12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.20.22) – Following the recent CES 2022 and SEMA Show 2021 it was more apparent than ever the need for companies to let the members of the 12volt industry know about their new products. With the current uncertainty in the air the in-person event dilemma continues. In past years, 12volt News has worked with nearly three dozen distributors to bring attention to their Spring Shows. The Spring of 2022 sees very little news about distributor shows.
Also, the process that a company utilizes to showcase their efforts to create interest for their brand and products across the marketplace has been disrupted. Many factory sales staffs have not traveled in nearly 2 years. The travel activity of rep firms has also been curtailed.
All companies across the 12volt industry have positive messages they need to deliver about their products and activities to 12volt retailers… that includes manufacturers, reps and distributors. The 12volt News Show is the vehicle to make that happen.
With just a smartphone companies can be featured in The 12volt News Show. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your company could be showcased in The 12volt News Show. That’s the 12voltSTP Tool in action. Information may also be sent via email to mike@12voltnews.com.
With The 12volt News Show there is no booth, freight, travel, hotel, miscellaneous expenses or associated hassles. 12voltvoltnews.com programs, that include visibility in the 12volt Central Studios and the 12voltBeat newsletter, are available to deliver company messages to members of the 12volt industry.
All industries across the business spectrum through the years have benefitted from the in-person experience. For the past 2 years the COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted activities around the world. 12volt industry disruptions have certainly not been immune to the impact of COVID-19.
Many members of the 12volt industry have already seen the value of The 12voltSTP Tool. With a smartphone it is so easy to showcase a company’s positive activities in the 12volt News. Snap and txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto…your company could be in the 12volt News.
On a personal note… This writer began attending CES in Chicago in the early 1970’s. As an award winning Sony distributor principal we hosted distributor shows throughout that 4-state territory… even purchasing a Sony Motorhome as a rolling showroom. With dB SpeakerWorks had booths at MERA plus CES in Vegas. All of those in-person events were terrific. Today, those in-person events are not happening with the same impact.
Let’s put your company in The 12volt News Show. Just Snap and Txt an image, with a few words to 318-465-0844. Presto… Your company could be in The 12volt News Show!
MONROE, WA (01.19.22) – The initial DS18 order arrived at the Evolution Sales warehouse on Friday, January 14th.
“We set up our first DS18 dealer, Raineer Audio, on Sunday January 16th. We had been speaking with Logan Craver about bringing in the line. When we let him know it had arrived he wanted to come from Lakewood on Sunday, pick out models and take it with him. That happened and we are off to a great start as an authorized distributor with DS18,” Darin Plemel related.
A pallet of DS18 ready to go on the rack in the Evolution warehouse.
Evolution opened as a distributor just over 2 years ago. Plemel’s 12volt history includes 12 years with a rep/distributor in the Pacific Northwest. Darin’s son Devin also works with Evolution as the family serves their growing dealer base across Washington and Oregon. Aunex plus brands Heise, Axxess, iBeam and Shuriken under the Metra umbrella complete the Evolution linecard.
A smiling Logan Craver picking up his order for Raineer Audio-Lakewood WA on Sunday at the Evolution facility in Monroe WA. Note his co-pilot in the SUV.
Chuck Kenney, DS18 Sales Manager, offered, “Evolution Sales was strongly recommended to me by a dealer in the area and that got the ball rolling. We look forward to working with Darin and Evolution Sales to grow the DS18 brand in the Pacific Northwest.”
Scott Scheffler-Platinum Car Audio in Puyallup WA, picking up this weeks supply of DS18 from the Evolution Sales office in Monroe WA on Tuesday afternoon., January 18th.
“Since opening one of our main objectives has been to stay in touch with activities the marketplace. The DS18 product lineup fills a need in the market. Some sound-off enthusiasts were sourcing DS18 products from outside the area. Now DS18 will be available from dealers in the Pacific Northwest,” Darin Plemel stated.
