David Toliver in his Synergy Marketing Houston office.
RINGWOOD, IL (10.19.23) – Race Sport Lighting is proud to introduce Synergy Marketing as their new 12-Volt representative firm for the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Synergy Marketing will play a crucial role in growing Race Sport Lighting products across the Southwest Territory. David Toliver is based in Houston, and Tim Crawford is based in the DFW area. Keep an eye out as Synergy Marketing is eager to hit the ground running and light up the territory! The new firm will be traveling with Ignacio Ayala, Race Sport Lighting’s Product Specialist, the week of October 23rd . They will be showing off some of the new USPTO patented and made in USA professional grade lighting technologies, and more.
“I am so excited to have such an experienced and focused rep firm help Race Sport Lighting in our expansion in these key T.O.L.A. states. Synergy Marketing is a perfect fit to bring our full line of lighting technologies to the territory. They are established, experienced in the lighting category, and excited to be part of Race Sport Lighting, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Synergy Marketing Agency to bring their resellers the lighting solutions they need”.
– Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting
“We now have a full line of LED lighting offerings and solutions for our dealers and distributors in 12-Volt, Marine, Motorcycle, and Powersports. Race Sport Lighting has some amazing technologies and tools for our accounts that make lighting a huge profit center for their stores. We look forward to a long successful relationship”.
STOCKTON, CA (10.18.23) – The Remote Starter season is on the near horizon and the 4-City training series was focused on preparing NorCal Firstech dealers with the latest product and feature sets to max sales in the coming months.
Scott Baughman, Reliable Product Marketing owner, related “We have hosted product training sessions and really have seen the results and benefits of hosting evening in-person training sessions. We set the schedule of the 4 events the first week of October in Norcal cities that made it as convenient as possible for many dealers to attend. A Stockton Sugar Bistro and 3 Cattlemens locations were selected. Then Brent Fujii and I set about letting dealers know and inviting them to the trainings.”
Scott Baughman (R) and Firstech’s Mike Rinehart welcomed dealers to the first training session at Sugar Bistro in Stockton CA on Monday October 2nd.
Continuing “I am humbled at the incredible turnout we had at this year’s Firstech trainings. To think that we doubled the size in a single year over 2022 is amazing. Not only were the trainings larger and better attended but they were also “Better attended” meaning that the people who showed up were ready to learn and that really impressed Brent and myself. With the help of Firstech’s Mike Rinehart we touched on the entire Firstech portfolio. In the end we trained nearly 200 people in a short 4 days and the training feedback has been phenomenal. The whole week was a win in my book!”
Bryan Nobuyuki, from Best Guys in Concord CA, was a dealer who attended the Firstech training at the Livermore CA Cattlemens. “The training was well focused with updates on current products and exciting news on soon to be released products. As a new authorized Firstech dealer I was able to learn their process regarding tech support as well as an overview their products line and the innovations that sets Firstech apart from the competition.”
The 4-City Reliable Product Marketing series wrapped with a full house at Cattlemens in Rancho (Sacramento) on Thursday evening October 5th.
As an additional benefit Reliable Product Marketing’s dealers attending were lucky to be the first group to see and touch the new CX-LTE Dash Cam from Momento.
“A huge “THANK YOU” goes out to all our dealers who attended our trainings, the support we received from AM Merchandising plus from Mike Rinehart and the entire Firstech team” Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii concluded.
Reliable Product Marketing was started in 2009, and with the owner Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii, they bring a combined 60 years of relevant 12volt experience.
PALM BEACH, FL (10.18.23) – ZZ2 officially releases another wig-wags solution kit for newer facelift GM vehicles. The ZW-GMLC allows most OEM lights to be flashed with proprietary patterns or as strobes, making it an ideal solution for fleets, construction, lawncare, volunteer firefighters or state vehicles.
The GMLC unit is a plug and play T-harness solution at the factory light module. The OEM flashing lights can be activated in 4 different ways:
Factory high beam lever
An external push button (provided with the kit)
Factory upfitter switch (wire trigger input)
Factory key FOB buttons (a combination of pressing, lock/unlock – even with the truck off).
