ELKHART, IN (04.25.22) – ASA Electronics has hired Rachel West as the Marketing Director for ASA Electronics after Monica Pletcher’s retirement. In this role, West will manage the marketing team and handle strategic planning, digital marketing, and brand management. She brings 12 years of combined education and experience in the RV industry.
“We are thrilled to have Rachel with us. Her leadership and drive for continued improvement are exactly what we were looking for in a Marketing Director. She’s a breath of fresh air,” stated Brent Barrow, President of ASA Electronics.
“I’m excited to work for a company with such a great reputation amongst its employees and partners,” commented Rachel West. “ASA Electronics has an innovative product offering and a diverse customer base, providing our team with the opportunity to work with many different industries and audiences.”
Rachel’s first goals are to put her focus and efforts toward customers and clients.
“We want to continue supporting them and providing them with the assets and details they and their customers need to feel confident in our product.”
MURFREESBORO, TN (04.22.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers continues its streak of rapid expansion as it announces the opening of its fifth Tennessee franchise, located in Murfreesboro.
Owned and operated by Craig and Anna Nangle, the new store provides full-service automotive styling, window tinting and automotive aftermarket accessories to Murfreesboro and the surrounding area.
“We can’t fully express how delighted we are to be given the opportunity to serve automotive enthusiasts in the Murfreesboro area,” Anna Nangle said. “With the resources and support we get through this outstanding franchise system, we’re going to make Tint World Murfreesboro the destination center for our community’s automotive styling and detailing needs.”
“Craig and Anna are an incredible part of our growing Tint World family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “They are immensely passionate about expanding the brand’s service options in Murfreesboro, and we know they will do an excellent job of providing quality products and service to their clientele. Craig and Anna are focused on building their business in a way that supports the local community, and we’re proud to help them accomplish this goal.”
Tint World Murfreesboro is located at 1610 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about what the store offers, call 615-538-1881 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/tn/murfreesboro-092.
Tint World Automotive Styling Centers offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.
PHOENIX, AZ (04.22.22) – MTX Audio, of the MiTek Electronics and Communications Group, is announcing that their all-new audio kits and components for the Polaris RZR Pro XP platform of vehicles are now in stock and shipping. Kits are compatible with 2020 and newer machines and install in existing factory locations.
The kits consist of four main packages that will work on Ride Command and non- Ride Command vehicles alike and will offer different levels of audio experience from the basic three speaker package to a complete five speaker system. The Ride Command kits feature a direct plug and play harness that connects into the vehicles system allowing full functionality right through the display screen while the non-Ride Command systems come with our AWMC3 full function media receiver as a source.
Additionally, there are two OE add-on kits available. The first allows a customer to add the PROXP-20- SW and MUD600-1 amplifier to an existing OE front two speaker system and the second option allows the addition of a pair of our MUD65PL rear speakers to an OE two or three speaker system. All kits come complete with direct-fit hardware and plug-n-play harnesses for a frustration-free installation.
The separate front component speakers and subwoofer enclosure is also available outside of a kit package for customers looking for the individual parts. The PROXP-20-FS component speaker system features our new ground up designed 6 ½” speaker pod that mounts in the factory location beneath the dash combined with a high output, soft dome tweeter that mounts on the top of the dash.
The PROXP-20-SW subwoofer enclosure features our high output 10-inch subwoofer in a high mounted, ported design that installs in the passenger side dash area. The enclosure is intended to be coupled with the MUD600-1 mono-block amplifier and features a front firing design to maximize bass output.
“The feedback and excitement over our new Polaris RZR Pro XP kit has been amazing.” said Director of Sales and Marketing, Jason Fickas. “Dealers and customers alike have expressed how much they have been looking forward to an audio solution for this platform and we’re happy to finally be able to deliver it.”
Be sure to follow us on social media or check out our website for more details as they develop.
This article was written by Jonathon Ramsey for autoblog.com
BIRMINGHAM, MI (04.21.22) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration might be devoted to ensuring drivers aren’t distracted while on the go, but automakers are growing just as inclined to ensure you’re never not distracted when you’re stopped. Looks like Ford will be the next automaker to load its infotainment system with games, after Tesla launched its Arcade mode last year and the Mercedes-Benz EQS options list included a game bundle.
Darren Palmer, Ford’s VP of global EV programs, posted a video to LinkedIn with the caption, “Some cute little games now on the F-150 Lightning. Proving a hit with my kids in final testing …” We’ll assume it’s his kid’s hand in the video using the volume knob to weave some Ford model — perhaps the Mustang Mach-E — through traffic on a four-lane road. We’ll also assume that since Palmer wrote “games,” there will be more than one available in the system.
