CLEARWATER, FL (12.10.2020) – AAMP Global has unveiled a rebrand and new corporate positioning to better align its visual identity with the future direction and mission of the company.
“AAMP’s core strength has, and will continue to be, our engineering prowess combined with our superior service levels,” said President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Forst. “We’re excited to sharpen our focus internally on what our customers have grown to rely on us for: high-quality, innovative solutions for all vehicle types. This rebrand is more than just a new logo, it is building on who we are today, and advancing vehicle technology for the future.”
AAMP extends beyond an aftermarket company. It is a technology company with over 30 years of experience producing end-to-end solutions for commercial and passenger vehicles. AAMP’s core capability includes not only front-end solutions, but also the behind-the-scenes engineering prowess to ensure seamless integration into any vehicle. The company’s mission and future investments will focus on this core strength moving forward: internally engineered solutions that fully integrate into vehicle’s electrical systems, thus establishing a greater foothold on what makes AAMP a leader in the industry.
AAMP introduces its new brand and mission with its revamped website which can be found at www.aampglobal.com.
COMPTON, CA (12.10.2020) – Magnadyne Corporation is excited to announce the return of CARBINE automotive security, convenience, and remote start solutions. The lineup will offer Dealers and their customers, a comprehensive feature rich choice of Remote Start and Security solutions. Included will be a complete line of Security Sensors and Installation Accessories marketed under the Magnadyne brand to support the new CARBINE line.
The well-designed Content, Programing and Installation features of every model ensure a minimal learning curve and assures results. Consumers will be attracted by styling and functionality of the key fobs. The combination of styling and functionality along with the RF range offerings of up to 3 Miles, will help 12V retailers and specialists make an easy choice of this protected brand in the category.
Mark Hockett (VP) said, “With the recent changes in the automotive security marketplace, we see this as an excellent opportunity to re-introduce a new and innovative CARBINE line. This new line design began with full consideration of customers’ most wanted features, and installers’ needs for ease of installation, while the feature rich product and the attractive design and packaging help the dealer sell it”
Carbine will be a protected retail only comprehensive offering. To lead the success in sales and marketing of the CARBINE line, Magnadyne has partnered with Armando Parra a former Director of Sales at a global electronic manufacturer. The Magnadyne team will develop an industry leading U.S. and Global network of Independent Sales Professionals to develop a true value-added Retail Network for the Carbine Product Line, that will also serve to expand the reach of the Magnadyne family of brands to the end consumer.
With New Beginnings come New Opportunities. And as we enter into 2021, this New CARBINE product launch will be the first series of products from Magnadyne to provide Retailers new opportunities with impactful margins for their businesses. It will also set the standard for coming opportunities from Magnadyne. Industry leading Independent Sales Organizations, and Domestic and Global, Distribution Channels, may now partner with Magnadyne as it brings forth other new solutions in 2021.
For now, the focus and excitement is all about Carbine! Armando Parra announced “I am excited to lead the Carbine Brand launch. The new Carbine line up will not just be a bunch of boxes with a pair of remotes and a siren, it will be more. The Magnadyne Team is committed to continually add value, and inject the very best customer service experience, technical support, marketing materials and programs, and customer centric partnerships into every box that is sold.”
Magnadyne is an innovative manufacturer servicing the RV, Automotive, Heavy Truck, Marine and retail markets since 1969. Magnadyne products can be found under the brands Magnadyne, LinearSeries, AquaVibe, MobileVision, MovieVision, Silencer, Carbine, Marksman, RV-Link and Truck-Link. Magnadyne is dedicated to designing products that exceed the customer’s requirements and provide an exceptional customer experience.
BURLINGTON, WA (12.09.2020) – The Grand Opening for the new Mobile Music location in Burlington was held on Black Friday, November 27th. The store opened in late September but COVID-19 and other considerations delayed the official Grand Opening.
Customers entering Mobile Music are greeted with a Christmas tree along with a decked Harley-Davidson and modified Classic ‘65 Chevy Nova.
Shawn Gunnels, owner of the 3 area Mobile Music locations stated “The Grand Opening was a tremendous success. We probably wrote 4 times the business as we would normally write on a Friday. Overall we certainly had more than 100 people in the store during the day.”
New customer friendly displays highlight products.
The new Burlington store has over 6,000 square feet that is occupied by the large showroom, multi-vehicle installation bay, offices and storage. The showroom is over 2500 square feet and features very impressive product displays on the floor and walls along with a custom sales counter. Upfront an area is setup to showcase a vehicle featuring a super custom installation.
Amplifiers and subs are showcased with product info spotlighted on monitors above.
The custom sales counter in the new location is impressive and functional.
The new store is positioned prominently in an upscale shopping center.
Continuing Gunnels offered “Many customers entering our new store said ‘WOW’ or ‘This is so much better than your old store.’ Comments like that are certainly great to hear. During our Grand Opening power amps were very strong and the Rockford Fosgate R500 was a standout. Of course amp sales drive subwoofer, enclosure, installation kits and installation labor. It was very refreshing to see our ticket average go up in light of all the Black Friday deals we see other places.”
Hertz amplifiers and subs, along with other top brands, are spotlighted with LED lighting.
The install bay will handle several vehicles and includes a lift.
Mark Giovannetti, Pacific Rim Marketing, was an area factory rep who was onsite for the Grand Opening. Giovannetti stated “Mobile Music does a great job with the Hertz line that we represent. The line is well display and products are live for demos…that the Mobile Music staff handle very well. It’s terrific to see this new store that is certainly one of the best in the Pacific Northwest.”
Store staff members are featured behind the sales counter…with their Christmas stockings hung with care!
The staff at the new Burlington store numbers 8 dedicated employees. Mobile Music opened in 1976 and has 3 locations-Bellingham, Port Angeles and the new location in Burlington. A total of 16 employees are on staff. Information on the company’s viewer-friendly website notes over 500,000 installations have been completed since the company opened in 1976.
Great signage and lighting grabs attention for Mobile Music in the upscale shopping center.
LONG BEACH CA (12.09.2020) – KENWOOD is doing things BIG and will show attendees more at the hour long Training Session beginning at 7:00 PM on December 9th.
Is your store “Doing BIG Things” to maximize your selling opportunities with every customer? Join Kenwood, along with special guest Clay Bradshaw of Big Daddy’s- Longview TX, as he talks about what strategies and techniques are successful for his store. · BIG Screens: Let’s talk about how the market has responded to the Kenwood 10.1” Floating Panel Receivers. · BIG Bass: New pre-loaded enclosures and how they fit into your product mix- offering customers BIG value with precisely power matched amplifiers. · BIG Sound: Hi-Res audio speakers that feature more flexible installation solutions to battle BIG challenges in new vehicles, saving you time and making you more PROFIT. · BIG Waves: We’ll discuss the advantages KENWOOD Marine/Motorsport LED speaker solutions offer to satisfy a BIGGER customer base. · BIG Opportunities: Add-on accessories to increase your bottom line.
KENWOOD eXcelon Doing BIG Things Tue, Dec 15, 2020 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
NEW YORK, NY (12.09.2020) – Howard Stern and SiriusXM today announced a new agreement under which the legendary broadcaster will continue to produce and host The Howard Stern Show exclusively for SiriusXM for the next five years, and the Howard Stern archive of audio and video will continue to be licensed to SiriusXM for an additional seven years. The news was first reported by Stern live during his show this morning.
Howard Stern has never been bigger. Regularly recognized as the best interviewer in the business, Howard’s insightful and revealing celebrity interviews gained even more acclaim since broadcasting from home under the Covid quarantine, bringing A-level comedians, musicians and actors via virtual connections into his home and he into theirs. His edgy comedy is sharper and more timely than ever. And his relationship with SiriusXM is at its strongest, as SiriusXM has grown to be the largest audio entertainment company in North America.
Howard Stern
“Fifteen years ago, I joined SiriusXM, a fledgling group of broadcasters. I had been in a toxic relationship with terrestrial radio. And no matter how well I treated the medium, no matter how successful I made them, they abused me. Going to SiriusXM liberated me. I felt like Tina Turner freeing myself from Ike,” said Stern. “And despite the naysayers and the ridicule, we have persevered, and are thriving. I’ve been proven right about satellite radio over and over again. With this contract renewal, I can’t wait to see what else I’ll be right about. Certainly, I have a lot more to say about Metamucil crackers and stepmom porn. Plus, now that I can work from home, I simply don’t have an excuse to quit.”
“I would like to thank my incredible crew that I work with every morning and of course the talented Robin Quivers,” said Stern. “Robin, we make a great team. Like Sonny and Cher, Captain and Tennille, Charles Manson and Squeaky Fromme, we continue our great friendship. I look forward to more laughs and good times. As a proud member of Bachelor Nation I say… Robin, will you accept my rose and dare I say, should you forgo your individual room, will you join me in the fantasy suite?”
Stern added: “I am honored to be a part of the greatest content provider in media today. SiriusXM, I love you and I’m thrilled to continue our journey together. If you haven’t listened to this wonderful service filled with music, talk, sports and just about anything you could want, please check it out. The SiriusXM app continues to grow and you will enjoy all of the Howard Stern and SiriusXM video content on there. Our next five years together will be incredible. Join the party.”
“As the leading audio entertainment company, we couldn’t be happier to have Howard, the leading host in all of radio and audio, continue to make SiriusXM the home for his show, channels, and archives while at the peak of his broadcasting career,” said Jim Meyer, CEO of SiriusXM. “Howard’s home has been SiriusXM and it will remain that way, but we’ve expanded SiriusXM in recent years too, and we are excited about finding the right ways that select content from Howard can find audiences on additional platforms. May I add, I consider Howard a close friend and look forward to listening to him for years to come.”
AUSTIN, TX (12.08.2020) – The dB Drag Racing Association is pleased to participate in the annual Toys for Tots program for the 14th consecutive year! The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
A MECA competition took place, along with the dB Drag competition, at the December 5th Toys For dB’s event in the Lebanon High School parking lot in Lebanon, TN.
As an incentive to retailers and promoters that have hosted dB Drag Racing events during the 2020 season, the dBDRA will waive the listing fee for qualifying 1X events that are scheduled during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The entry fee for the competitors must be a new unwrapped toy. There is no limit on the amount of toys that can be donated, however, the minimum suggested toy should be $20+.
Special MECA awards were created for the Toys For Tots event.
According to Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA, “Our goal is to provide dB Drag Racing competitors and retailers the opportunity to get involved with their local communities by providing shiny new toys to children who otherwise might have gone without.”
MECA Commish Steve Stern related, “The Car Audio Community came together at Lebanon High School in middle Tennessee to donate to Toys For Tots. MECA had 35 vehicles involved in Bass contests and Dueling Demos. All proceeds from the event went to Toys For Tots and about $1600 was raised. It was awesome! Thanks to judges Eric Halfacre, Chris Jones, and Malani Puni for taking care of the contest activities. This was the 6th Annual event organized by Chris Gregory (Wall Street’s Finest) and his family, and the event gets bigger every year. Despite the pandemic issues, we were able to gather outdoors and spend the day together, and contribute to one of our favorite causes.”
To participate in the Toys for Tots competition series, retailers and promoters will need to contact the dB Drag Racing Association. Auto sound manufacturers are also welcome to participate.
While the Toys for Tots program is a US based program, many of the international dBDRA affiliates will be offering similar toy drives in their respective countries as well.
LONG BEACH, CA (12.08.2020) – Join JVC on Tuesday, Dec. 8th @ 12:00 PM EST OR Wednesday, Dec. 16th @ 9:00 PM EST as the topic will be a CLEAR path to your JVC product selling success. Show your customers you are the expert when it comes to JVC products with the knowledge you will gain from the last mass training of 2020.
Hear additional selling insights from special guest Ata Ehdaivand of Absolute Electronics in Rockville, MD & The Mobile Electronics Syndicate.
Come excited to learn things like:
· Why You Should SELL JVC · NEW Dash Cam – Kicking off JVC’s USA introduction to the dashboard camera market – this dashcam has all of the right features at the right price · KW-Z1000W Key Features – What You Need To Know · Phone Mirroring – Simplify the different ways JVC products can mirror the screen of smartphones and tablets! · Wireless Hi-Res Audio – With the need for the best in sound quality continuing to grow, JVC brought the missing piece to the puzzle with LDAC · LED Lit Speakers – Rain or shine, JVC has the perfect solution for those harsher environments, and JVC always comes to light up the party!
Meeting Info – December 8th 12:00 PM EST JVC – Our Vision Is CLEAR Tue, Dec 8, 2020 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
HOLLY HILL, FL (12.08.2020) – Metra Electronics will be a part of the virtual KnowledgeFest Live event, hosted December 11-13, 2020. This three-day event for mobile electronics industry professionals is hosted by the Mobile Electronics Association. Metra is proud to be a platinum sponsor and host three manufacturer training sessions online that will help dealers sell and install custom audio and lighting accessories for new Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models, powersports UTVs, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Attendees will be able to interact with Metra’s sales team and participants will be able to ask questions during the live training sessions. Metra’s virtual booth will also feature videos of four of their sponsored vehicles, to give attendees a similar experience they would find had they toured the booth at an in-person event.
Training sessions will include the following topics: “Upgrading the New Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator” will be hosted on Friday, December 11 from 8:20 PM to 9:20 PM EST. Jeep owners want to customize their rides to reflect their own personal style. With the new Gladiator and Wrangler JL models on the market, aftermarket audio and lighting products designed specifically for the new body style will be a hot item for the holiday season. In this training session, attendees will learn about Metra’s latest audio accessories, vehicle-specific lighting solutions and universal RGB underglow lighting from Metra and Heise LED Lighting Systems. Metra will unbox the new products, give valuable tips for selling and installing these solutions, plus show a demo of the new RGB lighting controller and smartphone app.
“New Audio Accessories to Improve the System in UTVs” will be hosted on Saturday, December 12 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST. Powersports vehicles continue to be a popular opportunity for installers to add revenue outside traditional car audio installations. Attendees will learn about the newest solutions on the market for upgrading a Polaris RZR and Polaris General audio system with Ride Command technology available from Metra PowerSports. This training will also showcase new universal and vehicle-specific products designed for upgrading the power system and how to fit aftermarket speakers into Polaris, Can-Am, and other UTVs without custom fabrication.
“Lighting and Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” will be hosted on Sunday, December 13 from 4:10 PM to 5:10 PM EST. Attendees will learn how to cut down installation time on Harley-Davidson audio and lighting upgrades using Saddle Tramp products. The session reviews the new plug-n-play harnessing solutions that will reduce time in the bay when adding aftermarket speakers, amplifiers, Axxess DSPs, and RGB lighting to popular Harley-Davidson models. Attendees will see how they can offer upgrades to make their customer’s motorcycles louder and more stylish, without the need for labor-intensive custom fabrication and wiring.
All three of the sessions will stream live from the Metra install bay with Jason Anderson, VP of Product Research and Development. To register, visit Knowledgefest.live and sign-up for the event. An additional registration is required for Metra’s training sessions, which can be done from the Manufacturer Training page. On December 11, attendees will be able to view Metra’s virtual booth and participate in the event.
Sponsored show vehicle videos will feature a custom-built 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Sport S by Extreme Offroad and Performance in Katy, TX using Metra products. A 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500 van conversion by Ryno Built Rods and Customs in Grand Junction, MO will also be showcased, along with a 2016 Ford F-150 Raptor truck conversion owned by Metra’s sales rep, Jon Brothers. A completely gutted and rebuilt military van by the team at Throtl, dubbed “the coolest ice cream truck in the world,” will also be featured in a video that highlights their installation journey using Metra’s products.
These videos will go live on December 11 and also be available to watch from the Metra Youtube channel.
LAFAYETTE, LA (12.07.2020) – The Ricky Smith’s Audio location in Lafayette hosted a tremendously successful Toys For Tots event on Saturday, December 5th. Shortly after the store opened at 9AM people began entering the store with toys to add Christmas joy for many youngsters in the area.
The Ricky Smith’s Audio store front in Lafayette Louisiana.
Chad Neveu related, “People started bringing toys right after we opened and a steady flow of people with presents for area youngsters continued until the actual event ended at 2PM. The area LA Jeepers Club participated with us in the event and one of their members was dressed as Santa and another as an Elf. At the end of the day we had collected well over 100 toys that filled several of the large Toys For Tots Marine Corps Reserve boxes.”
Areas inside the store were set up for the Holidays and the Toys for Tots event.
In past years the South College Shopping Center businesses joined together for a Santa Sleigh Christmas event in the center’s parking lot. In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic that event was cancelled this year.
An area in the showroom was set up for people to see Santa who actually was a member of the LA Jeepers Club. This image was taken early in the event when only a small portion of the toys had arrived.
Continuing, Neveu offered, “Without the traditional Santa Sleigh event in the center we wanted to provide some cheer for area youngsters and holding a Toys For Tots event seemed like a great opportunity. In the past we have co-hosted events with the community minded area LA Jeepers Club. With their help the Toys For Tots event came together. They had several members helping in the store along with Santa and his Elf.”
When the event was over at 2 PM well over 100 toys had been donated at the Toys For Tots event.
Following the devastation from Hurricane Laura in Lake Charles the LA Jeepers Club hosted a drive for supplies to provide aid for residents in early September. That drive for supplies and tools was held in the parking lot in front of Ricky Smith’s Audio. Other Jeep focused events have also been held in the parking lot at Ricky Smith’s Audio.
Members of the LA Jeepers Club gathered for a photo during the Toys for Tots event.
“Aftermarket upgrades for Jeep vehicles are a very bright spot across the 12volt industry. We have added a variety of products to the rides of several members of the LA Jeepers Club and other Jeep owners in the area at our 3 locations in Southern Louisiana. Jeepers are very passionate about their rides and we at Ricky Smith’s Audio share their passion for upgrades on vehicles of all types including marine and powersports,” Neveu concluded.
Byron Jensen, a member of the Ricky Smith’s Audio Team, is pictured with Santa and his lovely Elf.
In 1977 Ricky Smith opened his doors in Lafayette, LA in the South College Shopping Center where the flagship store remains today. In the forty-plus years since the business has expanded throughout Southern Louisiana and now boasts locations in Abbeville and New Iberia as well as an in-house service department.
STAMFORD, CT (12.07.2020) – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated has announced JBL BassPro Go. A hybrid automobile subwoofer and portable speaker, this versatile speaker system connects music enthusiasts to JBL’s Signature Sound for an exceptional audio experience on-the-go.
When docked inside the vehicle’s trunk, the JBL BassPro Go adds powerful bass to the existing car audio system, delivering sound performance equivalent to a traditional aftermarket subwoofer system. Engineered with a subwoofer and two passive radiators, the sub system allows users enhance the bass response to their listening preferences.
The JBL BassPro Go also operates as a portable Bluetooth speaker when undocked from the vehicle. The speaker is designed to deliver big concert sound to outlast any tailgate or party with its 8 hours of play time. Users can connect up to 3 mobile devices and take turns playing DJ when it’s detached from the mount.
The JBL BassPro Go also features JBL Connect technology that can wirelessly link two BassPro Go speakers together to amplify the listening experience. The speaker’s sleek, iconic design integrates with any vehicle’s interior while delivering superior sound. In addition, the water resistant covering lets users embrace an on-the-go lifestyle without worrying about rain or spills. Built for versatility, the system is easy to dock or undock with no tools required and has the ability to charge devices via USB so users are always connected.
“The JBL BassPro Go is the first of its kind and will set a new standard in the Aftermarket industry,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Audio Aftermarket at HARMAN. “With its dual functionalities, consumers get a quality subwoofer system to enhance their in-car audio system with the added convenience of doubling as an exceptional portable speaker, ready for outside use.”
Pricing and Availability: The JBL BassPro Go will be available for purchase for $549.95 at JBL.com and select JBL retailers in December 2020.
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