Features:
Plug & Play, very quick installation
3 unique flash patterns, including a strobe-mode on each
Outputs mimic flash patterns for external lighting systems
Compatibility:
Silverado 1500 – 2022 & up
Suburban, Tahoe – 2021 & up
Sierra 1500 – 2022 & up
Yukon – 2021 & up
Factory high Starting in 2013 and going through 2024, ZZ2 ZWAGZ products cover Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and RAM trucks and SUVs. Whether on the side of the highway in a lawn company truck or on the side of a construction site, our kits will help you and your customers achieve high visibility on a job site.
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.18.23) – Saddle Tramp® by Metra Electronics® is introducing new plug-n-play audio systems and speaker upgrade kits for select 2014-2022 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles along with universal chasing LED light strip kits at the SEMA show. The audio systems will be sold exclusively to brick-and-mortar dealers for in-store sales only. They pair Infinity Kappa Perfect PowerSports Amplifiers and Speakers from HARMAN with Saddle Tramp® DSP Processor system integration and installation equipment. These products will be displayed from October 31 to November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Metra’s main SEMA Show booth will be #10539 in the North Hall of the LVCC, and its off-roading and powersports products will be on display at booth #60031 in the West Hall.
Plug-n-Play Audio Systems
Metra will debut three new audio system integration kits for 2014-2022 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide and 2015-2022 Road Glide motorcycles and accessory lower fairing installation kits for twin-cooled and non-twin-cooled applications. These all-in-one audio systems include everything needed to install an impressive aftermarket audio system in one package; HARMAN’s Infinity speakers and 4-channel amplifiers, paired with an assortment of Saddle Tramp products that make installation easy. A Saddle Tramp DSP interface is included in each kit to reflash the OE radio, pre-tuned by HARMAN Acoustic Sound Engineers to provide best-in-class audio performance. These systems are truly plug-n-play and do not require the installer to cut any wires. They also come with step-by-step instructions to ensure results that installers can be proud of.
2-Speaker Plug-N-Play Audio System (INFKP2SPKSYS)
Fits motorcycles equipped with factory fairings
Includes two of HARMAN’s Kappa Perfect 6.5″ speakers, a 4-channel amplifier, and Saddle Tramp installation products
4-Speaker Plug-N-Play Audio System (INFKP4SPKSYS)
Fits motorcycles equipped with factory fairings and saddlebags
Includes two of HARMAN’s Kappa Perfect 6.5″ speakers, two 6″x9′ cut-in saddlebag speakers, a 4-channel amplifier, and Saddle Tramp installation products
6-Speaker Plug-N-Play Audio System (INFKP6SPKSYS)
Fits motorcycles equipped with factory fairings, Tour Pak, and saddle bags
Includes four of HARMAN’s Kappa Perfect 6.5″ speakers, two 6″x9′ cut-in saddlebag speakers, two 4-channel amplifiers, and Saddle Tramp installation products
Fits 2014-2022 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide and 2015-2022 Road Glide motorcycles with twin-cooled engines
Includes two of HARMAN’s Kappa Perfect 6.5″ speakers, a vehicle-specific Saddle Tramp wiring harness, and lower fairing enclosures with speaker grilles
Fits 2014-2022 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide and 2015-2022 Road Glide motorcycles with non-twin-cooled engines
Includes two of HARMAN’s Kappa Perfect 6.5″ speakers, a vehicle-specific Saddle Tramp wiring harness, and lower fairing ported speaker enclosures with grilles
Saddlebag Speaker Upgrade Kit (INFKP900XKIT)
Fits 2014-2022 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide and 2015-2022 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide with saddlebags, equipped with the 2-Speaker Plug-N-Play Audio System (INFKP2SPKSYS)
Includes two of HARMAN’s Infinity Kappa Perfect 900X 6″x9″ cut-in saddlebag speakers, a vehicle-specific Saddle Tramp backbone wiring harness, and installation accessories
HARMAN’s Infinity Kappa Perfect Speakers deliver the ultimate listening experience on two wheels. They feature a lightweight, premium design and factory look and are durably constructed to last for miles and miles. They combine water-resistant construction, patented Plus One™ basalt fiber woofer cones, and edge-driven polyphenylene sulfide dome tweeters, providing an amazing soundstage with great bass and silky-smooth highs. The brand’s high-performance amplifiers are engineered to meet the demands of compact installation locations and withstand extreme environments. They feature Molex connectors to attach the Saddle Tramp DSP and a small footprint to easily fit into tight fairings.
