Mobile Electronics Association to Introduce Truck and Off-Road Accessories for Nashville KnowledgeFest

NORTH ANDOVER, MA (03.14.24) – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is thrilled to announce an innovative addition to this year’s KnowledgeFest in Nashville — the highly anticipated Truck Expo. This dynamic event will spotlight a variety of truck and off-road categories, featuring top-notch products such as truck bed covers, step and nerf bars, weather protection, and much more.

RealTruck, the premier global manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for trucks, Jeep, and Bronco, will be a highlight at the Truck Expo, showcasing leading brands including AMP, Go Rhino, Retrax, AVS, Husky, and more. In addition to RealTruck, numerous other truck accessory exhibitors will be on display, providing attendees with an extensive range of products and innovations, and Meyer Distributing will be hosting several truck accessories partners to exhibit and demonstrate their products.

The Truck Expo will offer a main stage on the exhibit floor, hosting key industry speakers, product demonstrations, and hands-on demos. Chris Cook, President of MEA, emphasized the significance of the truck accessories category, stating, “The truck accessories category is a great way for our member companies to enhance their business. We welcome dealers/jobbers to explore traditional mobile electronics products as well.”

KnowledgeFest, already renowned for its comprehensive educational workshops, will feature over 150 hours of sessions covering key topics for owners and managers, sales and marketing, as well as technicians and fabricators. The Truck Expo aligns with MEA’s commitment to provide diverse opportunities for growth within the industry. Attendees can look forward to engaging seminars, insightful workshops, interactive demonstrations, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Truck accessories retailers, even those not currently MEA members, will receive special invite codes from exhibiting manufacturers and distributors, enabling them to register for free and explore the exciting offerings at KnowledgeFest. MEA anticipates about 250 additional attendees.

As an added incentive, retailers registering and attending KnowledgeFest will have the chance to win a Ford F-150, loaded with products from participating exhibitors.

MEA invites mobile electronics retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and industry enthusiasts to mark their calendars for all the KnowledgeFest 2024/25 events and be part of this exceptional opportunity to revolutionize the mobile electronics landscape.

Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
• April 19-21, 2024 – Nashville, TN
• June 7-9, 2024 – Atlantic City, NJ
• August 23-25, 2024 – Dallas, TX
• January 31 to February 2, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV

Learn more at mobile-electronics.com

Jessica Ritchie Joins Eleven Engineering R&D Design Team

EDMONTON, CANADA (03.14.24) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. is proud to announce that Jessica Ritchie has joined the company’s growing Research & Development Design Team.

“We have seen a continued need to grow our R&D department the past couple years due to unrivaled growth for Eleven Engineering,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “Jessica’s education and drive make her a perfect fit for our Research & Development Design Team.”

Ritchie graduated the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a biomedical engineering minor. 

Jessica Ritchie

“I was initially drawn to Eleven Engineering because of my interest in RF technologies, and I was also intrigued that they designed their own processors as this is almost unheard of in wireless audio,” said Ritchie, whose current responsibilities include writing firmware for products such as Dillinger Labs’ Death From Below subwoofer, and improving internal software tools. “It was obvious Eleven Engineering is doing something unique and I wanted to be a part of it. Since joining, I have already learned so much about audio engineering and embedded systems, and I am very excited to be part of the team.” 

SKAA has become the go-to wireless solution for the emerging PSM (Party Speaker Market) due to its long range and the fact that no network is required. Additionally, SKAA wireless lets the integrator easily create a dedicated multi-room home audio superhighway with a range up to 150 feet with a robust, interference-free low-latency signal eliminating lip-sync issues with TV and gaming. SKAA-enabled products can stream music between them, up to four sets simultaneously – one transmitter to four devices. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals that are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

SKAA is available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack.

Eleven Engineering breaks down the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio on its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw2iSCuT0x8).

For more on SKAA and the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio, please subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/user/SKAAwireless and visit SKAA.com.

For additional information, contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com. For more information on Eleven Engineering, visit www.elevenengineering.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, and Facebook/.

