12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (12.18.23) – In this digital driven cyber world it is more important than ever to drive store traffic into brick and mortar retail stores. All 12volt retailers retailers have digital options to create a network of social media followers to drive store traffic for the in-store experience. Proactive 12volt retailers utilize those digital social media platforms.

Once consumers enter the store the in-store demo experience is vital to closing an audio sale. LIVE dash cam and remote starter demos are difficult in most brick and mortar showrooms. Both categories offer easy and profitable labor installations. As an industry both the dash cam and remote starter categories don’t get much promotional activity… except for remote starter during the long, cold winter months that have been negatively impacted by global warming.

A company vehicle parked in front of a retail location, with a demo offer message on the windshield, can be a billboard for both categories and provide the perfect setting for the ideal professional sales presentation and demonstration. Many old-timers remember full expensive time-consuming in-vehicle car audio demo vehicles in the store’s parking lot. A relatively inexpensive, but professional, dash cam and remote starter installation in a company vehicle can cover both categories.

Team Nutz in Pittsburgh PA has implemented this strategy. Ed Nuttall’s team made the removal Dash Cam Demo and Remote Start Demo graphics shown in this article. Retailers across the US can purchase both 8”x48” removable window graphics for $100. The total $100 price includes prepaid shipping. For a total of $100, a proactive 12volt retailer can create 2 LIVE demo experiences… one for the dash cam and one for remote starter category.

A call to Team Nutz in Pittsburg at 412-882-8346 can get the ball rolling for an in-vehicle dash cam and remote starter demos.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

NEW YORK, NY (12.18.23) – SiriusXM announced that it is providing fans with access to 46 games this college football postseason. SiriusXM will carry live play-by-play of every Division I FBS bowl game – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and National Championship – as well as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game and other postseason All-Star games.

 SiriusXM listeners can tune in to all these games in their cars and on the SiriusXM app. A schedule of postseason games – beginning December 16 – and their SiriusXM channel assignments can be found at: https://siriusxm.com/BowlGames.

On New Year’s Eve, subscribers can tune in for broadcasts of both College Football Playoff Semifinal games – the Rose Bowl presented by Prudential featuring #1 Michigan vs. #4 Alabama (5 pm ET), followed by #2 Washington vs. #3 Texas in the Allstate Sugar Bowl (8:45 pm ET). On January 8, listeners will get live play-by-play as the winners of those two games face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship at NRG Stadium in Houston (7:30 pm ET). For these games the ESPN Radio broadcast will air on SiriusXM channel 80 and team broadcasts can be found on SiriusXM channels 81, 82 or 84.

 SiriusXM will carry Westwood One’s broadcast of the FCS Football Championship on January 7 (1:30 pm ET). The FCS Football Championship game will feature the winners of this weekend’s semifinal games – South Dakota vs. Albany and North Dakota St. vs. Montana.

 SiriusXM will also air other postseason All-Star football games of interest, including the East-West Shrine Bowl, (Feb. 1 at 8 pm ET), the Reese’s Senior Bowl (Feb. 3 at 1:30 pm ET) and the All-American Bowl, which will be played by the best high school players from around the country (Jan. 6 at 1 pm ET).

 SiriusXM will carry the official radio broadcasts for many of the schools playing in Division I FBS bowl games through its agreement with LEARFIELD or individual universities. Twenty-three of the bowl game broadcasts – including the College Football Playoff Semifinals and College Football Playoff National Championship – are produced and provided by ESPN Radio or an affiliate. Other broadcast providers are Bowl Season Radio and Touchdown Radio.

 Throughout the season, SiriusXM also offers fans the most in-depth radio coverage of the college game with daily talk, up-to-the-moment news and expert analysis on six college sports-focused channels – SiriusXM College Sports Radio (channel 84), SiriusXM ACC Radio (channel 371), SiriusXM Big Ten Radio (channel 372), SiriusXM Pac-12 Radio (channel 373), SiriusXM SEC Radio (channel 374) and SiriusXM Big 12 Radio (channel 375). 

POMPANO BEACH, FL (12.15.23) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay
integration is proud to announce the release of five new Wireless CarPlay interfaces.

Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV said about the new products being released. “We are flat out
developing new products for a number of niche categories. These new CarPlay interfaces are both for
makes we did not support before and also additions to existing makes like Mercedes-Benz. All the new
CP1 interfaces as well as existing CP1 interfaces work with the OEM Bluetooth for all the CarPlay audio.
This means that using the factory AUX or factory USB input for the audio is no longer necessary. We
implemented this technology months ago into the CP1 hardware platform so naturally the new interfaces
will include that technology.”

