LEHIGHTON, PA (10.10.22) – 1sixty8 media, the publisher of BestCarAudio.com, officially launched its dealer locator today. “Our mission at BestCarAudio.com is to educate interested consumers about existing and emerging technologies for their vehicles and then point them to a qualified local retailer to fulfill the need,” said Mitch Schaffer, 1sixty8 media founder and president. “We have been consistently publishing great content for years, and with the formal launch of our locator, we will now be better equipped to meet the second part of our mission.”
BestCarAudio.com sees over 100,000 unique visitors each month and has a social media following of over 33,000 and growing. “With our strong traffic and social media presence, combined with a mailing list of over 10,000 subscribers, we are perfectly positioned to drive interested consumers to quality retailers and installers,” Schaffer said.
As the name implies,BestCarAudio.com will be very selective about which retailers are allowed on the locator. Certain metrics – including but not limited to maintaining exceptional online reviews – must be met to be considered for inclusion. “We want to be true to our name and make sure that we are sending our readers to the best shops in their markets,” Schaffer said.
While the BestCarAudio.com dealer locator has been in place for some time, it listed only qualified clients of the parent company, 1sixty8 media. With the official launch, thedealer locator will now be open to qualified retailers across the U.S. and Canada.
Schaffer said, “We will now accept applications from non-clients, and those who are accepted will be charged a nominal annual fee of $99 for inclusion. A single sale generated from our locator will likely pay for the subscription fee many times over.”
SHREVEPORT LA (10.08.22) WTF…Win This Friday. D’Sanz Tint N Zound won the USA Spec Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 199 on Friday morning, October 7th.
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 199th time on Friday morning October 7th. The Wheel landed on the USA Spec space and the D’Sanz Tint N Zound 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 D’Sanz Tint N Zound in Escondido CA and gave them the news that a USA Spec prize will be headed their way. Mari Lu D’Sanz was very happy to hear the news.
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, RDV Automotive, Kenwood, JVC, USASpec and Nakamichi. 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, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN and Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH……Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, October 14th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.07.22) – The 2022 SEMA Show will include a brand-new feature—the eBay Motors Experience, where attendees will be able to experience the industry’s products live, in action. Located in more than 100,000-sq.-ft. of space in front of the Las Vegas Convention Center, eBay Motors Experience will anchor the outdoor area and welcome Showgoers with dynamic, experiential activities as soon as they arrive onsite.
The eBay Motors Experience will consist of multiple activities taking place simultaneously. Showgoers will be able to witness extreme performance at the Hoonigan Burnyard, take part in immersive ride-alongs, and get up-close to some of the industry’s most coveted vehicle builds.
The new eBay Motors Experience feature at the 2022 SEMA Show will anchor the outdoor area of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The eBay Motors Experience will be the center of the action at this year’s Show,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “It will be set up so that attendees are able to engage with the vehicles and the products in a way that they’ve never been able to do before. Showgoers are going to feel the impact of the feature immediately when they arrive at the Show.”
The eBay Motors Experience is open to all credentialed SEMA Showgoers during the event, Tuesday-Friday, Nov. 1-4.
To learn more about the 2022 SEMA Show or to register for the event, visit semashow.com or download the official SEMA Show mobile app.
METAIRIE, LA (10.07.22) – Oracle Lighting will feature its new LED Cargo Light Module (p/n 5887-001; MSRP: $149.95) for 2021+ Ford Broncos during the 2022 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth # 20137. The new LED Cargo Light Module is now shipping.
“The Ford Bronco is a great vehicle, but one area for improvement is the factory LED interior lighting in the cargo area,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “We have been very impressed with the new Bronco but were totally unimpressed with the LED lighting for the cargo area. The existing lighting doesn’t provide enough usable illumination for storage space. The Bronco is made for adventuring, but this lack of lighting makes accessing cargo at night difficult while on the trail, camping, or tailgating. Because of this, we have developed an integrated cargo light module to easily add a bright LED light to the rear hatch cargo space and, at the same time, lights up the area around the vehicle.”