SSR University Kicked Off In Dallas With A BANG

DALLAS, TX (03.13.24) – SSR University held its first session the evening of March 6th at the SSR North Texas HQ. Shop owners and their respective staff members drove from across the area to attend the ‘Basic 12volt Charging Upgrades’ presented by Trainer Paul Galanos who drove up from Houston for the SSRU Session.

Tracy Farr, SSR VP of Sales & Operations, related “I am pleased to report that we had approximately 41 attendees, plus employees, at the event. The feedback we received from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the success of our SSR University program. Building on the success of previous sessions in Houston, the Dallas event continues to demonstrate the value and impact of investing in our customers.”

Tracy Farr in his office with a framed graduation certificate from SSRU 1.1 in Dallas.

“We dove right into the dos and don’ts when it comes to upgrading a customer’s electrical system. Also discussed were new technology items like Lithium and Sodium Ion batteries as well as high current alternators. The SSR Dallas team produced a great turnout. The Dallas team, headed by Tracy Farr, was very accommodating and provided free dinner along with the training session” Galanos detailed.

“At SSR, we firmly believe that when our customers succeed, so do we. That’s why we are committed to providing comprehensive training and support to ensure our customers achieve their goals and maximize their potential” Farr stated.

Kudos to the entire SSR Team for their dedication to making each session of the SSRU initiative a success for their dealers.
 
Visit ssrdistributors.com for more.

Southwest Sales & Marketing Appointed THINKWARE Rep Firm

GRAPEVINE, TX (03.13.24) – Southwest Sales & Marketing is now on the road in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana with the THINKWARE Dash Cam line on their brands line card.

Scott Ringo is flanked by Tommy McClure (R) and Taylor Williams holding THINKWARE samples.

Billy Alexandre, THINKWARE Sales Manager, stated “We are moving forward with setting up a rep firm network across the US and recently appointed Scott Ringo and his team to represent the THINKWARE brand in their territory. Scott and his team Tommy McClure and Taylor Williams hit the road to see 12volt retailers. Those dealers can showcase the important dash cam category to their customers.”

THINKWARE products boxes are loaded with feature info for consumers.

Ringo offered ‘Our firm had not been looking at this category. One day I overhead my wife, an insurance claims adjuster, talking about the importance of drivers installing dash cams to document and accident that could occur and result in a claim. I then learned more and contacted Billy at THINKWARE. The dash cam category offers many opportunities for specialty retailers who utilize consumer focused sales presentations in their stores. The THINKWARE line is loaded with top features that are very beneficial to consumers driving safely on the road.”

Alexandre related “The THINKWARE dash cam lineup includes models with advanced technology features like radar parking mode, Bluetooth and dual-band WI-FI connection along with speed and red-light camera alerts. Front and rear cameras make the THINKWARE a premium in-vehicle connectivity dash cam line.”

Southwest Sales & Marketing represents HKI, Epsilon, Maxxsonics, Cicada and Beyma along with THINKWARE. see swssalesmarketing.com for more or contact 214-212-9049 for more.

Discover More Detail with DISCUS

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (03.13.24) – DISCUS is BACK! Get ready to experience NEW HIGHS in treble performance with Discus Speaker Systems. ALL-NEW for 2024 — Discus speakers deliver much brighter highs and trebles in every song through inverted dome tweeter technology. Hear and take in incredible clarity in every note with undistorted sound through the innovation of Discus speakers. Deeper sound meets LOUD.

It’s time for your TREBLE GAME to transform to new heights of sound!

The MB Quart Discus speaker line includes: 3.5-inch coaxial speakers, 4-inch coaxial speakers, 5.25-inch coaxial speakers, 6.5-inch coaxialspeakers, 6.5-inch shallow mount coaxial speakers, 4×6-inch coaxial speakers, 5×7/6×8-inch coaxial speakers, 6×9-inch coaxial speakers, and a 6.5-inch component speaker system. Hear more sound. Feel more LOUD.

For complete details on each speaker model – follow the link HERE.

ALL-NEW Discus speakers set the bar in audio playback through inverted dome tweeter technology. Embrace more detail in every song with improved tweeters brightening highs, steady mids adding layers of richer sound, and an overall speaker upgrade to your MB Quart audio system.

