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Celsus UK Expanded Presence at the METSTRADE Show 2019

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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (12.04.2019) – Celsus UK had a much larger presence, with a corner stand, at the 2019 METSTRADE Show in Amsterdam November 19th-21st. During the event Celsus UK presented KICKER Marine Audio and Dynamat Sound and Heat Control products. The UK based distribution company occupied a position double the size of previous years in Amsterdam’s RAI Center. The METSTRADE Show is the main marine equipment industry show for Europe.

The Celsus UK stand at the METSTrade Show showcased Kicker and Dynamat products to attendees from across Europe.

Celsus UK staff members Paul Baker, Mike Keenan and Mark Baker traveled from the UK to meet with dealers in the stand. Kicker’s David Glasgow and Jeremy Bale traveled from Stillwater OK to work with the Celsus UK team in the stand.

Mark Baker stated “Dealers stopping at the Celsus UK stand had the chance to learn all about premium performance marine audio from U.S
manufacturer KICKER. The range of premium 12volt audio equipment from the Oklahoma based manufacturer provides the perfect balance of marine engineering, sound quality and value. From source units to speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers KICKER brings an exciting new dimension to the marine entertainment segment… and live by the mantra #GoOverboard! Visitors to the booth also gained insight into the brand’s expanding range of source units for 2020-2021. This much anticipated group of products, which will contain leading edge features, are in line with consumer demands including NMEA compatibility.”

Celsus UK’s Paul Baker (R) and Mike Keenan pictured with Kicker and Dynamat products they showed attendees at METSTrade Show.

Recent growth of KICKER in the European market, since its introduction at METS 2018, is something the company plans to build on by developing further distributor and OEM relationships.

Continuing Baker stated “We had a great show,presenting Kicker and Dynamat, plus meeting with our customer network. In addition we gathered over 60 new leads with a mix of distributors, OEM’s and technical dealers from all across the globe.”

Mike Keenan (L) and Paul Baker are pictured after packing up the Celsus UK stand as the METSTrade Show 2019 wrapped in Amsterdam.

Glasgow, Kicker International Sales Manager, related “We knew going into the METS 2019 that we had some pretty lofty goals for Kicker Marine in Europe. With a lot of hard work, on both the Kicker and Celsus side, we are now poised to accomplish those goals. METS 2019 was bigger than ever and extremely busy with a lot of traffic from all over Europe. It wasn’t just the number of leads this year that Celsus received but the quality as well. Kicker is extremely blessed to be working with such a truly professional organization such as Celsus UK and their Team.”

Beth Maranda, for Dynamic Control, relayed “Celsus UK is a great partner with us. Their success at the MetsTrade show will certainly set the stage for a very good 2020.”

“We were excited to expand our presence at our 6th METS. We believe we have a unique proposition with Kicker and Dynamat in what they currently offer and future product roadmap. Both brands have been very well received in the market and our search for prospective new partnerships continues” Paul Baker, Managing Director, Celsus UK offered.

In the Celsus UK stand dealers also checked out Dynamat’s wide range of acoustic and thermal control materials that address common noise and heat problems on board all manner of vessels. Dynamat products help control noise from vibration, conducted noise and audio/ sound migration as well as insulate areas to help create a more enjoyable environment on-board. The unique DYNABOX speaker enclosure was a focus for many demonstrations.

Concluding, Baker stated “METS continues to be the best show on our marine calendar and allows us to with new and existing contacts. Our much larger stand and position at this year’s MetsTrade Show definitely paid dividends.”

For further information, contact marketing@celsusgroup.net

Mark Baker pictured with a Kicker Marine display that is offered with a Celsus UK dealer program.

Click to hear Mark Baker from the METSTrade Show

Visit www.celsusice.co.uk and www.metstrade.com for more.

