Crutchfield crews showcased products and training along with providing fun times too as Leigh Powell snapped this image at the company’s Charlottesville VA HQ.
The 12voltSTP Tool is Jammin’ N June

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities by utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

SEMA Garage Measuring Sessions Announced for ’23 Ford SuperDuty Trucks

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.19.23) – In partnership with Ford Motor Company, the SEMA Garage Detroit is excited to announce a Measuring Session for the newly designed ’23 Ford SuperDuty.

SEMA members will be allowed to test-fit prototypes, 3D scan and measure, and have a close-up experience with their builds.

This event will feature two ’23 Ford SuperDuty Truck platforms:

F-250 SRW 4×4 Super Cab

6.8L DEVAT NA PRI V8 Engine
FX4 Package
Upfitter Switches
BOXLINK option
Cloth seats
4.2-in. productivity screen
8-ft. pickup box
F-350 SRW 4×4 Crew Cab

6.7L Hi Output Diesel Power Stroke
Tremor Off Road and Lariat Ultimate Package
Pro Power Onboard-2Kw
Roof clearance lights
Leather seats
12-in. productivity screen
6-ft. pickup box
In addition, SEMA has also recently added new, highly anticipated OEM CAD data into the Tech Transfer program. More details can be found at semagarage/techtransfter.

Event Dates: June 27–29, 2023

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage Detroit in Plymouth, Michigan. The event will require scheduled appointments.

Due to high demand, all appointments will be time limited. Please only register two attendees per member company. A follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.

Visit the link below for event registration details:
Click here to register.

SEMA Market Report: Automotive Aftermarket Continues Growth Streak, Surpasses $51 Billion in Sales in 2022

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.16.23) – The specialty-equipment market showed positive results in 2022 with an overall market growth of 2% and reaching $51.8 billion in sales, according to the new “2023 SEMA Market Report.” This continues a decade of growth for the industry, even among recent economic turmoil created by the pandemic.

While the growth percentage was slightly down from the industry’s typical annual rate of 4% to 5%, the slowing was expected given current economic challenges. SEMA estimates that sales growth will remain fairly flat in 2023, before ramping back up towards the industry’s historical growth trend in 2024.

“Even as economic uncertainty looms, particularly around inflation, consumers are passionate about customizing and continue to buy from our industry,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “This report provides new and relevant findings that businesses can use to better connect with their customers, find areas of opportunity and drive their business.” 

Available for download at sema.org/research, the “2023 SEMA Market Report” provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market in 2022 and includes new data on the U.S. market size, consumer profiling and industry trends that can help companies make more informed business decisions.  

Key findings from the report include:  

  • Pickup accessorization remains the biggest segment for the industry, topping $15 billion in sales. 
  • The CUV accessory market continues to grow, reaching 14% of specialty-equipment sales in 2022. 
  • Younger people continue to be the most likely to accessorize and perform more upgrades; 50% of those modifying their vehicles are under the age of 40.
  • 50% of accessorizers own a powersports or recreational vehicle, opening up cross-selling opportunities.
  • More than 80% of companies expect their sales to stay the same or grow in 2023. 

SEMA members can download the report for free at sema.org/research. Discover key findings in the report during the upcoming “SEMA Market Update” webinar on Wednesday, June 21. Register for the webinar here.

Eleven Engineering Names Ukrainian Refugee Families to Receive May 2023 Web Profits

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EDMONTON, ALBERTA (06.16.23) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. (elevenengineering.com), a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for professional, home theater, multi-room, portable, 12 Volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications, has announced the two Ukrainian refugee families that will receive the company’s May 2023 profits from its SKAAstore.com. For the second year in a row, the company is helping support Ukrainian families in dire need of assistance during the continued crisis with Russia who are actively working to protect their country.

“As this unnecessary war drags on, the team at SKAA made a commitment to once again support more families that have been affected by Putin’s war in Ukraine in 2023,” said John Sobota, Eleven Engineering CEO. “May 2023 was a record sales month for SKAAstore.com, which means we will provide even greater benefits where it is needed the most. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank our customers for stepping up and helping Eleven Engineering donate this much needed monetary aid, which is the equivalent of the costs for a year’s rent and other family necessities in hopes that the money helps ease any financial burdens on them while they endure and fight for their country’s freedom and independence.”

This year, Eleven Engineering is donating its May SKAAstore.com profits to the Prykhodko family, which consists of father Ruslan, mother Yuliia, and children Dmytro (16) and Daniil (10). The family was displaced by Russian missile bombardments close to home, and Ruslan lost his income since the war began while Yuliia works remotely as the only source of family income.

Also receiving this year’s monetary aid is the Petrunko family, who received Eleven Engineering’s donations last year, as well. The family of four also has first-hand experience with the horrors that come with war. Relocated a number of times since the war began, their home was damaged by shelling, they were forced to flee their occupied village near Kherson. Their escape was harrowing, but the family remained safe thanks to the heroic actions of the father, Viktor. Meanwhile the mother, Kristina, is a member of the Ukrainian armed forces, working every day to fight back against Putin’s onslaught.

“We salute both the Russian people who believe using their country’s military might to shell the homes of children is diabolical, as well as those who risk their lives to protest and resist Putin inside Russia,” Sobota continued. “We hope that our continued small gestures will help Ukrainian families persist with hope and determination as they continue in their noble causes. Thank you to those who fight the good fight.”

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, home to Eleven Engineering’s headquarters, has the largest Ukrainian population of any Canadian city. “And this fact really hits home for us,” Sobota said. “We still challenge other Canadian-based companies to consider stepping up and helping those in Ukraine and the refugees that have fled in any way that they can,” Sobota concluded. “We all need to help because that’s what Canadians do.”

Eleven Engineering invites everyone to share their first-hand stories of heroes from this conflict on its social media platforms.

SKAA is the new wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals which are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

For more information, please contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com, and please visit  www.elevenengineering.com, www.SKAA.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, and Facebook.