ARLINGTON, VA (11.24.2020) – The CES 2021 experience will be unlike that of any digital event you’ve been to before. Whether you are a CES veteran, or attending CES has been on your bucket list, this is your chance to experience the magic of CES in a new and exciting way.
Explore live and interactive exhibitor showcases as top tech innovators such as Bosch, Omron Healthcare, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics and more show off their products, services and next-generation insights.
Chat with exhibitors and partners, set up personal meetings and make deals — getting your 2021 off to a productive and rewarding start.
Hear from the who’s who of the industry, see how technology has been and will continue to improve the way we live, work and play. Meet and form valuable partnerships with industry colleagues from every facet of the tech ecosystem.
YORKVILLE, IL (11.23.2020) – Midwest Sales Group has announced that Max Fahlmark has assumed the role of President, upon the passing of his father, Steve Fahlmark, veteran 12 Volt industry rep and founder of Midwest Sales Group. Steve passed away on November 12th, 2020 and was put to rest on November 18th, 2020. Steve Fahlmark started in the industry more than 30 years ago like many – as a young car stereo enthusiast and turned his passion into a career, which eventually led to him starting his own rep firm, Midwest Sales Group. He was truly loved by his family, friends, brand partners and customers. His bold infectious personality and loving spirit will surely be missed by those who knew him. There are no words to describe the sorrow felt as the world has lost an amazing human being. Our deepest condolences go out to Steve’s wife, Marcia Fahlmark; his daughter, Sara Roorbach and son-in-law, Kevin Roorbach; and Max.
Steve Fahlmark behind the wheel as he and son Max are pictured on the road.
Max Fahlmark said, “My heart is broken, and I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am committed to carrying on the vision my father had for Midwest Sales Group. His customers and brand partners, like family, meant the world to him and he showed it every day. I wish with all my heart that I didn’t have to take this position like this, however I appreciate the opportunity and support that has come from our brand partners and customers. My father taught me that to be the best, you have to hustle and put the work in. No shortcuts. I am determined to honor his teachings and memory. Thank you all for the kindness and understanding extended to me and my family at this time. I will never forget it.” Max grew up in the 12 Volt business and has been working with his father since he was 14 years old. Steve was proud of Max and the plan was for Max to one day take over leading Midwest Sales Group.
Midwest Sales Group’s back office will continue to be supported by Mara Bommeiman who has worked with Steve and Max for many years. Thank you all for your patience and understanding as Midwest Sales Group makes this transition. Please feel free to contact Max and the office at the following:
Max Fahlmark Email: max@midwestsalesgrp.com Mobile: 630-777-2403 Office: 630-553-7895 Fax: 630-553-7894
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (11.23.2020) – Accele Electronics has announced additional Seat Comfort solutions for Expeditors, Restylers and 12 Volt Specialists. Expeditors, 12 Volt Specialists and Restylers can now offer their customers unique solutions to add seating comfort. Solutions include Heating & Cooling Kits, Massaging System Kits and the latest seat heater design with an input that can be triggered by a customer’s Remote Start control.
These new additions have created the most comprehensive portfolio of Aftermarket Seat Comfort products in the industry. The JW-C400 Carbon Fiber Seat Heater incorporates Accele’s latest design with a thicker material barrier and continuity stitching insuring grid stability for unsurpassed durability and performance. Also, a new thicker gauge wire has been incorporated for additional user safety. The JW-C400 Pat.Pending features a trigger Input for Remote Start systems with a 15 minute timer, the first of its kind. The trimmable kit also includes a Fully Backlit 3 Level Switch.
The SM-600 Seat Massaging systemprovides installers an Aftermarket option for the latest seating technology now being adopted by vehicle manufacturers worldwide. More vehicles (Ford F150, Explorer, BMW, Cadillac, Audi, Lincoln, Jaguar, Mercedes, now offer an option once thought to be only for Presidents and Kings and available in only the top tier of luxury vehicles. The system includes 6 Individual Motorized Pads with a Switch to cycle through pre programmed modes or manual operation including 3 intensities.
The SHC-200 Seat Heating & Cooling system is perfect for those warmer climates where Cooling is equally or more important than Heating. Each kit includes 2 Pads that contain 4 individual Fans for cooling plus additional elements for heating. Both modes are operated with one switch that controls high, low and off for each function.
