INDUSTRY, CA (07.09.2020) – Cadence Sound loves to stay connected with the audio community. They understand that due to Covid-19, some customers have been affected financially. They decided to do a monthly giveaway all summer so that Cadence aficionados can still enjoy their passions without worry.
June Giveaway winner: Salvador in Los Angeles, CA
The June Giveaway winner is Salvador, in Los Angeles, CA. Salvador won a Cadence Beast Subwoofer. Cadence is excited to see what kind of project Salvador uses his new Cadence BT for. Check him out wearing his Cadence Lanyard to work!
To enter the raffle for Cadence’s next giveaway, make sure to be following them on Social Media so you can see the next post.
MONTEBELLO, CA (07.08.2020) – Epsilon has announced the addition of Ceasar Olaes to their continually growing family. Starting immediately, Ceasar will take his role in working with Western sales representatives and direct accounts, introducing himself and sharing new focus for Precision Power, Soundstream, and Power Acoustik.
Ceasar Olaes has joined Epsilon Electronics as Western Regional. Olaes proudly shows off the Power Acoustik, SoundStream, and PrecisionPower brands on his new Epsilon shirt.
Ceasar has a solid mobile electronics background with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, including serving recently as a sales manager for popular manufactures.
Olaes commented, “As Western Regional Sales Manager for Epsilon Electronics, I look forward to partnering with Vice President Ronnie Brashear and the rest of the Epsilon team as we continue to provide our customers with brilliant products with outstanding and professional service. I’m honored to take part in such a reputable company.”
Ceasar is looking forward to meeting dealers and conveying his experience to Epsilon’s upcoming first time exhibiting KnowledgeFest shows.
SEATTLE, WA (07.08.2020) – This week’s AudioControl training will focus on the EPICENTER family of products- some of the most successful mobile audio processors of all time.
Tune in Thursday, July 9 at 11:00 am PST to learn more about The EPICENTER family of products, what they do and how they do it.
“I used to have an EPICENTER in my system years ago, do I really still need one with today’s music?” If you like bass, then yes, you really do. Join AudioControl this Thursday to learn more.
“I don’t have room in my trunk, what’s this InDash Epicenter all about?” Tune in to find out!
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.07.2020) – Even though 2020 has altered the vehicle landscape for many, the specialty-equipment market had shown impressive growth over the past 10 years with industry retail sales climbing nearly 4% to a new high of $46.2 billion in 2019, according to the new “2020 SEMA Market Report.” The report provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market, market-sizing by vehicle segment, purchasing channels and trends to help SEMA-member companies make better business decisions.
SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward. By Q4 of 2020, nearly 50% of industry businesses expect their sales to be the same as or even better than 2019.
SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward.
“While this year has presented its challenges, the SEMA Market Report can help our member companies identify the key areas of interest for consumers and prepare for the growth that we expect in 2021,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “It’s still early to predict exactly how things will play out over the next couple years, but the positive news is that as the country re-emerges from the shutdown, we can expect that sales should rise back toward previous levels.”
In-store purchases accounted for the largest share of 2019 retail sales, representing almost 60% of the total. It is highly likely that online purchases will spike in 2020 due to COVID-19, but SEMA expects that many consumers will return to in-store shopping once restrictions are loosened. Word-of-mouth and the web were important sources of ideas and information for consumers researching potential upgrades. Forty-four percent of consumers used search engines or review websites; 40% went directly to manufacturers’ own websites; and 37% sought advice or recommendations from friends or relatives.
Pickup upgrades are the largest sector of the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for 31% of 2019 retail sales, although mid-range cars, CUVs and SUVs (including the Jeep Wrangler) are also major components of the market. Fifty-nine percent of specialty-automotive consumers are under the age of 40, and younger drivers are more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts or accessories and make heavier modifications to their vehicles.
To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to get the latest research on market sizing, consumer profiles and 2020 industry indicators, download the report for free today.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.07.2020) – Saturday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 244 across the U.S. Many businesses enjoyed a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking the day off on July 3rd.
To say July 4th 2020 was different is an understatement. The COVID-19 Pandemic and public unrest across the country certainly lead to a setting we have never seen in the previous 244 years.
