Metra Electronics to Host Manufacturer Training Sessions at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, TX

HOLLY HILL, FL (08.02.22)Metra Electronics is heading to Dallas, TX to host training sessions at KnowledgeFest and showcase their latest aftermarket installation products. At the booth will also be a Ford Bronco, outfitted with products by Metra’s Heise LED and Axxess brands. Metra’s training sessions will cover products launched at The 2021 SEMA Show. This includes the latest Axxessintegration products and DSPs, Saddle Tramplighting and audio upgrades that fit Harley-Davidson, aftermarket accessories that fit Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, and new vehicle lighting solutions from Heise. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers at the event, hosted August 26-28. Training sessions include:

“Simplify your Install with Axxess DSPs,” August 26 at 1:45 PM CST and August 28 at 9:30 AM CST

This training will cover the entire Axxess DSP product line, highlight new vehicle coverage, and showcase the newest app features. Metra will show installers how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. Attendees will learn how to use and set up Axxess DSPs through the app for complete tuning control and when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions. This training will also explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AXDSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology.

“New Accessories for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator” on Friday, August 26 at 3:00 PM CST

Installers will learn how to upgrade the look and sound system of the latest Jeep models using Metra’s newest accessories designed for JeepWrangler JL and Gladiator JT models. This session will go over installing the Metra RGB lighting kit with plug-n-play connections and expandable Heise lighting options. It will also showcase Metra’s Talon Attack replacement grille, amplifier installation kits, and new accessory harnesses that make adding aftermarket lighting even easier for installers.

“Saddle Tramp Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles,” Saturday, August 27 at 4:15 PM CST

Metra makes it easy to upgrade the audio system in Harley-Davidson motorcycles with Saddle Tramp’s newest products. Learn more about DSP kits with built-in interfaces that reflash the OE radio and give installers full tuning control from the palm of their hand. This session will also introduce the new motorcycle accessories from Metra that will upgrade the music experience and provide easy integration using Metra’s improved radio replacement kits and harnessing.

“New Vehicle Lighting Trends with Heise” on Saturday, August 27 at at 5:30 PM CST

Lighting upgrades are in demand and Metra’s newest products from Heise deliver just what installers need to meet the latest trends in automotive lighting. Learn about the new and improved Heise lightbars and cube lights, projector series LED bulbs, new wheel lights, RGB and RGBW underglow kits, and the popular third brake light designed for the new 2021 Ford Bronco. This training session includes valuable tips for selling and installing these new LED lighting solutions from Heise.

“Advanced Integration Made Easy with Axxess and Metra” on Sunday, August 28 at 10:45 AM CST

Attendees will learn about the newest solutions from Axxess and Metra that make vehicle integration easy, even with some of the notoriously complex vehicle systems. This training session gives in-depth installation information for Metra’s AXPIO integration kits for Pioneer receivers, Metra’s latest TurboTouch dash kits, and new Axxess interfaces hitting the market.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #711 from August 26-28 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, TX. See additional details about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), at KnowledgeFest.org.

Highland Park Strong and Maxxsonics Joining with Support Towards the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.02.22) Maxxsonics is joining with support towards the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser. The friends of the Roberts family have created this fundraiser on GoFundMe. Cooper’s spinal cord was severed and he has had many surgeries and now has been upgraded to a serious condition. The doctors have determined that he will be paralyzed from the waist down and has been in and out of consciousness and continually sedated due to the severe pain.

On the Highland Park cause and Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “Here at Maxxsonics, we look to support those in need any way we possibly can. With the tragic events that occurred over the 4th of July weekend, I am filled with great sadness and look to contribute aid and support to the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser any way I can. A little donation and support can go a long way.”

Cooper is a fighter and fights every single day. Maxxsonics is joining the fight and cause with support and love towards the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser. With the high medical bills, treatments, therapy and all of the equipment and devices needed to help support Cooper through this difficult time, we find it here at Maxxsonics in our best nature to do our part for the community.

Highland Park is a neighboring community to Maxxsonics. Please continue to keep the Roberts family in your thoughts and prayers while any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Cooper Roberts was shot during the July 4th Terrorist attack in the Chicago area.

Follow the GoFundMe link to join the Highland Park cause and send support to the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser. https://www.gofundme.com/f/kxwjn-the-roberts-family-fundraiser?qid=f753603dc86f611d268c542862df3b07

Importel Ltd. Purchases the Working Assets of BB Distribution Ltd.

TORONTO, ON (08.01.22) – In a move to increase its national presence, Importel Ltd. is excited to announce the acquisition of BB Distribution Ltd.’s working assets. This acquisition will strengthen the reach of Importel Ltd. with the creation of Importel West and Importel East. This will result in a wider offering of products, reduced transit times and the addition of an already greatly established team in Western Canada.

