Author: 12VoltNews

Chris Bennett joins Apex America, a division of Apex Group Italy, which owns and distributes the Zapco and ESB brands worldwide.

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As Director of US Sales, Chris will oversee and manage all US Sales activities for both Zapco and ESB Audio Brands.

ZAPCO was established in 1974 and, for fifty years, has been the leader in defining quality standards for the car audio industry. These years of experience have led to a thorough understanding of the challenges
that are unique to the world of car audio. ZAPCO’s relentless quest for sonic purity consistently yields imaginative designs that utilize the most innovative technologies. The resulting products set the criteria by which all others in the industry are judged.

ESB Audio is an Italian speaker company that has been manufacturing high end car audio speakers since 1986. They were founded in 1969 and manufactured high fidelity home cabinets for a dozen years before getting into the automotive speaker category. ESB is currently shipping 6 different series of speakers with retail price points from $56.99 up to $3750.00.

Chris Bennett has joined Apex Group Italy and will oversee and manage all US sales and activities for both Zapco and ESB Audio brands.

Chris Bennett has over 30 years of Mobile Electronic experience working for Manufacturers such as Musway USA, Dynamat, AudioControl, and Metra Electronics. Prior to working with these prominent brands Chris owned Audio Habitat, a successful independent 12v retail store in Grover Beach, CA. Chris Commented about his new role, “I’m excited to be the go-to contact in the U.S. for such Legacy Brands like Zapco and ESB. As the Director of US Sales, we see great things ahead for the best sounding Mobile Electronics products available”.

George Jenkins, VP US Sales – “I am thrilled to have Chris on board and to help us in the growth of our company’s objectives and goals. He is known in the industry as a leader who gets things done. Please join us in welcoming Chris to his new position and supporting him as he embraces the new challenges ahead”.

Chris Bennett can be contacted by email at cbennett@apexgoup.it or by phone at (805) 291-9997.

AV Pro Global Appoints VP, North American Residential Sales

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Key Appointment Signals Enhanced Market Presence Via United Brand Portfolio

Chris Kane in his AV Pro Global office.

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, April 4, 2024 /News Release/ AVPro Global Holdings, LLC, the parent company of AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, Murideo, and Then Audio audio/video distribution products, today announced the appointment of Chris Kane as Vice President of North American (NA) Residential Sales. Kane will report to Mike Detmer, AVPro’s COO, and oversee NA business development initiatives including streamlining sales processes by unifying the AVPro brand portfolio under one experienced manager. Kane, a known and trusted manager in the NA residential market, brings a wealth of experience and insight to leverage AVPro’s growth initiatives while providing added value to its customers.


“With 30 years of sales experience at AudioControl, it’s only natural to elevate Chris to manage the residential market for the entire AVPro brand portfolio in North America,” said Mike Detmer, COO. “Chris brings a wide range of expertise in strategic planning and execution, performance management, and team leadership to grow our market share while delivering additional value to AVPro customers,” Detmer added.


At AudioControl since 1992 after ten years in consumer electronics retail, Kane managed new business development with remarkable success, establishing strong relationships with customers across all related sales channels through extensive in-person and online presentations, dealer training seminars, and a consistent presence at critical tradeshows such as CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association). Kane is well-respected as a proficient manager of regional sales teams including independent manufacturer representatives.


About AVPro Global Holdings, LLC
AVPro Global is a privately held American company headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD, with satellite offices in St. Petersburg, FL, Seattle, WA, Green Bay, WI, a European office in Bratislava, Slovakia, and an office in Shenzhen. The AVPro Global audio/video-centric brands – AVPro Edge, AudioControl Pro, Bullet Train, Murideo, and Then Audio – combine their respective strengths to create the fastest-growing AV signal distribution company in the residential and commercial systems integration spaces, perfectly complementing AVPro Global Founder and CEO Jeff Murray’s vision, “To be recognized as the best AV signal distribution and control products and services company on the planet.”