Great 4th of July graphic created by Sondralee and the Custom Audio team keeping #eriestrong
Over the July 4th weekend there were many positive social media posts by industry members noted in the 12volt Central Studios. We selected a number of them and created the short video below.
Included are posts from Custom Audio in Erie PA, Memphis Car Audio, Columbus Car Audio in Columbus OH, Morumo LED Lighting, SSV Works, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Sound Connection in Brainerd MN, RetroSound, VisionX Lighting and the 12volt Central Studios.
Click above to view on instagram.com/12voltnews
The business year is divided into four quarters….much like a football game. This year’s ‘game’ certainly is being played under the COVID-19 cloud. The first quarter of 2020 was just OK from what most say. The second quarter, with billions in stimulus checks, saw off the chart sales.
We are now entering the second half of the 2020 ‘game’. As of Monday, July 6th, there are 178 days remaining in the 2020 ‘game’. The COVID-19 Cloud is still overhead, as well as products shortages, which can definitely impact the playing field in the second half.
Let’s keep our eye on the ball and play smart as we work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry.
SHREVEPORT, LA (07.06.2020) – WTF… Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
JBL has a space on the wheel and several retailers across the industry are enjoying JBL prizes in their stores. The latest JBL winner on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel was Intense Car Audio in Oklahoma City OK. Rene Rodriguez was the JBL Clip3 winner on the 82nd spin on June 26th. Shawn Spedding at JBL sent the Clip3 right out to the winner who received the JBL prize on July 2nd. “The Clip3 is really cool and I received it just in time for some 4th of July fun” Rodriguez related to 12voltnews.com.
A happy Rene Rodriguez in the Intense Car Audio showroom in OKC with his JBL Clip3 and JBL koozies from Spin-To-Win number 82.
Spedding, Director of Sales-Mobile Aftermarket, relayed “At Harman JBL we are committed to supporting 12volt News and the 12volt Spin-To-Win program. In a time where it is easy to get distracted it’s great to see 12volt News and the dealers remaining focused and engaged in our industry. Keep on spinning and we’ll continue to support.”
New prizes from JBL on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel are the JBL WIND2 and the JBL CLICK. These are 2 new exciting Bluetooth enabled on-the-go products that will make a winner very happy.
The JBL WIND2 and JBL CLICK are 2 new prizes available on future spins of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The list of JBL prize winners continues to grow. Intense Car Audio joins past winners including Markland Designs, Traffic Jamz, Earmark Car Audio and Marine, Audio Depot and SK Customs Car Audio as past JBL 12volt Spin-To-Win prize winners.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 10th. One lucky 12volt retailer could win one of the cool new JBL prizes when the next wheel spins.
Intense Car Audio was the Winner of Spin-To-Win 82 on June 26th. The Wheel landed on JBL space and Rene Rodriguez is enjoying his JBL Clip3 over 4th of July weekend.
Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy-when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.
With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.
Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!
DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.06.2020) – The U.S. Congress passed a bill to extend the deadline for businesses to apply for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans to August 8, 2020. The application deadline was June 30, 2020 but the program still has about $130 billion available for lending. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a “Find Local Lenders” page to help locate the nearest PPP lending institutions.
Lawmakers recently enacted the PPP Flexibility Act to provide companies more options on how funds are used. Highlights include:
Loan Amount: PPP loans equal the average of one month’s 2019 payroll multiplied by 2.5 (capped at $10 million).
Amount Forgiven: The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent payments, mortgage interest, and the cost of utilities for a fixed period-of-time. As a result of the PPP Flexibility Act, the employer may now choose the covered period, either: (a) 8 consecutive weeks from when the loan was received, or (b) up to 24 weeks from when the loan was received or on Dec. 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
Use of Funds: PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and other specified expenses. At least 60% of the amount to be forgiven must be spent on payroll, which includes employee benefit costs for vacation, sick/parental leave, insurance premiums, retirement benefits, and state and local taxes.
Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The loan interest rate is 1%. Repayments on any amount not forgiven is deferred at least 10 months after the end of the covered period, with a two-year term for loans secured before June 5 and five-year term for loans on or after that date.