Oracle Lighting’s Ford Bronco cargo light is designed for hardtop models and uses the vehicle’s existing 12V power source. The design simply replaces the factory wiper motor cover with the new LED module. Installation is simple. Just swap in the new cover using the included parts and plug the adapter into your rear accessory socket. The lights can easily be turned on and off with the flush switch located on the panel.
Additional features and benefits include: • Installs in factory location • Replaces factory wiper motor cover • Mounts using factory hardware • Illuminated flush On/Off switch • Dual 5000K white LED cargo light • Illuminates cargo space and exterior • Easy plug and play installation • 1-Year replacement warranty • Designed and engineered in the USA
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (10.07.22) – MB Quart Q Speakers are German-built and unleash higher quality sound in every aspect and detail of listening. ALL-NEW for 2022, MB Quart Q Speakers stand as the top-of-the-line speaker that MB Quart has to offer. Creating unmeasurable detail in sound and captivating immersive clarity throughout every beat and drop, Q Speakers deliver an experience that sets the bar in every category of listening and playback. Crisp detail, sharper beats, and ultimate playback in every aspect of listening – MB Quart Q Speakers look to redefine Music. Defined.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing, said, “MB Quart has signified the epitome of world-class speakers, and with the highly anticipated launch of German-built Q Speakers, we are pushing the boundary in performance and sound quality while setting the bar in higher audio playback. I am extremely excited for customers to hear the sophisticated and redefined sound that Q speakers are going to showcase within car audio installations.”
ABOUT Q SPEAKERS
Creating immense clarity and detail in every note, German-built MB Quart Q Speakers bring out more layers of detail hidden away in every genre of music. From deeper treble highs in country to lower booms and pop in Hip-Hop, the bar of sound and listening is raised with richer levels in clearer details. Incredible listening detail demands innovation that meets expectations. Q Speakers are crafted with precision and impeccable detail, giving car audio installs a sleek and clean showcase.
Refueling audio with the next evolution of quality in playback, Q speakers transform audio with clearer detail and richness that places the listener in the center of every song. With 1-inch Military A-Spec Titanium dome tweeters with butyl rubber surrounds in a cast-aluminum housing and cone materials with lightweight mica-filled poly blend creating strength and superior frequency reproduction, every beat and note becomes evolved to new layers of immersion and listening dimensions. Audio sessions will never be the same once music is redefined through the Q level of playback and quality. Get ready to embrace the ultimate standard of MB Quart with Q Speakers.
FEATURES INCLUDE (QSE-216 Q Speakers):
• TWEETERS 1-inch military A spec titanium dome tweeter with butyl rubber surround in a cast-aluminum housing, specially made to dissipate heat for peak performance. Stamped in a 9-step progressive die, which gives the overall form a consistent shape. The phase lens is specifically designed for off-axis performance.
• CONE MATERIAL Lightweight mica-filled poly blend for strength, superior frequency reproduction, and durability. This means that midbass frequencies remain very musical without the distortions that can be caused by the cone flexing and with the curvilinear design the geometry is specifically engineered for the best midbass response and off-axis performance.
• SURROUND / CONE COUPLING Natural butyl rubber surround for smooth and durable performance. Flexible piston action UV-protected rubber which will be impervious to temperature swings of very warm and cold.
• VOICE COIL / FORMER ASSEMBLY 1.5-inch high-temperature copper voice on Kapton former. The former is lighter and strong than aluminum – which allows the component to support slightly higher frequency extension and efficiency.
• SPIDER Woven fiber cotton-poly blend spider stabilizes the cone and voice coil in all musical situations.
• COOLING SYSTEM Balanced Temperature Technology (BTT) is used throughout every component in this Q Speakers system. The cast aluminum radial sink speaker frame, crossover plate, and tweeter frame remove excess heat for predictable long-term performance.
