Accele Electronics Delivers “Additional Comfort to Driving”

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (11.23.2020) – Accele Electronics has announced additional Seat Comfort solutions for Expeditors, Restylers and 12 Volt Specialists. Expeditors, 12 Volt Specialists and Restylers can now offer their customers unique solutions to add seating comfort. Solutions include Heating & Cooling Kits, Massaging System Kits and the latest seat heater design with an input that can be triggered by a customer’s Remote Start control.

These new additions have created the most comprehensive portfolio of Aftermarket Seat Comfort products in the industry. The JW-C400 Carbon Fiber Seat Heater incorporates Accele’s latest design with a thicker material barrier and continuity stitching insuring grid stability for unsurpassed durability and performance. Also, a new thicker gauge wire has been incorporated for additional user safety. The JW-C400 Pat.Pending features a trigger Input for Remote Start systems with a 15 minute timer, the first of its kind. The trimmable kit also includes a Fully Backlit 3 Level Switch.

The SM-600 Seat Massaging systemprovides installers an Aftermarket option for the latest seating technology now being adopted by vehicle manufacturers worldwide. More vehicles (Ford F150, Explorer, BMW, Cadillac, Audi, Lincoln, Jaguar, Mercedes,  now offer an option once thought to be only for Presidents and Kings and available in only the top tier of luxury vehicles. The system includes 6 Individual Motorized Pads with a Switch to cycle through pre programmed modes or manual operation including 3 intensities.

The SHC-200 Seat Heating & Cooling system is perfect for those warmer climates where Cooling is equally or more important than Heating. Each kit includes 2 Pads that contain 4 individual Fans for cooling plus additional elements for heating. Both modes are operated with one switch that controls high, low and off for each function.

These products join the already formidable lineup of Seat Comfort products including vehicle specific Seat Heater kits for Toyota and Nissan, a Split Pad kit for those vehicles with occupant restraint systems and the value added, bestselling SH200, Standard Carbon Fiber Seat Heater.

All Seating Comfort products are available for immediate shipment, contact your Accele Sales Representative.

Visit the new www.accele.com more.

Metra Ships New Kit for 2020-Up Highlander for Pioneer 9″ Modular Solutions In-Dash Receiver

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HOLLY HILL, FL (11.23.2020) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dash kit for 2020-up* Toyota Highlander models without the factory 12.3-inch screen, designed specifically for the 9-inch Pioneer modular solutions receiver (DMHWC6600NEX).

The 109-TO7 dash kit includes a set of radio screen brackets and chassis brackets that allow installers to fit the larger screen into the dashboard that has much less depth of space, while still keeping the OE-style look and feel of the vehicle.

This kit was introduced at SEMA360 and a video introducing Metra’s new dash kits for Toyota Highlander is available in a video — See above or visit on YouTube at https://youtu.be/75-4MEmnUpY.

The 109-TO7 is in stock now and additional kits for this same model, designed for different screen sizes, will be available soon.

Visit MetraOnline.com for more.

Custom Works 317 Wins PowerBass Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 103

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SHREVEPORT LA (11.21.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. Custom Works 317 won a PowerBass Prize on Friday November 20th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

On Friday morning, November 20th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 103rd time and the Wheel landed on the PowerBass space. The Custom Works 317 slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to the Noblesville IN retailer and left a message with the good news. A PowerBass product will be headed their way.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica and Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, November 27th.

CMA LIVE EP7 Spotlighted The Rapidly Changing In-Vehicle Head Unit Technology

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TORONTO, CA (11.20.2020) – The Wednesday night, November 18th, episode of CMA LIVE was presented by SiriusXM. The EP7 host Ben Woo welcomed top head unit brands represented by their respective National Product Training Managers from across the industry. The elite panel included Kris Bulla from Sony, Chris Teguh with Alpine, Seth Halstead representing JVC Mobile and Kenwood plus Canada’s own Robert Mony present to showcase the Pioneer brand.

Host Ben Woo pictured as EP7 opened with SiriusXM’s Paul Trueman (R) at his North Carolina home office.
Alpine’s Chris Teguh, top right, responds to a question from host Ben Woo as Jeff Bates-Lockdown Security listens intently.

