12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (05.03.2021) – Owners undoubtedly have a large investment in their stores and businesses. Social media platforms today offer store owners an opportunity to show their stores, products and services to followers and consumers with a minimal outlay of cash. Marketing your store locally should be at the very top of a retailer owner’s business plan.
Chad at KC Trends grabs attention in Kansas City with upgrades on hot vehicles.
Installations Unlimited spotlights categories with posts in North Syracuse, NY.
Sound Connection in Brainerd, MN grabbed interest with the recent PowerSports and motorcycle jobs.
Every day 12volt Central Studios staff see posts from 12volt retailers who make posts that highlight their stores. When these posts are seen on social media they have an impact with the viewer. The viewer’s impact could turn into business that makes the cash register ring. With just a smartphone a store post can be made in a matter of minutes. Snap, add a few words of text, and post.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic the 12volt industry has seen strong sales spurred by stimulus checks, reduced consumer spending in other areas and the ability upgrade rides for not a big cash outlay.
This post from Showtime Audio stresses doing it right to followers in the Chicago area.
559 Car Stereo in Fresno, CA features a happy customer in a great looking show room.
When followers see this in-vehicle lighting from Audio Electronics in Indy they will immediately think “What could my ride could look like!”
As an industry, let’s utilize social media tools to drive brick and mortar business and keep the cash register ringing.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.30.2021) – SEMA is advancing its commitment to help automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers meet established standards for emissions compliance by investing millions of dollars into a second SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center.
In 2014, SEMA established a groundbreaking SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center in Southern California. The state-of-the-art facility features high-tech equipment, including a CARB-recognized lab that has helped hundreds of SEMA manufacturers—more than 100 of which have secured 431 CARB Executive Orders (EO) through the SEMA Garage. The Center is currently operating two full shifts, and demand from manufacturers seeking to obtain compliance remains at an all-time high.
To help meet the compliance needs of the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket parts industry, SEMA recently announced the purchase of a building just outside Detroit that will be used as a second SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center. At 45,000-sq.-ft., the Detroit facility is three times the size of the existing SEMA Garage in California and will feature millions of dollars of new OEM-quality tools and equipment, including a CARB-recognized testing lab, as well as an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Research and Development Center.
“The SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center sets out to remove any mystery or confusion over the rules and regulations related to emissions compliance,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM relations and product development. “Since opening the Southern California SEMA Garage seven years ago, automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers have poured through our doors seeking help with the complicated and confusing compliance requirements.”
With the Detroit SEMA Garage opening in early 2022, SEMA will help dramatically more members obtain CARB and EPA compliance, as well as shorten the processing time so that manufacturers remain competitive. Additionally, the Detroit Garage is expected to continue, and increase, the long-standing tradition of collaboration between OEMs and the aftermarket industry for the benefit of the consumer experience.
“The California Air Resources Board applauds SEMA for investing in this second testing and resource facility designed expressly for the performance aftermarket industry,” stated Annette Hebert, California Air Resources Board deputy executive officer. “We appreciate SEMA’s commitment to provide its members with the tools and services needed to ensure that products sold for California vehicles meet our requirements. CARB looks forward to our continued communication and cooperation with SEMA in this important area.”
“I congratulate SEMA for continuing to be a resource for the industry and setting the example for compliance,” said California State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton). “I have visited and continue to support the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, and I am proud that SEMA is opening this new facility, which extends the excellent work done by the folks in Diamond Bar.”
Like the SEMA Garage in Southern California, the Detroit Garage will hire and train staff dedicated solely to helping aftermarket parts manufacturers understand and navigate the emissions-compliance process. Whereas manufacturers previously reported a significant delay to obtain a CARB EO, manufacturers working through the SEMA Garage average about four months.
“While we have made great strides towards reducing emissions from motor vehicles, the aftermarket industry is thriving,” said California State Assembly Member Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda). “The new SEMA Compliance Center will help make it possible for the industry—particularly small businesses—to continue to meet California’s stringent air-quality standards and succeed in today’s regulatory environment.”
Although there are a handful of other CARB-recognized test labs throughout the country that offer similar services, many manufacturers choose to go through the SEMA Garage because SEMA offers its members the benefits of aiding with the application process. Annually, SEMA submits more than 200 aftermarket product applications to CARB’s Aftermarket Parts Division, representing approximately 50% of the volume received. By working closely with CARB and EPA throughout the year, SEMA staff are intimately familiar with CARB EO requirements and able to successfully assist manufacturers with the entire process, from application to testing.
“By meeting regularly and communicating openly with regulators, we are able to better understand what their concerns are and develop programs that will ultimately help manufacturers get their products to market faster,” said Spagnola. “We value and appreciate the collaborative relationship we have with CARB and EPA.”
