Industry

Sony Car Audio Announces Top 10 Demo Car Build Winners

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SAN DIEGO, CA (12.21.22) – Sony Car Audio has announced its Top 10 demo cars from its recent Sony Mobile ES demo car build contest:

• Absolute Electronix, Rockville, MD
• All That Jazz – Philadelphia, PA
• Audio Edge – Phoenix, AZ
• Car Toys Tulsa – Tulsa, OK
• Car Toyz – Richmond, VA
• Kartele Mobile Electronics – Waterbury, CT
• M&C Car Audio – San Antonio, TX
• Ox Audio – Cheltenham, PA
• Sound Decision – Johnson City, TN
• Xtreme Auto Sound – Louisville, KY

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced early next week.

Contestants were tasked with building an effective Sony Mobile ES demo vehicle with the following expectations:
• Use your installation creativity to highlight Sony Mobile ES benefits to consumers.
• Highlight the Mobile ES name in the build.
• Demonstrate how you’ll use the vehicle as a practical sales tool to sell Sony Mobile ES systems.

In addition to custom plaques and significant account credits for Sony products, the top prize winner gets high-end Sony wireless noise-canceling headphones for the whole crew and a staff dinner with their Sony Field Account Manager.

“Our Sony Mobile ES products are some of the best products we’ve made over the last 30 years. In this contest, more than 70 retailers submitted a demo car to be judged, so each of them now has a highly effective sales tool to show them off,” said Anthony Tozzi, Sony Car Audio Distribution Accounts Manager. “What better way to show off our great product and have a fully functional example of what your installation team can do with it? It’s a win-win! Congratulations to the top ten listed here, and we can’t wait to announce the winners next week.”

Reach out to Anthony Tozzi at Anthony.Tozzi@Sony.com for more information about Sony, the Mobile ES line, or how to connect to an authorized distributor.

AudioControl Intros All Weather Equalizer and Crossover with Paging Mic

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CLEARWATER, FL (12.21.22) – The AudioControl ACX-3.2 all-weather sound processor is a high-output pre-amp, for all systems on-road, off-road or off-shore. The ACX-3.2 can serve as the main control unit in your audio system, allowing you to control the output to all of your amplifiers.

• 4-Band Stereo Graphic EQ
• Parabass® Low Frequency Contouring
• Variable 24 Db/Octave Linkwitz-Riley Crossover
• Front, Rear, and Subwoofer Outputs
• Master Volume, Fader, and Sub Level Control
• Parabass® Bass Control
• High-Gain Input Stage
• Line Driver: 13-Volts Peak Output
• Dash or Console-Mountable
• Included Paging Microphone
• Selectable Illumintation (red or blue)

Email sales@aampglobal.com for more information

Firstech Announces Partnership with Tint World

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SEATTLE, WA (12.20.22) – Firstech, makers of Compustar, DroneMobile, and Momento has announced its direct partnership with Tint World, America’s fastest growing auto accessories retailer.

Tint World franchise partners will gain direct access to Firstech’s catalog of vehicle remote start, security, and telematics solutions. Brands offered will include Compustar, iDatastart, DroneMobile, tesa tape, and Momento. On approval, select Tint World locations will also be eligible for selling Compustar Pro, which includes the company’s flagship remote starter with up to 3 miles of range, the Compustar Pro T13.

This announcement comes just in time for freezing temperatures and snow to sweep across North America, driving heightened consumer awareness for remote start.

“Firstech and Tint World’s company values align perfectly towards giving customers an amazing product experience backed by excellent service,” shares Firstech’s regional sales manager, Tanner Wilson. “We look forward to supporting each Tint World location and providing immense value and profitability to the categories of remote start and security.”

If you are a Tint World franchise partner and would like to learn more about this exciting partnership, please email Firstech atorders@myfirstech.com to be assigned an external and internal sales representative. All other inquiries regarding this release can be sent to Tanner Wilson at twilson@compustar.com.

SEMA Seeks Speakers for 2023 Education Program

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.20.22) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is planning its 2023 education program and has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show–taking place in Las Vegas in November 2023–and its year-round virtual education program. Dynamic and entertaining presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at www.sema.org/speakers.

Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate thought-provoking, forward-thinking seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

SEMA’s year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging, and inspiring information on the industry’s complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars. Likewise, the educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals come to learn new business strategies.

Topics of focus for 2023 include:
Aftermarket updates and future trends
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Electric vehicles
Emerging and executive leadership
Legal and regulatory
Sales and marketing
Small-business strategy
Vehicle technology
Specific industry segments
Speaker proposals for the 2023 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 27, 2023. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at www.sema.org/speakers.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, Sr. Manager of Professional Development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

PRI Boosts Political Horsepower at Successful Save Our Racecars Rally

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.19.22) – During the 2022 PRI Show in Indianapolis, thousands rallied to “Save our Racecars” at Lucas Oil Stadium to show their support for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act and PRI’s Political Action Committee (PAC).

The 2022 Save our Racecars Rally, emceed by Johnny D, featured appearances by members of the Street Outlaws, Sage “Donkmaster” Thomas and Brent Leivestad from PFI Speed. Nearly $40,000 was raised for PRI’s PAC, including proceeds from a live auction featuring ticket packages to racing events, memorabilia signed by the Street Outlaws and ride-along experiences.

The PRI PAC allows individual PRI Members to contribute personal funds to help elect lawmakers who support the racing industry’s positions and priorities, such as the RPM Act. The RPM Act is common-sense, bipartisan legislation to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete. The bill clarifies that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a racecar used exclusively in competition. It also confirms that it is legal to produce, market and install racing equipment.

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org

Visit saveourracecars.com for more.

SiriusXM To Air 45 College Football Games This Postseason

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NEW YORK, NY (12.19.22) – SiriusXM is providing fans with access to 45 games this college football postseason. SiriusXM will carry live play-by-play of every Division I FBS bowl game – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and National Championship – as well as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game and other postseason All-Star games. Subscribers can tune in to these games on the SiriusXM radios in their cars and on the SXM App.

The schedule begins this Friday, December 16. A schedule of games and their SiriusXM channel assignments can be found at SiriusXM.com/BowlGames.

On New Year’s Eve, subscribers can tune in for broadcasts of both College Football Playoff Semifinal games – the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl featuring #2 Michigan vs. #3 TCU (4 pm ET), followed by #1 Georgia vs. #4 Ohio State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (8 pm ET). Then on January 9, listeners will get live play-by-play as the winners of those two games face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (7:30 pm ET). For all three games the ESPN Radio broadcast will air on SiriusXM channel 80 (ESPN Radio), and team broadcasts can be found on SiriusXM channels 81 (ESPN Xtra), 82 (Mad Dog Sports Radio) or 84 (ESPNU Radio).

In addition to the College Football Playoff games, SiriusXM’s postseason schedule also features seven other matchups between AP Top 25-ranked teams:

  • #22 UTSA #23 Troy – Duluth Trading Cure Bowl (Dec. 16)
  • #12 Washington #21 Texas – Valero Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29)
  • #6 Tennessee #10 Clemson – Capital One Orange Bowl (Dec. 30)
  • #19 Notre Dame #20 South Carolina – TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Dec. 30)
  • #5 Alabama #11 Kansas State – Allstate Sugar Bowl (Dec. 31)
  • #8 USC #14 Tulane – Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Jan. 2)
  • #7 Utah #9 Penn State – Rose Bowl Game (Jan. 2)

SiriusXM will carry Westwood One’s broadcast of the FCS Football Championship on January 8 (1:30 pm ET). The FCS Football Championship game will feature the winners of this weekend’s semifinal games – North Dakota St. vs. Incarnate Word and South Dakota St. vs. Montana St.

SiriusXM will also air other postseason All-Star football games of interest, including the HBCU Pigskin Showdown, showcasing the best senior football stars from historically black colleges and universities (Dec. 17 at 1 pm ET) and the All-American Bowl, which will be played by the best high school players from around the country (Jan. 7 at 1 pm ET). 