“What an amazing panel we had assembled last night. Informative and technical with only the most professional information delivered by true professionals. The future of the head unit category looks bright,” stated CMA LIVE Host Ben Woo.

View the full episode at the link below:
facebook.com/canadianmobileaudio/videos/1250821945286960

Seth Halstead (R) responding with information on JVC’s latest in-vehicle technology to host Ben Woo.

This particular episode was anchored by SiriusXM Sales Director Paul Truman as well as CMA resident tech guru, Jeff Bates of Lockdown Security- Markham Ontario who provided important insight from the dealer/installer perspective.

Kris Bulla (R), representing Sony on the panel, covered the brand’s products and strategy from his Nashville TN home office.

The EP7 presentation on Facebook spanned nearly 2 very informative hours. During that time host Woo orchestrated a spot-on dialog that provided the presenter of each brand the opportunity to inform listeners how their products will enhance the time consumers spend on the road. Connectivity is key with consumers today. New head unit technology amplifies in-vehicle music, along with connectivity, safety and convenience for consumers.

Robert Mony-top right, Pioneer National Product Trainer for Canada, highlighted the brand’s latest technology and product plans for 2021. Jeff Bates, Lockdown Security listens intently to the latest info on Pioneer.

Along with new head unit technology consumers are looking for larger screens in the dash of their vehicles. Each presenter addressed their brand’s plan to bring larger screens and the latest head unit technology to the marketplace.

Seth Halstead covered Kenwood’s driver assistance and vehicle safety products that are included in the company’s head unit technology product offerings.

“Our mission is to inform and educate our audience on how these brands are focused on future technology that will not only entertain but make daily life more seamless through connectivity in our vehicles,” said CMA CEO, Frank Spezzano.

Paul Trueman highlighted the SiriusXM SXV300 Tuner and the marketing opportunities available for proactive 12volt retailers to enhance their customer’s in-vehicle entertainment options across all head unit brands.

Stay tuned as the next episode of CMA LIVE “The OEM Integration Episode,” which airs on December 2 at 8pm ET will feature brands such as Automotive Data Solutions, Wavtech, PAC, Metra and NAV-TV on hand to dissect all things OEM Integration related.

View the full episode at the link below:
facebook.com/canadianmobileaudio/videos/1250821945286960

Race Sport Lighting Launches TRIO-GOLD Series LED Kits with Light Changing Performances

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RINGWOOD, IL (11.20.2020) – Race Sport Lighting has launched their TRIO-GOLD Series 3K 5K and 6K Switchback LED conversion MICRO-FITMENT kit that ranges between 2200-4000 LUX of light output! Designed for the ultimate on-road / off-road experience for drivers with the ability to switch between 3K gold fog cutters, 5K pure white OEM, and 6K luxurious crystal white headlight or fog-light kelvin colors.

This versatile switchback performance kit features a 3 kelvin color switching function on the single beam headlight and fog light base models, and 2 kelvin color switching capabilities between 3K and 5K on the (4) dual beam headlight bases available. The LUX output is incredible as well on this product measuring at 2,200LUX on the 6K, and as much as 4,000 LUX max on the 3K gold for a powerful cutter in misty and foggy environments to see the best.

“This is a dealer driven invention that we have been getting a lot of feedback for this year. Dealers have been wanting a 3K gold LED kit that performance the best in nasty weather environments, but still want their 5k and 6K Kelvin options too. This product gives the dealers exactly what they have been asking for in 1 product. It’s going to be an extremely popular series for Race Sport Lighting this year,” commented Steve Jergensen, President, Race Sport Lighting.

Click here for TRI-GOLD series product details.

“I can’t wait to offer this solution to dealers! In the past, we would only offer them HID 3K gold options for this request on the tech lines, and that works well, but some customers simply want the LED 3K Gold. I personally have tested this product in the lab and on the road, and dealers are going to love the performance they are going to be able to offer their customers,” stated Mac Gracia, Installation & Tech Support, Race Sport Lighting.