Alpine to Return to 2024 Daytona Jeep Beach

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Auburn Hills, Mich. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will attend the 2024 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway from Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27 where they will offer special, event-only pricing on all products.

In addition to the vendor booth, Alpine will also have an installation bay, powered by Tampa-based Alpine Authorized RetailerSoundwaves, so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed.

Two Alpine 2018 Jeep® Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep® driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep® interior and retain the features Jeep® drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready® head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep® driver.

A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep® Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep®-specific solutions designed for older Jeep® Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.

All event visitors are encouraged to visit the Alpine booth and take advantage of the special, event-only deals and on-site installation services during the event.

Jeep® is a registered trademark of Stellantis NV

Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. (“Alpine”) is an automotive electronics manufacturer that provides consumers and leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation, and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies. Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe, and North America ensure that all products address the real-world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly automotive electronics products. For information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit http://www.alpine-usa.com or follow AlpineUSA on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Roblox.

The NEW ITZ-SYNC2

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We’re super pumped to announce the launch of ITZ-SYNC2. Designed specifically for Ford/Lincoln vehicles, this cutting-edge kit will enhance your driving experience with unparalleled features and functionality.

With the ITZ-SYNC2 kit, you’ll be able to use CarPlay and Android Auto on most 2011-2016 models. You can now seamlessly integrate your smartphone with your car’s infotainment system, bringing CarPlay and Android Auto to your car. Additionally, the SYNC2 kit uses the factory mic and factory bluetooth to feed audio through the speakers, so no external parts are needed.

This ITZ-SYNC2 is covered by a ZZ2 warranty for 3 years.

To know more about the NEW ITZ-SYNC2, CLICK HERE.

Get in touch with our sales team today at 929-220-1212 or sales@zz-2.com to learn more about ZZ2’s products and to become an authorized dealer.

ZZ2 tech group

Become a ZZ-2 Dealer

12v Dashboard Welcomes New Vendor Partners PowerBass, ATREND and Habanero

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OMAHA,NE (4/03/24) – The 12VDashboard is excited to announce 3 new vendor partners in Q1 2024! We welcome Powerbass Direct fit products, ATREND vehicle specific enclosures and HABANERO Tools. “Thanks to Erik Harbour and Jeff Falk from Powerbass; we are excited to have them on board and partner with them in helping sell the Powerbass brand, 20 years+ company with quality and integrity”, said Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales. “We also welcome ATREND and HABANERO to the vendor family and look forward to significantly growing our reach and relationship with our dealer family with their brands while driving sales to them”, said Brian Hampson the CEO of the 12 V Dashboard LLC.

The Dashboard attended Knowledgefest in Vegas this February and found many dealers that were interested in the product and had inquiries into “just what this APP can do for my store”. They were constantly busy taking dealers through TEST DRIVES of the Fit Guide and the newly launched Vehicle Check-in program; available as an add-on inside the Dashboard at a nominal fee. Quick shout out to Dalton Trainer from Car-Tunes Inc in Greenville, MS, who won our drawing in Vegas at the booth for 6 months of the Fit Guide, a $1200 value, for FREE. Congratulations to Dalton, Kimberly, and Team Car Tunes! The Dashboard will be attending Nashville and Atlantic City’s Knowledgefest and showing the Fit Guide enhancements: how to add pictures and notes to the virtual file cabinet and the NEW Vehicle Check-in program. They will be offering MEA special pricing at the show to become part of TEAM DASHBOARD. For more information about the 12 V Dashboard contact Tom Kolar, the Director of Sales: Call or text at (531)-777-0877 or email at tkolar@the12vdashboard.com.
Or visit our website https://the12vdashboard.mybigcommerce.com/

The AMA ARENACROSS FINALE In Vegas Wrapped The 2024 Series.

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LAS VEGAS NV (04.02.24) – THE AMA KICKER ARENACROSS 2023/2024 Series was expanded to 14 race dates across the U.S. The AMA ARENACROSS FINALE at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday night March 29th wrapped the very successful 2024 Series.

