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CMA LIVE Webcast Expands to 20 Episodes in 2021

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TORONTO, CANADA (03.05.2021) – CMA LIVE presented by SiriusXM, entered its second season with a commitment of 20 episodes scheduled for 2021. Premiering on Wednesday, March 3rd at 8pm ET, Ben Woo returned to host Episode 1 of the informative, bi-weekly series that covers all the hottest topics across the mobile electronics industry.

“CMA has established the platforms to connect industry professionals together and our innovative CMA LIVE webcast has gained considerable momentum. We look forward to collaborating with our network of key partners and influential guests to produce an impactful second season,” stated Frank Spezzano, President, CMA.

During CMA Live Episode 1, titled Essential Gear Part 1, Ben Woo conducted informative individual sessions with Rico Felice-MTX, Tommy Spears-Ground Zero, Ken Ward-Hertz and Ernie Welch-Euphoria. Car audio was built on brands and products that deliver hard hitting bass, dynamic output and great value to the enthusiasts. Each of these four brands exemplify the foundation on which car audio built its following.

With each session CMA audiences will be treated to an enhanced production package, along with a slick new look to the broadcast that is sure to engage viewers throughout the year. From covering the latest technology and timely topics to delving deep into specific themes, CMA LIVE is 60 minutes of mobile electronics required viewing.

“What a great opportunity to bring the car audio community together with the best dealers, installers, brands and distributors Canada has to offer. I could not think of a better venue for SiriusXM to be than within this community of passionate professionals,”related Ricky Lima, Senior Manager, Retail & Special Markets, SiriusXM Canada.

CMA LIVE presented by SiriusXM, has expanded its broadcast footprint by extending both live streaming and on-demand viewing to include Facebook, YouTube and now on the official CMA website www.CanadianMobileAudio.com

For more information on Canadian Mobile Audio, contact:info@canadianmobileaudio.com | Toll Free: 1.833.326.2482

The TSW Spring Break Jam South Padre Is Set For April 24th & 25th

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX (03.04.2021) – On March 2nd Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced it was time to open Texas 100% and end the statewide mask mandate. Starting next Wednesday, March 10th, the mask mandate will be lifted and all businesses will be allowed to open at 100% capacity for the first time in nearly a year. While Abbott noted that businesses can still choose to limit occupancy or require masks, the change opens the door to potentially massive social gatherings, including sports stadiums, concert halls, and other large venues like the TSW Spring Break Jam.

On March 3rd David MacDonald President of Heat Wave Inc., and the Operations Director Chris Schneider, had a zoom meeting with the City Manager and the CVB of South Padre Island. During the call they were given the green light to have the TSW Spring Break Jam on April 24th and 25th on South Padre Island.

“We are so excited that we can finally put on a show after taking a back seat for one year!” MacDonald exclaimed.

Continuing MacDonald stated “We want to do the right thing and still promote public safety for all attendees, participants, convention center workers, and our Staff. At the event we would like to see people observing social distancing and wearing masks inside the convention center although, which at this time it is not required. We have to do our part as Texans and visitors to stay safe as COVID-19 is still here and will be with us for a some time. Our thoughts and prayer are with the many people who lost those new and dear due to COVID-19.”

Schneider related “We have a pretty short time to get everything set up and ready. So we ask everyone to please get their registrations in. If you want an inside spot you will need to act fast. If you are interested in sponsoring or being a vendor, we have spots available. We will make every effort to get you in so please give us a call or message us as soon as possible. This is going to be a great show as always!”

The 2021 TSW Spring Break Jam will be a 4X Regional point event. Jenissa Lillard and her USACi team will be there, in the front of the Convention Center as always, to put on a fun and competitive SPL and SQ contest.

David and Chris will be attending the World Finals at the end of March if you want to register or have any questions.

Looks like this year’s TSW Spring Break Jam is going to be another big success. The Heat Wave Inc. team hopes to see everyone there April 24th and 25th on Beautiful South Padre Island, Texas.

Visit heatwaveshow.com for more.

SoundShield Welcomes End Result Rep Firm

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ANCHORAGE, AK (03.03.2021) – SoundShield, the premium sound deadening brand launched in 2019 by 12 volt industry veterans John Schwartz and Bryan Schmitt, announces the addition of End Result as the brand’s representatives in Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.

Ed Dalesandro, Principal of End Result said, “We are proactive about adding brands and categories that make our retailers healthier in business.” End Result has a 37 year track record of representing some of the most iconic and sought after brands in the business. “Sound deadening has always been an afterthought category. With the addition of SoundShield, we intend to show real world performance and additional profit opportunities to our retailers. The products are a cut above, just like we perceive ourselves, so it’s a great fit.”