TRIO-GOLD LED Conversion kits are in stock and shipping now out of our warehouse. We encourage all our distributors and dealers to get these in stock and experience what the excitement is about.

Visit racesportnation.com for more.

New Dash Panel Colors for 1999-2002 GM Trucks and SUVs Now Shipping from Metra Electronics

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HOLLY HILL, FL (11.20.2020) – Metra Electronics has added four new color options for the DP-3002 dash panel. The DP-3002 dash panels are designed for 1999-2002 full-sized GM trucks and SUVs, including Chevrolet’s Avalance, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, along with GMC’s Sierra and Yukon*.

This large panel replaces the factory dash panel and provides the space for a modern Double-DIN radio. The climate controls are moved slightly and by using this dash panel and trim plate, no custom fabrication work is required.

The original DP-3002B dash panel was first introduced in matte black, but will now include a textured black, gray, pewter, and shale color option to match the factory appearance. The DP-3002 dash panels are made in the U.S.A. and available now from Metra Electronics in the following options:

DP-3002B: Matte Black
DP-3002TB: Textured Black
DP-3002GY: Gray
DP-3002PWT: Pewter
DP-3002SHL: Shale

Visit metraonline.com for more.

CE GUYS Adds to the Team with Two New Territory Managers

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CHICAGO, IL (11.19.2020) – CE GUYS has welcomed Mike Bergquist and Mario Zamudio to the proactive rep firm’s team in the field.

Territory manager Mike Bergquist will cover Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his home office in Michigan.

CE GUY’s Rep Firm Principal Michael Foundation stated, “As Territory Manager, Mike Bergquist will cover the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his Michigan home office. Bergquist comes to CE GUYS with extensive experience in the bike world, and has a firm understanding of car audio, remote starts and Powersports. Mike is ambitious, excited, and already calling on dealers!”

Foundation related “We are very excited to have solid representation for all of our factories in the area Mike covers.”

Territory Manager Mario Zamudio will cover Illinois and Wisconsin from his home office in the North West Suburbs of Chicago.

Mario Zamudio will cover the states of Illinois and Wisconsin as Territory Manager. Zamudio comes to CE GUYS with 10 years outside sales experience as a representative of a highly respected Chicago distributor. Zamudio has all of the necessary relationships to succeed in this aggressive market, and plans to hit the ground running! Zamudio resides in the North West suburbs of Chicago.

Foundation offered “Mario has a full understanding of car audio, bike audio, Powersports and remote starts.”

Continuing Foundation added “We are extremely excited for the coverage and experience Mike and Mario bring to the CE GUYS territories.”

For the CEGUYS line card go to: ceguys.com

To contact Mike and/or Mario, email: info@ceguys.com

Remembering Linda Ferguson, Female Industry Trailblazer

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CARLSBAD, CA (11.19.2020) – Linda Ferguson, 73, of Carlsbad California, passed away on October 23, 2020 after a long illness.

Linda was the co-founder with her husband and industry legend, Doug Ferguson of Western Sales and Marketing located in Newport Beach, California. Western Sales and Marketing was one of the most successful rep firms and distributors in the country carrying lines like Rockford Fosgate, Eclipse, McIntosh, Proton, Monster Cable, Bello, Lynnbrook, NHT, Russound and Dynamat.

Linda Ferguson

Linda started in the consumer electronics business at a time where there were very few women in leadership positions. Linda broke through all those stereotypes and became one of the most successful women in the history of the Consumer Electronics business.

After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Doug and they moved to San Diego California in 1966.

After retiring in 2005, Linda spent her time with her beloved daughter, Melissa.

In Lieu of flowers, Linda would like donations sent to St Paul Lutheran Church, 612 Jennings St, Sioux City, Iowa 51101.

Story provided by Rob Wempe.