New interfaces:

CP1-NTG5.5:
Mercedes-Benz – C-Class (2019-2020), E-Class (2017-2020), S-Class (2019-2020) AMG-GT (2019-
2024) – 8”/10.25”/12.3” Screens
CP1-NTG6 (MBUX):
Mercedes-Benz – A-Class (2020+), B/CLA/GLA/GLB/GLC/GLE/V/EQV-Class (2020+), EQA/EQB-
Class (2021+), G/EGQ-Class (2019-2020) – 10.25”/12.3” Screens
CP1-LR18:
Land Rover/Range Rover/Jaguar – Discovery 5 (2018-2020), Discovery Sport (2020-2022), Range
Rover (2017-2019), XEL/XFL (2019-2021), XJL/E-Pace/F-Type (2019-2022) 10” Single Screen
CP1-VW:
VW – Golf 7 (2013-2018), Tiguan (2017-2019), Passat (2015-2018) (Radio in glove
compartment/5.8”/6.5”/7”/8” Screens
CP-TOY:
Toyota – Touch2 and Entune2 radios are compatible 6”/7”/8” Screens. Check website for exact
compatibility.
CP-MAZDA:
Mazda – MX-5/CX-9/Mazda 6 (2016-2020), CX-3/Mazda 2 (2016-2019), CX-5 (2015-2020), Mazda 3
(2014-2018) (RADIO SOFTWARE MUST BE VERSION: 70.00.21 OR HIGHER)

Visit RDVFL.com for more.

AVON LAKE, OH (12.15.23) – Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) is excited to announce a new line sleeve to block RFI interference and “crosstalk” to prevent interruption of signals to sensitive electronics.
DEI’s new Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Shield products reduce interference from radio and electromagnetic waves to ignition systems and high voltage wires. It is available as a split sleeve or tape.

Electronic fuel injection systems thrive in an RFI-free environment. The RFI Shield safeguards vehicle’s computer systems, electronic fuel injection, radios and most sensitive components.

“Drive with confidence knowing that your vehicle’s critical systems are shielded from interference that can compromise safety and performance,” said Mike Buca, Product Manager at DEI.

The RFI Shield Split Sleeve easily wraps around and covers wires without having to disconnect them, and includes a 17.5-inch grounding strap. It is available in 3-foot lengths in 1/2-inch (10681) or 1-inch (10682) diameters.

There is also the RFI Shield Tape (10679), a non-adhesive tape that wraps around the wires without requiring disconnection. It comes in 1-inch width and 25-foot length, with a 17.5-inch grounding strap included.

Both products include DEI Quick Fix Silicone Tape to seal off the ends for a secure safeguard and finished look.

The new products are available to order now on www.designengineering.com and will start shipping by Dec. 23.

DEI provides performance heat and sound control products that help motorsports enthusiasts be more competitive. Industry-leading materials and custom fits provide cooler in-cabin temperatures and thermal containment, even in the tightest of spaces.

For more information, visit www.designengineering.com.

ONTARIO, CA (12.13.23) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes with PowerBass when you are not in your car than with the PowerBass BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. A new fully functional countertop BT-200 display is now available. A demo of the feature packed BT-200 for sales staff and customers starts with a push of a button.

Jeff Falk, PowerBass National Sales Manager, related from PowerBass HQ, “These countertop displays are game changers. They make adding onto a sale easy! And dealers can get one FREE for their store. Just reach out to PowerBass for more info.”

The BT-200 portable speaker has dual built-in 1500 man Li-ion batteries for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied dual USB-A to USB-C charge cord and let the music play!

The PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT takes TWS True Wireless Stereo to a new level when you remove the rubber bumper protector and SPLIT your BT-200 into two speakers! Place them across the room or on each side of your pool or anywhere within 30 feet to completely surround yourself and your friends with this new modular stereo sound.

The BT-200 splits into two pieces for stereo and features passive radiators for enhanced bass. The BT-200 PowerBass SPLIT is bluetooth-ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android, and more.

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (12.13.23) – Polaris GENERAL Tuned Audio Kits bring more detail, clarity, and sound to every outdoor adventure. Demand MORE from the outdoors. Hear Music. Defined. LOUDER quality!