SiriusXM will carry the official radio broadcasts for many of the schools playing in Division I FBS bowl games through its agreement with LEARFIELD or individual universities. Twenty of the bowl game broadcasts – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and College Football Playoff National Championship – are produced and provided by ESPN Radio or an affiliate. Other broadcast providers are NBC Sports Audio Network, Bowl Season Radio, Touchdown Radio and Westwood One.

During the postseason, and throughout the year, SiriusXM offers fans the most in-depth audio analysis of the college game with six channels dedicated to collegiate sports. These include ESPNU Radio on SiriusXM, SiriusXM ACC Radio, SiriusXM Big Ten Radio, SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio, SiriusXM SEC Radio and SiriusXM Big 12 Radio.

College football bowl games and SiriusXM’s college sports programming are available to subscribers nationwide in their cars, as well as on their phones and connected devices at home with the SXM App.

Race Sport Lighting Raising Retailers Profit Margin, Narrowing the Line, and Raising the Bar in 2023

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Ringwood, IL (12.16.22) – Race Sport Lighting is announcing that they will be making multiple positive upgrades for industry resellers in 2023. Among those changes, is increasing the profit margin from wholesale levels to MAP beginning January 1st.  The pricing schedule went out in the 1st week of December to the sales reps to communicate to all their accounts. Even better, this was accomplished with NO across the line price increases in 2023!

Other Great company improvements in 2023 will include:

·        -A condensed CORE Catalog of Top Nationwide Sellers (in print and digital formats)

·        -Uniform wholesale pricing with larger margins

·        -All restocking fees waived for brick-and-mortar retailers on open box returns

·        -More flexible warranty with faster processing

·       – New Sales Rep Firms in 3 territories – NWP, SW and Mid-Atlantic Territories

·        -Dedicated website in Mexico for resellers south of the border in their own language

The lighting category with Race Sport Lighting just got that much more lucrative for dealers not yet all the way in the category.  The new pricing schedules will be loaded in their very popular online dealer portal on New Year’s Eve and will sync through by the New Year change over. Using the B2B dealer portal after the first of the year will ensure dealers, they have the right pricing loaded. Resellers that need a physical price sheet can get that in the Dealer Resource Center in the B2B portal on their own or request the 2023 price schedule from their Race Sport Lighting sales representative.

“The SEMA Show was a great show for resellers around North America to learn about our product solutions to the industry. It was also a great time for us to listen to them and learn what upgrades we can make in our business overall that will benefit Race Sport Lighting resellers everywhere. The improvements were driven by the dealer base, and for the dealer base. The top feedback from dealers at SEMA was they want to make higher profit margins, make doing business even easier, and have Race Sport Lighting sales reps call and visit them more frequently now that the pandemic is over and help them grow their lighting business or get one started.” Says Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.

Visit racesportinc.com for more.

SiriusXM Decks the Halls with Biggest Lineup of Holiday Music Channels Ever

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NEW YORK, NY (12.16.22) – SiriusXM unveiled its extensive holiday music lineup with 22 holiday-themed channels, including new to 2022 channels: Jingle Jamz, Cool Jazz Christmas, and Kids Christmas. The holiday season officially kicks off today on SiriusXM with many of the popular channels live now and streaming on the SXM App.  

SiriusXM brings listeners the most extensive collection of holiday channels to-date with a soundtrack to celebrate every holiday occasion. Hear beloved holiday tunes, traditional Christmas carols, and Hanukkah music, or put a twist on the classics with contemporary favorites or our genre-specific channels like holiday pop, seasonal soul, or country Christmas.

SiriusXM’s holiday channels are available to subscribers nationwide in their car and on the SXM App. The SXM App is available to subscribers on mobile devices and a wide variety of connected platforms in the home including smart speakers, smart TVs and streaming media players. Streaming access is included with all of SiriusXM’s audio trials and most popular plans. 

SiriusXM’s Holiday Channel Line-Up 

70s/80s Holidays: Sing-along to the biggest and most familiar Christmas and holiday songs from the 1970s & 80s. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Acoustic Christmas: Unplug this holiday season with nothing but acoustic Christmas tunes. Hear new and classic holiday songs stripped down for a relaxing seasonal vibe. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 6 beginning December 24 through December 25.