DS18 Introduces a Marine Headunit That Does It All… the MRX1

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MIAMI GARDEN,S FL (11.19.2020) – The new DS18 is a marine headunit that can do it all! Compact, powerful, beautiful and will stand up to the rigorous punishment that all marine and off-road headunits go through. This powerful receiver features all the functions an enthusiast needs including Bluetooth, RCA outputs including subwoofer, USB linking and charging while remaining waterproof. The new DS18 MRX1 is the key to enjoying loud music with the highest quality for enjoyment on boat, in the UTV or any vehicle that may see the water frequently.

Check out the features of the new DS18 MRX1 all-in-one marine headunit that does it all.

  • V4.2 Bluetooth pairing functions so enthusiasts can play music directly from their phone or any Bluetooth source.

-It comes with precise sound settings options that lets enthusiasts control the bass, treble, balance, fade, EQ, loudness, and Subwoofer crossover with ease.

DS18 engineers have Included preset EQ options that give enthusiasts a better sound for their selected music preference that include FLAT, POP, ROCK, CLASSICAL and EQ which can be turned off all together.

  • There is an easy to read LCD display with RGB keys so enthusiasts can use the color that’s easiest to read, to set the mood of the day, or color scheme.

-Also provided is CT sync that allows for settings like time be adjusted by over the air radio frequencies.

  • The USB can transfer music along with charging the chosen device at the rate of 2a.
  • The MRX1’s sound output can’t be matched because DS18 made this unit to use 4v preamp outputs so enthusiasts can expect the highest quality sound with the voltage to push it.
  • The MRX1 has 3 outputs to accommodate fully applied systems easily with front, rear, and sub high quality outputs.

-The IP65 waterproof rating will help enthusiasts stay confident while using the headunit in harsh and wet terrain without failure.

  • This radio has an amazing power output. With a 4 ohm load enthusiasts will get 4×15 watts RMS and 2 ohm load will get 4×20 watts RMS which is enough to push most entry level speakers. (Amps will be required to install tower speakers and subs).
  • Enjoy all favorite AM/FM stations with the MRX1’s wideband AM/FM receiver that is also selectable under source controls.

As always with the new MRX1 DS18 proves ‘We Like It Loud!’

Visit ds18.com for more.

BestCarAudio.com Returns to Roots with Introduction of Test Drive Reviews

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LEHIGHTON, PA (11.18.2020) – 1sixty8 media, the team behind the consumer-facing BestCarAudio.com website, is proud to announce that they will begin offering their advertising clients hands-on product reviews under the title Test Drive Reviews.

Mitch Schaffer, President of 1sixty media, said, “We’ve reached a point where it’s time to take the information available to consumers to the next level. Thankfully, we have Dave MacKinnon in charge of content for BestCarAudio.com. His extensive experience in developing, testing and reviewing mobile audio products is nearly unmatched in the industry. I’m very excited to be able to offer Test Drive Reviews to our clients and their potential customers.”

Dave MacKinnon at home on the bench in his location in Burlington, Ontario Canada.

Dave MacKinnon, Head Writer for 1sixty8 media and Editor-in-Chief of the BestCarAudio.com website, said, “Testing products in my lab is what got me started as a writer in the mobile enhancement industry just under 20 years ago. I’m excited to get my hands on the latest and hopefully greatest offerings from the industry and share my experiences with our readers. Educating consumers on the features and performance capabilities of the products available to them will help them make a better purchasing decision. While unboxings and videos about features are interesting, they don’t get to the core of what makes one product’s performance different from another. Our Test Drive Reviews will change that.”

Schaffer added, “As the owner of a mobile enhancement store since 1994, support for brick-and-mortar retailers is a fundamental part of how BestCarAudio.com operates. It’s at our core. The vast majority of the 300+ articles currently on the site explain solutions or technologies, then directs readers to find a car audio shop in their area that can provide them with top quality service. My hope is that the new Test Drive Reviews drive business to qualified retailers looking for quality gear.”

The BestCarAudio.com team already has products on the test bench, and the first review should be available on the website (www.bestcaraudio.com) and Facebook page (facebook.com/bestcaraudio) by the end of November 2020.

Manufacturers and distributors can find out more about the marketing opportunities available from the BestCarAudio.com website by contacting Mitch Schaffer at 570-656-6900 or mitch@1sixty8.com.