Alpine Welcomes Tri-State Enterprises as New Fulfillment Center Partner

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (01.27.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) welcomes Tri-State Enterprises as a new fulfillment center partner. Tri-State will support fulfillment in Alpine’s Territory 44 states (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas).

“We look forward to partnering with Tri-State Enterprises and believe this relationship will help our Alpine Authorized Dealers grow their Alpine business,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America. “Tri-State’s dedication to building long-term partnerships, as well as their commitment to service, makes them the ideal partner to continue growth in this key territory.”

Left to right: Devon Taylor, Tristan Taylor, Roger Donald, Robert Donald

Headquartered in Fort Smith, AR, Tri-State Enterprises has distribution and cross dock locations with over 1 million sq. ft. of space throughout the central US. 300 delivery trucks ensure same day or next day delivery, up to two times per day. A team of expert 12V sales staff with over 50 years of combined experience is well prepared to assist customers.

“Tri-State is honored to be selected by Alpine to be the new fulfillment center for Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana,” said Roger Donald, Tri-State 12V Category Manager. “Alpine’s commitment to quality and innovation fits perfectly with what Tri-State looks for in a partnership. We are excited for the opportunity to provide excellent service to all the Alpine Authorized Dealers in the region.”

Details of the partnership were communicated earlier this month directly to Alpine Authorized Dealers in the territory.

Visit alpine-usa.com and etristate.com for more.

ZZ2 Launches Wireless Carplay & Android Auto for Select Toyota Vehicles

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PALM BEACH, FL (01.27.23) – Is it possible to add a Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, front and rear camera and also mirror your phone to the factory Toyota screen for $450 retail cost + installation? The answer is yes, call ZZ2.

ZZ2 is super excited to announce a CarPlay and Android Auto solution for select Toyota vehicles fully integrated with the factory touchscreen.

The new ITZ-TOY is a completely plug and play solution compatible with most Toyota vehicles from 2014 and up. One SKU is compatible with the Camry, Corolla, Tundra, Prius, Highlander, Tacoma, Sienna, 4Runner and Rav4. It provides wired and/or wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear camera input and smartphone mirroring. The TOY kit keeps the factory MIC and allows you to use the factory Bluetooth, retaining the factory audio quality during phone calls.

The ITZ-TOY is now available. Click here to view to see all of the product details.

For more information please contact the sales team at 929-220-1212 or email sales@zz-2.com.

Visit www.zz-2.com for more.

SEMA Battle of the Builders TV Special Premieres January 28

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.26.23) – All-new, behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews from the newest SEMA Battle of Builders competition will premiere on January 28, 2023, at 9:00 am (EST) on the History Channel’s Drive Block and A+E Network’s FYI.

“SEMA: Battle of the Builders, Presented by Mothers High Performance Car Care” began with 240-plus vehicle builders and culminated during the 2022 SEMA Show last November in Las Vegas, Nev. In addition to featuring the winner and finalists, the one-hour television special highlights many new, up-and-coming builders and includes all-new stories and footage chronicling their journeys to the SEMA Show.

“This was one of the best and most exciting SEMA Battle of the Builders competition yet,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA vice president of marketing and communications. “The TV special is a chance for those who did not attend the SEMA Show to see what happened at the Show, and for those at the Show to relive the excitement and even discover some of what they may have missed.”

Since 2015, the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has shined the light on vehicle builders who have already proven their talents by showcasing their vehicles at the SEMA Show. With the world’s best vehicle builders competing against one another, the contest is considered by many to be the ultimate battle.

The television program is hosted by Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and features Cam Miller, Ryan Basseri, Jeremiah Prophet, and Kyle Kuhnhausen as industry experts selecting the top 12 builders in four categories: Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck; Sport Compact, Luxury & Exotics; 4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road; and Young Guns, a category for builders age 29 and under. Viewers will see the judges narrow the competitors down to 12, and then the top 12 finalists vie amongst themselves to select the final winner.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

Oracle Lighting Launches New RGB+W LED Wheel Rings

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METAIRIE, LA (01.26.23) – Oracle Lighting has launched its new universal fitment RGB+W LED Wheel Rings (p/n 4215-339). With an MSRP of $395.95, the new wheel rings are scheduled to ship February 2023,

“Oracle Lighting’s illuminated LED wheel rings are an easy and effective way to light up the wheels on your car or truck,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “This head-turning lighting product consists of a set of four LED illuminated aluminum rings which install around the brake rotor and attaches to the brake dust shield.”

Installation is easy with waterproof Plug & Play connectors that easily connect the individual rings to the central control box. Battery connection leads include ring terminals and in-line fuse for simplified wiring installation. There is also a pre-wired On/Off switch that can be used to manually turn the system on and off for maximum control.

“Now featuring ‘Dual-Control’ that allows the user to utilize both the free Bluetooth smartphone App control and the included wireless remote control, you can change colors, control brightness, access strobing patterns, and sync with music,” Hartenstein continued. “This kit also features a true white 6000K from separate white LEDs for a true white output for a crisp and clean white light. Our ColorSHIFT® technology allows you to select from thousands of colors, as well.”