During this transition, existing BB Distribution customers will not require any immediate changes made to their ordering process. All orders submitted through BB Distribution (Importel West) will continue to be processed

via email, website orders and by phone. All account balances that are currently owing BB Distribution Ltd. (o/a BB Distribution) as of Aug 1st, 2022, will now be paid to Importel Ltd. There will be additional communication with more details to follow in the coming days.

Effective immediately, the BB Distribution warehouse in Oakville is closed and the inventory will be transferred to the Importel East warehouse. During the transition period, BB Distribution exclusive brands will be processed via the Importel West (BB Distribution) facility in Alberta. Until the move is completed, for the customers located in Ontario, the BB Distribution exclusive brands will be unavailable for pick-up. Please anticipate transit times from the Importel West warehouse to your location accordingly. Importel Ltd. will be working quickly and diligently to ensure that this situation is only temporary.

For existing BB Distribution customers, who do not have an account or login with Importel Ltd., please request a web account at importel.com by selecting CREATE AN ACCOUNT at the top right of the page, or by clicking here: CREATE AN ACCOUNT to ensure a seamless transition.

In cases where there is an existing account with Importel Ltd. there will be no further action required.

Importel Ltd. is looking forward to both new and continued partnerships. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Importel Ltd. at either office.

Importel East: (416) 665-3413 or 1 (800) 363-3413 

Importel West: (780) 439-3901 or 1 (800) 279-0636

“These are exciting times for our customers, vendors, and expanded team! We look forward to providing the highest levels of both product availability and customer service,” Trevor Patrick, President, Importel Ltd stated.

Visit importel.com for more. 

Rockford Fosgate Releases New 800-Watt Audio Kits for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

TEMPE, AZ (08.01.22) – Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance audio, confirms the launch of new audio kits for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The first release of these new 800-watt audio systems will be during the City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally where Rockford staff will be demonstrating the audio kits at their booth on Lazelle Street and their location at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City.

With options for Road Glide, Street Glide, Ultra, and CVO models, dating from 1998 through brand new bikes, the line-up of eleven kits is designed to exceed expectations by delivering the loudest, clearest sound for freeway speed output. They are custom tuned for the motorcycle environment to overcome wind, road, and exhaust noise while their Element Ready™ design ensures that each kit is purpose-built to withstand water, dirt, UV rays, and any weather that they encounter.

Kits feature the efficient, high-power output, IPX6 certified, M5 amplifier with a proprietary design that conserves current consumption while its Constant Power™ technology delivers dynamic power when needed. They also include a weatherproof wiring harness and installation components specific to each motorcycle model, as well as lightweight TMS speakers custom tuned for the open-air environment. Bikers can choose from kits that upgrade front fairing audio, as well as multi-speaker systems with front, bag lids, and tour-pak options.

For those looking to add Bluetooth streaming and SiriusXM capability that integrates with factory handlebar controls, a radio upgrade for 1998-2013 models is available (PMX-STG2 kits). Those with 2014 and newer Road Glide or Street Glide models have a kit option that adds dual 10-inch saddlebag subwoofers with an additional 800-watt amplifier.

Locations offering sales and installation at The Rally include Sound Connection at Rockford’s booth on Lazelle Street in Sturgis, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Sound Pro in Rapid City, and Extreme Audio at the Buffalo Chip.

For information and vehicle compatibility details, visit Rockford Fosgate.

CRUX Intros Jeep and RAM Interface Solution

CHATSWORTH, CA (08.01.22) – CRUX Interface Solutions has introduced the LVCB-07 which allows the retention of the digital factory rearview camera for select 2018 and up Jeep and RAM vehicles when removing the factory radio.

The LVCB-07 interface will convert the GMSL (gigabit multi media serial link) camera to a composite video signal to connect to aftermarket radios.

The LVCB-07 is compatible with 2019-2023 RAM, 2018-2022 Wrangler and 2020-2022 Gladiator.

There is no dealer programing required for these models.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

Pda Road Gear Wins The Kenwood Prize on The Spin-To-Win 189

SHREVEPORT LA (07.30.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Pda Road Gear won the Kenwood prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 189 on Friday morning, July 29th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 4.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 189th time on Friday morning July 29th. The Wheel landed on the Kenwood space and the Pda Road Gear slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to Pda Road Gear on Littleton CO and could not make contact. We will try again.

Kenwood prizes are in the 12volt Central Studio offices. A Qi Charging Phone Mount or DRV-301W Dash Camera will be sent that way.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, JBL, Massive Audio, Kenwood, JVC and USASpec. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV and Sound Concept in Nanuet NY. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, August 5th.

Custom Vehicles of Zanesville Presented The Speedway Slam

ZANESVILLE, OH (07.29.22) – On Sunday, July 24th, the Speedway Slam took place at the Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville. The event included a Car and Bike Show presented by Custom Vehicles of Zanesville. A MECA Car Audio Competition was also on site.

Custom Vehicle’s Matt Przybyl (L) and Rusty North-End Result reflect on the successful day’s activities.