Take on every narrow twist and sharp turn the outdoor trails have to offer with Polaris GENERAL Tuned Audio Kits! Every MB Quart Polaris GENERAL Tuned Audio Kit showcases MASSIVE POWER with LOUDER LEVELS of higher quality audio that creates undistorted playback throughout every beat.
Don’t just listen to your favorite songs — HEAR MORE of EVERYTHING.

Dive DEEPER into the great outdoors when Polaris GENERAL adventure meets Music. Defined. playback in every song. Get ready to hear concert detail and sound right in your Polaris GENERAL vehicle (2016 and newer).

Get ready to embark on every outdoor journey this winter while hearing all the details that your audio has to offer in LOUDER LEVELS of superior playback.

Learn more HERE about the line of Polaris GENERAL Tuned Audio Kits.

TEMPE, AZ (12.12.23) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce it has added legendary audio recording and mastering engineer Bob Katz as a headlining instructor for the 2024 MasterTech Expo, scheduled for March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Katz will be instructing high fidelity “Music Recording and Production” Seminars 1 and 2, as well as conducting sound demonstrations during the event.

“This is a true first, and we couldn’t be more thrilled than to have Bob on board for the 2024 MasterTech Expo as a headlining instructor,” said Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions founder/CEO/president. “Bob’s exclusive session is scheduled to be conducted once during the show. Seating is limited to 165 attendees, and unlike some classes that repeat on the second day, this session is a one-time opportunity and will surely sell out quickly.”

During his sessions, Katz will reveal the truth behind the artifice, since so many recordings are manipulated during mixing and mastering. He will demonstrate some of the processes that engineers use to create depth and dimension from recordings that otherwise would sound dry and lifeless. Using mixes and masters that he has produced, he will explain how some attributes were captured in the recording and others synthesized in the mixing and mastering. He will demonstrate the necessity of having accurate monitoring in order to zero in on mixing and mastering decisions, that way, we will be better able to assess the final performance of systems we build and tune. Katz will explain sonic properties described by words such as “fat”, “thin”, “edgy”, “tight”, “spacious”, and “focused”. He will also cover loudness and level setting in mixing and mastering to explain why some recordings and streams sound louder than others.

“Chances are, you already know Bob and his work,” Schmitt continued. “If you’ve ever competed in a car audio sound quality contest, used one of the sanctioned competition CDs, or have your own copy of his published works, Bob has already contributed to your enjoyment or your understanding of your craft.”

Since 1972, Bob has been recording, mixing and mastering audio for recorded media (records, tapes, CDs and files for streaming), as well as television and film productions. Formerly the chief engineer for audiophile label Chesky Records, he has mastered CDs for labels including EMI, BMG, Virgin, Warner (WEA), Sony Music, Walt Disney, Boa, Arbors, Apple Jazz, Laser’s Edge, Sage Arts, and many others, including three GRAMMY-winning recordings. Katz has also invented and patented audio hardware and software, contributed to accepted recording standards, and designed, built and retrofitted recording studios. Additionally, he has written two books regarded as required reading for anyone producing, mixing, or mastering recordings.

The 2024 MasterTech Expo is scheduled for March 3-6 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. To learn more and register for the event of the year, please visit www.MasterTechExpo.com.

12VOLT NEWS (12.06 23) – The Holiday Season is an opportunity for 12volt retailers to create a unique in-store experience for members of their local communities. Holiday themed exterior store front lighting and in showroom displays can bring smiles to customers faces. Making social media posts of Holidays themed images can draw store traffic. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales activity in 2023 set online sales records. Proactive 12volt retailers can spotlight the advantages of shopping and making Christmas gift purchases locally.

This Sound of Tr-State location is definitely lighted for Christmas. Drivers headed down to the road will see the Christmas lights from blocks away during the day… and even further away in the dark of nights. One of the best the exterior Holiday lighting presentations the 12volt Central Studios staff has ever seen.

Custom Audio in Erie PA is located in a strip center along a busy local street. Window graphics, signage and lighting grabs eyeballs from the street. With daylight savings time it is dark during evening drive time and into the night.

Team Nutz in Pittsburgh is located on a very busy local main street. The 2-story building with lighting plus the area in front of store spotlighting the Holiday season with Santa and more adds to visibility.