FEATURES ACROSS THE MB QUART DISCUS SPEAKER LINE
TWEETERS – Aluminum inverted dome tweeters deliver great sound with increased reliability.
SURROUND / CONE COUPLING – Butyl rubber surrounds provide durability and deeper mid-bass impact.
CONE MATERIAL – Lightweight thermal-formed Polypropylene cones enable faster midrange response.
VOICE COIL / FORMER ASSEMBLY – Pure Copper voice coil creates a strong magnetic field with a very thin extrusion. Kapton voice coil former is lightweight and efficiently dissipates heat.
SPIDER – Natural fiber allows flexibility, while the infused epoxy gives strength during the manufacturing process.
MOTOR – Ferrite magnet motor creates a strong magnetic field while remaining small enough to fit in nearly every application.

Enhanced butyl rubber surrounds provide consistent durability adding deeper mid-bass impact in every beat as the cone/surround connection utilizes a high-temperature adhesive, which assures the cone and surround do not separate in high power uses or extreme weather conditions.

Inverted dome tweeter technology has arrived through MB Quart Discus innovation. Get ready to embrace deeper treble impact through innovative layers of Discus technology. Hear more of your sound through Discus speaker systems and elevate your MB Quart car audio system NOW!

Learn more HERE about the line of MB Quart Discus Speaker Systems.

DAS MasterTech Expo Contest Winners Report A Tremendous Experience

PALMYRA, PA (03.12.24) – Eric Balmert-B’s Car Stereo and Chris Liebau-Auto Tint & Trim both reported tremendous experiences following their return from the MasterTech Expo 2024 in Mesa Az.

DAS offered an all-expense-paid trip to MasterTech Expo for two (2) installers in the Ohio Valley. The contestants were chosen on Thursday February 16th from a drawing which consisted of brick & mortar 12V dealers who applied and opened an account with DAS during the specified contest timeframe. The winning accounts were be able to send one (1) installer on the trip.

Rex Berfield-National Sales Manager and Ken Litten-CE Sales & Marketing Manager attended the MasterTech Expo and spent time with the winners. Berfield had many vendor meetings while Litten was the Master of Ceremonies.

B’s Car Stereo in Elyria OH was chosen as a winner and Eric Balmert took the trip to Meas AZ. Upon returning to Elyria OH Balmert related “The whole MasterTech Expo experience was a awesome. It was different than other dealer shows and trainings I had attended in the past. I attended so many trainings and learned so much. I had trouble getting to sleep at nights as my mind was racing from what I saw during the day. Had to go to a close by Planet Fitness to work out. Learning so much from the sewing machine training and 3D images and printing sessions will definitely let us take our custom work to a new level. I have already looked into purchasing a sewing machine and learning more about 3D options. I look forward to attending one of the Mobile Solutions custom sessions in the future.”

Prior to the trip, Balmert related to the 12volt Central Studios “When they let me know we had won the trip to the MasterTech Expo I was so surprised…and happy. I have heard so much about the event and am definitely looking forward to the trip.”

Chris Liebau with Auto Tint & Trim, in Vienna WV, was the other lucky trip winner. “I saw so much at the MasterTech Expo. The vendor exhibits, displays and networking were really special. The custom work that was in the demo vehicles was amazing. The system sound quality and volume too. The sessions that focused on laser and CNC possibilities definitely showed things I will use at the store. We do quite a bit of leather work and spending time in the Apex Leather booth was special” Liebau related.

After learning he had won a DAS trip Chris Liebau offered to the 12volt Central Studios “I have heard so many good things about the MasterTech Expo from friends and dealers who had attended the event. A huge thank you to DAS for putting this contest together. I was almost speechless when they let me know we were a trip winner.”

MasterTech Expo 2024 was more than just an event… it was a catalyst for growth, inspiration and future-forward thinking. It was where attendees transformed their knowledge, connected with the best in the industry, and witnessed the future of technology unfold.

Airfare to and from the event, hotel room, and MasterTech Expo entry fee was included

The DAS contest was for dealers who applied in the following states: Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan (Lower Peninsula).