For Custom Vehicles Matt Przybyl related “We put the word out about the event with social media posts and had right at 100 cars showing at the event. The quality and wide range of the cars in the show was very impressive. Over the years the store had gotten away from this type of event. After seeing the turnout for this event we are already planning for next year.”

A selection of trophies and prizes for the Speedway Slam event.
A few of the unique cars in the Car Show.

Rusty North, End Result, was onsite supporting Custom Vehicle’s efforts with the Memphis Audio and Race Sport Lighting. North related “Matt and his team did a great job with the layout. They had plenty of giveaways and activities for all at the event. I showed attendees the latest products from the broad Memphis Audio line for car, marine and powersports. Also, Race Sport Lighting was spotlighted. The new Solar lights for the cab of pickups opened eyes for that new product that just recently hit retail.”

This old Ford was amazing.
This is the type of work that Custom Vehicles is known for in the area.

Three food trucks plus a DJ making announcements for activities and the MECA competition kept all engaged.

Custom Vehicles is a vehicle customization company that has served the Zanesville area for 45 years and is the one-stop shop for 12volt and automotive aftermarket products.

In the MECA Booth Brad Valkenburg (L) and Curtis Eigensee are MECA Michigan and Ohio Team Captains respectively.

Visit customvehicleszan.com for more.

The Massive Audio HippoXL152R Is Back In Stock

COMMERCE, CA (07.29.22) – For a few years now, the Massive Audio award winning HippoXL subwoofer lineup has been knocking people’s socks off and scaring small children. Behold the HippoXL152R.  Massive Audio went a little overboard with the HippoXL152R.  Maybe the R stands for Ridiculous.  But let’s get serious, as this sub is all about the most serious kind of bass.  The HippoXL152R is weighing in with a staggering 430 oz, with a low carbon steel double stack motor, aluminum former and large pole vent as well as added rear venting to ensure years of keeping high temperatures under control during long periods of hammering away. 

 The oversized R motor gives it away, setting the XL152R apart from the rest of the HippoXL lineup. The excessive size of the motor is a must when trying to control the monstrous Made in USA 4” anodized voice coil. Speaking of that voice coil, it is guaranteed to soak up 3000 watts rms/ 6000 watts peak power when driven hard. The USA Made voice coil from Florida is an absolute must when it comes to a competition winning, high output subwoofer such as this. 

 Producing that tremendous bass is the Kevlar Fiber reinforced non-pressed paper cone. Keeping that Kevlar Fiber cone in check are a pair of oversized Nomex spiders. To finish off the build is the Massive Audio signature red cone stitching and a fiberglass dust cap. This sub not only makes a statement with its intimidating size, it makes a statement with the staggering output. The HippoXL152R is a SPL cheat code subwoofer… Guaranteed performance when a paired with our Massive Audio Drago D6 Monoblock amplifier. 

HippoXL152R: Ultra High Output / Extreme Excursion / Competition Proven Design

Warning: Extreme levels of sound pressure with this combination can can be dangerous. HippoXL152R and Drago D6 Monoblock amplifier are designed to be used with Upgraded charging system and additional batterie(s) Only. Not for use in Stock electrical systems.

Visit massiveaudio.com for more.

RSVP Now to Attend the SEMA Garage Grand Opening, August 18

DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.29.22) – The grand opening of the SEMA Garage Detroit will be held Thursday, August 18, from 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (EDT), in the new facility at 14655 Jib St., Plymouth, MI 48170.

Be one of the first to view this state-of-the-art facility that will bring automotive aftermarket products to market even faster. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore all the innovative services the new SEMA Garage Detroit will offer and tour the brand-new facility while enjoying food, drinks, music, giveaways and more.

RSVP by August 1 to reserve your spot

Visit www.semagarage.com for more.

Summit Sound & Security Celebrated The Company’s 25th Anniversary

TWINSBURG, OH (07.27.22) – On Thursday, July 21st, Summit Sound & Security celebrated the company’s 25th Anniversary with a Car Show and Tent Sale. Multiple 12volt vendors, with demo vehicles and giveaways, added to fun filled event that ran from 9 AM until 6 PM.

Specials under the tent made the register ring during the event.

Summit Sound is located in a shopping plaza and the area was filled with a wide variety of show cars and vehicles… from classics to Slingshots and UTVs. The on site food truck added to the day for attendees.

Alpine had a major presence on site with a demo vehicle under the tent. Chris Reavis, Alpine Brand Specialist was on site and related, “The Summit was well attended and created a lot of excitement. Summit is an Alpine Style Center dealer and showcases the Alpine brand very well.”

The Alpine 4RUNNER was positioned and demoed by Chris Reavis.
This large banner brought attention to the upcoming event.

Steve McGaffee with Online AV was also in the house supporting the Alpine presence.

Sony was also on site with a demo vehicle and the KICKER brand was spotlighted by a loaded SxS provided by Davis Distribution.

Summit Sound & Security goes to market with a wide variety of electronics, restyling and window film products for auto, home, boat and businesses.

Visit summitsound.net for more.