Loads and loads of dirt we’re truck been to create the race track with mounds on the Orleans Arena floor.

“The Orleans Arena was a terrific venue for the AMA ARENACROSS to wrap the 2024 Series. The stands will seat 9500 and enthusiasts were definitely Livin’Loud as the riders were tightly bunched at the top of the standings. That all made for a very exciting evening on the track in the packed arena” Lorin Morrell, MADDOG Media, related.

The KICKER tables were set up right by the entrance with a concession stand on one side and restrooms on the other.

Lorin Morrell had the tables set with KICKER gear before the event opened.

Friday got rolling with Track Party. The lighting and Vegas style spotlights in the Orleans Arena added a special look and feel. Attendees spent time on the track and connecting with riders while walking the dirt mounds that riders would soon be flying across as they raced to the finish line to collect their trophies and Series awards.

The Orleans Arena lighting was setup with spotlights to highlight Track Party activity.

As soon as racers hit the track they got their rhythm as they went up a mound and easily flew over the next mound to land… 50 feet away and navigated tight turns.

Between races the PA announcers let the crowd know there was a special offer inside one of the KICKER T’s being fired into the stands to attendees. The certificate was for KICKER Bullfrog prizes that could be picked up in the booth. “It was exciting that a young girl came with her family to pick up the KICKER Bullfrog prize” Morrell related.

This young lady was very proud of her KICKER T-shirt toss Bullfrog prize.

“As this was the last event the scores were tabulated and Kyle Peters came out on the top of the tightly bunched field for the Series. Peters won by just 5 points over Ryan Breece. For the FINALE I was onstage as riders picked up their trophies, awards and big checks. It was very cool as Kyle’s bike was parked right next to the KICKER RZR and he did a great wheelie after leaving the stage” Morrell offered.

The video crew filming Kyle Peters just after he crossed the finish line.
Top Series finishers on stage with their trophies and big checks. On the left Lorin Morrell is pictured next to Series Champion Kyle Peters.

“We talked with many enthusiasts and most had questions about which KICKER products would be best for their daily rides plus bikes, side by sides, boats or cars. The KICKER PowerBar once again grabbed a lot attention as did bike gear plus lifestyle products. Speaking with attendees we also covered how easily attendees could check out the dealer locator for a KICKER dealer in the area” Morrell concluded.

Visit kicker.com for more

VOXX Welcomes Seth Halstead as Director of Marketing, Signals Bold Changes Ahead

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ORLANDO, Fla., April 2nd, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), is pleased to announce the appointment of Seth Halstead as its new Director of Marketing. Bringing over two decades of automotive industry experience, Halstead joins VOXX with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a proven track record of success in marketing and management roles.


Halstead most recently served as the Senior Content and Digital Marketing Manager at JVCKENWOOD, where he played a pivotal role in driving innovative marketing strategies and enhancing brand visibility. With a keen understanding of the automotive landscape, Halstead has cultivated extensive expertise in 12-volt retail, distribution, and manufacturing.


“We are thrilled to welcome Seth Halstead to our team as the Director of Marketing,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation. “His wealth of experience and strategic vision will undoubtedly strengthen our marketing efforts and drive growth for VOXX. In the short time that Seth has been with us, the VOXX team and I have been very impressed with the direction he is taking us, and he is already making a difference. The best is yet to come, stay tuned.”


In his new role, Halstead will lead the VOXX Electronics Corporation’s marketing initiatives, leveraging his deep industry knowledge to further elevate the brand and expand market reach. His appointment underscores VOXX’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions, improving communication, and exceeding customer expectations.


“I am excited to join VOXX Electronics Corporation and lead the marketing team during this dynamic period of growth,” said Halstead. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive impactful marketing campaigns and strengthen VOXX’s position as a leader in the automotive industry.” Halstead’s appointment represents a significant milestone for VOXX as the company continues to innovate and drive forward in an ever-evolving market landscape. He can be reached at shalstead@voxxintl.com.