For more see dasinc.com

The Shiflet & Dickson 2024 Dealer Show Is This Weekend March 16th and 17th

GASTONIA, NC (03.12.24) – Make your plans to attend the 2024 Shiflet & Dickson Dealer Show. The event kicks off Saturday night at 7 pm with a St Patty’s Day party featuring live music along with food and refreshments in the company’s facility in Gastonia. Sunday is the show day that runs from 9 am until 5 pm with over 20 brands represented in the showroom. Outside there will be live vehicle demos. Food and refreshments are on the menu on show day Sunday also.

David Holland shows a new Linkswell display that will spotlight the company’s GEN6 products. Mike Colundjia with MC Markets will be in the house to meet with dealers.
Dan Klynstra from DK Electronics will be in the house showing this Harley Road Glide that is loaded with all Euphoria Expert gear…The bike is named the HAMMER!

Shiflet & Dickson’s David Holland stated “This will be our 32nd dealer show! Many dealers have not had the ability to go to a show recently to see the newest 12volt products. With vendor motorcycles and other vehicles in the house we plan on letting our customers hear what these products sound like in a real world setting… other than a YouTube video on a smartphone or laptop.”

Continuing Holland offered “We will have trainings on Sunday with certain vendors as well as having reps on the show floor to meet with and answer questions. We start the St Patty’s Day party Saturday night with food, refreshments and live entertainment with a rock’n roll band.”

12volt brands to be showcased include Kicker, JVC Mobile, CRUX, Metra, DB Drive, Jensen, AudioControl, Polk Audio, PowerBass, Nakamichi, Audio Enhancers, SD Lighting, XPERT, Maximum Power, Planet Audio, MaxPro Film, Rydeen, LinksWell and SoundStream.

Concluding Holland stated “Our show is like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. We also have many of our vendors that have offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. The floor have been polished and we look forward to seeing our extended family on Saturday and Sunday, March 16th and 17th.”

Contact your Shiflet & Dickson inside or outside sales person to make sure you are able to sit down and take advantage of the special pricing being offered for dealers at the show. Contact 800-222-9411 for more.

Visit shifletdickson.com for more.

ASA Electronics Introduces JENSEN Heavy Duty’s New Robust Stereo Lineup, Harsh Conditions Certified

ELKHART, IN (03.12.24) – ASA Electronics, LLC—the leading provider of premium marine, agricultural, commercial vehicle, and recreational vehicle audio solutions—announced today a new heavy-duty (HD) stereo lineup that brings unmatched sound and durability to the everyday farmer, driver, and road brave-heart in town. 

Bluetooth Stereo with DAB+ 

The JHD62 and JHD962BT are built to deliver crystal-clear personal music and enable hands-free calling above the worksite or road noise elements. The compact size of the Mini version (JHD962BT) allows for tight installations without compromising powerful sound in harsh work conditions, making it an ideal choice for fully loaded cabs and close quarters. 

Bluetooth and Weatherband Stereo 

The JHD22 and the much-anticipated successor JHD922BT (upgrading from JHD91022BT) go beyond expectations with Bluetooth and an array of additional features, including the ability to withstand dust, dirt, grime, and water with a UV and water-resistant front panel (rated at IPX5). The Mini version (JHD922BT) boasts a compact size that enables snug installations without sacrificing sound quality, even in loud and rugged environments. 

“After 17 years with this company, this might be one of my favorite product launches,” says Mark Wojtys, Vice President of the HD Division at ASA Electronics. “ASA has a strong history of durable, heavy-duty products that last years for our customers. We have brought and continue to bring audio solutions tough enough for construction equipment and powerful enough for powersports vehicles. As one of my final projects before I retire, I couldn’t be prouder of the legacy I’m leaving behind.” 

The lineup gets its slogan “Harsh Conditions Certified” from ASA Electronics’ engineering team’s commitment to exceptional longevity and durability. Through rigorous testing procedures, each stereo is equipped with features like circuit board protection and UV and water resistance to withstand the challenges of rugged work environments. A unique membrane behind the screen protects the unit against dust, ensuring a clear display and optimal functionality for years. Additionally, ASA evolved the new HD lineup to include Bluetooth technology in lieu of the CD deck, allowing users to customize their experience and enjoy an extensive library of songs without physical storage constraints. The absence of deck openings and moving parts in the solid-state internal hardware enhances durability, allowing for better tolerance to external elements like shock, vibration, dust, and heat. 