Car-Tunes, Inc. Gives Away $1,000 in Free Race Sport Lighting

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RINGWOOD, IL (12.03.2019) – Race Sport Lighting has announced in partnership with Car-Tunes, Inc., MESA Dealer and MEA recognized TOP 50 Retailer, that JT Harmon has won Car-Tunes’ give away contest for $1,000 in free Race Sport Lighting products. The contest took place back in October as a part of Car-Tunes’ “Kick off to Lighting Season” campaign. Participants gained entries by engaging with the companies on social media.

Race Sport Lighting President Steve Jergensen commented, “At Race Sport Lighting we enjoy any opportunity to partner with our dealers, like Car Tunes, Inc., but we get extra excited when we get to hook up a member of the Race Sport Nation with free product. JT is an EMT, a firefighter, a lighting fan and all around great guy! Congrats JT!

Kimberly Trainer, for Car Tunes, related to 12volt News “Working with RaceSport and Henry Jasper on this Lighting Contest was terrific. Any promotions that we can do to create consumer interest is important. Showcasing a very good customer like JT is even more special. We are making very frequent social media posts which is drawing business from several hours away from our store in Greenville MS. We even have followers from as far away as Chicago commenting on posts we make. Lighting has so many facets. Automotive, marine, Powersports and farming lighting plus the safety aspects of HID headlights. Overall lighting is certainly an important and growing category for us at Car Tunes.”

Visit racesportnation.com for more.

A&W Distributors Hosted 1st Annual Clearance Tuesday

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DALLAS TX (12.02.19) A&W Distributors hosted the company’s 1st Annual Clearance Tuesday on November 26th. There were One Day Only Cash and Carry deals that grabbed area dealer’s attention…along with lunch that included gourmet pizza from the Italian Café.

During the day on Tuesday well over 100 dealers took advantage of savings up to 70% on top 12volt brands stacked up at A&W’s Harry Hines facility in Dallas.

  • Devon stacked products for A&W‘s 1st Annual Clearance Tuesday.
  • Manny rolled products into the show room for the event.

A&W’s Maher Awad stated “We had merchandise that had been in our inventory too long. We made a decision to hold our the 1st Annual Clearance Tuesday thinking dealers could pick up some great deals for their Black Friday promotions. Everything really came together. The dealer turnout was very strong. We went through 20 delicious extra large pizzas from the Italian Café”.

  • By 11 AM Tuesday morning dealers were already enjoying delicious pizza from the Italian Café.
  • Devon rolling out a big order with a dealer who picked up great deals.

Products from12volt brands priced to move included Arc Audio, Omega, Kenwood, Rydeen, BOSS Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Concept and Atrend.

Concluding Award commented “We were able to move over 50% of the items we needed to move. At the end of the day we sold 5 times more than an average for this time of the year. We thank all of our staff members for working to make our 1st Annual Clearance Tuesday such a success”.

For more see awdistributors.com

2019 dBDRA Australian Championship Took Place Nov 23-24

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AUSTIN, TX (11.27.2019) – The 2019 Australian dB Drag Racing Association Championship took place during the weekend of November 23-24, 2019. Participants traveled from around the country to compete in the annual event hosted by Frankies Auto Electrics and Car Audio. The event was judged by a team of North American and Australian judges including: Wayne Harris, USA / Ray Choy, Canada / Grant Stapleton, Victoria / Gavin Campbell, New South Wales / Samuel McWaters, South Australia and Michael Crouch / Queensland.

The 1st place winners in each format of competition will be awarded a National Championship Ring sponsored by Pioneer Electronics Australia. Trophies were awarded to the 1st-3rd place winners and sponsored by Frankies Auto Electrics and Car Audio. The lane sponsor for the event was Kenwood Australia. Additional event supporters include: DD Audio, Vibe, Sony, Aerpro, Audison, Hertz and Rockford Fosgate

2019 Australian Championship Winners

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Matt Jones
Pro Stock 2K – Mitchell Bulmer
Pro Stock 5K – Brenton Hammond
Pro Stock NL – Chris Ziino
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Fedee Fattal
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Zac Trigg
Super Street NW – Tony Pellicci
Super Street 1-2 – Josh Livingston
Super Street 3-4 – Dean Veitch
Super Street X – Shalfraaz Ali
Extreme NL – Team Frankies