• TWEETER HARDWARE Hardware for multiple tweeter mounting solutions is included.
• FRAME A diecast aluminum basket is designed to be lightweight and extremely rigid. The low-profile form can be easily installed in most factory locations with little or no modification.
• MOTOR A solid neodymium magnet in a low-carbon steel containment cup is the strongest magnet that can be used and focuses all the energy around the voice coil.
• CONNECTORS A gold-plated, 4-way connection terminal is oppositely mounted for consistent curvilinear cone performance. Connection types include solder, screw-down, spade, or fork terminal.
• ADDITIONAL FEATURES Q Series audiophile in-ear studio monitors are included to bring the Q listening experience on the go. 3.5mm connection with adapters for both USB-C and Lightning connection.
“We are very excited for loyal MB Quart enthusiasts who have been with us from the beginning – to hear the rich detail, layered definition, and redefined clean sound integrated into every song. MB Quart engineers have innovated these speakers so that audio playback and quality will have been crafted and tuned perfectly – while remaining undistorted and sharp, producing crystal-clarity details,” concluded Sherman.
Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “I am anticipating MB Quart Q Speakers to symbolize what MB Quart stands for – Music that is redefined. Q Speakers will transform audio into richer quality playback that is crisp, detailed, and layered with higher quality sound. I am very excited for audio enthusiasts and customers to receive these top-of-the-line Q Speakers into their vehicle installations and to see their reaction when they hear music that’s truly defined.”
Sound demands quality met with precision, clarity, and detail – that is what MB Quart Q Speakers stand for. Through innovation and the evolution of technology, Q Speakers now stand as the beacon for sound quality in every MB Quart audio installation. The standard for music has transformed to higher levels of listening and playback with Q Speakers.
Make sure to contact your sales representative or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.
See complete Q Speakers details on the MB Quart website at mbquart.com.
OWENSBORO, KY (10.06.22) – The 25th Anniversary dB Drag Racing World Finals, presented by Deaf Bonce, took place at the Owensboro Kentucky Convention Center during the weekend of October 1-2, 2022. The event was packed with non-stop competition all weekend long. Spectators were on site to watch in person and the event was Live Streamed on YouTube with thousands of viewers watching from around the world. Over $10,000 in prizes were given away during the raffles all weekend. Competitors drove long distances to compete, and some came as far as California, Western Canada, Maine, Texas, and Minnesota.
A few competitors and spectators flew in from Belgium, Greece, Brazil, and Germany to take part in the World Finals. All World Finalists received commemorative World Finals gear including a Duffel Bag sponsored by Crossfire, Jersey, Decal, Cap, Banner, Plaque, and other swag. In addition to the swag, a Ground Zero Audio and SounDigital hospitality suite were open all weekend, and lunch was provided Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday night a competitor party and BBQ, sponsored by Ground Zero and SounDigital took place at a local brewery. The competitors got a chance to hang out, eat dinner, and mingle with some of the old-school car stereo guys in attendance at the Old School Meet-Up sponsored by Directronix.
The exhibit floor at the Owensboro Convention Center was filled with competitor’s vehicles, vendor booths and enthusiasts.
The competition was fierce with Four World Records established at the event. The most notable World Record was established in the Extreme Class. Team Soundcheck scored a 185.2 dB and then backed it up with a 185.4 dB, making the new world record 185.2 dB. The score of 185.4 dB makes this the LOUDEST certified dB Drag Racing score in the WORLD. This is amazing and we want to congratulate the entire Soundcheck team for putting up such a huge score!
In addition to the Extreme record, Team Aintloud Sam established a record of 152 dB in Street Stock 1K. Team Directronix Dan beat his old record establishing a new record of 172.6 dB in Super Street NW. There was an exciting run in Super Street X and Team Crossfire Donteay established a new record of 167.8 dB.
Competitors see big SPL numbers on the monitor.