10-Piece Chasing LED Motorcycle Kit
SEMA attendees will see a new 10-piece chasing LED light strip kit, the BC-CHASE-K3. This kit is designed to add brilliant chasing LED lighting to any motorcycle. It includes ten lighting strips with addressable LEDs, extension cables, RF remote, hardware, and from Heise LED, the Heise Connect Controller. The IP67-rated strips are durable and weather-resistant, ensuring long-lasting performance and a brilliant glow for countless rides. Saddle Tramp has designed this kit to work cohesively with all Heise chasing LED lighting as part of the Heise Connect Universe (HCU). Lighting effects are controlled using the included RF remote or the Heise Connect app, available for download on smartphones and tablets. Users can choose from static color settings, 170+ color-changing patterns, DIY lighting patterns, music sync, and more. There is also a setting to turn all lights red when braking, allowing riders to be seen from a distance and raising awareness of the motorcycle’s presence on the road.
4-Piece Chasing LED Motorcycle Strip Light Expansion Pack
Another new kit debuting at SEMA, the BC-CHASE-4PC, is a convenient 4-piece expansion pack that expands the Saddle Tramp® chasing LED lighting kit on any motorcycle. Installers simply connect the included chasing LED strips to the existing chasing LED lighting kit and enjoy an expanded display with endless customization. These durable strips are IP67-rated and feature a 3M double-sided backing for easy installation. They work with an existing kit’s Heise Connect Chasing Controller so that the lights can be remotely controlled using the free downloadable Heise Connect mobile app for smartphones and tablets. The app allows users to choose from 170+ color-changing patterns, a turn signal and brake function, a DIY pattern function, a music sync function, and more.
TORRANCE, CA (10.17.23) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. has appointed Crossover Marketing Group as its strategic representative firm for the Pacific Northwest region.
Crossover Marketing Group, a newly established agency lead by respective mobile electronics veterans Rob Sutton and Paul Pilat, are excited to establish this business relationship with the Pioneer car electronics brand. Sam Sutton will also play a crucial role in providing account management. This collaboration brings together the expertise of both companies to deliver “best in class” dealer support.
“At Pioneer, we are committed to creating unparalleled vehicle, technology and mobility solutions that can make the driving experience, more enjoyable and convenient, and assist drivers to make better decisions, when behind the wheel,” said Larry Rougas, executive, vice president, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The appointment of Crossover Marketing Group as a representative will enable us to enhance our presents in the territory, leveraging, they’re strong relationships and industry knowledge to further elevate and service the pioneer dealer net work. We believe this appointment will drive dealer development and expand the pioneer brand in the Pacific Northwest.”
“We are thrilled to represent Pioneer, a company renowned for its innovation in the mobile electronics sector,” said Rob Sutton of Crossover Marketing Group. “Our team is excited to work closely with Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. to develop strategies that showcase their exceptional products to the 12 Volt specialist.”
OCENA CITY, MD (10.17.23) – The Bronco Beach Bash, October 14th and 15th, was the inaugural event which provides a venue for Bronco enthusiasts to gather. Despite rainy weather Saturday afternoon the event was deemed successful by AudioWorks of Delaware and Opus Marketing team members.
The first Bronco job of the day Saturday morning was under a cloudy sky.