Bass Race
Bass Race 120.0 – 129.9 dB – Billy Arnold
Bass Race 130.0 – 139.9 dB – Chris Ziino
Bass Race 140.0 – 149.9 dB – Shalfraaz Ali

Psychlone
Psychlone – No Wall – Adrian Dougherty
Psychlone –Wall – Lucky Lianos

Top Dog
Mitchell Bulmer

Best of Show
Richard Snell

A few comments from competitors that attended event.

Fedee Fattal
“I had a great experience at finals. I am always happy to help fellow competitors and strive to be the best in my class while having fun.”

Shalfraaz Ali
“Competing in the Australian Finals Is FUN and challenging because I am always aiming to achieve my Personal Best. Winning a Championship Ring is an overwhelming sense of this achievement. It is always great when International judges attend the event. Having Wayne Harris and Ray Choy at the event is the BEST!”

Mitchell Bulmer
“Absolutely amazing weekend at Frankie’s Car Audio for the Australian dB Drag Finals. I am very happy with my achievements as I walked away with 2 championships rings (Pro Stock 2K and Top Dog) which is beyond my expectations. Huge thanks to Frank for holding the event and thanks to Ray Choy and Wayne Harris for attending the Australian Finals. Thanks to my team Dem Lowz, Josh Livingston, Shane Wegener, Chris Ziino, Fedee Fattal for all the motivation and helping push through the wins with all their support. Thanks to Brenton Hammond for putting up with all my shit all year. And lastly and most importantly thank you to my love Sammi Shetye for dealing with me all year and allowing me to put time into the car to get where I am now.”

Brenton Hammond
“Another successful Australian Championship for the mighty Yaris. I retained my Pro Stock 5K title for the 3rd consecutive year as well as set a new Australian Record and Personal Best. A big shout out to Matty from B2 Audio and Blake from Powerus Amplifiers for supplying me the world class equipment. Also want to give a shout out to our celebrity judges for their travel and their efforts this weekend. Cheers Wayne Harris, Ray Choy, Michael Crouch, Grant Stapleton and Samuel McWaters.”

Lance Herner
“Another great year with dB Drags and an awesome weekend. Caught up with old friends and made a few more.”

Tony Pellicci
“After this weekend’s Finals at Frankies, I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to Hayne Harris (U.S.A.) and Ray Choy (Canada) for officiating the comp, and also a Huge THANK YOU to Frank at Frankies for holding Australian Finals at his shop and trophies and BBQ. Also thank you to all competitors that turned up. Didn’t matter if you come 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or whatever, you are all winners, thank you all!”

Adrian Dougherty
“I would like to thank all those involved with Finals over the weekend. I would also like to thank those that brought their partners… you all deserve a pat on the back, and welcome to the dBDRA family. We are a true audio family in that we help each other the best that we can: before, during, and after the events! Again, thank you to everyone. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you throughout the year and next year at an even bigger event.”

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

Alpine to Attend the 2019 Jeepers Holiday Bazaar

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TORRANCE, CA (11.26.2019) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. will attend the 2019 Jeepers Holiday Bazaar at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey from Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8. This new, Holiday-themed Jeep event will feature a large selection of vendors, kid-friendly activities, and a Holiday-themed Jeep decorating contest that’s sure to get attendees in the Holiday spirit.

Alpine is excited to sponsor the 2019 “Photos with Santa” station. Event attendees can receive a free kid’s photo with Santa, located next to Alpine’s Booth in the Showboat Hotel event floor. Stop by Alpine’s Booth afterward for free giveaways.

The booth will also be stocked with the latest vehicle-specific Audio and Video technology, as well as premium sound system upgrades with easy Plug-and-Play installations built to directly fit select Jeep models.

