CLEARWATER, FL (06.24.2021) – Stinger Electronics and Phoenix Gold have partnered to unveil their hottest new product, a high-performance loaded subwoofer enclosure for Jeeps, Trucks and other vehicles.
The TXJWB12, Jeep subwoofer enclosure and the TXTRB10, Truck subwoofer enclosure, both provide drivers with the ability to easily add heart-pounding bass to their vehicles without occupying a ton of space.
The Jeep enclosure includes a bass-thumping, 12-inch Phoenix Gold subwoofer, protected by a Roadkill Armor-coated enclosure, making it weather-proof and rugged for outdoor adventures. It adds four times more bass to a Jeep, as compared to a factory premium subwoofer package. TXJWB12 uniquely mounts to the Jeep’s tailgate allowing the driver to save space for other belongings. The Jeep enclosure fits Jeep Wrangler 2-door and 4-door JK/JL models 2007+ and includes all mounting hardware for easy installation.
The truck enclosure adds a powerful 10-inch Phoenix Gold subwoofer, protected by a Roadkill Liquid-coated enclosure, making it durable for rugged towing and work activities. Despite its deep accurate bass, the enclosure is made to fit in many under-seat truck applications and works well behind seats as a footrest, over-center humps and in hatchbacks.
TEMPE, AZ (06.24.2021) – Mobile Solutions announces the release of ST-SONY-KIT, a time-saving eight piece speaker template set designed and engineered specifically for the new Sony Mobile ES speaker line. Manufactured from durable black plastic and etched with the individual product IDs, each of the speakers in the Mobile ES lineup has two supporting templates; a baseplate template for the mounting surface/opening and a flush template for the speaker grille diameter to accommodate flush or recessed custom mounting. Sony Car Audio Distribution Sales Manager Anthony Tozzi commented “We are excited to be launching the new Sony Mobile ES speakers, and these templates ensure the best possibility for ease and accuracy of installation. Mobile Solutions creates great products, and these custom install templates for the four common speaker sizes in the current Sony Mobile ES lineup will help make the technician’s fabrication tasks easier for custom installations.”
“We engineered these templates to make installations of Sony Mobile ES speakers faster and more effective than having the technician create their own templating system” explains Bryan Schmitt, founder and CEO at Mobile Solutions. These days speed and efficiency are an important element in installation bays so that labor dollars and product performance is maximized. Certain innovations in the Sony Mobile ES speakers, such as the Separated Notch Edge Surround on the subwoofer and component 6.5” mean that optimal mounting surfaces using the baseplate template as a starting point are critical to allow the speaker’s optimal performance envelope. With the second precisely sized flush template, installation of grilles – either those included or if custom fabricated – is an easy way to protect the speaker and facilitate a more integrated appearance. “At the $99.99 price point, a retailer can easily make their investment on the templates back on the first component set or subwoofer install and feel confident the performance will not be negatively affected by the mounting arrangement” continued Schmitt.
Although made for the XS-162ES woofer in the 2-way component set, the template will also accommodate the Sony Mobile ES XS-160ES 2-way coaxial speaker. The XS-680ES is a 6×8” 2-way coaxial that is intended for factory locations, thereby not requiring a custom mounting template solution. “The folks at Sony Car Audio have been great to work with on this project and it’s exciting to see a manufacturer’s team go the extra step to help their retailers have the tools to be more efficient and accurate in their custom installation efforts. We think this is a great way to compliment the launch of this premium speaker line” commented Bryan Schmitt.
Sony Car Audio’s National Product Trainer, Kris Bulla, added “We are excited to get back to in-person trainings and will be reminding technicians of these custom templates as we go through the design and detail of the speakers themselves during Sony Mobile ES product training throughout the country and at events like KnowledgeFest.” Bulla and fellow Sony Car Audio Tech Team members are scheduled to train thousands of installation technicians, sales professionals and retail car audio business owners this year.
ST-SONY-KIT Features:
Manufactured from durable 1/4″ black plastic
Eight (8) piece total, two (2) templates per speaker size
Etched with precision alignment lines and product identification
Pre-positioned speaker mounting holes for accuracy and proper grille orientation
Made in Arizona USA!