These products join the already formidable lineup of Seat Comfort products including vehicle specific Seat Heater kits for Toyota and Nissan, a Split Pad kit for those vehicles with occupant restraint systems and the value added, bestselling SH200, Standard Carbon Fiber Seat Heater.
All Seating Comfort products are available for immediate shipment, contact your Accele Sales Representative.
HOLLY HILL, FL (11.23.2020) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dash kit for 2020-up* Toyota Highlander models without the factory 12.3-inch screen, designed specifically for the 9-inch Pioneer modular solutions receiver (DMHWC6600NEX).
The 109-TO7 dash kit includes a set of radio screen brackets and chassis brackets that allow installers to fit the larger screen into the dashboard that has much less depth of space, while still keeping the OE-style look and feel of the vehicle.
This kit was introduced at SEMA360 and a video introducing Metra’s new dash kits for Toyota Highlander is available in a video — See above or visit on YouTube at https://youtu.be/75-4MEmnUpY.
The 109-TO7 is in stock now and additional kits for this same model, designed for different screen sizes, will be available soon.
SHREVEPORT LA (11.21.20) WTF…Win This Friday. Custom Works 317 won a PowerBass Prize on Friday November 20th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, November 20th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 103rd time and the Wheel landed on the PowerBass space. The Custom Works 317 slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to the Noblesville IN retailer and left a message with the good news. A PowerBass product will be headed their way.
Spinning out a new 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, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and 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 and Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 27th.
TORONTO, CA (11.20.2020) – The Wednesday night, November 18th, episode of CMA LIVE was presented by SiriusXM. The EP7 host Ben Woo welcomed top head unit brands represented by their respective National Product Training Managers from across the industry. The elite panel included Kris Bulla from Sony, Chris Teguh with Alpine, Seth Halstead representing JVC Mobile and Kenwood plus Canada’s own Robert Mony present to showcase the Pioneer brand.
Host Ben Woo pictured as EP7 opened with SiriusXM’s Paul Trueman (R) at his North Carolina home office.
Alpine’s Chris Teguh, top right, responds to a question from host Ben Woo as Jeff Bates-Lockdown Security listens intently.
“What an amazing panel we had assembled last night. Informative and technical with only the most professional information delivered by true professionals. The future of the head unit category looks bright,” stated CMA LIVE Host Ben Woo.
Seth Halstead (R) responding with information on JVC’s latest in-vehicle technology to host Ben Woo.
This particular episode was anchored by SiriusXM Sales Director Paul Truman as well as CMA resident tech guru, Jeff Bates of Lockdown Security- Markham Ontario who provided important insight from the dealer/installer perspective.
Kris Bulla (R), representing Sony on the panel, covered the brand’s products and strategy from his Nashville TN home office.
The EP7 presentation on Facebook spanned nearly 2 very informative hours. During that time host Woo orchestrated a spot-on dialog that provided the presenter of each brand the opportunity to inform listeners how their products will enhance the time consumers spend on the road. Connectivity is key with consumers today. New head unit technology amplifies in-vehicle music, along with connectivity, safety and convenience for consumers.
Robert Mony-top right, Pioneer National Product Trainer for Canada, highlighted the brand’s latest technology and product plans for 2021. Jeff Bates, Lockdown Security listens intently to the latest info on Pioneer.
Along with new head unit technology consumers are looking for larger screens in the dash of their vehicles. Each presenter addressed their brand’s plan to bring larger screens and the latest head unit technology to the marketplace.
Seth Halstead covered Kenwood’s driver assistance and vehicle safety products that are included in the company’s head unit technology product offerings.
“Our mission is to inform and educate our audience on how these brands are focused on future technology that will not only entertain but make daily life more seamless through connectivity in our vehicles,” said CMA CEO, Frank Spezzano.
Paul Trueman highlighted the SiriusXM SXV300 Tuner and the marketing opportunities available for proactive 12volt retailers to enhance their customer’s in-vehicle entertainment options across all head unit brands.
Stay tuned as the next episode of CMA LIVE “The OEM Integration Episode,” which airs on December 2 at 8pm ET will feature brands such as Automotive Data Solutions, Wavtech, PAC, Metra and NAV-TV on hand to dissect all things OEM Integration related.
RINGWOOD, IL (11.20.2020) – Race Sport Lighting has launched their TRIO-GOLD Series 3K 5K and 6K Switchback LED conversion MICRO-FITMENT kit that ranges between 2200-4000 LUX of light output! Designed for the ultimate on-road / off-road experience for drivers with the ability to switch between 3K gold fog cutters, 5K pure white OEM, and 6K luxurious crystal white headlight or fog-light kelvin colors.