Evolution Sales is located at 146th Street SE Suite141, Monroe WA 98272
HAYWARD, CA (01.19.22) – Take complete control of your mobile audio system with the new Earthquake Sound EQ-4000BT v2 4-band parametric equalizer. With essential features that any mobile audio enthusiast would enjoy, Earthquake went one step further in offering the ability to stream your favorite tunes and playlists from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Four input source options are available giving users maximum flexibility for a better listening experience. Subwoofer level and crossover frequency controls are also at the front panel making it easier for users to tailor low frequencies to their listening preferences.
Whether used for personal or commercial audio systems, the new EQ-4000BT v2 will give you the ability to get the most out of your audio system and contour the sound to suit your musical taste.
DETROIT, MI (01.18.22) – The push to draw new pickup buyers forces automakers to do some creative things, including the recent push to add functionality to the tailgate.
General Motors and Ram both have tailgates that provide a myriad of functions easing access or improving hauling capability of their full-size pickups. Ford’s been happy to retain its simple tailgate that offers a step with a handle and that’s about it.
The automaker’s filed for patents on some designs for a multifunction tailgate and they be showing up sooner rather than later, the web outlet reported.
What’s coming?
The drawings show a tailgate with three vertical sections with the center section featuring a side hinge allowing it to open like a door rather than a truck tailgate, similar to the Ram’s multifunction tailgate. Ford takes it a bit further though as it’s a power tailgate, which likely uses the key fob to control it and perhaps the infotainment section or even an app.
Ford submitted patent drawings for a new multifunction tailgate with three sections
Additionally, the existing step that’s been part of Ford’s tailgate for so long is revised as well. The drawings show a new version of the step that essentially flips down from the rear bumper. This allows for easier access while the tailgate is closed.
However, the drawings also show the existing step and handle are still incorporated into the tailgate itself so owners will have a way to gain better access to the bed regardless of the door is closed or open.
DETROIT, MI (01.18.22) – The shortage of semiconductors continues to limit production of new vehicles across North America and other parts of the globe.
However, news reports across the State of Ohio suggest one of the world’s major chip makers, Intel Corp., is preparing to announce plans for a new chip fabrication plant near Columbus, Ohio in the middle of the so-called U.S. “Rust Belt.”
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is looking to position the company as the top supplier of chips to U.S. companies.
New investment headed for Ohio
The location just outside of Columbus would put the new plant within easy reach of vehicle assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky down into Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Mazda all operate plants in area, stretching from the Midwest into the Southeast.
Intel, according to the new reports from Ohio, is looking to invest $20 billion in the new plant, which could employ upwards of 3,000 people in what could be the largest economic development project in the state’s history.
An Ohio plant would be situated close to a variety of auto facilities, including GM’s site in Spring Hill, Tennessee where the new Cadillac Lyriq EV will be produced.
New investment sparked by automotive innovation
Automation and globalization have had a major impact on jobs in the region during the past four decades but investments in electric vehicles, batteries and electronics are drawing new investment into the area.
GM and the South Korean firm LG Energy are nearly finished building a new battery plant in Lordstown, Ohioand have broken ground on a second in Spring Hill, Tennessee. GM also is expected to announce plans for a third battery plant near Lansing, Michigan.
However, IHS Markit noted in a recent report production by the North American auto industry is still limited by the shortage of chips. Both the packaging and fabrication of semiconductors, with some exceptions, is done largely in Southeast Asia, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.17.22) – Featuring 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders Champion Robert Matranga with his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, the History Channel will premiere the Battle of the Builders special on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. (PT/ET). The one-hour special has aired on television since 2015, giving viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, up-close footage of the vehicles, and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their personal stories and journey to the SEMA Show. For many of the builders, SEMA Battle of the Builders is their chance to prove that they are among the elite.
The History Channel will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show with the one-hour Battle of the Builders TV special on Sunday, January 23.