Rehiring Workers: Employers have until December 31, 2020 to rehire workers and have their salaries count towards forgiveness.
Payroll Taxes: Businesses receiving a PPP loan may also defer payment of 2020 payroll taxes.
Forgiveness Application: The SBA has created two applications for seeking loan forgiveness, a standard form and an EZ version which requires fewer calculations and less documentation.
CHATSWORTH, CA (07.03.2020) – Crux has released the TDR-RVM32 a 9.66″ Wide Screen Rear View Mirror Monitor & DVR with GPS functions.
With all the changes in the auto industry, the team at CRUX constantly strives to meet all current needs for aftermarket products, while developing products for future demands.
The company’s e-mails will contain new product information, new pricing and sales opportunities.
Contact The Crux sales department to update all your sales and pricing information. Toll Free: (855) 822-1348 – ext 238
Key Features
– 9.66” full view monitor with touch screen operation. – Wide angle HD front and rear camera. – DVR function with 32GB micro SD card included. – Loop video recording with real-time playback. – Split screen viewing of front and rear cameras. – GPS logger. – Audio recording with built-in microphone. – Collision detection sensor automatically locks the video in the event of a collision
AVON LAKE, OH (07.03.2020) – When it comes to technologically advanced turbocharger protection, Design Engineering, Inc. has again raised the bar with its new GEN-3 Titanium Turbo Shields with LR Technology.
Featuring a silicone-coated outer layer, multiple stainless steel and silica inner layers, and enhanced seam strength, the GEN-3 Titanium Turbo Shield was made to be the strongest, most heat-resistant shield available anywhere.
“By developing advanced textiles and diving deep into what is needed to control turbo heat, we incorporated all our experience to build the absolute best turbo shield on the market— the GEN-3 Titanium Turbo Shield,” said Mike Buca DEI Product Manager.
The new GEN-3 Titanium Turbo Shield offers complete turbo protection, durability and resilience using stainless steel thread seam stitching for increased seam strength and a unique four-layer design:
Outer Shell—DEI’s Titanium material with LR Technology is coated in silicone to insulate and hold up under extreme conditions;
Insulation Layer—A thick layer of silica insulation keeps heat inside the turbo shield and turbo housing;
Inner Layer—A blend of stainless steel, glass fiber and silicone add to the GEN-3 insulating and thermal properties;
Inner Cover—A stainless steel mesh is incorporated as a protective barrier and serves as an air gap between the mesh and inner layer fabric. Constructed to hold up against the highest temperatures, the innovative mesh won’t break down or become brittle with heat.
Customers can choose to purchase just the shield or a Complete Kit that includes the shield as well as a 2″-by-15-foot roll of Titanium Exhaust Wrap for down pipes, two 20″ stainless steel Locking Ties and 5 feet of safety wire used to secure the shield.
GEN-3 Titanium Turbo Shields are available to fit T3, T4, T6, T25/T28 and T6X turbos.
Visit DesignEngineering.com for additional fitments and applications. Design Engineering offers the ability to design and fabricate custom turbo sleeves. Contact DEI for more information.
DANIA BEACH, FL (07.02.2020) – HKI SounDigital USA, the US importer and distributor for SounDigital amplifiers and Ground Zero car audio, has announced a new addition to their lineup.
“Amongst shortages of products and installations being on hold due to manufacturing delays, and the world playing catch up, we reached out to our friends in Finland to bring in their amazing line of installation accessories, Four Connect,” said Diogo Iannaccone, CEO of HKI USA.
Continuing, Ianaconi stated “When it comes to our industry, there should be no compromise when it comes to the equipment we install. Where power transfer is concerned, CCA just won’t cut it, so naturally our STAGE 2 power kits have OFC cables and OFC connectors. With Interconnect cables being the vital link between the head unit and the audio components, our STAGE 2 leaves no chance for noise or loss to appear thanks to our BiteHold-connectors, oversized T-OFC conductors and triple shielded Twisted Pair weaving. All these RCA features wrapped in tough-as-nails structure with opposite cone stress relief in connectors and heavy duty super flex insulation.”
The products will be arriving later in this month and will be available through the SounDigital and Ground Zero existing dealer network.
12VoltNews.com 