Maxxsonics USA Appoints New Independent Sales Representative

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (12.19.2019) – MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek continue to grow across business units and has appointed Mr. Michael Foundation as Independent Sales Representative for the midwestern territory that includes Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan. Michael will be working closely everyday with National Sales Manager, Sam Dattalo, in bringing Maxxsonics to new heights of business.

Michael started as an installer in the 80s and 90s and then moved into a representative position for the Northern California and Northern Nevada markets in the early 2000s. From there, he went to the factory side of the business as Western Regional, National, and VP of Sales, all while owning several retail stores and a successful Northern California representative firm.

On Michael’s new position, Sam Dattalo commented, “Michael brings years of experience as a successful representative and he understands the culture of business and the technology of the audio game profoundly.”

New Maxxsonics Rep, Michael Foundation and National Sales Manager, Sam Dattalo (R).

In his new role, Michael will be hitting the road and working closely with our distributors and retailers while managing and training the representatives continuously within the midwestern states. In addition, he will be running day to day operations and working with all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

About becoming a new representative of all four brands of Maxxsonics, Michael said, “I am very excited to represent Maxxsonics and grow all four brands including MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek. I am proud to be in a family of audio that is backed by years of success and continues to grow at a rapid pace.”

Distributors and dealers can reach out to Mr. Foundation directly via email: michael@ceguys.com

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

Canadian Mobile Audio Expo to Educate Specialist Retailers in April 2020

TORONTO, CANADA (12.18.2019) – A date and venue have been announced for the inaugural 2020 Canadian Mobile Audio Expo. Car Audio and 12-Volt accessory manufacturers, distributors and retailers from across Canada are invited to congregate in Toronto at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre on April 5, 6, and 7, 2020.

The event will serve three key functions for the 12V industry. First, retailers will get hands-on experience and training on the latest products and solutions for the 2020 season. Second, we have arranged educational seminars featuring many of the top fabricators and trainers in the industry to teach new installation, sales and management skills. Finally, and most importantly, the Canadian Mobile Audio Expo is an opportunity for retailers to network with their peers from around the country.

“It’s been inspiring to watch how manufacturers and distributors from coast to coast have rallied to make this event a reality. A project of this magnitude is only possible because every 12V distributor agrees that proper education and training for specialty retailers is essential to growing and improving the Canadian mobile enhancement market,” said CMA Expo Event Director, Frank Spezzano.

Dave MacKinnon, Education Director, went on to add, “Manufacturers and distributors exhibiting at the event have demonstrated a vested interest in supporting specialist retailers across the country. As automotive enhancement services have become exponentially more complicated, training and manufacturer support are mandatory not only to succeed; but to survive in this industry. I’m in awe of the support we’ve seen, and am looking forward to working with some of the most talented experts in the industry to raise the bar for the Canadian market. We plan to kick the event off with a keynote presentation on how the digital world has evolved retail sales and the customer experience.” Details of the manufacturer and education seminars will be posted on the event website as the final schedule is confirmed.

Registration for the event will be available on the website starting on December 27th, 2019.

For more information on the Canadian Mobile Audio Expo, please visit www.cmaexpo.ca. For information about exhibiting at the show, contact Frank Spezzano at frank@cmaexpo.ca.

Visit facebook.com/MobileAudioExpo for more.

How Vulnerable is Your Car to Cyberattacks?

To view the full article via Michigan State University News, click here.

EAST LANSING, MI (12.18.2019) – The emergence of smart cars has opened the door to limitless possibilities for technology and innovation – but also to threats beyond the car itself. New research from Michigan State University is the first to apply criminal justice theory to smart vehicles, revealing cracks in the current system leading to potential cyber risks.

“Automotive cybersecurity is an area we don’t understand well in the social sciences. While there are groups of computer scientists and engineers digging into some of the issues, the social aspects are extremely relevant and under-examined,” said Thomas Holt, professor of criminal justice at MSU. “As the technology gets greater market share, it’s critical to get ahead of the curve before there are issues we can’t rein in.”