“As a trade-only event, the SEMA Show is where every car enthusiast dreams of attending,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President, Events. “SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party, has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers who have never experienced the SEMA Show an opportunity to see what happens behind closed doors, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”
Along with Matranga, the TV special will feature dozens of builders in the automotive industry, as well as hosts Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and judges Cam Miller, Jeremiah Proffitt, Kyle Kuhnhausen, and R.J. de Vera. For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special airing Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 9:00 AM. (PT/ET) on the History Channel, visit www.semashow.com/botb.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.17.22) – Following the recent CES 2022 and SEMA Show 2021 it was more apparent than ever the need for companies to let the members of the 12volt industry know about their new products. With the current uncertainty in the air the in-person event dilemma continues. In past years 12volt News has worked with nearly three dozen distributors to bring attention to their Spring Shows. The Spring of 2022 sees very news about distributor shows.
Also, the process that a company utilizes to showcase their efforts to create interest for their brand and products across the marketplace has been disrupted. Many factory sales staffs have not traveled in nearly 2 years. The travel activity of rep firms has also been curtailed.
All companies across the 12volt industry have positive messages they need to deliver about their products and activities to 12volt retailers… that includes manufacturers, reps and distributors. The 12volt News Show is the vehicle to make that happen.
With just a smartphone companies can be featured in The 12volt News Show. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your company could be showcased in The 12volt News Show. That’s the 12voltSTP Tool in action. Information may also be sent via email to mike@12voltnews.com.
With The 12volt News Show there is no booth, freight, travel, hotel, miscellaneous expenses or associated hassles. 12voltvoltnews.com programs, that include visibility in the 12volt Central Studios and the 12voltBeat newsletter, are available to deliver company messages to members of the 12volt industry.
All industries across the business spectrum through the years have benefitted from the in-person experience. For the past 2 years the COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted activities around the world. 12volt industry disruptions have certainly not been immune to the impact of COVID-19.
Many members of the 12volt industry have already seen the value of The 12voltSTP Tool. With a smartphone it is so easy to showcase a company’s positive activities in the 12volt News. Snap and txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto…your company could be in the 12volt News.
On a personal note… This writer began attending CES in Chicago in the early 1970’s. As an award winning Sony distributor principal we hosted distributor shows throughout that 4-state territory… even purchasing a Sony Motorhome as a rolling showroom. With dB SpeakerWorks had booths at MERA plus CES in Vegas. All of those in-person events were terrific. Today, those in-person events are not happening with the same impact.
Let’s put your company in The 12volt News Show. Just Snap and Txt an image, with a few words to 318-465-0844. Presto… Your company could be in The 12volt News Show!
NEW YORK, NY (01.14.22) – SiriusXM Holdings Inc. has announced that its subsidiary, Sirius XM Radio Inc., has acquired Cloud Cover Media, Inc. Cloud Cover Media offers Cloud Cover Music, a music for business service, and employs business management, music programming, licensing, and software development teams. Cloud Cover Music’s easy-to-use solutions and robust tech platform allow businesses to deliver music, with customized audio messaging if desired, to create the desired atmosphere for their prospects, customers, and clients.
Cloud Cover Music’s combination of an intuitive online platform and experienced large enterprise account team offers organizations of any size in any industry a robust selection of ad-free music for their business with full control over what their customers and employees will hear. Cloud Cover Music’s self-service solutions and dedicated staff offer a wide range of features and options that can be tailored for each business’ needs. Cloud Cover Music provides the soundtrack for a wide variety of commercial locations across the United States and Canada.
Cloud Cover Music joins SiriusXM Music for Business and Pandora for Business in SiriusXM’s commercial music portfolio. Together these services provide comprehensive and complementary offerings for businesses of all sizes.
The Cloud Cover Music team will continue to be led by Vice President and General Manager Mark Lehman.
“We are thrilled to become part of the SiriusXM family,” stated Lehman. “As one of the fastest growing music for business services, we’re proud of the track record that Cloud Cover Music has achieved with our tens of thousands of customers. We’re excited to have the brand recognition and strength of SiriusXM and Pandora behind us as we continue to focus on delivering the best music and messaging products for businesses.”