For more information on becoming a VOXX Electronics Dealer, Expeditor, or Restyler in the US, please
visit: www.voxxelectronics.com/become-dealer
For more information on becoming a VOXX Electronics Dealer in Canada, please visit:
gemsen.com/become-a-dealer
Follow us on Social Media at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC):

VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a global supplier of mobile and consumer electronics products. VEC is a recognized leader in the marketing of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and tracking, remote start systems, telematics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and more. VEC sells its products through an extensive distribution network that includes expeditors, mass merchandisers, regional mobile electronics chains, and independent specialists both domestically and internationally. VOXX Electronics possesses a strong brand portfolio and its products rank among the top ten in almost every category in which they sell. Primary brands include: ADAS®, Advent®, AstroStart®, Audiovox®, Automate®, Autostart®, Avital®, CarLink®, Clifford®, Crimestopper®, Directed®, Flashlogic®, Install Essentials®, Invision®, Leather Craft®, MoviestoGo®, Omega®, Prestige®, Pursuit®, Python®, Rosen®, Rostra®, SmartStart®, and Viper®.
For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxelectronics.com.


About VOXX International Corporation:
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has grown into a worldwide leader in many automotive and consumer electronics and accessories categories, as well as premium high-end audio. Today, VOXX International Corporation has an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists, and most of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. The Company has an international footprint in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and a growing portfolio, which now comprises over 30 trusted brands. Among the key domestic brands are Klipsch®, RCA®, Invision®, Jensen®, Audiovox®, Terk®, Acoustic Research®, Advent®, Code Alarm®, Car Connection®, 808®, AR for Her®, and Prestige®. International brands include Hirschmann Car Communication®, Klipsch®, Jamo®, Energy®, Mirage®, Mac Audio®, Magnat®, Heco®, Schwaiger®, Oehlbach® and Incaar™.


For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxintl.com.

Dynamat Adds Crossover Marketing in the Pacific Northwest Territory

Posted on by in Industry News.

Hamilton, OH (March 28, 2024) – In a strategic move to advance future growth in the Pacific Northwest, Dynamat proudly announces that The Crossover Marketing Group will be representing the Dynamat Brand in the territory for the mobile electronics vertical.

Rob Sutton (L), Paul Pilat (R)

“We are very impressed with the Crossover Team, their deep network in the PNW region and past successes. I very much look forward to growing the Dynamat brand in partnership with Rob Sutton, Paul Pilat and their team,” stated Edward Shelton, VP of Sales for Dynamat.

The transition will happen with immediate effect and the Crossover Team has already started to make contact with customers, new and old.

“We see this partnership as a strategic step forward in our mission to provide top-tier solutions and unparalleled support to our customers,” added Paul Pilat, of Crossover Marketing.

“We are excited to join forces with Dynamat to offer our dealers access to best-in-class acoustic and thermal environmental solutions,” said Rob Sutton, of Crossover Marketing. “This partnership bolsters our commitment to providing premium products that deliver exceptional performance and revenue potential.”

About Crossover Marketing:

Crossover Marketing is a Manufacturer’s Rep Firm servicing the Pacific Northwest market. The company was founded by Rob Sutton and Paul Pilat, who have decades of combined experience in leadership roles within the consumer electronics industry. The company focuses on sustainable dealer development and incorporates innovative marketing strategies with a priority on customer service. For more information, please visit www.crossovermktg.com.

About Dynamat:

Dynamat, Inc. is a privately held corporation located in Hamilton, Ohio, USA. Established in 1989, the company markets acoustic environmental solutions for a broad range of industries.