This versatile switchback performance kit features a 3 kelvin color switching function on the single beam headlight and fog light base models, and 2 kelvin color switching capabilities between 3K and 5K on the (4) dual beam headlight bases available. The LUX output is incredible as well on this product measuring at 2,200LUX on the 6K, and as much as 4,000 LUX max on the 3K gold for a powerful cutter in misty and foggy environments to see the best.
“This is a dealer driven invention that we have been getting a lot of feedback for this year. Dealers have been wanting a 3K gold LED kit that performance the best in nasty weather environments, but still want their 5k and 6K Kelvin options too. This product gives the dealers exactly what they have been asking for in 1 product. It’s going to be an extremely popular series for Race Sport Lighting this year,” commented Steve Jergensen, President, Race Sport Lighting.
“I can’t wait to offer this solution to dealers! In the past, we would only offer them HID 3K gold options for this request on the tech lines, and that works well, but some customers simply want the LED 3K Gold. I personally have tested this product in the lab and on the road, and dealers are going to love the performance they are going to be able to offer their customers,” stated Mac Gracia, Installation & Tech Support, Race Sport Lighting.
TRIO-GOLD LED Conversion kits are in stock and shipping now out of our warehouse. We encourage all our distributors and dealers to get these in stock and experience what the excitement is about.
HOLLY HILL, FL (11.20.2020) – Metra Electronics has added four new color options for the DP-3002 dash panel. The DP-3002 dash panels are designed for 1999-2002 full-sized GM trucks and SUVs, including Chevrolet’s Avalance, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, along with GMC’s Sierra and Yukon*.
This large panel replaces the factory dash panel and provides the space for a modern Double-DIN radio. The climate controls are moved slightly and by using this dash panel and trim plate, no custom fabrication work is required.
The original DP-3002B dash panel was first introduced in matte black, but will now include a textured black, gray, pewter, and shale color option to match the factory appearance. The DP-3002 dash panels are made in the U.S.A. and available now from Metra Electronics in the following options:
CHICAGO, IL (11.19.2020) – CE GUYS has welcomed Mike Bergquist and Mario Zamudio to the proactive rep firm’s team in the field.
Territory manager Mike Bergquist will cover Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his home office in Michigan.
CE GUY’s Rep Firm Principal Michael Foundation stated, “As Territory Manager, Mike Bergquist will cover the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his Michigan home office. Bergquist comes to CE GUYS with extensive experience in the bike world, and has a firm understanding of car audio, remote starts and Powersports. Mike is ambitious, excited, and already calling on dealers!”
Foundation related “We are very excited to have solid representation for all of our factories in the area Mike covers.”
Territory Manager Mario Zamudio will cover Illinois and Wisconsin from his home office in the North West Suburbs of Chicago.
Mario Zamudio will cover the states of Illinois and Wisconsin as Territory Manager. Zamudio comes to CE GUYS with 10 years outside sales experience as a representative of a highly respected Chicago distributor. Zamudio has all of the necessary relationships to succeed in this aggressive market, and plans to hit the ground running! Zamudio resides in the North West suburbs of Chicago.
Foundation offered “Mario has a full understanding of car audio, bike audio, Powersports and remote starts.”
Continuing Foundation added “We are extremely excited for the coverage and experience Mike and Mario bring to the CE GUYS territories.”
CARLSBAD, CA (11.19.2020) – Linda Ferguson, 73, of Carlsbad California, passed away on October 23, 2020 after a long illness.
Linda was the co-founder with her husband and industry legend, Doug Ferguson of Western Sales and Marketing located in Newport Beach, California. Western Sales and Marketing was one of the most successful rep firms and distributors in the country carrying lines like Rockford Fosgate, Eclipse, McIntosh, Proton, Monster Cable, Bello, Lynnbrook, NHT, Russound and Dynamat.
Linda Ferguson
Linda started in the consumer electronics business at a time where there were very few women in leadership positions. Linda broke through all those stereotypes and became one of the most successful women in the history of the Consumer Electronics business.
After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Doug and they moved to San Diego California in 1966.
After retiring in 2005, Linda spent her time with her beloved daughter, Melissa.
In Lieu of flowers, Linda would like donations sent to St Paul Lutheran Church, 612 Jennings St, Sioux City, Iowa 51101.
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