“Cloud Cover Music has built an advanced tech platform with a host of features that are very attractive to businesses who want an easy-to-install solution, want to be fully covered on licensing, and also want to be able to create a tailored soundtrack for their business,” said Joe Verbrugge, Executive Vice President, SiriusXM. “SiriusXM and Pandora have always offered a unique blend of great content and great technology. The addition of Cloud Cover Music to our commercial music portfolio is expected to help propel us forward and contribute to the growth of our business.”
SiriusXM was represented by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as counsel. Alkali Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Cloud Cover Media, and David Wohlberg and Ekong Udoekwere represented the company as counsel.
DETROIT, MI (01.14.22) – Unmet demand for new vehicles due to unavailability forced many new vehicle buyers gobble up late model used vehicles in 2021, setting a new sales record at 40.9 million vehicles.
The total marks a 10% jump compared to 2020 results. According to Cox Automotive, more than half of those — 22.2 million — were sold by used car dealers. The strong sales came despite used car prices rising.
Used car sales set a new record of 40.9 million vehicles in 2021.
Used vehicles are expected to break a record, with the average monthly payment for used vehicles climbing to $520, an increase from $500 in the third quarter of 2021 and $437 in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to Edmunds.com.
That payment came over a slightly longer term compared to Q3 2021 — 70 months v. 69.6 months — but the payment jumped, and the amount financed rose by nearly $1,300: from $28,634 to $29,913.
HOLLY HILL, FL (01.13.22) – Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics has new radio installation kits, digital signal processors, smart brake light flashers, a new and improved handlebar audio control retention interface, accessory harnesses, and an amp wiring kit, in stock now and shipping. All of these new products are designed to fit select Harley-Davidson motorcycle models for easy installation, giving owners better options for audio system upgrades and customizations. These new products were first shown at the 2021 SEMA Show and will also be on display at the AIMExpo in the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 19th to 21st.
Radio Installation Kits Saddle Tramp’s new radio installation kits include an interface with a water-resistant enclosure, wiring harness, and an antenna adapter to make replacing the factory radio easy. The interface retains the use of the factory handlebar audio controls and other features, depending on the kit. The BC-HDR-K1 is for an ISO Double-DIN radio that has an “L” shaped chassis design with the chassis at the top, and the BC-HDR-K3 is for a Single-DIN radio. Both kits are designed to fit non-amplified 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra, Limited, and 2015-up* Road Glide models. Saddle Tramp’s new Police Edition kits are designed to fit 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLHTP models with the police package. The BC-HDR-K4 is for an ISO Single-DIN radio and the BC-HDR-K2 is for an “L” shaped Double-DIN or modular radio with the chassis mounted at the top. Both of the kits designed for Single-DIN radios include an LCD screen to display the oil pressure and EITMS status.
Digital Signal Processors with Built-in Interface Saddle Tramp’s new patented DSPs are designed for easy integration with aftermarket or factory systems for an enhanced sound system with full tuning control. The BC-DSPL-HD1 fits 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT motorcycles with plug-n-play harnessing. The BC-DSPL-HD2 fits 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra, Limited, and 2015-up* Road Glide models. The BC-DSPL-HD2’s key benefit is its advanced integration technology reflashes a non-amplified radio for a flat response curve, without the need for external equipment. This reduces the cost, saves time, and allows installers to provide better service with complete control over the upgrade. Both DSPs provide six channels of output and a fifteen-band graphic EQ per channel with a selectable slope. Installers can adjust and control the sound system specifically for the acoustics of the motorcycle and the driver’s personal audio preferences. All tuning is done wirelessly via a smart app for tablets or phones and can be password-protected once set up.