AVON LAKE, OH (04.30.2021) – Design Engineering, Inc. is supporting the 2021 Tire Rack One Lap of America presented by Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, a unique weeklong drive-and-race event that covers 3,400 miles.
Piloting some of the world’s most advanced street cars, One Lap participants begin and end the event in South Bend, Indiana, following a circuitous route in between that takes them to facilities as far south as Avondale, Louisiana and then as far east as Summit Point, West Virginia.
Over the eight days of competition, drivers will test their overall skills in a variety of challenges including skid pad, autocross, drag strip, racetrack and highway transit. Teams are self-managed, have no support crews, and must start and finish on the same set of tires.
“We are excited to be a part of this annual historic event,” said Will Farkas, Social Media and Sponsorship Coordinator at DEI. “It really is a true test of endurance and vehicle preparation, and we’ll be offering a discount on our products for all 2021 One Lap of America race teams.”
Participating facilities include Tire Rack, Memphis International Raceway, Eagles Canyon Raceway, Grissom Air Reserve Base, NOLA Motorsports Park, Atlanta Motorsports Park, Lanier Raceplex, Summit Point Motorsports Park and GingerMan Raceway.
The event begins April 30 with driver registration and concludes May 8. Enthusiasts can follow along on Facebook and/or through available livestreams.
HOLLY HILL, FL (04.29.2021) – Metra Electronics is expanding its Jeep Accessories line with two new aftermarket products designed to help installers upgrade the sound and lighting systems in Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models. Metra’s new soundbar speaker adapter and RGB off-road fog lights complement the line’s existing speaker pods and RGB off-road headlights, offering a complete solution for Jeep upgrades.
Jeep owners who are upgrading the sound system now have a solution to retain the factory soundbar and upgrade to larger speakers in 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-up* Jeep Gladiator models. The JP-1015 is designed to adapt the OEM four-inch speakers and one-inch tweeter to an aftermarket 6.5-inch speaker and optional tweeter. A harness is included along with a mounting plate and cutting template to assist with modifications to the interior material of the soundbar. The soundbar speaker adapter enclosure is made from high-quality ABS plastic and designed to withstand the harsh elements of off-road environments.
Metra’s JP-1014 replacement speaker pods for 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-up* JeepGladiator models are a recommended accessory to complement the new JP-1015 when upgrading the sound system. This pair of sealed speaker pods replaces the original four-inch speakers located under the driver and passenger dashboard to install a six to 6.75-inch aftermarket speaker. They are constructed with ABS housing that utilizes the factory mounting locations for a secure fit that will heighten the listening experience. The pods were first introduced at SEMA360 and use the factory grommet and wiring, with a Metra speaker adapter harness included.
To add style and visibility to Jeep Wrangler JK, JL, and Gladiator models, the JP-704RGBFL are a set of four-inch RGB backlit halo off-road fog lights designed to match Metra’s existing JP-704RGB seven-inch round off-road headlights**. The polycarbonate lens cover is virtually unbreakable and the lights are built with a die-cast aluminum housing, rated IP67 to withstand harsh weather and off-road environments. The 15 white LEDs have a bright 800-lumen output for each fog light, consuming 30 watts total per light.
The backlight RGB lights have 16 million different color options using the Metra RGB smartphone app*, which will also sync with the JP-704RGB headlights to complete the look. The fog lights are plug-n-play with Metra’s RGB-CB1 controller, which is sold separately and required for operation. Depending on the model or trim leveTl, additional fog light mount brackets may be required for the installation, and installers should see the JP-JFOG or JP-JFOG2 for vehicle-specific details. All of these products are in stock and shipping now.
Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.
OXNARD, CA (04.29.2021) – It’s been quite a year for all of us, and so many have taken to the outdoors in record numbers as an escape. So, once again, it only makes sense the market leader in off-road audio systems and accessories makes its presence known during one of the biggest events of the year.
SSV Works will be exhibiting at the 2021 Discount Tire Rally on the Rocks from May 12-15 in San Juan County, UT.
“Every year, we circle Rally on the Rocks as a top exhibiting event for us, and we can’t wait to get over to Utah for the 2021 event,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “SSV Works offers the industry’s only weatherproof Polaris RZR Pro XP full aftermarket audio solution, and the 2021 Rally on the Rocks is an ideal occasion to showcase our new and exciting audio kits to thousands of side-by-side enthusiasts.”
SSV Works is also participating as a sponsor for the Rally on the Rocks Taco Dinner Night this year.
“We feel we need to show our appreciation to the Powersports community for staying strong through the tough times we all have been experiencing,” Kaplan continued. “This is our way to give back to say ‘Thank you’ and offer some amazing audio prize packs for the nights’ raffle. It’s going to be a blast seeing all of our friends after so long!”