As vehicles become smarter and more connected to WiFi networks, hackers will have more opportunities to breach vehicle systems. Connecting your smartphone through a USB port can give a hacker backdoor access to data from both your phone and your car; additionally, Google Android users who can download apps from unverified sites are even more at-risk.

The research – published in the Journal of Crime and Justice – applied Routine Activities Theory, used a popular criminal justice framework, to current forms of vehicle security and provided recommendations for manufacturers and owners to improve safety.

Thomas Holt, professor in the School of Criminal Justice, focuses his research on computer hacking, malware and the role of the internet in facilitating all manner of crime and deviance.

“The risk with vehicles isn’t just personal data – though that is still a real concern,” Holt said. “Say the car is compromised and a hacker alters certain alert systems that tell a driver when tire pressure is low or so the emergency brake sensory systems don’t kick in. That could lead to loss of life.”

The theory Holt applied says that in order for a criminal to act three things need to come together: a motivated offender, a suitable target and a lack of guardian. In the context of vehicle security, he said that motivators and targets are clear, but the presence of a guardian was where vehicles fell short.

“Where we found holes was surprising: there’s no one technically responsible for these vehicles’ central computer systems,” Holt said. “The automotive and equipment manufacturers need to recognize that as it stands, they serve as the guardians in the space, and the onus is on them. They need to take the lead in thinking more critically about data flows, software vendors and how to communicate security with dealerships

To view the full article via Michigan State University News, click here.

See the original paper for details:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0735648X.2019.1692425

CRUX Features Its OnStar Radio Replacement Interface with SWC Retention & Video Switcher

CHATSWORTH, CA (12.18.2019) – The CRUX SOOGM-15V is designed to allow for the installation of after-market radios while retaining functionality of OnStar in Bose Amplified and Non-Amplified Systems, Chime and Accessory features in select General Motors Class II vehicles. 

Key Features:
Retains factory features in select GM Class II Vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio
Pre-programmed t retain factory Steering Wheel Controls
Retains OnStar, factory rear-view camera and chime functions
Adds Forced Front-View camera while in motion
Navigate via SOURCE DOWN or AM/FM button on steering wheel controls on select vehicles
Supppports Bose, non-Bose, and Y-91 audio systems
For Amplified and Non-Amplified Systems

Click here to visit the product page.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

SEMA Creates State Sales Tax Webpage to Answer Questions and Provide Resources

DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.17.2019) – Many SEMA-member manufacturers, distributors and retailers have been impacted by the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court Wayfair decision that allows states to require sales tax collections based solely on the volume of sales into that state (economic nexus).

The Court overturned its 1992 Quill decision, which previously required a company to have a physical presence before it could be compelled to collect sales tax.

SEMA has compiled resources to help companies understand whether Wayfair impacts their business and provide additional information to help them respond if necessary.

Many SEMA-member manufacturers, distributors and retailers have been impacted by the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court Wayfair decision.

Cash-strapped states have quickly implemented their new authority to require tax collection. Nearly all 45 states that collect sales tax have updated their regulations accordingly. There is no one national standard. Rather, each state is setting minimum dollar thresholds that trigger collection. In some states, that threshold may also be tied to the number of sales transactions—for example, $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions annually into that state.

Visit sema.org for more.

SiriusXM Announces Exclusive Radio Broadcast Agreement With Rolling Loud

NEW YORK, NY (12.17.2019) – SiriusXM was the exclusive radio broadcast platform for premier hip-hop festival, Rolling Loud, in Los Angeles, Miami, the Bay Area, and New York City. Each broadcast played on SiriusXM’s Hip Hop Nation (ch. 44), which was rebranded as Rolling Loud Radio starting on Friday, December 13.