Opus Marketing’s Jamie White related “The Ford Bronco is a vehicle that is attracting consumers, much like the Jeep community. In fact the Bronco Beach Bash promoter is Brad Hoffman who also is the promoter of the very successful Jeep Week events. We have participated with several Jeep Week events with Darren Thomas as he grows his AudioWorks of Delaware company. KICKER was a sponsor of this event as they are with the Jeep Week series.”
Jamie White and Todd Ess were on site for Opus Marketing. The AudioWorks of Delaware crew members included owner Darren Thomas, Pete Herr and Steve Pitts.
Opus Marketing’s Jamie White and Todd Ess along with AudioWorks of Delaware, Darren Thomas and Pete Herr (L to R). Steve Pitts behind the camera.
Opus Marketing friend Jeff Weidemoyer on site with this Bronco upgrade.
“The Jeep Week events in Ocean City have been good for our business even though Newark DE is 100 miles from Ocean City MD. Jeepers from across the region travel long distances to attend those events where we offer onsite sales and installation. The Bronco enthusiasts community is growing rapidly and will drive business. The fact this first event was successful will set the stage for future growth for the Bronco Beach Bash. The KICKER KS-Speakers and Underseat subs boxes were good sellers. We look forward to loading our trailer with tents and products for the next Bronco Beach Bash” Thomas related.
“No doubt KICKER was Livin’Loud at the Bronco Beach Bash…past Jeep Week events too. Connecting with Bronco and Jeep enthusiast will drive business across the 12volt industry” White concluded.
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.17.23) – Axxess by Metra Electronics has announced that the brand has begun simplifying and restructuring its vehicle-specific interface product line, focusing on condensing the number of SKUs on the market. This process will ultimately benefit dealers and installers of Axxess products, making it easier to quickly locate the correct integration solution for the job at hand. This initiative will begin ahead of the SEMA show, where the brand will display its new, revamped interface products from October 31 to November 4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The primary goal is to incorporate more vehicle applications into a smaller number of individual products so dealers can more easily locate what they need and keep less stock on-site,” says Jason Anderson, Metra’s Vice President of Research and Development. He adds, “I feel that after this transition, more integrators will prefer Axxess because of how easy it will be to find what they need for each vehicle.” Another significant part of this plan will be an overhaul of Axxess’s Vehicle Fit Guide, which is the primary tool available to installers to search the brand’s product line for the appropriate interface to fit their audio installation needs.
The team at Axxess will upgrade its system to allow customers to find the interface they need quickly by asking themselves three key questions. For example, a GM vehicle would prompt dealers to respond to the following:
Do you want to retain OnStar?
Do you need to retain an OE amplifier?
Do you want to retain steering wheel controls?
These questions will clarify what they wish to retain while upgrading a vehicle’s sound system and match the appropriate interface product accordingly. It is notable that Axxess will achieve this system redesign without changing part numbers, with the exception of a few products, and will maintain full coverage of all vehicle applications in its current lineup.Axxess continues to produce industry-leading vehicle-specific DSP packages and T-harnesses, amp retention interfaces, STOP/START engine override interfaces, AXTC Series interfaces, a newly released series of line output converters, and other integration accessories designed to help installers deliver upgraded sound systems and everyday convenience to drivers, with less labor and work in the install bay.
Their products will be showcased at the Las Vegas Convention Center at Metra’s 2023 SEMA Show booth, #10539, in the North Hall. More product details will be available at AxxessInterfaces.com soon
LONG BEACH, CA (10.16.23) – Prepare for an electrifying experience at the upcoming JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux event in Orlando this weekend, as Fender’s legendary visionary and charismatic product maestro, Rich McDonald, takes the stage as the keynote speaker.
Hosted by JVC as part of its commitment to the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA), a group of high-integrity regional 12-volt distributors, this event aims to aid in creating a more organized and predictable business environment. Building on the success of last year’s Hot Shots, this year’s Part Deux event focuses on increasing the knowledge and skill sets of EDA distributor sales personnel. Attendees will benefit from a master class in selling with a deeper dive into JVC, featuring appearances by industry experts, including iDatalink’s Matt Yerger and other surprise guests.