Cost = $99.99
Includes:
XS-W104ES 10” – Mounting Template and Flush Template
XS-690ES 6”x9” – Mounting Template and Flush Template
XS-162ES 6.5” – Mounting Template and Flush Template (also works with XS-160ES coaxial)
XS-162ES Tweeter – Mounting Template and Flush Template
The complete ST-SONY-KIT eight piece template set is offered at the introductory price of $99.99 and available now from Mobile Solutions.
LAS VEGAS, NV (06.23.2021) – Magnadyne is excited to announce the resigning of Z- Marketing Specialist to represent the New Carbine and Silencer remote start & security product lines for Southern California and Southern Nevada (Las Vegas).
Steve Zanki
Z-Marketing was launched by its principal Steven Zanki in 1992. Steven is an accomplished 12-volt Sales veteran, musician and guitarist. Since Z Marketing’s inception, Steven and his team have earned multiple Rep. of the Year sales awards and they are excited to partner with Magnadyne Corp. in bringing these legacy brands to market.
“I look forward to working with Steven and his team in bringing our New Silencer and Carbine Security, Remote Start Solutions to one of the largest Automotive Security Centric Markets in the United States. Both Steven and I are committed to adding value through the seamless execution of our sales, service and strategic placement initiatives for the southern California marketplace,” commented Magnadyne’s Armando Parra.
For more information on Z Marketing or to inquire about becoming an authorized Carbine dealer or authorized Silencer distributor in Southern California and Las Vegas, N.V. please contact Steven at (949) 472-6003 or by email at steve@z-mktg.com.
HUNTINGTON, NY (06.23.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has opened a new location in Huntington, N.Y. This is the third location owned by Tim and Stacy Kjaer, and fifth Tint World location in New York.
“We’re proud to open our new state-of-the-art facility in this wonderful community,” Tim Kjaer said. “We’re bringing the fantastic customization and automotive styling services that Tint World is known for to Huntington residents. You won’t find a more dedicated and experienced staff to enhance, protect, and customize your vehicles.”
Huntington, New York
Tint World Huntington, N.Y., offers a wide range of auto styling products and services, including window tinting, advanced driver-assistance systems, car stereo upgrades, custom wheel and tire packages, mobile electronics, nano ceramic coatings, paint protection films, security systems, color-change vehicle wraps, vinyl graphics, and much more.
“This is Tim and Stacy’s third Tint World location in New York,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’ll do an amazing job serving the Huntington community and as ambassadors of our brand. We’ll be seeing great things from this location in the years ahead.”
Tint World Huntington, New York is located at 311 W. Jericho Turnpike #313, Huntington, NY 11743.
SHREVEPORT, LA (06.22.2021) – Unique Auto Sound & Security received the JBL WIND2 Prize in Lindenhurst NY. Sean Kafaierad commented “Mike, we received the prize and I can’t wait to start using it. JBL makes such great products and this portable JBL Bluetooth speaker can be used in so many places.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
Sean Kafaierad gives a big thumbs up as he holds the JBL WIND2. Sean is pictured behind the counter in his Lindenhurst NY Unique Auto Sound & Security store.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 131st time on Friday morning June 11th. The Wheel landed on the JBL space. The Unique Auto Sound & Security slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
The JBL WIND2 12volt Spin-To-Win Prize 131 ready to ship from the 12volt Central Studios.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, June 18th.
DETROIT, MI (06.22.2021) – The surge in demand for new vehicles has been driven by trucks and crossovers — and electric vehicles.
New data from Experian reveals that new vehicle registrations for electric vehicles are up 95% during the first four months of 2021. The entire market isn’t languishing as its up 36% overall. The jump pushed the market share for EVs to 2.3% — a jump from 1.6% for the same period in 2020, Automotive News reported.
Surprisingly, not every maker is enjoying the stratospheric rise. Tesla Inc., the top seller of electric vehicles around the world, saw registrations decline on three of its four vehicles during the period. Only the Model Y rose, much of that attributed to the fact it had just begun production at the end of last February.
According to Experian, Model Y sales jumped from 2,260 during the first four months last year to 53,102 units for the same time this year — a 71% jump. Once the company’s best-selling vehicle, the Model 3 is down 12% and the Model S and Model X are down 63% and 75% respectively.
Where are the EV buyers?
Unsurprisingly, California was the leader, accounting for 38% of EV registration. However, that number is down from 45% from the same period in 2020 — despite a 64% jump in the number of vehicles registered through April.