Trophies for the event were sponsored by Sundown Audio. First through Third Place winners in 24 classes of the competition received an awesome 4 post trophy with first place checking in over 6 feet tall!
First-place winners will receive custom championship rings sponsored by Incriminator Audio. The winner has their choice of silver or silver with gold accents. The rings are custom-made and embossed with the competitor’s name and format of competition won.
Trophy winners gathered on the stage for a group photo Sunday night.
Every year the dB Drag Racing Association awards points champion recognition. For 2022, three points champions were awarded custom World Finals leather jackets sponsored by DC Audio. The points leaders were: Moses Martinez for dB Drag Racing / Bass Race / Freestyle, Julius Mack Johnson III for Psychlone, and Team FX Jimbo for Top Dog.
The dBDRA recognized several teams and individuals for their contribution to growing the sport of dB Drag Racing. Moses Martinez was awarded Competitor of the Year for 2022. Moses traveled throughout the country this year to compete. He has such a friendly personality and is a fan favorite amongst many involved. Special recognitions went out to Julius Mack Johnson III, TN Bass Racers, Daniel Tate, Team Directronix, Team Crossfire, Team Soundcheck, Team Incriminator, and Team dB Revolution. The Best of Show award was presented to RP Patel of Team Soundcheck with the Extreme Van.
A group of competitors and friends enjoying dinner and a good time one evening.
The grand finale of the event was the super popular Deathmatch exhibition, sponsored by FCBC. The top 4 loudest Super Street vehicles, at the finals, went head-to-head in a 5-minute average SPL competition. The doors and windows were rattling, and it was exciting to watch! The winner of Deathmatch this year was Beau Boren with Team Incriminator Audio with a 165.4 dB average for 5 minutes!
2022 dBDRA Champions:
Team Directronix Poptart – dB Drag Racing Street Stock 1K Team Last Minute – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock 2K Team Soundcheck Kenneth – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock 5K Team Directronix Matt – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock Trunk 5K Team Mach 1 – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock Wall 5K Team Crossfire Eric – dB Drag Racing Pro Stock NL Team Directronix Dan – dB Drag Racing Super Street NW Team Soundcheck Butthurt Exp – dB Drag Racing Super Street 1-2 Gorman Cassidy – dB Drag Racing Super Street 3-4 Beau Boren – dB Drag Racing Super Street 5+ Team Crossfire Donteay – dB Drag Racing Super Street X Team Soundcheck – dB Drag Racing Extreme NL
Audiodreamland Chris – Bass Race 120.0 dB to 129.9 dB Team Directronix David – Bass Race 130.0 dB to 139.9 dB Team Directronix Matt – Bass Race 140.0 dB to 149.9 dB Team Fx Jimbo – Bass Race 150.0 dB to 159.9 dB
Team Fx Jimbo – Top Dog
Julius Mack Johnson III – Psychlone Demo No Wall Team DC Lucas – Psychlone Demo Wall Psychlone Demo Extreme – DD Tank
John Bennett – Freestyle Street Stock 1K Team Crossfire Eric – Freestyle Pro Stock NL Chad Flopbox Bleeke – Freestyle Pro Stock 5k Team Fx Jimbo – Freestyle Super Street NL
The dB Drag Racing Association would like to thank everyone that participated in the event. This event is made possible by the competitors, judges, staff, sponsors, and spectators.
Judging Crew: Wyatte Meier, Doug Stockton, Jereme Creamer, Jeffrey Fernandez, Chet Teel, Andy Teuscher, Ray Choy, and Daren Narrine.