Ed Dalesandro – End Result Principal

“We are extremely happy to welcome End Result to the SoundShield family,” commented SoundShield CEO Schwartz. He and co-founder Schmitt know Dalesandro and his team well from past industry trade shows, as well as regional training events known as the End Result Show. “Ed does a great job of supporting and training his dealer base, which is something important to us as a premium brand” added Schmitt.

For 2021, Dalesandro and colleague Rusty North plan to educate their entire dealer base on why to sell sound deadening and noise control products at all, plus what differentiates SoundShield from other products in the category. “A dealer introduction video for SoundShield is already recorded and circulating throughout our dealer base with about 70 having already watched and climbing every day,” remarked Dalesandro.

End Result typically puts on regional trainings via the End Result Show twice per year, but in the pandemic they were early to take the lead on Zoom meetings/trainings. Since Dalesandro feels some folks are ‘Zoomed out’ he is being increasingly creative about how to put together more interesting content for SoundShield, such as an interview format rather than a traditional product training with slides. Depending on the viability of an in-person End Result Show in 2021, Dalesandro is considering Pittsburgh, PA or Columbus, OH.

To learn more about SoundShield, visit www.soundshieldusa.com. To learn more about End Result and their company, visit endresultonline.com.

DOW Electronics Announces Company Name Change

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TAMPA, FL (03.02.2021) – DOW Electronics has changed its name to DOW Technologies. The new name reflects the company’s long history while better aligning with its current and future business strategy.

DOW began as a local television repair parts distributor that has grown over 60 years into a national distributor of consumer products and technology solutions that connect and improve customers lives. The breadth of products and services that DOW now offers has outgrown the product offerings suggested by the use of ‘Electronics’ in the company name. The new name, DOW Technologies, reflects a company culture that is engaged with the technological solutions it offers.

Chip Yodzis (Left), Executive Chairman and John Yodzis, President and CEO

DOW utilizes the products and technologies within its own offices and distribution centers to be more efficient and to have an enhanced work environment. DOW’s employees value living with the products in their homes and vehicles to better understand their features and capabilities. The brand and culture of DOW Technologies reinforces knowing and experiencing the products and services offered to better support its customers.

“We are very excited to make this name change to better reflect our business activity and goals,” stated President & CEO John Yodzis. “This decision is not being taken lightly as DOW Electronics has been our family business for over 45 years. We wanted to make sure we honored our history while looking forward to the future of the company.”

“I am very happy with the strategy and execution the company has undertaken in the past few years that has led to this moment,” added Executive Chairman Chip Yodzis. “This name change reflects a strategy and future direction that is very exciting for DOW.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1-800-627-2900.

Lone Star Throwdown, KICKER ArenaCross and Jeepin’ With Judd Attracted Crowds

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SHREVEPORT, LA (03.01.2021) – The last weekend of February saw 3 well attended consumer events. The Lone Star Throwdown (LST) in Conroe, TX, KICKER ArenaCross in Tampa FL and Jeepin’ With Judd in Bartow FL drew strong crowds to the outdoor events. All three events benefited from warm weather.

The LST event was busy from the opening bell Saturday morning. Mike Barcia’s ‘No Compromise Dually’ was featured in front of the Lone Star Expo Center.

The Lone Star Throwdown celebrated the events 10th anniversary with over 2000 vehicles pre-registered for the event at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, TX. Event organizers anticipated attendance to be 15,000. For the 6th straight year KICKER was a title sponsor. Company COVID-19 restrictions limited KICKER’s onsite presents. However there were plenty of vehicles Livin’Loud with KICKER gear on site.

Unique vehicles were featured at the LST event in Conroe, TX.

James Halter, Stereo and Video Center, made the trip from Tyler to Conroe for LST. James, and daughter Katelyn, made the trip a Father Daughter Day with the down and back 300 mile trip. Along with family time Halter wanted to see the cool rides and installs for future work at Stereo and Video Center.

James Halter and daughter Katelyn made the trip to LST from Stereo and Video Center in Tyler, TX. Katelyn supplied cool images for this article.

“There were definitely a lot of cool cars. Main thing was just alot of people and it seemed busier than last year. Could be people wanted to be out again with some many shows cancelled. The sun came out and it was humid but it was a great show. There were a lot of KICKER banners around and I missed seeing the KICKER XRV this year. We are a longtime KICKER dealer and are excited about the new products this year” Halter related to 12volt News. 12volt News eyeballs saw a post that James and Katelyn would attend LST. James supplied info above and Katelyn was a staff photographer sending very cool images from the event.

The floor of the Lone Star Expo Center was filled with rides with thousands more on the LST event grounds.

An crowd shot highlighting Mike Barcia’s ‘No Compromise Dually’ at the event was the first image Katelyn sent for this article. Barcia traveled from Florida to show his award winning ride to the large LST crowd.