This game appears to have all the basics of a good time-waster: simple control, simple objective, easy enough for a kid to play and enjoy, task-oriented just enough for an adult to play and save a sliver of attention for whatever that adult is waiting for. And there’s a secondary game (for us, anyway) of “ID the Traffic.” We spotted a Mustang GT500, an F-150, and a GT. We really wouldn’t mind a Frogger version of this, either.
Winter is staging one last stand before the onslaught of spring and its promise of warmer weather. However, with climbing temperatures comes the impetus to drive topless. Who are we to argue?
But convertibles can be pricey; however, we’re offering up five of the least-expensive new convertibles you can buy. Surprisingly, all are iconic, which may explain their continued popularity. Best of all, all cost far less than $45,927 — the average price of a new vehicle in March. This means you’ll have a whole mess of fun without breaking the bank.
Note that prices do not include destination charge, options and taxes.
5. Ford Mustang: $32,705
After nearly six decades of continuous production, this sporty stallion mixes American moxie with European lines buffed to a modern sheen. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine develops 310 horsepower to the rear wheels, more than the Mustang’s base V-8 developed 10 years ago.
A 6-speed manual is standard, a 10-speed automatic is optional. Best of all, all Mustangs eventually become collectibles, although you’ll have to wait. In the meantime, imagine the fun you’ll have. No wonder it remains the world’s most popular sport coupe.
4. Chevrolet Camaro: $32,695
The Mustang’s chief rival remains a compelling competitor, thanks to its outlandishly fun wardrobe that elicits longing glances from children disguised as adults. Yet it’s the car’s chassis that brings the greatest satisfaction. Its combination of cornering ability without a bone-jarring ride will surprise you.
But the Camaro comes with caveats. Its 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission make for a quick ride, although the base Mustang has more ponies. And visibility is far from great with the top up, which is another reason to keep it stowed.
3. Jeep Wrangler: $29,995
Any convertible will get you to the beach, but this is the only one that can transport you across it with its doors and top removed and its windshield folded. And it’s the only droptop listed that carries five adults, can ford rivers, and easily cut through the worst winter weather thanks to four-wheel drive. Try that in a Miata.
Keep in mind that this money buys you the two-door Jeep, not the four-door Unlimited. Power is good from its 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, just don’t expect a smooth quiet ride on paved roads.
AVON LAKE, OH (04.20.22) – Automotive heat and sound control products company Design Engineering, Inc. is doing its part to make sure the annual HOT ROD Power Tour features some of the most imaginative, inspiring and just plain cool cars around.
Along the Power Tour, the DEI booth will play host to vehicles provided by Boris Maryanovsky and his shop, Street Machinery, as well as Sally’s Speed Shop and Chris Hamilton and his Project Rocky. The tour runs June 13-17 through the backroads of Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
“Visitors to any and all stops of the Power Tour are invited to come by the DEI booth to learn more about our performance heat and sound control products,” said Steve Garrett, Creative Director of DEI. “We’ll have great vehicles on display at every stop, plus a few other surprises!”
The 28th Annual HOT ROD Power Tour Presented by eBay Motors Driven by Continental Tire is returning to its traditional early summer running time for 2022. The world’s largest traveling car show will make a 1,000-mile journey through the small towns of the American South.
The Tour stops each afternoon, allowing vendors to welcome interested participants and spectators. Make plans to visit DEI’s booth each day:
June 13 – Liberty Park, Memphis, Tennessee June 14 – Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tennessee June 15 – Hoover Met Complex, Hoover, Alabama June 16 – Pensacola Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida June 17 – Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, Georgia
For more information about DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit designengineering.com.
DETROIT, MI (04.20.22) – This week, on April 14, 1964, the automotive press saw what the general public would see three days later, a new car that was first confirmed by a Ford Motor Co. press release in February.
“Ford Division confirmed today that it will introduce a new line of cars this spring,” said the press release issued Feb. 6, 1964, by Lee Iacocca, vice president of Ford Motor Co. “The new line of cars will be called the Mustang … no further details on the new car line will be revealed until the time of its public introduction.”
Ford Motor Co. executives Lee Iacocca and Don Frey with the 1964-1/2 Ford Mustang.
The car would become an icon for Ford and create a new class of automobile, the Pony Car.
With a 108-inch wheelbase, 2,500-pound curb weight and a $2,368 price tag, Ford sold 22,000 Mustangs on the first day. Its popularity proved unprecedented. But its development was a long one, having started in 1960.