Event Staff: Wayne Harris, Celise Harris, Malissa Creamer, Bethany Meier, and Dayna Fernandez
Sponsors:
Deaf Bonce / Alphard Group (Presenting Sponsor)
Incriminator Audio (Rings and Badges)
Sundown Audio (Trophies)
Ground Zero & SounDigital (Hospitality and Party)
Crossfire Car Audio (Duffel Bags)
XS Power (Power Sponsor)
Directronix (Old School Meet Up)
DC Audio (Points Champion & Show Sponsor)
FCBC (Deathmatch)
Term-LAB (SPL Meter) – AAMP (Decal)
Mel Valadez (Plaques)
Show Sponsors:
Team Space 4 Bass, 20 Hz Labs, Shaker Trucking & Towing, Resilient Sounds, Kicker, Cerwin Vega
GRAYSLAKE, IL (10.06.22) – Echo Sales officially announced the new Mobile Electronics Distribution (MED) entity on October 1st 2022. The new company will be co-located with the existing Echo Sales Rep Firm. Rob Osheaski and Mike Lewis will drive Mobile Electronics Distribution (MED) into the future to serve dealers in the territory.
Echo Sales and Mobile Electronics Distribution are located in Grayslake, IL.
Osheaski related “Mike Lewis and I started Echo Sales in 2015. We had 2 separate 1-person rep firms and combined to double in size. When we got virtually shut down for Covid in March of 2020 we were concerned about vendors being shut down for an extended time, especially the California based companies. We decided to blow out one of our offices and small receiving area to stock some inventory. That was the start of Echo Distribution. Over the last two and a half years we added inventory space by knocking out our conference room and 2 additional offices since we were overflowing with product. In July of this year, we expanded to our current location in Grayslake.”
Shelving is in place in the newly expanded warehouse area.
Echo Sales will remain the name of the rep firm and the parent company of Mobile Electronics Distribution (MED). Osheaski and Lewis decided to change the name of the distribution entity so it could chart its own course and not necessarily following the original direction of Echo Sales, which was planned only as a Stocking Rep Distributor for lines represented and within Echo Sales territories. The new course of MED is full 12-volt distribution for lines and territories beyond that which is represented by Echo Sales. Plans are already in the works for an even larger location to continue the growth of Echo Sales and MED.
Osheaski and Lewis are joined by staff team members Patrick Virock,Adrian Manrique, Jennifer Fritz, Donna Lewis, Betty Yarborough, Don Geiger and Doug Hansen. Echo Sales has a presence in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and small segment of Ohio. The firms specialize in Car, Motorcycle, Marine and RV products.
Echo Sales and MED are located 888 E Belvidere Rd Suite 419 Grayslake, IL 60030, 847-847-4775. See www.echosales.net for more
AVON LAKE, OH (10.06.22) – Dramatically reduce the amount of heat transferred through the transmission tunnel and into the vehicle’s interior in Chevrolet Corvette C5 and C6 models with Transmission Tunnel Thermal Shields from Design Engineering, Inc.
Precision CNC-cut for a perfect fit and ease of installation, the shields reduce console and interior temperatures and serve as a barrier to unwanted road noise. Extremely lightweight, they are not affected by wind, water, or other harsh conditions.
“A well-known and longtime problem with many Corvettes is the amount of heat transferred into and through the console,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “These shields reduce the negative effects of in-cabin excessive high temperatures and improve the experience of driving a Corvette.”
Made of 10mil embossed aluminum bonded to a high-temp, finely woven, needle-punched glass fiber composite material, the shields can withstand direct temperatures up to 1750°F (955°C) and feature an aggressive self-adhesive backing that holds past 450°F (232°C)
They are available as a single Trans Tunnel Plate Heat Shield, a 4-piece Trans Tunnel Side Shield kit, or a complete 5-piece set (C5 #50530 & C6 #50532). Installation is performed without removal of the Transmission Tunnel Reinforcement Plate, and kits for C7 Corvette models will be available soon.
For more information about Transmission Tunnel Thermal Shields and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products visit www.designengineering.com.
ELKHART, IN (10.05.22) – On Saturday, September 24th, Mike Beyersdoerfer rolled the BEI Dutch Star from Batesville, IN into Elkhart for the Second Annual RV Hall of Fame Supplier Show that filled the 100,000 square foot RV Hall of Fame Museum. The facility features a variety of historical recreational vehicles from Air Stream, Winnebago and other American makers.