McDonald, celebrated for his illustrious 25-year career as the heart and soul of one of America’s most iconic brands, is set to inspire and enthrall attendees with his captivating leadership profile and unique business perspectives.
As the former Chief Product Strategist at Fender, McDonald’s contributions to the company’s product catalog are monumental. He started his journey in 1993 as a small parts coordinator, climbed through the executive ranks, and was promoted to the role of Chief Product Strategist in 2017. In this capacity, he provided invaluable counsel and guidance for Fender’s long-term product vision.
Rich’s influence extends beyond the music industry. Through his current company, McDonald Business Strategies, he actively imparts his unique business insights to iconic American brands such as General Mills, Renfro Corporation, Hillrich and Bradsby – Louisville Slugger, as well as forward-thinking next-generation online retailers like Trend Nation and Vinyl Me, Please.
Rich McDonald’s keynote speech at JVC EDA Hot Shots Part Deux is expected to be a highlight of the event, where he will share his incredible journey, insights, and inspirational perspectives that have shaped the music industry. Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience as Rich takes center stage.
BOCA RATON, FL (10.16.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced a new partnership that allows customers to elevate their driving experience with high-quality, advancedPowerBass audio solutions.
“Our mission is to build mobile audio equipment that outperforms the industry standard at competitive prices,” said Jeff Falk, national sales manager for PowerBass. “We’re dedicated to the quality and value of our OE Direct Fit Series and other offerings, and Tint World is the most trusted provider of automotive aftermarket retail and service. As the go-to brand for all things automotive, including high-performance audio for a wide range of drivers, they’re the perfect partner to help us take our business to the next level.”
Tint World and PowerBass deliver industry-leading engineering and unprecedented value with PowerBass premium OEM audio equipment, including the OE Direct Fit Series of plug-and-play speakers and components. With products for every major vehicle line, the PowerBass OE Direct Fit Series offers a wider range of OEM audio solutions than any other manufacturer, as well as unique products for the OEM market.
“At Tint World, we want to ensure our customers have convenient access to the best brands from around the world,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Partnering with PowerBass is a win-win-win solution. We’re helping PowerBass reach new markets and expand its product line, and their unique, innovative components further establish Tint World as the leading source of top aftermarket equipment and accessories. And consumers can rest assured that they’re getting the right solution at the right price.”
VACAVILLE, CA (10.16.23) – Aegis Distribution Incorporated (ADi) proudly announces a new partnership with Xcelsus Audio, known for its dedication to superior auditory experiences in the automotive industry. Through this collaboration, ADi will distribute Xcelsus’s state-of-the-art car audio products to the North American market.
Designed in Sweden, the Xcelsus brand represents an immersive audio experience, the result of continuous research, commitment, and passion. Their products, borne out of a dedicated focus on research and development, showcase top-notch quality.
Scott Welch, President of ADi, shares his enthusiasm about the collaboration, “We’ve admired Xcelsus for their unique approach to car audio, a blend of deep-rooted knowledge combined with forward-thinking innovation. Their commitment to understanding and adapting to customer needs aligns perfectly with our mission. We’re eager to facilitate North American access to Xcelsus.”
Behind Xcelsus’s products, co-founder Dawid Koniarski exclusively designs all the Xcelsus speakers with a noteworthy team of dedicated specialists. His innovative mindset and years of experience, from the early days of designing the component set to his current role with Xcelsus, ensure that the brand remains at the forefront of car audio technology.
“At Xcelsus, our focus is on moving car audio sound quality to new heights through innovative design, like our unique spider-less drivers that bring new clarity to sound reproduction,” says founder and designed Dawid Koniarski. “We believe in ADi’s commitment to sound quality and it’s years of experience in SQ competitions will make them the perfect partner for Xcelsus in the Americas.”
Established in 2022 and based in Vacaville, California, ADi was founded with the vision of bringing premier car audio products to the Americas, tailored to cater to the distinct requirements of these regions.
For more information or dealer inquiries, please contact ADi at sales@aegisdis.com or by phone at 707.999.3069.