Healthy sales despite stodgy cars
Ford’s bestseller at the time was the Ford Falcon, a sensible unexciting compact sedan introduced that year alongside such new competitors as the Chevrolet Corvair, Plymouth Valiant, AMC Rambler and Studebaker Lark. Ford’s bird was the most successful, selling more than 400,000 units in its initial year. The car was emblematic of the Ford line under Ford Motor President Robert McNamara: solid, conservative and dull.
The 1960 Ford Falcon platform was dull but popular, and used as a basis for the first Ford Mustang.
As Ford Automotive Division general manager and vice president, McNamara took the two-seat Ford Thunderbird, introduced for 1955, and added rear seats in 1958, instantly eliminating its cache. The elegant, Lincoln Continental Mark II was dropped and the ungainly Edsel introduced instead, leading to a $250 million flop. In its wake, Henry Ford II proved reluctant to consider any new cars and the company’s products became increasingly stodgy and dull.
By 1960, McNamara was named Ford Automotive Division’s president, with Lee Iacocca inheriting his old spot, but the arrangement wouldn’t last long. When McNamara left Ford in late 1960 to become Secretary of Defense under President John F. Kennedy, Iacocca was named Ford Division President. He was 36 years old.
The Euro-styled Ford Allegro was one of the early proposals for what would become the Mustang.
A market looking for a car
But Iacocca was becoming aware of the emerging youth market, one that was entering their teenage years and would soon be driving. He felt a car should be made to meet the market. In late 1960, Iacocca formed a committee of Ford managers to investigate the possibilities, but knowing Henry’s reluctance, convened the new team at The Fairlane Inn, a motor lodge two miles west of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, and away from prying eyes.
What the The Fairlane Committee discovered was what they termed “a market looking for a car.”
Ford market research had consistently shown that college educated consumers, like the Baby Boomers now coming of age, accounted for 46% of new car purchasers despite the fact they only made up 18% of the overall population. Research also showed that women car owners were one of the segments growing most quickly and that they would be the ones most likely to use a second car. But it would have to be small, maneuverable and be easy to park.
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.19.22) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.
The images in this article showcase Vickers AV with a new Stinger Heigh 10 shipment, The KICKER XRV headed to Desert Storm in Lake Havasu, Rydeen Mobile team members at Bangharts in West Chester PA plus action at the N&H dealer event in Hattiesburg MS in the last few days.
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 to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
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. 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.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 10,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities in the 12volt News.
NEW YORK, NY (04.19.22) – Pandora has announced the launch of a new station, Country Grit.
The late, great Harlan Howard once described country music as “three chords and the truth,” and there’s a new wave of the genre that may add a few chords but takes authenticity to a new, unapologetic level. Pandora’s brand-new Country Grit station, launching today, was born from the undeniable popularity of rock-infused, edgy country music that pushes both sonic and lyrical boundaries.
“I’m a fire-tongued dеvil with a belly full of gasoline,” sings Cody Jinks on “All It Cost Me Was Everything,” which plays out like a lyrical confession. It’s this kind of heart-on-sleeve, uncensored songwriting coupled with dueling electric and steel guitars that defines Country Grit.
Jinks joins other indie trailblazers including Warren Zeiders and Whiskey Myers on the station, along with icons like Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert and Aaron Lewis. Red-hot newcomers Bailey Zimmerman, Tyler Braden, Parker McCollum and Morgan Wade are also among the artists featured on the station, linked by their affinity for loud guitars and the cold-hard truth.
“Thrilled to be included in Pandora’s new station Country Grit,” states Morgan Wade. “For me, country grit is just an attitude of being your true self and going after your goals, whether they are personal, professional or whatever they may be.”
DALLAS, TX (04.18.22) – Sunday, May 22nd, is the date for the SSR Distributors Dealer Show at the company’s new Dallas location. The 25,000 square foot location in northwest Dallas opened in January of this year after an extreme makeover of the building.
Tracy Farr, SSR VP Sales/Ops, related “We look forward to showing all our new Dallas location. Over 20 of our best 12volt vendors and manufacturers will be displaying products with representative on site. We will offer super crazy deals on select products at the event. Also, there will be some training classes through the day with Audio Control and Metra already set with a training time.”
See Tracy, Amir, Bob and Anita with the SSR Dallas Team members at the Dallas Dealer Show.
At the new SSR Distributors location dealers will see a ‘friendly old face’ as Bob Irwin recently joined the SSR Dallas Team.
The SSR Dealer Show is a family friendly event with activities for kids along with food and refreshments.
Key SSR brands include KICKER, Pioneer, KENWOOD, JVC, Compustar/Firstech, VOXX, Metra, Audio Control and Nakamichi.
Make your plans to attend the SSR Distributors Dealer Show… 2880 Virgo Lane Dallas, TX 75229. Please RSVP by May 1st.
12VoltNews.com 