2022 is the 50th Anniversary of the amazing RV Hall of Fame Museum that celebrates and honors pioneers and individuals in the RV industry that were instrumental in making the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries what they are today.
Mike Beyersdoerfer is flanked by customers in the DEI Booth.
The RV Museum Hall of Fame in Elkhart stretches over 100,000 square feet.
“We represented Design Engineering that makes many products with applications across the RV industry. Insulation and sound deadening products are supplied directly to manufacturers with DEI D/Mat. Sprinter vans are another hot area and we supply BoomMat Flex. The DEI pre-cut BoomMat Flex kits provide a lot of time saving on the installation side for Sprinter vans.”
In the DEI booth Beyersdoerfer, and Mike Buca-DEI Product Manager, were set up to showcase many DEI products. During the 3-Day run of the show, that featured over 150 exhibitors, they met with dozens of dealers and networked with dozens of RV industry members at the event.
Mike Beyersdoerfer beside a classic custom RV with a Cadillac heritage.
Attendees had an opportunity to experience a wide selection of RVs documenting the rich history of the category.
Beyersdoerfer added, “The really great thing was I had emails from 5 attendees right after the event wanting to place orders.”
There were many social activities around the city of Elkhart showcasing the RV industry. Evenings at the event included live performances from Florida Georgia line and headliners.
Concluding, Beyersdoerfer offered, “I myself have enjoyed owning a RV for years and have had several. I drove my 40’ Dutch Star to the event. On the grounds outside there were many custom and classic RV’s that I enjoyed checking out before the event started. The weather actually curtailed outside activities so I brought my RV inside the event area.”
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.05.22) – Metra Electronics has announced that it will have two booths at the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1st-4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center; booth #11139 in the North Hall and its off-roading and powersports products on display at booth #60031 in the West Hall. Metra has supported SEMA throughout its virtual events and other safety protocols because the trade show is so vital to 12volt and other industries. This year will mark a return to pre-pandemic attendance for the SEMA show, and the manufacturer is looking forward to welcoming a larger number of 12volt enthusiasts to their booths than they’ve seen in the past two years.
Metra Electronics is planning big surprises for this year’s SEMA show. The manufacturer will unveil a new brand developed under the Metra Electronics umbrella, focusing on offering high-quality products that every installer needs when designing flexible audio systems. Additionally, more than 100 new products will be introduced, including a new line of lithium series batteries under its Shuriken brand. These batteries are designed for numerous applications, including audio, motorcycle, marine, auto racing, powersports, and more. Also, Heise LED will introduce three new controllers that will work with an all-new mobile app for smartphones and tablets to allow users to control Heise RGB, RGBW, and Chasing lighting products all from one app. The brand will also display new LED wheel lights, rock lights, tailgate bars, lightbars, and more in an assortment of exciting new styles.
Metra continues to push forward with the development of new dash kits that, when combined with their radio replacement interfaces from Axxess, bring new vehicle fit applications to the market. An assortment of their newest additions to this product line will be unveiled at SEMA, with many more planned for the future. Metra will also showcase next-generation DSP products, new accessories for Ford Bronco and Jeep, and several new innovations from iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems. The iBEAM display will include vehicle-specific rearview mirror T-harnesses, a Universal Streaming Rearview Mirror with a built-in 9″ Monitor, and more.
Also to be featured are motorcycle audio and lighting products from Saddle Tramp, including headlights, LED accent lighting, saddlebag lids, keystone lights, and more. Metra’s Install Baybrand will also be on display as it continues to add to its comprehensive collection of professional 12volt installation products with new connectors, terminals, fuses, cable ties, switches, relays, and more. These products are designed using the best available materials and construction to ensure ease of use and years of reliability.
Additional product announcements will be released leading up to the show with more details, and new product catalogs will be available to download at MetraOnline.com shortly after the event.
12VoltNews.com 