Making its first Jeep event debut is Alpine’s solution for the new 2018 – Up Jeep Wrangler and 2019 – Up Jeep Gladiator: The 9-inch Weather-Resistant X409-WRA-JL Navigation System with Off-Road Mode. This solution, built for easy, Plug-and-Play installation, will enhance the lifestyle of any Jeep driver, from the adventurous Off-Roader to the day-to-day commuter.

The new 9-inch Weather-Resistant X409-WRA-JK Navigation System with Off-Road Mode for the 2011 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler will also be on display, where visitors can witness faster screen performance and a new interface that’s designed to deliver an entertaining in-vehicle experience in any driving condition.

All Alpine booth products will be showcased in a store-front display that allows visitors to demo products with an on-site Alpine staff member and find the perfect solution for their Jeep. All products are available for purchase with special, event-only pricing available throughout the duration of the event – perfect for fulfilling a Holiday wish list.

Alpine’s Jeep Wrangler will be on-site, loaded with the new X409-WRA-JL, a PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System Upgrade, an HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Mount Rear-View Camera, and an HCE-C2600FD4 Front View Camera.

Tickets to the 2019 Holiday Jeep Bazaar are $8 per day if purchased in advance, with a $15 charge at the door. Kids 12 and under are free. Learn more about the event and Alpine’s involvement by visiting Alpine’s Facebook Event Page.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Ovation Manufacturer Representatives at SEMA 2019

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LAS VEGAS, NV (11.25.2019) – The Ovation Manufacturer Representative firm worked a set plan at the 2019 SEMA Show. An attention grabbing Instagram post on November 3rd showcased the firm’s brands exhibiting at SEMA… MTX Audio, PowerBass, Escort, Scosche and Waylens. Ovation firm team members Clay Nelson, Rick Nissenson and Ken Nelson were on site. All spent booth time with each vendor to see the latest products, meet with dealers from their territory and networked across the massive LVCC venue.

Clay Nelson is the firm Principal in Central California. Nissenson handles Southern California while Ken Nelson covers Northern California. All were in Vegas for the entire SEMA Show 2019 run from November 5th through the 8th.

The PowerBass booth in the North Hall was busy with Powersports and new OE Direct Fit Speakers products highlighted.
New introductions from Escort Radar and Cobra were featured in the booth at SEMA.

Nissenson stated “The SEMA Show was very busy from the opening bell. SEMA attendees are all car people as opposed to CES. The SEMA Show is definitely growing in importance for members of the 12volt industry.”

Rick Nissenson (L), Ovation Reps, and Rich Amaro are pictured with the new NEXS1 in the Scosche booth.

At the SEMA Show the new PowerBass XL-1250 SoundBar and new OE Direct Fit Speakers for Chevy and Nissan were booth highlights. The Escort brand’s ESCORT LIVE app, which works with the company’s full line of radar detectors, drew attention in the booth. In addition, the new Cobra Road Scout combination of radar detector and dash cam attracted serious attention. Scosche added to their line with the new NEXS1 dash cam and the M8RIX touchscreen power management system for UTV off road and marine. MTX featured a large number of sponsored vehicles inside and outside the North Hall. New JACKHAMMER amplifiers and new RZR audio systems added to MTX’s presence at SEMA 2019. In the Waylens booth the 360 4G model showed all why that model is doing so well in the marketplace.

Booths of brands Ovation represents were prominent on the North Hall floor at SEMA 2019.
The Waylens Secure 360 is enjoying success across the marketplace.

“The dealer turnout at the show was strong from the San Diego area and Northern California. Ovation represents the AudioControl line in NorCal and they had a very busy booth throughout the show plus after hour trainings and activities. The vibe throughout the SEMA Show was terrific. There will be plenty for dealers to share on their social media outreach to get followers into their stores to experience the latest in 12volt and aftermarket products” Nissenson concluded.

AudioControl showcased their latest products in a busy North Hall Booth throughout SEMA’s 4-Day run.

Visit ovation-reps.com and sema.org for more.

dBDRA Wrapped Successful Competition at OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car

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Competitors are pictured with their trophies and dB DRA staff as the Optima event at Calder Park in Melbourne concluded.