BC-DSPL-HD1 and BC-DSPL-HD2 Product Specifications ● 6 channels of output from the DSP ● 15-band graphic EQ per channel with a selectable slope (12, 24, 36, or 48db per octave) ● Built-in selectable crossover per channel (high, low & band) to achieve the perfect sound ● Independent equalization for front, rear, and subwoofer ● Time delay circuit per channel (front and rear channels can be delayed independently up to 10ms) ● Tuning setup and wireless control via a smart device application (tablet or mobile phone) ● Read, write, and store configurations for future recall ● Optional password protection feature for tuning control via the mobile app ● Small footprint for easy installation behind the fairing ● Pre-wired harness for easy amplifier installation ● Retains balance and fade control ● Built-in clipping detection and limiting circuits ● Bass knob included ● Water-resistant case & connections ● Micro-B USB updatable ● U.S. Patent 9,875,078
BC-DSPL-HD2 Features: ● Integration technology to reflash the factory radio ● Creates a flat response curve without the need for external equipment
Smart Brake Light Flashers Saddle Tramp has three new smart brake light flashers for drivers looking for better visibility by adding a strobing or flashing brake light effect. A rotary switch on the control box has selectable options for ten different patterns, such as a slow flash and then solid light, or constant strobe. This plug-n-play flasher is easy to install and is designed specifically for the original factory rear brake lights, and is not compatible with rear bullet-style brake/turn signal lights. The BC-HDSSF1 fits 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Road Glide, and Road King Touring models, the BC-HDSSF2 fits 1996-2013 Electra Glide, Ultra Classic/Limited, Road King/Classic, and Road Glide Standard/Ultra/Custom Touring models, and the BC-HDSSF3 fits 2010-2013 Street Glide and Road Glide Touring models. BC-HDSSF1/2/3 Product Specifications ● Add a flashing or strobe light effect to brake lights ● 84 watts/7-amp selectable strobe light ● 10 selectable patterns for LED lights ● Works with original factory LED or incandescent rear brake lights ● Plug-n-play installation
Handlebar Audio Control Retention Interface Saddle Tramp’s new and improved BC-HDSWC-WR interface retains the use of the factory handlebar audio controls when replacing the radio. It is designed to fit 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT models with a fairing, without the factory amplifier, and with two speaker systems. It uses patented Auto-Detect technology that configures itself for the specific motorcycle application and connected aftermarket radio. It now includes a water-resistant case and comes with a plug-n-play harness for easy installation. This interface also provides wires for speakers, constant power, switched power and ground.
Accessory Harnesses Saddle Tramp continues to make wiring aftermarket audio systems even easier with plug-n-play connections designed to fit Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Their latest accessories include the BC-9711 rear speaker retention harness for 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT models, complete with pre-terminated Molex™ terminals and oxygen-free copper wiring. The BC-9717 is a plug-n-play rear speaker bypass harness used for splitting the inputs and outputs when installing aftermarket amplifiers in 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited models. For adding aftermarket 12volt accessories to a power source, the BC-9719 is a battery accessory Y harness with OE connectors designed to fit 2004-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring FLH/FLT models and 2014-up* Touring and Trike models with Stage II Boom!™ Audio packages.
Amp Wiring Kit Saddle Tramp’s new BC-9703 is an amplifier wiring kit designed to fit 2014-up* Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT models. It is used for installing single or dual amplifiers in the front fairing with a quick disconnect for each amplifier. It is constructed with oxygen-free copper for the best possible conductivity and audio performance and includes 8-gauge 5.5-foot power and ground wires, a 60-amp mini ANL fuse and holder, an ignition T-harness for amplifier turn-on, and an over mold split to two 10-gauge power and ground wires.
All of these new motorcycle products are in stock now, with additional details and wiring diagrams available at MetraOnline.com. AIMExpo attendees can see them in person at booth 2005 from January 19th to 21st at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Metra Electronics will also be participating in the Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties Spring NVP Expo from January 29th to 30th at the Kentucky International Convention Center to showcase their latest Saddle Tramp products. A special training session covering these new products will also be hosted at KnowledgeFest at the South Point Hotel & Casino Convention Center in Las Vegas from February 18th to 20th.
*See MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.