The exclusive radio broadcast of Rolling Loud Los Angeles included backstage interviews and live performances from artists such as DaBaby, Future, Wale, Young Thug, YG, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, Lil Skies, Lil Tecca, Polo G, Smokepurpp, and more. Full festival line up can be viewed HERE.

“My team and I have been working with Rolling Loud co-founders Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler on many levels for a long time to help make this partnership happen,” said SiriusXM Host, Sway Calloway. “They’ve helped to enhance and put a spotlight on the live performance aspect of hip-hop music in a huge way with their festival, the biggest of its kind, and we are excited to work with them to bring what they’ve create to our SiriusXM subscribers.”

“After our success, earlier this year, broadcasting Rolling Loud in Miami, we are thrilled to join forces on a larger scale and in multiple markets,” said Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Music Programming, SiriusXM. “Rolling Loud’s co-founders, Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler are proven pioneers on the hip-hop festival circuit and have created a unique festival culture for attendees. We look forward to providing our subscribers access to performances from the incredible artist line-ups and overall Rolling Loud experience.”

“We’re excited to partner with SiriusXM to bring the Rolling Loud auditory experience to homes, cars, and headphones worldwide,” added Rolling Loud co-founder Tariq Cherif.

In 2020, SiriusXM’s Hip Hop Nation (ch. 44) will also welcome Cherif and Zingler with their own weekly two-hour mix show, which will reflect the culture of Rolling Loud with songs, artist interviews and special commentary.

Rolling Loud, called by Billboard “…the be-all of hip-hop festivals,” has established itself as the largest hip-hop festival in the world after launching five years ago in Miami by Cherif and Zingler. Recently, The New York Times stated, “In the four and a half years—beginning small in Miami, and now promoting Coachella-sized events around the country—Rolling Loud has established itself as a playground for the young.” Rolling Loud is one of the premier destinations for hip-hop and music fans in the United States and abroad.

SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen to Rolling Loud Radio (ch. 44) on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more.

Visit SiriusXM.com/streaming and rollingloud.com for more.

CES 2020: Where Tech Changes Business

ARLINGTON, VA (12.17.2019) – As the world’s largest and most influential tech event, CES 2020 represents the entire scope of the global technology market – from AI to 5G, vehicle technology, AR/VR, robotics and beyond. With 61% of all Fortune Global Brands participating, CES 2020 will transform industries beyond the traditional tech space, reinforcing that every company is now a tech company. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES 2020 will run January 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Companies across every major industry are using technology to transform their businesses, and CES 2020 will be the global stage for the latest innovation across all sectors,” said Karen Chupka, EVP, CES. “The show will represent all facets of global business where attendees can expect the unexpected.”

With more than 170,000 attendees, 4,500 exhibitors and over 1,100 industry thought-leaders on the CES stage, what was once a traditional technology tradeshow has evolved into a global event for all industries.

Product Categories

CES began in 1967 with 110 exhibitors featuring pocket radios and televisions with integrated circuits.

CES 2020 will showcase the full breadth of innovation from more than more than 4,500 companies across 30 product categories, including non-traditional tech companies such as Bell, BMW, Bosch, Doosan, Daimler, Ford, John Deere, Impossible Foods, Toyota, Turner and WWE, as well as top consumer product companies, such as Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.

Dedicated CES Marketplaces will highlight technology’s impact on specific industries, including the new Travel and Tourism area, as well as expanded exhibits focused on Digital Health, Sports Technology, Smart Cities and Resilience.

Attendees
CES is where global business happens. Attendees at the show conduct an average of 33 meetings, saving executives an estimated 3.4 billion miles of business travel.

Attendance by senior level executives has increased by more than 100% since 2008, with more than 79,000 senior executives at CES 2019.
CES is the place where B2B and B2B2C brands go to make decisions, build relationships and form partnerships. About 48% of attendees intend to make a purchase or form a strategic partnership at CES.

Speakers
The CES stage has been a high-profile speaking opportunity for top executives spanning decades.