Last year SSV Works announced a collaboration with JVC in which SSV Works is now the exclusive Powersports distributor for the KD-MR1BTS marine/powersports digital media receiver.
“That success has led us to adding this incredible receiver to our XP1000 kits,” Kaplan concluded. “Our customers asked for an easy plug-and-play upgrade, we listened, and now they have it!”
SOUTHFIELD, MI (04.28.2021) – Brandmotion’s Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System is here to reset your driving experience by helping you see what you’ve never seen before. This versatile new safety and convenience aid replaces your current rearview mirror with a live streaming full HD video screen. It improves on your traditional mirror by providing a clear, crisp view of exactly what you need to see with no obstructions, in your cabin or with your trailer. It’s unbeatable view gives drivers peace of mind.
Get assistance when backing up trailers up to 65’ long. A single camera is installed on the end of the trailer, with a harness running the length to the trailer hitch, using quick disconnect weatherproof connectors that integrate into the body. This clean OEM look allows for the trailer to be easily detached. When fully installed the image from the rear camera cleanly displays on the newly installed edge-to-edge mirror in the cab with virtually no latency thanks to high quality cabling.
This Universal Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System is designed to be able to easily add a camera to any trailer up to 65′ long. This kit will come with a single camera, quick disconnect truck-to-trailer harness, a 10m truck harness, a 20m trailer harness, and a 9.66″ edge-to-edge display mirror as a complete rear vision solution.
This kit is designed to function in a wide variety of vehicles utilizing a D-Tab Wedge mount. Some vehicles may require an adaptor. Please verify product fits in desired location before final installation.
AVON LAKE, OH (04.28.2021) – Give your Mazda Miata the quiet interior of a large luxury sedan with new Vibration Damping Kits (# 50600) from Design Engineering, Inc.
Designed to fit 1990-2005 Mazda Miata NA & NB models, the kits reduce noise and vibrations coming from metal surfaces to help interiors stay cool and quiet, with improved acoustics as well.
“We are excited to introduce Vibration Damping Kits for Mazda Miata’s, featuring proven Boom Mat damping material,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Adding Boom Mat to the metal floors, firewall, rear bulkhead and rear deck greatly reduce rattles, squeaks and vibrations.”
These custom pre-cut kits feature self-adhesive backing with a simple-to-peel release liner for a straightforward, no-mess, easy installation. The pieces are pliable and designed specifically to form to the Miata’s bends and curves, even in tight spaces.
Kits include four 6″x6″ and four 12″x12″ sheets of black Boom Mat damping material, a 2” wide by 20 foot roll of black Boom Mat Vibration Damping & Sealing Tape and an application roller. Couple DEI’s Vibration Damping Kit with DEI’s Mazda Miata Pre-Cut Interior Insulation Kit (# 50295) for winning ultra-level comfort combination.
For more information about Mazda Miata Vibration Damping Kits, Mazda Miata Pre-Cut Interior Insulation Kits and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.27.2021) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the PXE-0850X 12-Channel Advanced Wireless Digital Sound Processor (DSP). This solution replaces the PXE-0850S with the next generation of upgraded technology that allows integration into factory systems.
OEM Integration
The PXE-0850X has 6 low and/or high-level inputs that can be mixed to create a full range signal that sends up to 12 independent channels for versatility in OEM and aftermarket system building. Eight of the 12 channels can utilize 25W of powered output to allow even more flexibility. New and improved software matches the user interface (UI) of the PXE-X09 (introduced in 2020) and provides a cleaner layout that simplifies the mixer and tuning flow.
Tuning Tools
The processor can be tuned with the 31 Band Parametric or Graphic EQ for precise adjustments. Detailed high/low crossovers and expansive time correction can be made to each of the 12 channels. This allows the tuner to overcome acoustical abnormalities in the vehicle and set a proper sound stage for premium sound performance.Tuning can be done wirelessly via Bluetooth from a smartphone or through a wired USB connection with a PC. By downloading the free PXE-0850X DSP app (available on the App Store or Google Play), customers can get real-time tuning results and compare them with the “Before” and “After” effects. Tuning files can be saved directly to a smartphone, hard drive, or thumb drive for storage and shared via text message or email.
Music on Command
Access to some of the DSP’s features is presented in the improved LCD controller, which can be flush-mounted on the dash for easy access. The rotary knob can quickly adjust volume, preset storage and recall, subwoofer level, and source selection with results displayed on the LED screen.
The PXE-0850X can also be used as a head unit or music source in older vehicles. The PXE-0850X can receive music sent directly from a smartphone with Bluetooth wireless streaming, so customers can listen to their playlists without replacing the factory head unit or adding an aftermarket head unit.