Other warm weather states, Florida and Texas, took the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in registrations at 7.2% and 5.9 percent. That said, California is helping to lead the way to the overall increase, according to Experian.
In the first quarter — excluding April results — electrics accounted for 7.53% of all vehicles sold in California. For all other states, it was 1.6%. The firm also noted that EV buyers are more likely to buy another one when they buy a new vehicle — and that loyalty is rising.
Among luxury brands, 65% of EV owners bought another in 2018. That figured jumped to 71.8% in 2020. In mainstream vehicle brands, 53.9% bought another EV in 2018. That number jump nearly 10% in 2020 to 63.7 percent.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.21.2021) – Businesses throughout the country are taking a stand against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) claim that it is illegal to modify street vehicles and convert them into dedicated race cars. The $2 billion racing industry is pushing back by seeking passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2021 (H.R. 3281), a bipartisan bill which clarifies the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete, and protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars.
“The inconsistency of the EPA’s stance around converting street cars to purpose-built track vehicles has not only constrained long-term investment in the industry but it is creating added complexity/concern for our customers,” said Chris Douglas of Edelbrock Group, a company that has been manufacturing performance parts since 1938. “The RPM Act is the first step in protecting and preserving our industry for future generations—now is the time for action.”
In 2015, the EPA endangered the motorsports industry when it introduced a proposal that would have put an end to racers’ ability to modify street vehicles into dedicated race cars, a practice that has taken place for 45 years since the Clean Air Act was introduced. Although the EPA formally withdrew the proposal, the agency has since maintained that street vehicles cannot be converted into race cars—an assertion that has left the motorsports industry in a state of flux. Passage of the RPM Act will make clear that the Clean Air Act does not apply to street vehicles that have been converted into race cars used exclusively in competition, giving the industry the confidence and clarity that it needs.
As advocates for the motorsports industry, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) is also pushing for the RPM Act. “Businesses are at risk,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, PRI president. “Racers and businesses deserve a law that clarifies that it is legal to convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race car. PRI will continue to fight to preserve what is an American tradition until the RPM Act is passed.”
Introduced by U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), the RPM Act currently has the support of 65 cosponsors, including 19 Democrats and 46 Republicans. Dedicated race cars, which represent 0.07% of vehicles in operation, are trailered to and from the racetrack and have little effect on the environment. Yet for thousands of amateur racers, starting with a street-legal vehicle and using race products to convert it into a dedicated race car is the only affordable way to get into the sport. In order to protect racers and ensure that racers can continue to legally modify their vehicles into race cars, the RPM Act—which was introduced to Congress last month—must be passed into law.
“Many of our customers and employees are avid racers who build dedicated vehicles for competition,” says Al Noe, Summit Racing Equipment’s chief marketing officer. “Our customers trust us to deliver the parts they need so they are ready to race; they can also trust us to fight for their right to build and race these vehicles. The RPM Act is vital to ensuring a vibrant future for motorsports and our industry as a whole.”
The RPM Act was first introduced as a bill in 2016. Over the years, it received strong legislative support, and although versions of the bill have passed the House Energy & Commerce Committee, it was never fully voted on before the end of any Congressional year. Because the bill has already been subject to committee hearings before the House and the Senate, the 2021 RPM Act is well positioned to become law this legislative year.
The racing community is urged to continue to voice support for the bill by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.
This article was written by Juan Torres for sema.org
DALLAS, TX (06.21.2021) – Nemesis Audio, maker of competition speakers and amplifiers since 2014, is shipping a new 6.5″ Hectic Series subwoofer.
The subwoofer which falls under the “Hectic” series, is an upgrade of the Original NA-6.5H. The new Version 2 handles 500 watts RMS power, and comes with a 2″ flat wire voice coil. The NA-6.5Hv.2 is available in D4 or D2 Ohms.
Nemesis Audio was established in 2014 and has risen to be an industry leaded in the high performance audio products world. All products go through rigorous testing to ensure only the highest level of quality is achieved. Nemesis products are designed and engineered in the U.S.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.18.2021) – The automotive specialty-equipment industry has largely weathered the pandemic, with many companies reporting sales growth over the past year and anticipating continued growth in the coming months, according to new SEMA Market Research.
Findings from the new “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2021” report indicate that the majority of businesses saw significant sales growth during the pandemic: 66% of manufacturers, 60% of distributors, and 40% of retailers/installers reported increased sales compared to 12 months ago, and nearly three-fourths of all manufacturers and distributors expect sales to increase over the coming year.