Additional upgrades to Oracle Lighting’s LED wheel lights include thicker aluminum rings, black powdercoat anti-corrosive finish, waterproof connectors, and pre-installed brackets. If your vehicle does not have a brake dust shield, you will need to modify the brackets (watch this video for a step-by-step installation guide). Additionally, for vehicles with drum brakes, you may need to create a larger bracket or purchase the XL brackets, reach out to our customer service for more answers to any of your questions.

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

New QPower Designs and Front Facing Boxes for 2023

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HOUSTON, TX (01.26.23) – It’s a new year and Q-Power is fast out of the gate. Matt Bund related “In 2023 we added new Truck Box models to cover all the latest vehicles on the road. We added some new Front Facing 8″ and 6.5” Dual and Quad holed boxes. Our dealers like these boxes Front Facing because it allows for extra mounting depth for powerful woofers.”

The workmanship and quality of the Bed Liner finish is second to none in the new box introductions for 2023.

Continuing, “We are back to our normal selves, plenty of inventory, very fast turnaround times for orders… and still growing in the Bed Liner boxes category.”

“QPower in 2023 has more boxes, lower prices, and the best service!”

For more see www.qpowerinc.com or call 713-266-5295.

Alpine to Reveal New “Optim8” Product During KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (01.25.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will attend the upcoming Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) KnowledgeFest hosted in the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from Friday, February 3 to Sunday, February 5.

As a premier opportunity for KnowledgeFest attendees, Alpine will reveal an exciting new product in their 2023 lineup: “Optim8™.” The reveal will take place in the Alpine booth (exhibit #806) on the first day of KnowledgeFest. More information on the product will be distributed to the media following the reveal.

The Alpine booth will also feature new event displays with High-Resolution sound and display audio family systems from the 2023 Alpine Product Line, including the High-Resolution Alpine Status line, High-Resolution head unit line, and Next-Generation R-Series and S-Series sound system Line.

“This will be the first opportunity to showcase a complete lineup of High-Resolution sound and display audio products in one setting,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “The trend to Hi-Res music is undeniable and we believe our 2023 lineup sends a strong message to our partners and further solidifies Alpine in the premium car audio space.”

A new Tesla Model 3 demo vehicle will be on display in the Alpine booth featuring the new Optim8™. The vehicle will also feature the Next-Generation S-Series line to demonstrate the new High-Resolution playback capabilities of the sound system and the new Alpine PrismaLink™ S-Series Wedge Preloaded Subwoofer Enclosures, a new enclosure from Alpine that features a plug-and-play RGB lighting system and multi-link capable design for single, dual, and even quad-enclosure applications.

A Toyota Tundra demo vehicle will also be on-site with the High-Resolution Alpine Status line. Demos will be available to all Alpine booth visitors.

Alpine will host 3 training sessions during KnowledgeFest that will focus on the 2023 Product Line:

Friday, February 3 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Champagne 2
Alpine 2023 Product Presentation

Friday, February 3 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Champagne 2
Alpine 2023 Product Presentation

Saturday, February 4 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Champagne 4
Alpine Optim8™: The Future of Car Audio Tuning

All KnowledgeFest attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth, join the training sessions, and meet with Alpine staff from the sales, marketing, and product planning teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit www.knowledgefest.org and use the “Education Workshops & Vendor Training” link to register for the Alpine training sessions.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Audio Concepts Winter Showdown Rocked with Bass Wars and IASCA in the Lanes

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FRESNO, CA (01.24.23) The sky was sunny on Sunday, January 22nd for the Winter Showdown at Audio Concepts. Richard Papasin was in the lanes to once again working with Ray Aragon to present a successful sound-off in the Audio Concepts Fresno parking area in the industrial center.

Bass Wars and IASCA competitors arrived early on Sunday for the Winter Showdown event.

“It was a bit chilly but we had over 100 competitors in the IASCA and Bass Wars lanes. The cold weather, and the San Francisco 49er’s Sunday afternoon playoff game, did have an impact on the turnout of competitors I am sure. Richard stayed warm keeping competitors working for big numbers on the meter” Aragon related.

The cameraman gets some close up action as Richard Papasin looks on from the Bass Wars booth.

Continuing, “Our sound-off events create continuing interest in our area well past the event date. At this event we got a bit of a nice surprise when a local TV cameraman arrived. Seems he had seen a notice about our event on a local Facebook calendar and came to check out the event. That could lead to continuing visibility for this Sunday event” Aragon stated.

This interview from the TV cameraman may extend visibility across the Fresno area for the Audio Concepts Winter Showdown.

Just last month Audio Concepts hosted their annual Toys for Tots. At that event nearly 500 toys were donated. Aragon and his wife loaded the Audio Concepts Silverado Sleigh and delivered the toys the day before and on Christmas Day to 5 area shelters in Fresno.

Later this year Audio Concepts will host competitors for the annual 911 Sound-off plus Toys for Tots.