Contact Joe Camacho, successor to Mark Wojtys, at jcamacho@asaelectronics.com for more information or visit https://www.jensen-electronics.com/jensen-heavy-duty/ to find stereos that straddle the line between utility and entertainment.

KICKER Was Livin’Loud At The AMA ArenaCross Rounds 11, 12 and 13 In Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (03.11.24) – THE AMA KICKER ArenaCross 2023/2024 Series was expanded to 14 race dates across the U.S. The series was very busy in Daytona Beach from Friday March 1st through March 9th. The Ocean Center was the venue for the AMA ArenaCross events. The American Flat Track series was also in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway Short Track for race events.

“With Bike Week in Daytona Beach going on this past week no doubt there were thousands and thousands of bikers in town. The AMA ArenaCross activities added to the options for enthusiasts KICKER was Livin’Loud in the Ocean Center for 3 events and we spent time at the American Flat Track action at the Short Track also” Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media who orchestrates the KICKER ArenaCross events, related.

In the Ocean Center lobby area a KICKER tent was set up with products on display for enthusiasts entering the event. The Friday and Saturday events this past weekend got rolling with Track Party events. Attendees spent time on the track connecting with riders and walking the dirt mounds that riders would soon be flying across as they raced to the finish line to collect their trophies.

The Track Party got the action started on Friday and Saturday nights in the Ocean Center.
Lorin Morrell with the winners of the Kicker’s T-shirt Bullfrog contest winners on Saturday and Friday nights.

As soon as racers hit the track they got their rhythm as they went up a mound and easily flew over the next mound to land… 50 feet away. Between races the PA announcers let the crowd know there was a special offer inside one of the KICKER T’s being fired into the stands to attendees. The certificate was for KICKER Bullfrog prizes that could be picked up in the booth.

Action on the short track inside of the Ocean Center was intense.
The weather was terrific for the afternoon action on the Daytona International Speedway Short Track.

“We talked with many enthusiasts and most had questions about what KICKER products would be best for their daily rides plus bike, UTV or boat. The KICKER PowerBar once again grabbed a lot attention as did bike gear plus lifestyle products” Morrell concluded.

The MotorTrike/Hoppe has KICKER gear on the Harley.

Next up for the AMA ArenaCross Series is Round 14 in Las Vegas March 29th.

Visit kicker.com for more.

VOXX Appoints Ian Worrall to Drive Retail Sales in Eastern United States

ORLANDO, FL (03.11.24) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ian Worrall as its Eastern Region Retail Sales Manager.

With over 20 years of extensive experience in the 12-volt industry, including over a decade in distribution, Worrall brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role at VOXX Electronics Corporation. His journey in the industry began in the install bay, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience before transitioning to sales and management roles.

“I am excited to join the VOXX Electronics Corporation team and contribute to the company’s continued success in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said Worrall. “VOXX’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with my values, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive growth in the Eastern Region.”

As the Eastern Region Retail Sales Manager, Worrall will be responsible for leading sales initiatives, developing strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth in the retail sector across the Eastern United States. His proven track record of building strong relationships and delivering results makes him a valuable addition to the VOXX team.

“Ian’s deep understanding of the 12-volt industry, combined with his leadership skills and passion for excellence, make him the ideal candidate for this role,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation. “We are confident that Ian will play a pivotal role in strengthening our presence in the Eastern Region and further solidifying VOXX’s position as a leader in automotive aftermarket solutions.”

Based in Enola, Pennsylvania, Ian will be instrumental in expanding VOXX Electronics Corporation’s footprint and delivering exceptional service to customers throughout the Eastern United States. He can be reached at iworrall@voxxintl.com.

For more information on becoming a VOXX Electronics Dealer, Expeditor, or Restyler in the US, please visit: www.voxxelectronics.com/become-dealer

For more information on becoming a VOXX Electronics Dealer in Canada, please visit: gemsen.com/become-a-dealer