KICKER Lifestyle products and PowerSports in the side-by-side were featured on the grounds at the ArenaCross in Tampa.

The KICKER ArenaCross at the East Bay Race Park in Tampa was a 2-day event on the outdoor track. Maddog_Media handled onsite setup and KICKER activities at the event. Lorin Morrell offered “The Saturday Pro Racing was super with a good crowd under the sunny sky. We had a number of KICKER Lifestyle products set up under the tent that really opened eye and ears. In addition, when attendees took a seat in the KICKER Side by Side they understood Livin’Loud! The racing on the track Sunday was also great. Seeing riders flying under the finish structure brought a lot of cheers from the crowd.”

Racers flying side by side as a large crowd watches from trackside.

The Tampa KICKER ArenaCross event featured Rounds 7 and 8 on the 2021 schedule.

The Jeepin’ With Judd event in Bartow FL is a non-profit charity event to raise funds for the Polk Sheriff’s Charities INC. The family friendly event featured bounce houses for children, food truck and vendors. There were raffles and great prizes offered too.

Team Phoenix Honda supporting KICKER and ArenaCross on the semi-trailer. @phoenixhonda

DS18 was on site as an event sponsor and had a major presence on the grounds that included over 4000 Jeeps. “DS18 was standing loud as always. We had several DS18 tents set up with 18 Jeeps under those tents.In addition we counted 10 more DS18 equipped Jeeps in other vendors booths. DS18 offers so many Jeep specific products and the Jeepin’ With Judd” event was a great place to show them to Jeep owners and enthusiasts” DS18’s Aaron Zook stated.

DS18 Had a major presence at Jeepin’ For Judd with 18 Jeep around their tents.

It was terrific to get a sense that spring with bring outdoor events and consumer excitement to the 12volt marketplace.

March begins the 28th year for the 12volt News publication that began as a 1-Page 12volt Advertiser flier in February of 1994 and grew to 192 pages a month. Through the years the marketplace has changed dramatically.

DS18 showed all at Jeepin’ For Judd ‘We Like It Loud’. There were over 4,000 Jeeps on site at the event in Barlow Florida.

In today’s world, as digital platforms rule, we have created the 12voltSTP Tool for industry member to utilize to showcase their brands and activities to the 12volt marketplace. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844 and Presto you could be in the 12volt News from the 12volt Central Studios. Images in the above article utilized the 12volt STP Tool.

See @12voltnews for more. #12voltstp for nearly 200 posts. elect recent for the latest posts.

Hi-Pro Audio Wins NavAtlas Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 116

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SHREVEPORT LA (02.26.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Hi-Pro Audio won the NavAtlas prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, February 26th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Two months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 116th time on Friday morning February 26th. The Wheel landed on the NavAtlas space. The NavAtlas 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 have reached out to Henry Hosek with the good news that a NavAtlas Handheld Radio would be headed their way from Patrick Brooks at NavAtlas.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, the 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, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Design Engineering, Power Acoustik, JVC, ZZ-2 and Sketch My Ride. 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, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT and Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, March 5th.

Distributor Celsus UK Appoints INDEMAR S.p.A. as KICKER Marine Distributor for Italy

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STILLWATER, OK (02.26.2021) – Celsus UK, Poole-based distributor for KICKER Marine products in Europe, recently announced its appointment of INDEMAR to manage the Italian market for the U.S.-based manufacturer of performance 12-volt audio products.

Celsus UK believes the selection of INDEMAR begins a new chapter in a very strategic part of the European marine-electronics market. A well-respected Italian distributor of high-quality technical marine products since 1972, INDEMAR are positioned for even more success in the marine-audio segment.

INDEMAR associates (from left): Davide Clavarino, Paolo Gatti and Massmilino Figus.

“We’re very excited to have a company such as INDEMAR represent our marine products in Italy,” said David Glasgow, KICKER International Sales Manager. “We are confident the combination of their expertise and our products’ quality will deliver fantastic results.”

“We are very happy to add KICKER to our portfolio,” said Paolo Gatti, Marine Sales Manager of INDEMAR S.p.A. “INDEMAR is a distributor of top-quality products in the Italian market, and I’m sure we will have a great success with KICKER.”

Celsus UK Sales Director Mike Keenan added, “Passion, expertise and focus are key qualities to success in the marine-audio market, and we are confident that we have found this in our new partner INDEMAR. We are very happy to have Paolo and his team on board.”

KICKER Marine products are designed around two principles: Reproducing high-quality audio as the artist intended, and ensuring KICKER Real Marine products survive harsh marine environments. The range provides complete end-to-end solutions for all vessel types, creating an exciting audio experience that becomes the soundtrack to all maritime activity. The KICKER marine range of source units, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and accessories are gaining a powerful reputation for quality performance and value since their introduction to the European market. INDEMAR joins a growing network of distributors across Europe.