SOUTHFIELD, MI (11.22.2019) – OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car took place at Calder Park Raceway in Melbourne Australia during the weekend of November 16-17, 2019. The event was a multi-segment competition and car show event and dB Drag Racing was the official Sound and Vision partner. Competitors had a chance to compete in 2 events over the course of the 2-day show with this being the last 2 events leading up to the Australian Championship taking place the following weekend just outside of Sydney.

dB DRA staff members pictured as the Optima Street Car Search began. (LtoR) Ray Choy, Grant Stapleton, Samuel McWaters and Wayne Harris.

The event was judged by a team of North American and Australian judges (Wayne Harris, USA /  Ray Choy, Canada / Grant Stapleton, Victoria / Samuel McWaters, South Australia). Huge thanks goes out to the crew at Optima, the dB Drag competitors and the judging staff.

Saturday’s 1X Winners

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Paul Khodeir
Pro Stock NL – Billy Arnold
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Fedee Fattal
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Richard Snell
Extreme NL – Samuel McWaters

Bass Race
Bass Race 119.9 down – Chris Petrie
Bass Race 120.0-129.9db – Billy Arnold
Bass Race 130.0-139.9db – Fedee Fattal

Psychlone
Psychlone – No Wall – Rod Baldock
Psychlone –Wall – Steven Perisanidis

Top Dog
Fedee Fattal

Sunday’s 3X Winners

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Sam Casabene
Pro Stock NL – Paul Khodeir
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Fedee Fattal
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Zac Trigg
Super Street 1-2 – Ethan Heppi Walker
Super Street NW – Daniel Kennedy
Super Street X – Jamie Deluca
Extreme NL – Samuel McWaters

Bass Race
Bass Race 120.0-129.9db – Billy Arnold
Bass Race 130.0-139.9db – Fedee Fattal

Psychlone
Psychlone – No Wall – Rod Baldock
Psychlone –Wall – Jamie Deluca

Top Dog
Billy Arnold

A few comments from competitors that attended event.

Billy Arnold… Top Dog

Billy Arnold

“A great weekend of dB Drags, Bass Race, Tog Dog and Psychlone. Well worth the 1800km round trip, to attend and compete at this show. Awesome organizers and event staff provided the perfect location, along with Calder Park putting out some great weather for the weekend. This was surely an ‘ultimate’ dB Drag Racing event to coincide with Optima’s Search for Australia’s ultimate car. The competition was fierce in many classes, with competitors having a great time and sportsmanship of all who attended was spectacular and fun was had by all. Personally I will be there again next year, further recommending anyone that didn’t attend to go next year. This is a must see event to mark on your calendars.”

Tony Sljuka

“Had an absolute blast I’m glad I registered, it had been more than 2 decades since my last dB Drag event and super glad I came. Was awesome chatting with everyone including the interstate guys and getting demos in a few cars and at the end of the day walked out with a 2nd place medal. It inspired me to get my other dB Drag car out which is in the build for 2020 season. Thanks again guys hope to see you in the lanes.”

Sam Casabene

“My first time being involved in the event that held the DBdrags. A very competitive but friendly event. Everyone was super helpful as it was my first time. Most likely will be back next year to compete with a better setup to beat my PB! See you guys next year!”

Rod Baldock (RFWRX)

Rod Baldock ( RFWRX)

“Had super weekend at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Event Show n Shine & DBDRAGS Audio Vision can’t wait til next event”

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

New SiriusXM Solutions for 2020 Vehicles and New Harley-Davidson Application Re-Released

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ENGLEWOOD, CO (11.21.2019) – VAIS Technology has released new satellite radio integrated solutions specifically designed for 2020 vehicle models. This solution allows owners of these 2020 models to add SiriusXM satellite radio to their existing factory stereo, without compromising functionality.