The Christmas tree in the showroom at Interstate Electronics Inc is definitely decked to the Holiday Max. Check out the Kenwood Christmas wrapping paper. Fred Orpen, GM of the Hazlet NJ based company stated “We have been displaying a Christmas tree in our showroom for years. Our customers smile when they see the tree and all get the Holiday Season spirit. The Kenwood Holiday wrapping paper is new this year and a very nice tough from Kenwood and our local Progressive rep Morris Hartman.”

Audio Edge in Nederland TX has a nicely Christmas decorated sales counter. Chris Hulin stated “Our customers comment on our Christmas feel in the showroom. We have several bikes on the showroom floor and the red and green LED lights add even more the the overall Holiday feel.”

The MaxPro HQ lobby in Whiteville NC is a nice touch for a business to add when their dealers and customers arrive for a meeting.

The massive Abt Electronics store in Glenview IL offers appliances, electronics, mobiles electronics and so much more. The huge lobby area and hallways are filled with Christmas decorations and lights. A Tesla vehicle is spotlighted at the entrance to let customers know Abt can add aftermarket products to EVs.

The 12volt Central Studios staff will continue to spotlight proactive 12volt retailers working to create the Holiday in-store experience for members of their respective communities.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

OMAHA, NE (12.11.23) – The12VDashboard Inc. hires Tom Kolar as the Director of Sales for the next season of growth in 2023/2024. “We are excited to have added Tom and his skill set to The12VDashboard Inc. team to help drive our success to the next level”, said Brian Hampson the CEO of The12VDashboard Inc.

Tom has worked in the 12-volt industry for over 30 years in the distribution channels in the Midwest as National Sales Manager and most recently as VP of Sales and Marketing. This newly formed position at The12VDashboard Inc. will utilize Tom’s background in the 12V industry along with his customer relations skills, being advantageous to the growth and development of this new exciting venture.

“I am excited to help take this product to the next level with our team, with the new enhancements and the plans for the future, we have the best look-up tool in the industry! At a time in our industry, when qualified staff resources continue to be a major problem, this sales tool aids in the process with any size store no matter the experience level; it is a much-needed opportunity for dealers to add to the toolbox for their stores,” Kolar said.

“The12VDashboard Inc. based out of Omaha, Nebraska is an existing business that provides a comprehensive online solution for 12v retailers. Our primary offering is an online lookup tool that enables retailers to easily identify aftermarket items that fit specific vehicles. Unlike existing solutions, our tool boasts an easy-to-use interface with a minimal learning curve for end users. This ensures that retailers can quickly identify compatible parts, speaker fitments, tips and tricks, known vehicle obstacles like ANC Mics and offer solutions to their customers without any hassle. By saving time for retailers, our tool enables them to focus on delivering exceptional service and building strong customer relationships,” said Brian Hampson, CEO of the 12 V Dashboard Inc. and Owner of Stereo West Autotoys in Omaha, Nebraska.

Contact Information: For more information on the 12 V Dashboard contact Tom Kolar at: 1-531-777-0877 or email at tkolar@the12vdashboard.com

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (12.11.23) – You’d expect to see a car at a racing show. But have you ever seen one suspended from the ceiling over a booth?

Visitors experienced a never-seen-before booth design with a captivating display in the BILSTEIN booth at this year’s 2023 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show on Dec 7-9th at the Indiana Convention Center.

As part of their 150th anniversary celebration, BILSTEIN Motorsport displayed a suspended dirt racing late model series vehicle proudly equipped with AS2-R shocks on all four corners, showcasing BILSTEIN’s commitment to pushing the limits both on and off the track.

Located in the Yellow Hall, BILSTEIN Motorsport featured their latest innovations and state-of-the-art shock technology, including their all new AS3 shock, which allows for zero rod (nitrogen) pressure when the shock rebounds providing better traction and consistent grip on the track.

Additionally, BILSTEIN displayed the AS2-R ESCV (End Stop Control Valve) shock. These feature an internal bump stop on compression, which provides precise tuning of the bump stop and eliminates the bounce, adding full compliance to the tire.

BILSTEIN also showed off their latest off-road UTV shocks, the Black Hawk Powersports systems (front and rear).

Other featured products included the SG2, AS2, AS2-R, XVA, SNS2-BV and M 9200 (Bypass).

“As we celebrate 150 years, we invite you to be part of the next chapter in our legacy,” said Aaron Morey, Director of Motorsports. “Fasten your seatbelts – the future of motorsport is here, and it’s draped in BILSTEIN excellence.” 

Visit bilstein.com for more.