Christmas Spirit: Christmas music and holiday favorites exclusively from contemporary Christian artists. Here, the reason for the season is not just remembered, He’s celebrated in song, commercial free! Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 63 beginning December 7 through December 27.

Cool Jazz Christmas: A jazzy holiday soundtrack that is everything you need for a cool yule! Pour the eggnog and let the festivities begin with Christmas classics from some of the greatest contemporary jazz instrumentalists including Dave Koz, David Benoit, Jonathan Butler and Kenny G, plus a sprinkling of some of the smoothest vocals of the season from the likes of Anita Baker, Diana Krall, Take 6, and Natalie Cole. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Country Christmas: Spanning the generations of country Christmas music, including Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood and George Strait. Available on the SXM App and on channel 55 now through December 27. 

Hallmark Channel Radio: Hallmark Channel Radio is back for the holidays featuring timeless Christmas music and carols that celebrate the joy of the season hosted by Lacey Chabert. Hear the songs you love brought to you by beloved Hallmark Channel stars like Jonathan Bennett, Brooke D’Orsay and Tyler Hynes who will share their favorite holiday songs, traditions and more. They’ll also take you behind the scenes of their new Countdown to Christmas movies. Hallmark Channel Radio is the perfect way to embrace the wonder of the season with loved ones near and far. Listen all season long. Available on the SXM App and on channel 105 now through December 27. 

Holiday Chill-Out: SiriusXM brings you the first ever 24/7 Holiday Chill-Out channel featuring downtempo, chilled-out holiday favorites. Tis the season to relax. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Holiday Instrumentals: Holiday favorites but the vocals are replaced with instruments. String, piano, orchestra versions and more of your favorite holiday hits. Feel free to sing along with holiday hits instrumental style. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Holiday Pops: Classical Christmas carols and holiday favorites performed by the greatest classical artists of all-time, including Andrea Bocelli, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Luciano Pavarotti, New York Philharmonic, The Choir of King’s College, Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 76 beginning December 24 through December 25.

Holiday Soul: Classic soul and Motown holiday music from the 60s and 70s, along with R&B holiday favorites from the 80’s including Aretha Franklin, Temptations, James Brown, Lou Rawls, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, The Jackson 5, the Four Tops, The Supremes and many more. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 49 beginning December 7 through December 28.

Holiday Traditions: Traditional holiday recordings that you can sing along with by well-known vocalists from the ‘40s through the ‘60s such as Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, The Carpenters and Nat King Cole. Available now on the SXM App and on channel 71 through December 27. 

Holly: Contemporary holiday hits featuring songs by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rod Stewart, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Josh Groban, Madonna, John Legend and more. Available on the SXM App and on channel 104 now through December 27.

Jingle Jamz: Jingle Jamz is a mix of R&B and Hip Hop artists from 1990 to now, singing and rapping about the holidays.  There will be artist takeovers and specials. You’ll hear Alicia Keys, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Brian McKnight, Mariah Carey, Ashanti, Babyface, Ludacris, El DeBarge, Run-D.M.C., Musiq Soulchild, Jodeci, Gucci Mane, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, DMX and Kurtis Blow. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Jolly Christmas: Upbeat, energetic holiday tunes from Alvin and the Chipmunks and Gene Autry to Mariah Carey and José Feliciano. Feel-good and sing-along with songs that bring smiles to the season! Always a holiday hit…on Jolly Christmas. Available on the SXM App now through December 27 and on channel 14 beginning November 11 through December 27.

Kids Christmas: The soundtrack for the most magical time of year! Welcome the holiday season with songs the whole family will love. From holiday classics to today’s most jingle-jangling tunes: It’s all here on Kid’s Christmas! Rudolph, Santa Claus, and Frosty the Snowman take over the airwaves to delight both kids and kids-at-heart all season long. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Navidad: Traditional Latin Holiday classics and popular treats of today!  Featuring songs by Ricky Martin, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Tito El Bambino, Marco Antonio Solís and Fania All-Stars.  Celebrate “Navidad” with this annual soundtrack leading to Three Kings Day. Available on the SXM App now through January 6.