CES 2020 will feature keynotes from leaders representing all industries, including Delta Air Lines’ Ed Bastain; Daimler’s Ola Källenius; Quibi’s Meg Whitman and Jeffery Katzenberg; NBCUniversal’s Linda Yaccarino and Samsung’s Hyun-Suk Kim.

The CES Conference Program will host more than 300 sessions featuring top executives from AARP, American Express Travel, Avis, Pinterest, NFL, Discovery, Lenovo Research, Samsung, SoftBank Robotics, TCL and United Healthcare.

Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2020, the global stage for innovation, will run Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada and provide access to the most transformative tech across various marketplaces, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart home, smart cities, vehicles, digital health and more. Industry leaders and rising stars will come together to pioneer future innovation driving the ever-evolving tech industry.

Visit CES.tech for all CES updates and register for CES 2020.

Exotic Sounds Instagram Post Tells a Story

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (12.16.2019) – The lead graphic on the Exotic Sounds’ 3-panel Friday the 13th Instagram post was an attention grabber. The shiny Porsche 911 front quarter panel, highlighting the extra clean wheel, invited a look from the company’s followers. In the background was the company’s signage on the building reading “Car Stereo & Custom Automotive by Exotic Sounds & Wheel Company. A follower would certainly associate Exotic Sounds as a top quality shop for Car Stereo and Custom Automotive products along with Wheels.

Panel 2 of the 3-panel Instagram post spotlighted a Pioneer In-Dash receiver the company installed in the extra clean Porsche ’06 convertible. On the screen of the Pioneer AVN-2500NEX was the image from the backup camera. German Mastrodomenico, Exotic Sounds owner, stated “Our customer knew what we wanted to upgrade his prize ride…top quality sound with a backup camera. The Pioneer AVN-2500NEX fit the bill perfectly with the large screen, impressive audio specs, Bluetooth connectivity and input for a backup camera. We added a Rydeen backup camera system”.

Panel 3 of the 3-panel Instagram post showed the small Rydeen camera mounted just above the rear license plate. The camera delivered a high quality image, with trajectory lines, to the Pioneer receiver screen.

Exotic Sounds Instagram followers could easily see the company is a quality automotive shop. The Pioneer in-dash receiver highlighted car stereo for followers. The backup camera panel let followers know about the option to add a backup camera for safety.

This Exotic Sounds post is really a very understated ad for the company’s products. No PRICE, PRICE, PRICE… but a strong visibility statement.

Great job German…Keep up the great work you started at Exotic Sounds in 2006.

Exotic Sounds was the winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Number 3 almost a year ago. German is enjoying his Kicker CushBT Headphones he won when the wheel landed on the Kicker space. “I listen to cool tunes on the Kicker CushBT headphones around the shop and office all the time. They rock” German told 12volt News.

Multiple posts can be made on Instagram. Followers will see a graphic in the upper right corner and blue dots below the post image.

Visit instagram.com/exoticsounds and instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

T-SPEC Launches Premium Brass Core Accessories and Improved RCA Cables at CES 2020

HOLLY HILL, FL (12.16.2019) – Metra Electronics has announced an improved and expanded T-SPEC car audio accessory line with new products launching at CES 2020. T-SPEC, which offers competition-rated audio cables, amp kits, power wire, capacitors and more, is introducing new premium brass core accessories for distribution blocks, a battery terminal and fuse holders. Fourteen new brass core components will be added to the product line, designed to simplify and streamline any installation. Maximizing functionality while maintaining the smallest profile was the focus of these new and improved designs. T-SPEC’s existing v12 Series of RCA cables has also been improved with a new braided outer jacket to provide strength and stability. T-SPEC’s products will be on display at CES with Metra Electronics and available soon.