GSR-HM51, Harley Davidson

The new 2020 integration kits provide coverage for 2020 Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Application guide available on VAIS Technology website. Also, all these models are compatible with the GSR-UV01 (universal unit) which can be flashed using online software. This allows dealers to only stock one unit to do almost all applications.

GSR-UV01, Universal

The re-released Harley Davidson, (GSR-HM51) application now includes a weather-proof enclosure as well as the SXV300 SiriusXM tuner, all in one unit, which now allows multiple source switching between the iPhone and SXM source via the factory radio.

This VAIS solution connects directly to the original factory radio and allows the vehicle owner to listen to satellite radio through the existing factory system. The VAIS integrated solution also allows for full control of satellite radio functions – changing stations, setting presets, steering wheel functions, etc. In the Harley Davidson, all controls are done thru the handlebars and factory buttons.

“Since 2003, VAIS Technology have been developing satellite radio adapters for vehicles that aren’t equipped from the factory with SiriusXM tuners,” Dennis Hopper, Vice President of Sales, says. “While satellite radio is more popular than ever, many new OEM vehicles still don’t come equipped from the factory with satellite tuners. Over the last few years many OEM’s are removing satellite tuners from their base model vehicles. VAIS Tech. develops simple, easy to install integrated solutions that add satellite radio, but preserve factory functions.”

Visit www.vaistech.com for more.

The dB Drag Racing Association Gives Back to the Community with Toys for Tots Competition Series

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AUSTIN, TX (11.20.2019) – The dB Drag Racing Association, in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys For Tots” program, is proud to announce the 13th Annual dB Drag Racing Association “Toys for Tots” competition series. As an incentive to retailers that have hosted a dB Drag Racing event during the 2019 season, the dBDRA will waive the listing fee for qualifying 1X events that are scheduled during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The entry fee for the competitors must be a new unwrapped toy, and no other money will be accepted in conjunction with the event. There is no limit on the amount of toys that can be donated, however, the minimum suggested toy should be $20+. The event promoter or retailer must take a photo of the toys collected and submit to the dBDRA. In addition, the toys must be dropped off at a local “Toys for Tots” drop off location before the drop off date in the community.

Image from Nov 16th event at Audio Concepts in Fresno, CA.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys to be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. According to Wayne Harris, President of the dBDRA. “Our goal is to provide dB Drag Racing competitors and retailers the opportunity to get involved with their local communities by providing shiny new toys to children who otherwise might have gone without.”

To participate in the Toys for Tots competition series, retailers and promoters will need to contact the dB Drag Racing Association. Auto sound manufacturers are also welcome to participate. To learn more about the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program, please visit the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation at: www.toysfortots.org

While the Toys for Tots program is a US based program, many of the international dBDRA affiliates will be offering similar toy drives in their respective countries as well.

To schedule your Toys for Tots dB Drag Racing event, contact: marketing@dbDragRacing.com

SSV Works Walks Away From the 2019 SEMA Show with Two Industry Awards

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OXNARD, CA (11.19.2019) – SSV Works has announced that during the recent 2019 SEMA Show, the new WP3-RZ3O65 overhead weatherproof audio solution for two and four seat Polaris RZRs won the Best New Powersports Product Award as well as a 2019 SEMA Global Media Award. The WP3-RZ3O65 is scheduled to be available early Q1 2020 with an MSRP of $799.99.

“With these two awards, we couldn’t have asked for a better product launch than this,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Listen to your music via Bluetooth, AM/FM, or Aux-In through four 6.5-inch powersports speakers pumping out 200 watts of internal power with the new rugged SSV Works WP3-RZ3O65. This system also offers the capability to add more speakers and amplifiers by utilizing two additional high level and or low level outputs.”

The WP3-RZ3O65 tucks neatly overhead into the cage tubes of the Polaris RZR allowing great visibility and helmet clearance. The unit also works with both metal and the plastic factory roof option. Installation time is under 30 minutes to both mount and wire, and the rugged UV stable polymer enclosure protects from the harsh elements.

For more information, visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com