Visit www.indemar.com, celsusice.co.uk, and kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping the New Alpine Halo9 Multimedia Receiver

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.25.2021) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the iLX-F409 Alpine Halo9 Multimedia Receiver with a 9-inch, customizable touchscreen display. The new receiver is the culmination of the Alpine Halo Display lineup.

Beyond Factory Technology

The Alpine Halo display platform is known for its oversized, “floating” screen and versatile installation into virtually any vehicle. The sleek, tapered edges outlined in a silver trim, along with smartphone integration capability, modernizes the technology in any dash that can house a single-DIN receiver.

The launch of the iLX-F409 and the iLX-F411 signals a new generation of the Alpine Halo models that are a culmination of all the fan-favorite features, including customizable home screens, media expandability with HDMI connectivity, and iDatalink Maestro Module compatibility.

Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling with audio streaming allows access to your music, messages, phone calls, and maps on your smartphone via USB. These features are controlled through touch or voice commands with the included external microphone. SiriusXM Radio is available with an optional tuner and paid subscription for even more music and entertainment on your drive.

System Compatibility

Upgrading dash technology can often result in a loss of factory functionality, such as steering wheel controls and access to engine codes. However, the iLX-F409 is compatible with the iDatalink Maestro Module (sold separately) allowing select OEM features to be retained and vehicle information displayed on the 9-inch screen.

A reverse RCA camera input is included so you can add a rearview camera (sold separately) that overlays guidelines onto the screen for ease when moving in reverse. Additional cameras can be added with the KCX-C2600B Universal Front and Rear Camera Selector (sold separately).

While the iLX-F409 is mech-less (no CD/DVD player) an HDMI input and output is included so you can connect a CD, DVD player, or even your smartphone for an all-digital audio and video connection through a single cable.

The iLX-F409 is now shipping at a MAP of $699.95 and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

AudioControl Names 2020 Rep of the Year Award, Mobile Products

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SEATTLE, WA (02.24.2021) – AudioControl has named Dynamic Sales & Marketing of New Port Richey, Florida their 2020 Rep of the Year for Mobile Products. Dynamic Sales & Marketing was founded in 2002, and covers the state of Florida with a team of three, including Principal John Schneid covering the Western portion of the state, JC Iglesias covering the Southeast region and Bruno Maffucci covering Orlando and North-Central Florida.

John Schneid

Dynamic Sales & Marketing has always been highly selective about working with the finest manufacturer partners that deliver the best products and services to dealers in their territory. “My team and I are very grateful to have been recognized with this award by a respected vendor such as AudioControl,” explained Schneid. “Our success in 2020 can largely be attributed to hard work and our commitment to be knowledgeable sales consultants for the brands we represent in a rapidly changing industry. AudioControl delivers outstanding products that both provide superior performance, key features that the dealers must have as well as exceptional customer service. They are great people who are passionate about their brand—and the dealers love working with them.”

Click image to visit product page

“I want to congratulate John and his team for doing an exceptional job representing the AudioControl brand through what has been a very challenging year,” explained Chris Bennett, Director of Mobile Audio for AudioControl. “The Dynamic Sales & Marketing team has made every effort to understand the products and services we offer and partner with the finest 12-volt specialists throughout the state of Florida to achieve success. We look forward to another excellent year working together in 2021.”

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

Norcal Sales Now Proudly Representing JVC Mobile in Hawaii

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LONG BEACH, CA (02.23.2021) – JVC Mobile Entertainment has announced that Norcal Sales & Marketing is now representing its products in Hawaii. 

Led by their president John Tatro, Norcal Sales & Marketing has been offering sales representation in Northern California and Nevada for nearly 20 years.  Last year, Norcal added Keoni Watson to its team, a veteran rep that lives on the island of Oahu.  Watson was born and raised in Oahu and has been a manufacturer’s representative there for the past 24 years.  He lives by his motto of always wanting to a bring value to his dealer base and assist them in growing their business. 

Norcal Sales Now Proudly Representing JVC Mobile in Hawaii

“Since our inception, we have been executing business plans that meet and exceed expectations of our vendor partners,” said Tatro.  “Having an established, well received native rep that is based in the islands is key to effectively servicing that dealer base.”

“Norcal Sales has already been representing JVC products in Northern California and Nevada since 2008, even being selected as our rep of the year 4 times,” said Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales. “Their track record has been proven time and time again, and I’m confident that they will offer this same level of top-notch service and support to JVC dealers in the Hawaii market.”   

Visit us.jvc.com/car and norcalsalesmktg.com for more.