Distribution Blocks
Seven new distribution blocks have been designed with Gate-Lock technology, which allows for a secure connection without the need for reducer rings. The new black nickel finish protects the brass core and is highly conductive for maximum current transfer. The new blocks use T20 Torx for all screws, making them an easy one-tool installation, and feature TPE wrapped soft-touch material. The VANL, VMANL and VAGU have a 360-degree rotatable base mount for an even easier installation. These products will be available soon in different sizes.

Battery Terminal
T-SPEC is also introducing the VBTPN, an eight-position battery terminal that can accept up to (4) 4/8/10 AWG output set screws and (4) 1/0/10 AWG output ring terminals while still maintaining a small footprint. This new battery terminal can be used on the positive post or the negative post and the sleeve adaptor is included. The terminal also has the add-a-post feature, which allows you to retain your OE battery terminal by attaching it directly to the VBTPN. This product also features T20 Torx screws, Gate-Lock technology and solid brass construction with a black nickel finish.

Fuse Holders
Completing the brass accessories are six new fuse holders. Each new fuse holder is designed with Gate-Lock technology and available in options for ANL, MANL, or AGU fuses. All new fuses have dual size gaskets and use T20 Torx screws. All of these components are constructed of 100% brass for optimal conductivity and have the new black nickel finish for durability and longevity.

Improved T-Spec v12 Series RCA Cables
T-Spec’s v12 Series RCA cables feature high levels of noise rejection resulting from meticulous build quality and have full oxygen-free copper construction. For years, these cables have been the go-to standard for competition-rated car audio performance. Now, the improved v12 Series is upgrading the clear jacket to a braided jacket that enhances its durability as well as its aesthetics. The braided jacket adds an extra layer of protection against physical damage to the conductors.

These new and improved products will be shipping soon and can be seen on display at CES. Additional specifications and part numbers are available in the new 2020 T-SPEC catalog and T-SPEC-Online.com, which will be released on January 7, 2020. Metra Electronics will be at CES from January 7-10, 2020, at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcasing their new products from their 12volt brands and at booth 11435 in the Central Hall with Metra Home Theater Group.

Visit tspeconline.com and metraonline.com for more.

MB QUART Shipping Reference Series Speakers

LAS VEGAS, NV (12.16.2019) – MB Quart’s new Reference Series speakers just had the most successful new speaker launch in 10 years at SEMA. This new MB Quart series offering limited distribution with a full MAP policy across both Reference and Premium lines of speakers assure successful profitability.

*Showing at the Westgate, Suite 360, during CES

Included in the new line is a 200 Watt, 2-Way component system, the RS1-216. This system includes 6.5” Reference, 2-Way component speakers, with .75” Titanium Widesphere technology tweeters, with lightweight craft pulp paper with bamboo fiber cones, and high-end external crossover. The Reference speakers are engineered across all models with the same shared technology as the RS1-216.

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product & Marketing for Maxxsonics USA said, “The Reference Series represents a huge evolution for MB Quart. By using world class materials, we hope to bridge the gap between ultra-high-end and entry-level products with an extremely high value speaker line with outstanding sound quality characteristics.”

FEATURES ACROSS THE LINE INCLUDE:

Titanium Dome Tweeters:
0.75” Titanium dome tweeters for musical reproduction of high frequencies

WideSphere Technology:
Unique tweeter off-axis dispersion design creates a larger-than-life soundstage

Curvilinear Cone:
Lightweight craft pulp with bamboo fiber cone for strength and superior bass frequency reproduction

Low Resonant Frame:
Aerospace grade PA66 composite with 30% glass fiber speaker frame to assure that no harmonic distortions affect the tone of the speaker

Audiophile Crossover
The crossover network, which guides the frequencies to each driver, is designed with tight tolerance components for superb sound quality
“The goal is to provide our loyal customers with outstanding performance and increased applications without breaking the bank,” concluded Sherman.

PRICING AND MODELS AVAILABLE:

*Pricing, specifications and performance subject to improvement without notice

For additional photography, check out “The Quarter Note Blog” by clicking here.