Visit facebook.com/Audioconceptsfresno for more.

Dave Gill SMS LLC Received BOYO Most Outstanding Sales Rep Award 2022

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FULLERTON, CA (01.25.23) – Vision Tech America, Inc., leading vehicle security and safety product manufacturer of backup cameras, dash cams, parking sensors, blind-spot detectors, and monitoring devices, was pleased to announce 2022 BOYO TROPHY AWARD Winners. Each year, awards are presented to company sales representatives based on their sales performance and quality of service.

Dave Gill proudly holds the SMS LLC Distinguished Sales Rep of the Year 2022 in his office in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dave Gill, SMS LLC was awarded a Most Outstanding Sales Rep of the year 2022 award. “Our firm is very excited to receive this Most Outstanding Sales Rep award from BOYO. BOYO has the largest selection of specific use cameras in the industry” Gill stated.

Vision Tech America’s DK Chung related “Congratulations to all award recipients. 2022 was a great year, outperforming the previous year, and we look forward to another successful year 2023.

For more information on Vision Tech America, Inc. Please visit www.VisionTechAmerica.com.

KICKER and Audio Midwest Were Livin’ Loud at the AMA Arenacross in Guthrie

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GUTHRIE, OK (01.24.23) – The AMA Kicker Arenacross hit the track in Guthrie, OK on Friday evening, January 20th. The dirt track at the Lazy E Arena is one of the longest of the circuit and riders were definitely flying high as they flew across the mounds. Lorin Morrell orchestrated Kicker’s presence at the event with booth set up and activities. Area retailer Audio Midwest was in the house to connect with racing enthusiasts.

Brandon showed the loaded Audio Midwest Mustang to attendee at the January 20th Arenacross.

“The pre-race Pit Party was once a hit with all. The racing was strong as the riders navigated the longer track that gave the crowd a lot of memories. It was super to have KICKER retailer Audio Midwest at the event to connect with members of the crowd” Morrell stated.

This SXS, loaded with KICKER, welcomes consumers to the Audio Midwest store in Stillwater.
Attendees are ready to get on the track for the pre-race Pit Party.

Audio Midwest showed and demoed the company’s loaded custom Mustang that is Livin’Loud with KICKER products. Rob Clason, owner of Audio Midwest’s 2 area stores, related “KICKER is a premier brand at our stores and to participate with KICKER at the AMA Arenacross was terrific. We met with crowd members at the Pit Party and Lorin directed attendees to us in the KICKER booth when people asked questions about KICKER or car audio products.

The track at the Lazy E Arena was set for Round 5 of the 2023 Arenacross Series.

“Since the event on Friday night we’ve had some calls on Saturday and Monday from people we spoke at the Lazy E. The Arenacross schedule calls for events at the Lazy E in Guthrie on back to back Fridays. We will definitely be back this coming Friday with 3 staff members and a customer’s custom Jeep demo loaded with 4 KICKER 15’s and KX amplifiers. In addition we will make social media posts to promote the upcoming event and have a special offer when attendees bring their KICKER lanyard into the store next week” Clason added.

Audio Midwest has stores in Edmond and Stillwater. Guthrie is a mere 33 miles from KICKER’s World HQ in Stillwater. KICKER is celebrating the company’s 50th Anniversary this year and is very well known throughout the area.

The Audio Midwest custom demo Mustang drew eyeballs at the Arenacross.

The AMA Kicker Arenacross series has expanded the series to 14 events this year with events being held virtually coast-to-coast across the U.S.

Visit kicker.com for more.

MUSWAY Distributor Global Audio Marketing Welcomes Chris Bennett as Vice President of Sales

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MURRIETA, GA (01.24.23) – Global Audio Marketing was formed in 2022 with the purpose of providing exceptional service and highest quality Car Audio products to the U.S. It will do so with Direct to Dealer programs that are protected, profitable and mindful of each of our Brick-and-Mortar Retail Partners.

Chris joins Global Audio Marketing with a rich history of success in all aspects of the 12v industry. He was a successful retail shop owner in California with Audio Habitat before his work with several prominent vendors over the last 20 years. “His knowledge, understanding and passion for our Dealer Network will drive our growth and assure a positive impact in our industry and the MUSWAY Brand for years to come” says Andrew Bishara, President at Global Audio Marketing.

“Getting started in 2023 with the MUSWAY Brand is a dream come true” states Chris Bennett, VP of sales for Global Audio Marketing. “We will impact our dealers with amazing programs, solid products, and service beyond that of traditional manufacturers. We now have 29 new products that will launch in the 1st quarter and are heavily investing into products that exceed expectations.”

Global Audio Marketing looks forward to investing time and energy into building meaningful business partnerships with their Direct to Dealer protected product range. MUSWAY USA offers and provides the best-in-class Mobile Electronics and support possible. Please contact us to learn more and remember “Music is the Way.”

To learn more about MUSWAY, please visit www.muswayusa.com or email Chris Bennett directly at chris@globalaudiomarketing.com