The Dynamat brand is recognized by consumers around the world as quality products for solutions to unwanted noise and vibration. The Dynamat brand maintains the dominant market share in Car Audio and Automotive Restoration acoustic solutions. Dynamat, Inc. also provides a broad range of unique product solutions for home acoustics, computers, appliances, and Original Equipment Manufacturers. Visit www.dynamat.com

Specialty Marketing – Pioneer Electronics Territory Expansion

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Mechanicsville, VA— April 1 2024— Specialty Marketing, a Custom Home, and Mobile Electronics Distributor, with over six decades of distribution experience, formally announces the expansion of distribution territory for Pioneer Electronics.

Specialty Marketing will now cover the following states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York (including Metro), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Specialty Marketing with distribution centers in Virginia and New Jesey, welcome the opening of their new Florida facility in the next 30 days. These three distribution facilities will ensure 1-day delivery throughout the territory.

Specialty Marketing recently hired six industry veterans.

  • Bill Dolsen-VP of Sales and Business Development, 34 years’ experience
  • Dennis Hopper-Florida Territory Manager, 36 years’ experience
  • Bryan Mongiovi-Southeast Region, 25 years’ experience
  • Jonny Rojas-Sales Support for all bilingual customers, 25 years’ experience
  • Jim Gallagher-New England & Upstate NY Territory Manager, 42 years’ experience
  • Derek Franklin-Virginia & North Carolina Territory Manager, 10 years’ experience

Additional key industry veterans include:

  • Corey Ferguson-Sales Support Team Leader, 19 years’ experience
  • Te’ Charity-Sales Support, 20 years’ experience
  • BJ Powell-Sales Support, 18 years’ experience
  • Larry Appelblatt-Metro NY Territory Manager, 36 years’ experience
  • Mitch Galitz-Mid Atlantic Territory Manager, 53 years’ experience

They can be reached at 800-446-9820 and offer a best-in-class website www.specialtymarketing.com, with real time inventory, pricing, invoices and more. Contact them to become a dealer at Specialty: Become a Dealer (specialtymarketing.com)      

Bill Dolsen

VP of Sales 

Specialty Marketing

Office (800) 446-9820

Cell (904) 237-9795

bdolsen@sm4.com

www.specialtymarketing.com

KENWOOD introduces the first receiver with built-in AI

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LONG BEACH, CALIF., April 1, 2024 KENWOOD USA (kenwood.com/usa/car), a leading manufacturer of premier entertainment and information solutions for the automotive, marine, and motorsports aftermarket, is excited to announce the Long Beach CA. KENWOOD has introduced the DMX999AI multimedia receiver that is the first Automotive receiver to feature AI technology. The DMX999AI will feature a 10.1” Capacitive HD screen 6 HDMI ai wireless inputs, two sets of RCA outputs and will accept 10 external cameras. The KENWOOD AI “Speaks-A-Lot” technology allows the driver or passenger to hold conversations with the receiver and the receiver has the ability to learn behaviors such as music taste and driving characteristics. In testing it even learned to swear at other drivers.

Features include
• Music select mode –
• it will follow your music choices and begin making suggestions searching across various streaming sources to find selections.
• Conversation modes –
• Best Friend mode: Can converse on almost any subject in depth and is a great tool for long road trips.
• Partner mode: will criticize your driving in a familiar nagging manner.
• Politician mode: will tell you just what you want to hear and make promises it can’t keep.
• Navigation tools –
o Traffic mode- You say what’s with all the traffic? And it will create reasons.
o The DMX999AI will select routes in large cities where you are least apt to be shot, by analyzing recent crime data and trends.
John Lucas, VP of Sales, stated “This new receiver will revolutionize the aftermarket receiver market with its interactive AI. It’s also the first Green Receiver. At boot up it will suggest ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and this feature can’t be turned off. To further demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, the screen surround is made from a compressed plant base polymer. That is bio-degradable and gives the receiver it’s green color” The DMX999AI will be available in Mid-Summer 2027, at a projected retail price of $2999.99. CarPlay and Android Auto supporting models will follow soon after.
To learn more about KENWOOD, visit the company’s website at https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/
About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation
JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of car entertainment products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call KENWOOD USA at 1-800-536-9663 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa.