BURLINGTON, WA (09.23.2020) – Mobile Music recently opened a spectacular new location in Burlington WA. This new store is the company’s third location, along with Bellingham and Port Angeles, in the area.
The new Mobile Music location features company branding on 2 sides.
“We opened right after Labor Day but are not totally finished with the installation bay, displays and final touches in the showroom. The COVID-19 Pandemic caused delays but all is coming together. Our goal is to have a WOW factor with consumers when they enter the store that complements our installation expertise and customer service.” owner Shawn Gunnels related. Gunnels is a 30+ year industry veteran.
Large screen monitors draw attention to brand displays including Hertz in the foreground.
The new location is over 6000 square feet and features a shop area of 36’ x 50′ with 3 bay doors. The space will accommodate more than 8 vehicles at a time and a lift is to be installed by month’s end.
Demo vehicles up front draw attention inside and outside.
Mark Giovannetti, Pacific Rim Marketing, recently made a sales call at the new Mobile Music location. “When my wife Valentina and I drove up we could see this new location was special. Once we went inside we recognized how special the new location will be for customers looking for 12volt and related aftermarket products for their vehicles. Shawn utilized his past experience and designed everything including the showroom layout, displays and counter cabinets.”
Shawn Gunnels is pictured with Valentina Giovannetti in front of the Hertz display. Valentina was accompanying husband Mark Giovannetti on a Pacific Rim Marketing store visit representing Hertz.
Multiple large screen monitors are mounted above products displays along one wall. LED lighting definitely draws attention to the Hertz display. JL Audio and Rockford Fosgate are also featured with unique displays. A decked UTV and demo vehicle up front add to the customer experience in the new Mobile Music location.
Great company signage grabs attention from the road.
Sebastian Lee is the Store Manager of the new location. Mobile Music, with 16 employees at the 3 locations, is a MESA member.
Concluding Gunnels stated “We are certainly excited to be open in our new location. We feel all is in place at each of our locations to provide customers great products, installation and a terrific experience with Mobile Music.”
Stay tuned for more as the new Mobile Music location is completed.
LONG BEACH, CA (09.23.2020) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is now shipping a SUPER-SIZED 10.1” floating panel digital multimedia receiver. The KW-Z1000W ($1,199.95 MAP) marks the first High Definition multimedia receiver to date for JVC, further elevating its multimedia line for the best in-car user experience.
The large-screen 10.1” HD 1280 x 720 (720P) display is about 2.4 times higher resolution than a conventional WVGA panel. Its highly accurate and responsive capacitive touch screen is paired with optical bonding technology- meaning that there is no longer an air layer between the liquid crystal module and the clear panel, providing the best in glare reduction and off-axis viewing, plus enhanced durability. Its fully adjustable display allows you to change the depth, height, and angle for easy vehicle fitment. Depth: 2 steps (0, 25/32 inch by set screws), Height: 4 steps (0, 33/64, 1-1/32, 1-17/32 inch by set screws), and Hand Tilt: -10˚ ~ +45˚.
JVC’s Dynamic Graphic User Interface (GUI) displays user selectable “widget” options including album art images, photos, and iDatalink Maestro sources. Swiping the monitor with two fingers lets you split the screen and display single, dual, or triple widget selections. Its unique Live Wallpaper background can also be enabled to synchronize background visual and color with music. User selectable wallpapers and photos in a “slide show” format can also be displayed simply by connecting a phone via Bluetooth and transferring the images from the new JVC Portal App. A “Favorite” icon and physical button selection allows users to choose from a wide variety of shortcut selections to their favorite screens. As is always a stand-out from JVC’s multimedia receivers, the KW-Z1000W includes the ability for users to benefit from the crowd-favorite Gesture Touch Control feature. With Gesture Touch Control, users can keep their eyes on the road, while using intuitive finger movements to control select popular functions, such as volume/track changes, widget format and style.
The KW-Z1000W touts enhanced driver assistance vehicle safety technology, by incorporating 4 selectable camera inputs. When an optional Automotive Data Solutions iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 is connected, the receiver can also automatically switch to OEM or aftermarket blind spot camera system views on the display when a turn signal is activated (supported vehicles only). Both the RR and RR2 modules provide seamless retention of factory safety and camera systems, steering wheel controls and add performance gauges in most modern vehicles. In addition, the RR2 provides on screen Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety alerts (supported vehicles only) and three programmable outputs that can be used to activate things like a winch or a light bar from the KW-Z1000W’s on-screen controls. Radar detector information can also be displayed on the screen when used with a compatible K40 (RR or RR2) or ESCORT (RR2 only) radar detector system.
When it comes to sound quality, the KW-Z1000W takes it to the next level, implementing its first Parametric EQ control options. With the Parametric EQ, sound quality enthusiasts can adjust the gain and Q for extremely fine tuning within the high pass, high shelving, peaking, low shelving, and low pass filter selections. A 3-way crossover is also available, as well as Digital Time Alignment, Dual Zone Audio controls, and the JVC Exclusive K2 sound effect for enhanced digital sound quality. 3 sets of 5 Volt RCA Pre-outs are available for system expansion, as well as support for Hi-Res Audio, both wired and wireless over a Bluetooth connection for select Android devices, thanks to incorporating LDAC technology.
The KW-Z1000W enables users to connect to Apple CarPlay over a wireless or USB connection, and Android Auto over a wireless or USB connection. It also sports an HDMI input, allowing for an easy connection method for mirroring a smartphone or displaying the content from any device that has an HDMI output. It also includes wireless mirroring technology, enabling users with compatible Android phones to display and control their phone from the receiver, all without the need for any cables.
An HD Radio Tuner is built-in, allowing users to enjoy listening to AM/FM stations with enhanced content and better sound quality, all with no monthly fees. It is also SiriusXM-Ready (SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner and subscription sold separately), providing access to over 150 channels of the widest variety of ad-free music, plus entertainment, news, comedy and sports you won’t hear anywhere else.
“The number of firsts that this SUPER-SIZED receiver features are unprecedented in JVC’s multimedia line-up history,” said Ron Trout, JVC’s Director of Sales. “The pent-up demand for this product by both dealers and end-users is incredible, and we couldn’t be more excited as a company to deliver on our promise of exceeding expectations with the KW-Z1000W.”
For more information on the KW-Z1000W, visit JVC Mobile Entertainment’s website at http://www.us.jvc.com/car.
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (09.23.2020) – Accele Electronics has announced an additional product in the emerging “Personal Safety” category, The SNG400 Touchless Hand Sanitizer. The SNG400 is the perfect product to offer customers concerned about personal Safety, Hygiene and Virus protection while in their vehicles. The SNG400 reduces the risk from handling items while using Drive Thru’s at Banks and Fast Food Restaurants.
Additionally, in this age of Covid-19 it reduces the risk of handling packages and currency while shopping and picking up take-out meals as they return to their vehicles. There’s no need to touch anything, simply place hands under the spout to automatically dispense the sanitizer and eliminate the risk of cross-contamination as in standard pump dispensers. The device is designed to fit standard Cupholders in late model vehicles and is powered by 4 AA Batteries (not included).
Plus, it uses Hand Sanitizer Gel readily available everywhere. Another critical application is within the Fleet category where vehicles are used 24/7 and have multiple drivers therefore increasing the risk of viruses and germs spreading. Fleet operators can rest assured that their drivers are being safe when using the SNG400 regularly. Also perfect for Expeditors who can offer these devices to dealerships for demonstrator and loaner vehicles where there are multiple drivers.
Dealerships may also sell in their parts departments and accessory stores. As a result of its ingenious design, the SNG400 can be used anywhere including Offices & Homes. It’s particularly appropriate for Retail businesses at the Point Of Sale since it can provide customers with service as a demonstration system to pique interest while offering “peace of mind” as an in-store and in-shop Sanitizer.
Accele’s SNG400 is available in Retail packing for immediate shipment, please call your Accele Representative for special introductory pricing and further information or Toll Free (800) 788-1212 Ext 1, Sales2@accele.com
SEATTLE, WA (09.22.2020) – EDA has announced the death of Steve Eatherly who passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday. A true innovator and enthusiast, Steve loved the industries within which he worked, founding (with his father) P&E Distributors, All Things Audio, and Elite Distributor Alliance. His love of cars was legendary within the industry; being able to have his career match up so nicely with his passion for automobiles and racing always brought a smile to his face.
Steve Eatherly seated far left with family members.
Steve believed deeply that quality 12 volt distribution was a great service to the industry and that identifying key distributors that could work together, share best practices, and join together in buying decisions could be something that would work well and resonate across the United States. Steve initiated the very first call on December 14, 2014 and now, nearly six years later, EDA has matured and grown to be a significant industry buying group representing well over one hundred million dollars in twelve volt wholesale business.
Steve is remembered as a true gentleman with a dry sense of humor. He was admired as a man of integrity with whom the veterans of our industry loved doing business.
Steve Eatherly
Ray Windsor, EDA’s first executive director and the recipient of that first call, said, “I’ve known Steve Eatherly a long time and can say with conviction that he was a man of integrity and a straight shooter. He tried to pretend that he was a simple country boy but he was always the smartest guy in the room.”
Kevin Taliani, president of Davis Distribution said, “Since joining the EDA, the Eatherly & Taliani families developed a very close business & personal relationship. We cherish your friendship, & our hearts go out, to each of you, during this painful time. We undoubtedly know how wonderful the Eatherly family is, which is an evident reflection of what a great man Steve was. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Eatherly & P&E family.”
Steve is survived by his wife Darcy, his children Josh and Stephanie, and three grandchildren. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no services are scheduled.
STILLWATER, OK (09.22.2020) – As the 2020 IBEX Online becomes “a virtual experience,” beginning September 29, top-quality, KICKER Marine Audio sound waves will still carry over the web. With the show theme, “Better Boats Begin Here,” OEM boat builders engaging KICKER Marine Audio through CPS get a direct line to what is new and trending in marine audio and accessories.
One of the current trends is the advance of Tower Systems on a variety of boats—not just the wake and wave boats that initially made them popular. KICKER has broadened its existing tower system collection with new technology and yet another set of mounting solutions, this time providing bolt pattern and wiring location that matches many factory tower hard-points. The KMFC 9 and 11 feature a horn-loaded, compression-driver system (HLCD), using an advanced KICKER proprietary horn design with titanium-dome drivers.
Both models are now finished in the popular glossy black or white and the grills come with a seven color LED light system which can be upgraded further to 20 colors and 19 lighting modes with the KMLC remote.
Like most KICKER Marine audio components, the KMFC9 and 11 meet or exceed ASTM standards for UV and salt fog exposure. The polypropylene woofer and Santoprene surround are UV-treated and the polyurethane basket is UV resistant.
Both models have four Ohm voice coils and for installation, use 1.4” titanium tweeters, a through-mount wiring system and 316L stainless mounting hardware, making them easy to install and dependable in harshest marine environment. And don’t forget KICKER’s unmistakable mid and high-range sound! MSRP $1,179.95 for the KMFC9 and $1,379.95 for the KMFC11.
These tower systems are only a part of the broad offerings that KICKER Marine Audio brings to the market, ensuring that pure and clear sound is part of the great boating experience. KICKER’s new head units add easy installation and operation for round or square mounting surfaces and offer top-quality performance and reliability. All KICKER Marine Audio products boast excellent customer service, making any customer issues easy to address on the spot.
“We have found IBEX an ideal venue to help our OEM boat builders select the best products for their markets,” says Phil White, KICKER’s Unit Director, Marine Audio Systems, “CPS has excellent relationships in the industry, and they are great long-term partner. Having brought automotive and marine components to the market for almost 50 years, KICKER Marine Audio adds the perfect blend of quality and value to CPS’ offerings.”
KICKER Marine Audio and CPS Distributors can be accessed at IBEX beginning September 29, 2020 at www.IBEXShow.com
SEATTLE, WA (09.22.2020) – Firstech is announcing the addition of two new remote kits to its Compustar PRO Series line of remote car starters: the PRO T13 (RFX-P2WT13-SF) and PRO R5 (RFP2WR5-SF). Both remote kits include 2-way, USB rechargeable remotes with super-long range and proximity unlocking capabilities.
The Compustar PRO T13 will be Firstech’s flagship model heading into the 2020 remote start and holiday seasons. The PRO T13 remote will be capable of up to 3 miles of 2-way range for remote start, security, and keyless entry commands. All remote commands are confirmed on the remote’s vibrant, color LCD. The PRO T13 also features a water-resistant case design and USB charging port. On a full charge, the maximum battery life is 45 days.
For convenient vehicle access, the Compustar PRO T13 and R5 remote kits will offer new proximity unlocking capabilities. This feature, which is built into the RF antenna, automatically unlocks and disarms the vehicle when the remote is within 3-6 feet. Proximity unlocking makes getting into the vehicle easier for users carrying shopping bags or equipment into their cars.
Joining the PRO T13 in the Compustar PRO Series lineup will be the PRO R5. The R5 remote is a compact, one button solution that uses LEDs to provide 2-way remote start and keyless entry confirmation. Two special characteristics of the PRO R5 is that it will be USB rechargeable and capable of receiving 2-way alarm alerts.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to release the next-generation of Compustar remotes in time for the 2020/21 remote start season,” shares Jason Kaminski, Firstech’s Managing Director. “Both the T13 and R5 are packed with the best Compustar has to offer, including improved durability, extended battery life, elegant case design, and enhanced user experience – just to name a few.”
The Compustar PRO T13 and PRO R5 will include two 2-way remotes in each kit along with the Drone X1 LTE telematics module for connecting the system to the DroneMobile app. Upon installation, customers can activate a 30-day free Premium trial to DroneMobile for smartphone control, GPS tracking, and family sharing.
Firstech will begin shipping limited quantities of the PRO T13 and R5 in mid-October 2020, with a full release scheduled for early December. These remotes kits will be available exclusively to authorized Compustar Pro retailers.
GoFast Solutions has announced the appointment of Jon Clement as Sales Manager for the Upstate New York Territory for all 12 Volt related Brands. Dave Prinz, CEO of GoFast Solutions stated “Jon is a welcome addition to our team. As we continue to invest and grow as a Company by providing the best solutions to our customers, Jon’s knowledge and over 15 years of experience in the category and the area make him a perfect fit for the Upstate New York market.”
Jon Clement – Sales Manager for the Upstate New York Territory
Jon Clement said “I’m really excited to join the team at GoFast! I’ve resided in Upstate NY my entire life and I am looking forward to using that experience as an opportunity to serve the Dealer Base.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (09.21.2020) – The Mobile Electronics Competition Association, Inc. will be presenting separate League World Finals for 2020. Commish Steve Stern offered “With the volitile and confusing COVID-19 issues and repercussions, it has been extremely difficult to secure venues for events. MECA is concentrating on fulfilling the club’s mission for quality sound-off events, with a renewed emphasis on safety and crowd health and well-being, as we deal with the realities of the pandemic, and government requirements and guidelines.”
TRU Technolgy will be the Sound Quality League (SQL) Title Sponsor for the event outside Nashville, TN at the Cheatham County Fairgrounds, in Ashland City, on the weekend of October 17th and 18th. 60+ vehicles are expected for 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 Install classes, RTA Freq Out, and 2 SQ2 2-seat Sound Quality classes. MECA will also offer it’s Show & Shine car/truck/motorcyle show on Saturday the 17th.
Incriminator Audio, Sundown Audio, and XS Power have pledged support as co-sponsors for the Sound Pressure League (SPL) World Finals to be held at SoundCheck Customs store location in Lafayette, IN on the weekend of October 24/25th. RP Patel, owner at SoundCheck Customs, voluteered to host and help sponsor the event.
“It is great to have a Retail Member with the ability and participation demonstrated by RP and his crew! There will be 18 Sound Pressure classes, 5 Park & Pound classes, and the MECA Kids classes vying for Championship rings, sponsored by SoundCheck. The traditional Qualifying on Saturday, and Top 3 on Sunday for the Ring and 6′ trophy as World Champ, contest proceedings will take place. This event will include the Finals contests for Dueling Demos, Ride The Light, and our Show & Shine competitors” Stern added.
A BBQ is being planned for Saturday for the Members, Competitors and their families and friends, and fans.
Concluding, Stern stated “With a month to go, all pieces of the MECA puzzle are coming together: many State and Regional Finals in September, determining the State Champs in all classes, and then the Big Shows in October to cap of a memorable season.”
The annual Club Awards will be presented at the events, with voting by the Members closing on October 1st.
LONG BEACH, CA (09.21.2020) – KENWOOD USA is now shipping three 10.1” ULTIMATE display floating panel receivers: KENWOOD eXcelon Reference DNR1007XR Digital Multimedia Receiver with Built-in Garmin Navigation ($1,599.95 MAP), KENWOOD eXcelon Reference DMX1057XR Digital Multimedia Receiver ($1,199.95 MAP), and the KENWOOD DMX1037S Digital Multimedia Receiver ($1,199.95 MAP).
These flagship receivers come equipped with an abundance of new (and many exclusive) technologies! A “Bonded Optical Display” is adopted to further enhance their high definition 1280 x 720 (720P) capacitive touch panels, providing vivid colors and high contrast. Optical Clear Adhesive is added between the touch screen and the LCD to eliminate the air layer and suppress light reflection and glare. This revolutionary feature enhances the contrast and brightness, maintaining the very best of display visibility in various vehicle environments.
The floating panel design consists of a 3-way adjustable display: 2 positions Forward/Backward (fixed by screws), 4 positions Up/Down (fixed by screws), and user adjustable tilt by hand of -10° to +45°. The newly designed home screen is now comprised of a Source Control and Driving Widget. The Driving Widget allows selection of a clock, compass, or equalizer setting, etc., while the background allows selection of album art, audio visualizer, or photo. Photos and wallpaper can easily be customized over a connected phone’s Bluetooth connection, thanks to the addition of the KENWOOD Portal App.
The KENWOOD eXcelon Reference receivers exclusively deliver the best in sound quality and performance, incorporating tuned audiophile grade components, an X-cover anti-resonance chassis design, 3 sets of 5 volt pre-outs, a Parametric EQ, 3-way crossover, LDAC to stream Hi-Res Audio via Bluetooth with select Android phones, and a 2 year warranty. The DNR1007XR also adds an SD card source input and industry-leading Garmin navigation built-in, now including 3 years of FREE map updates and 5 years of FREE traffic and weather information with the KENWOOD Traffic Powered by INRIX App.
Driver safety and vehicle integration have been further enhanced on all 3 receivers, thanks to the Automotive Data Solutions iDatalink Maestro RR2. In addition to providing the seamless factory integration experience you have become accustomed to with the RR, these models feature expanded support when connected to the RR2, including an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Widget, Customizable Accessory Controls, and compatibility with not only K40, but also with specific ESCORT radar detector systems (sold separately). The ADAS driving widget will display OEM lane departure and front/rear collision avoidance alerts (available features vary by vehicle), while the Customizable Accessory Controls give users the ability to add up to three 12 volt triggered accessories, eliminating the need for physical ON/OFF switches. JVCKENWOOD corporation is currently the only company offering the ADAS widget and accessory controls with the RR2.
To further complement vehicle integration and add-on accessory options, the receivers have 4 camera inputs, enabling connection of a variety of camera configurations, including on-screen touch control with the CMOS-320, the ability to mirror the front and 3rd camera image, as well as a connection for the DRV-N520 touchscreen-controlled integrated dashboard camera. They also feature compatibility with KENWOOD’s HD Camera, the CMOS-740HD, which displays the front and/or rear camera image in high definition 1280 x 720 (720P) and utilizes high dynamic range (HDR) technology to overcome the negative effects of dark or very bright conditions, making it one of the best and safest vehicle camera options.
All three receivers are compatible with Apple CarPlay wirelessly and wired, and Android Auto wirelessly and wired. Phone display options include screen mirroring with touch control over a wireless connection for compatible Android devices, as well as an HDMI input. Other notable features include Built-in HD Radio, SiriusXM Ready, and Hi-Res Audio support over a USB connection.
Slated as “Bigger is Better,” as is the trend with OEM receivers, there is an increasing request for larger aftermarket in-dash receivers. By increasing the display size to 10.1”, these receivers have over 2x the actual viewing area of a typical 7” display. “In a world where the race to zero seems to be never ending, we couldn’t be happier then to bring the ultimate trio of receivers to the most demanding of users, providing our dealers with truly the best in sound quality and performance,” said Mike Roberts, VP of Sales and Marketing for KENWOOD. “By further enhancing the integration and installation options available with these receivers, our dealers can offer their customers a truly revolutionary in-vehicle experience”.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (09.21.2020) – Top Car Stereo Store and Top Tinting Store were 2020 Oklahoman Readers Choice Awards Jackie Cooper Electronics added to their collection of awards from the local daily Oklahoma City newspaper. Over 300,000 votes were cast by Oklahoman readers during the 2020 newspaper’s Reader’s Choice campaign. These awards celebrate and recognize the very best our community has to offer is a theme of the Reader’s Choice Awards campaign.
Donnie Chaffin gives a big thumbs up in this image with Jill Splitt and Tristan Osborn by a collection of the Oklahoman Reader’s Choice Awards in the showroom.
“Every day we all work very hard to deliver the very best customer experience. Receiving these 2 awards this year lets us know we are delivering on our goal of providing our customers with a solid experience” Donnie Chaffin, who heads activities of the 53-year old firm, related to 12volt News.
Commercial window tinting is a growing area of business for the company.
Jackie Cooper Electronics offers a wide selection of 12volt audio, remote start, convenience, safety products, cellular, marine and tinting in the company’s state of the art showroom and installation facility in Northwest Oklahoma City. In addition the company has a separate division that offers residential and commercial window tinting services. Mobile installation teams provide tinting for large commercial and school projects.
Social media posts feature attention-grabbing vehicles in front of the store.
To drive visibility in the marketplace Jackie Cooper Electronics, underJill Splitt’s guidance, is very active on social media platforms.
A collection of Oklahoman Reader’s Choice Awards presented to Jackie Cooper Electronics.
Jackie Cooper Electronics has garnered over a dozen Oklahoman Reader’s Choice Awards.
Congratulations to the Jackie Cooper Electronics Team.
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