New Year’s Nation: New Year’s Nation is custom curated to serve as your ultimate New Year’s celebration playlist powering your party with the best pop, rhythm, dance and hip-hop hits from across the nation to ring in 2023. Featuring songs from Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, Sam Smith, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X, Rihanna and more. Available on the SXM App and on channel 104 beginning December 27 through January 3. 

Noël Incontournable: Holiday music channel featuring Francophone Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits from the ‘60s to today with music from Ginette Reno, Bruno Pelletier and Laurence Nerbonne. Available year-round on the SXM App.

Mannheim Steamroller Channel: Celebrate the holidays with Mannheim Steamroller featuring their signature blend of symphonic, new age and rock inspired Christmas music. Hosted by founder Chip Davis; explore more than three decades of their majestic sounds plus Chip’s groundbreaking Fresh Aire music. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Radio Hanukkah: Extensive collection of Hanukkah-themed music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s selections as well as daily reflections and prayers related to the holiday. Available on the SXM App beginning December 16 through December 27.

Real Jazz Holiday: Bop and swing under the mistletoe with some of the most memorable Christmas classics that make for a “real” jazz holiday!  Hear jazz masters like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and the Count Basie Orchestra to today’s stars like Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Norah Jones and Christian McBride. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Rockin’ Xmas: SiriusXM’s Rockin’ Xmas Channel features classic Christmas songs that rock including hits from AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, U2, Tom Petty, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Eagles and more.  Plus, some humorous tunes from Cheech & Chong, Adam Sandler and others. Available on the SXM App now through December 27.

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

Rolling Soundz SoundSkins Showroom Wall Display Drives Sales and Quality Sound

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SACRAMENTO, CA (12.15.22) – An in-store SoundSkins wall display was recently completed at the Rolling Soundz location in Sacramento. Store owner Nas Khan related “No doubt, our new display in this location puts the sound dampening category and SoundSkins brand in front of every customer that walks into our store.”

Rolling Soundz operates stores in Sacramento, Modesto and Turlock CA and has been in business over 10 years. Each location is staffed with 3 employees who are committed to providing the best experiences for their customers across the car, motorcycle, marine and power sports categories for top quality sound and performance..

Continuing Khan stated “We do a lot of bikes and installing SoundSkins brings out the best in motorcycles audio. The SoundSkins pre-cut kits are making easier and much faster to complete an installation. SoundSkins has expanded their selection of pre-cut kits and that is driving more sales. The product package looks very professional and the POP graphics tell the story as customers are looking at the product display that spans 12 feet on one wall in the showroom.”

Dennis Garcia, SoundSkins CEO, offered “Nas and the crew at the Rolling Soundz locations understand top quality sound and the importance of eliminating noise to achieve top quality sound. The SoundSkins wall in the Sacramento location shows the company’s dedication to top quality sound.We are located in Cerritos which makes for short delivery time.”

The 12volt Central Studios noticed the very impressive display wall on a SoundSkins Instagram post which led to this article.

Visit soundskinsglobal.com and rollingsoundz.com for more.

The Holiday Season 2022 Season Is Here

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SHREVEPORT, LA (12.15.22) The 2022 Holiday Season is here and Christmas lights, along with with Toys For Tots events, in-store decorations and parties, are in full swing. The 12volt Central Studios works to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Santa has taken a seat in the 12volt Chevy Studios Chevy and is on the road to highlight Holiday activities.

Toys For Tots events show support for, and contribute to, local communities. The 2022 Holiday Season marks the 75th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

This post from Serious Innovations will Certainly draw a crowd to the Parkway Lanes for the Toys For Tots and Car Meet this Saturday.

The Kansas City Southern Christmas Train made stops at many cities on the railroads route. On November 23rd the KCS SantaTrain stopped at the KCS Rail Yard in Shreveport LA. People were lined up waiting to walk through cars on the train that were decorated with amazing Christmas scenes and displays. Children also took pictures with Santa Claus and Elves.

The engine on the KCS Santa Train greets all with a holiday smile.
KCS employees greet people and they walk through each Santa Train car seeing Santa and Elves along the way.

The Holiday Season is an ideal opportunity for members across the 12volt industry to showcase positives by utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool. Just Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844.

We look forward to seeing your activities in the 12volt Central Studios.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.