The PXE-0850X is now shipping at a MAP of $699.95 and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
Tech specs:
New and improved user interface (UI)
Bluetooth audio streaming with included external module
Wireless sound tuning via smartphone. PC tuning also available
Improved Dash-mounted remote controller included
6 Low and/or High-level inputs
12 RCA outputs
Matrix Mixing
25W RMS x 8 (4Ω, <1% THD+N, 14.4V) (mirrors the first 8 RCA outputs)
Frequency range: 20Hz ~ 20KHz, 1Hz steps
Q: 0.404 ~ 28.85, 0.01 steps
Gain: -12.0dB ~ +12.0 dB, 0.1 dB steps
Filter crossover points: 20Hz – 20KHz. 1Hz steps
Slopes: 12dB, 18dB, 24dB, 30dB, 36dB, 42dB, 48dB
31 Band Parametric or Graphic Output EQ
High pass, low pass, and bandpass, independent filters per channel
Time correction: Up to 20ms delay per channel
Delay units: 0.000 to 20 milliseconds, 0.00 to 692 centimeters, 0.00 to 273 inches
0 deg. or 180 deg. phase adjustment per channel
Specialized type filtering: Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley, Bessel
TI 32-bit DSP with 300MHz floating point processing
RINGWOOD, IL (04.27.2021) – Race Sport Lighting is excited to partner with DAS Companies Inc. in the Mid-Atlantic territory with new 2021 lighting technologies. It was necessary to expand distribution to get dealers the lighting products they need fulfilled same or next day for the job.
DAS dealer accounts can begin ordering their favorite Race Sport Lighting products immediately to ship in April. The product mix in-house at DAS will be focused on “CORE” lighting top sellers like:
Steve Jergensen, Race Sport Lighting President commented, “DAS has been a great distributing partner for several years, and I am excited to revamp the mix at DAS to focus on our nationwide best sellers. Having the latest technologies available same or next day is important for our dealers. This stocking mix in their warehouse will be a huge home run for their dealer base.”
Rex Berfield, DAS National Sales Manager commented, “We continue to work toward meeting and exceeding the expectations of our dealer base with opportunities and solutions. We have added another great dealer solution. Race Sport, known in our industry as a company synonymous with innovation and multi-application lighting solutions, is now available to our dealer-partners. We are incredibly pleased to partner with the Race Sport’s team and look forward to the new opportunities this partnership will present our dealers.”
WOODINVILLE, WA (04.26.2021) – All, it is with great sadness that I share the passing of Jill McMillan on April 8th, 2021.
Jill is survived by her husband, Dan, and their two children, Daniel and Catherine. I would be remiss if I left out Cash, the dog who has first-person status. Jill and I were married back in 1989 (I’m a great salesman), and we were together for 35 years.
Jill had many accomplishments throughout the years, her most prized being our kids. She had a passion for live music, an adoration for photography, was an avid reader, and it goes without saying, she loved chocolate.
Jill McMillan
We started our rep firm, In Phase Marketing, in the fall of 97’, and things immediately took off. From the get-go, Jill was the catalyst and glue that kept things together. She had a knack for making things look so easy and under control.
“Maria and I received the news of Jill’s passing with great shock and sadness. She was a dear friend and a valued colleague to all of us at JL Audio, and her warmth and sincerity always showed. We are all richer for having known Jill as a person and fortunate for having the opportunity to work with her all these years. We offer our deepest condolences to Dan, Daniel and Cat, as well as to Jill’s extended family.”
-Lucio and Maria Proni
I watched Jill grow up as we all did in the mobile audio revolution of the 90’s. She always carried herself with class. Never being the one that went over the rep line. She was always passionate about her causes. She was another principal in a rep firm, not merely someone’s wife. I most remember her from our exclusive days at Eclipse as she helped make that wave. This shocked all of her many dealer, rep and manufacturer friends within our mobile audio community. I know Dan is crushed. They were so passionate together. This is a great loss of one of the true pioneers of the glory days of car audio!
-Ed Dalesandro, End Result
Through highs and lows, you could count on Jill to bring you a hearty dose of perspective and levity to whatever experience you were living through. She valued and cherished learning about your family, your stories, and growing with you throughout the years.
Jill was many things to many people, including a confidant, a giver, and a friend. She always put others first and danced through life with poise, wisdom, and a wicked sense of humor.
We will be holding a celebration of life for Jill in Woodinville, WA, on June 12th, 2021.
Please email celebratingjillmcmillan@gmail.com if you would like more details or have any photographs you would like to share. If possible, please include all photos as attachments.
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