Filled with data on how the pandemic has impacted businesses in the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 63-page market research report helps companies understand how the market is performing. Key findings from the report include:
The specialty-equipment industry saw minimal staffing disruption because of the pandemic, with most maintaining or growing staffing levels. Additionally, 83% of manufacturers, 77% of distributors, and 63% of retailers/installers plan on hiring more staff over the coming year.
Many companies selling in the pickup, sports car, and classic segments reported double-digit growth in the past 12 months.
Manufacturers saw sales increase across many channels, especially direct-to-consumer through their company website and at independent specialty retailers.
The industry saw growth across a variety of product categories. Manufacturers and retailers saw significant sales growth in performance categories especially, including intake and suspension products.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, retail sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers hit $139.5 billion—its highest level in U.S. history. Despite the pandemic, consumers continue to work on their cars.
According to a survey of Americans conducted by Hertz, over 80% of Americans plan on taking a road trip this summer. This means a lot more driving, and potentially a lot more potential engagement with the specialty-equipment industry.
At a time when most countries, like Japan and the European Zone, are experiencing economic contractions, the U.S. is showing strong growth after the disruption from the pandemic. This strong growth is expected to continue through the rest of 2021, as the services part of the economy fully reopens.
To learn more about the current state of the specialty-equipment industry and outlook for the future, download the new “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2021” report at www.sema.org/research.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.18.2021) – Now shipping, all-new for 2021, Hifonics ZEUS Theta amplifiers utilize compact space with higher sound quality components. Built from a tradition powered by the gods, crafted and designed specifically in remembrance of Mr. Tremendous, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Ted Henricks, ZEUS Theta amplifiers capture the pulse of Hifonics and the inspiration that Ted left on Hifonics as a brand. ZEUS Theta amplifiers carry on Ted’s mission of perfecting customer service to others with incredible sounding audio, bringing out every detail that might be hidden away in any song that demands POWER FROM THE GODS.
Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, said, “We have created an amplifier line that signifies the heart of what Ted Henricks had brought to Maxxsonics USA every day – going above and beyond in superior quality. The ZEUS Theta lineup exemplifies a comprehensive array of seven models featuring four monoblocks, two four-channels, and one robust five-channel amplifier. Every ZEUS Theta amplifier features a compact footprint to meet market demand while bringing out the best in every song with an aluminum heat sink for heat dissipation for an overall better sound.”
ABOUT THE ZEUS THETA AMPLIFIER LINE
Featuring a small, compact design that brings out clarity and depth from every song, ZEUS Theta amplifiers produce audio in rich details with ultra-levels of undistorted sound in every beat. Bringing out BIGGER bass, maintaining steady mids, and reaching higher trebles, every ZEUS Theta amplifier creates sound in an immersive experience.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
AMPLIFIER CROSSOVER Variable Electronic 12dB per octave
LOW NOISE PRE-AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT Maximum low voltage signal from the source unit comes into the amplifier circuit with minimal distortion
RCA INPUTS Nickel-plated, high-temperature, impact-resistant RCA inputs feature hex screw terminals that allow for secure connections
ELECTRONIC EQUALIZER Control of amplifier output with on-board electronic crossover to tailor specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers
OUTPUT DEVICE TECHNOLOGY PWM MOSFET power supply creates stable power through the PC board with minimal heat generation
HEAT SINK Aluminum Hifonics heat sink creates superior heat dissipation for better sound
“While remaining cool and efficiently creating stable power through the PC board, every ZEUS Theta amplifier has a compact and sleek design that assures fitment into any vehicle installation. These amplifiers are extremely compact and provide ample space where you will need it most. The result from our incredible Hifonics engineering team is a powerful and compact line of amplifiers that deliver quality sound in a smaller space.” concluded Dattalo.
Continually pushing the boundary for getting things done in an above and beyond manner while inspiring the best in others to do the same, Ted Henricks exemplified superior quality in every aspect of the job. Every ZEUS Theta amplifier is crafted with that parallel precision, attention to detail, and 110% dedication to your audio, as Ted brought to the job, every single day. ZEUS Theta amplifiers are SHIPPING NOW to authorized online retailers ONLY.
Full line details are available on the Hifonics website at hifonics.com