Industry

KENWOOD USA Showcased the New eXcelon Motorcycle Audio for Harley Davidson at K’Fest in Indy

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN (06.27.23) – KENWOOD USA showcased the highly anticipated eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line specifically designed and engineered for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the company’s booth at K’Fest. The cutting-edge audio products are now shipping, allowing motorcycle enthusiasts to elevate their riding experience with unparalleled sound quality and performance.

Josh Bowen in the Kenwood booth during setup with the Harley RoadGlide by Audio Source.

Area retailer Audio Source, in Columbus IN, installed the new eXcelon Harley products in a customer’s nice 2020 RoadGlide for the trip to the K’Fest show floor.

Matt Murray related “The RoadGlide received 3 amplifiers that included all plug and play harnesses and mounting plates. The original 4 speakers were replaced with the new 6.5” speakers. We also added lower pods to hold additional 6.5” speakers. We then used the KENWOOD PowerSports lid kit in kit for 6×9 speakers. The bike sounded amazing and the build quality was excellent. It was super for our store to complete this project that was on display at Knowledgefest.”

The RoadGlide in the Audio Source bay and ready for the trip to Indy.
Kenwood 6.5” speakers were installed in the RoadGlide pods.
The Kenwood 6×9” speakers were installed in the lid kits.

Murray offered “We also added a KENWOOD STZ-RF200D motorsports camera system with front and rear cameras.”

Key Features of KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports Motorcycle Audio Line: Products are designed and engineered specifically for Harley Davidson® motorcycles, Sleek designs that enhance the bike’s overall appearance, Plug and Play installation, keeping factory wiring intact, Designed to work with the motorcycle’s charging system, Built to work with a factory or aftermarket receiver, no flash is needed and Convenient packages to build a system in stages or all at once.

The Kenwood Motorsports Camera System in action and showing the Audio Source store in the smartphone screen.

For more information on KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line, visit kenwood.com/usa/car/motorcycles

SEMA 2023 Education Program to Offer EV Certification by Legacy EV

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.27.23) – Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, have the exclusive opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) certified as part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.

Electric Vehicles 101 Presented by Legacy EV is a full-day program set for Monday, October 30, allowing early arrivals and exhibitors to upskill themselves with a new understanding of EV powertrains in an intimate, hands-on session capped at 20 participants.

Subject-matter expert Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems will join curriculum specialists Baily Soto and Tom Santilli of Legacy EV to demonstrate how to observe, describe and predict the relationship between volts, ohms and amperes in a variety of electrical circuits; apply principles of Watt’s Law; identify tools and equipment required to maintain an electrical system safely; perform a manufacturer high-voltage disconnect procedure; and much more. And attendees will work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches.

At the end of the course–broken into two sessions named “Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory” and “Applications with EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety”–attendees will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV, a study guide and an at-home assessment which will grant attendees seven hours of continuing education credits toward achieving and/or maintaining Legacy EV’s certification.

The cost to attend Electric Vehicles 101 presented by Legacy EV is $600 per attendee. Legacy EV will allow participants to apply the session cost ($600) toward a full Legacy EV Certified Technician certification course.

Stay tuned for more details on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, including the announcement of partner education tracks and the overall keynote speaker program.

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.

SONY Mobile ES at the Formula Drift Event Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

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ENGLISHTOWN, NJ (06.26.23) – The Formula Drift event hit the track Thursday through Saturday, June 22nd-24th. SONY Mobile ES is a sponsor of the Formula Drift Series and had a booth on site as well as a demo car.

Bill Zlegenbalg-Tronix Autosports, Vishal Ramharrack-Electronic Environment, DJ DeCosmo and Matt Hazzard-DAS with Jacob Gromovsky from Sony in front of the Sony booth.

DAS, area distributor, was on site with staff members DJ DeCosmo and Matt Hazzard supporting Sony’s Jacob Gromovsky. In addition the DAS staff spend time with area dealers Tronix Autosports and Electronic Environment. Tronix also showcased a Polaris Ranger demo loaded with a Sony Mobile ES ststem. Bill Zlegenbalg demoed the Polaris Ranger to many enthusiasts during the event.

Action on the track saw cars drifting around the oval.
This Sony car was loaded with a SONY Mobile ES system for demos throughout the event.

DeCosmo related “Jacob performed many very impressive demos. Connecting with enthusiasts at the event was a geat way to promote the 12volt industry but also bring well-deserved Sony Mobile ES line brand awareness to consumers.”

On Thursday the stage was set for the event in Englishtown NJ.
The Tronix Autosports Polaris Ranger, loaded with Sony gear, arriving on site for demos.

Ken Litten, DAS Sales & Marketing Manager, offered “Participating to showcase the SONY Mobile ES brand at the Formula Drift event was an opportunty to support two key dealers in their local marketplace. Partnering with the SONY Mobile and ES brands was a very solid was to drive sales and future business.”

Visit sony.com and dasinc.com for more.

JVC Showcased the New Waterproof Receiver in a Golf Cart by Audio Electronics in Indy

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INDIANAAPOLIS, IN (06.26.23) – Attendees at K’Fest in Indy checked out the new JVC KD-MR305BTS Waterproof Reciever in a golf cart created by local retailer Audio Electronics on display in the JVC booth.
Josh Glenn, Audio Electronics owner, related “Our local JVC representative contacted us about the project and it all came together. We were planning to attend Knowledgefest in our hometown so this was a natural. We also had the idea we could then utilize the golf cart for future promotions so we arranged for a golf cart and JVC supplied the products.”

Josh, along with his wife Michelle, staff members Mike, Rosaura and James designed the extensive custom installation and got to work on the project that took about 25 hours to complete.

The Audio Electronics Team with their JVC Golf Cart project in the K’Fest booth in Indy. Josh Glenn and his wife Michelle up front with Mike, James and Rosaura (L to R).

“Josh and the team at Audio Electronics joined the golf-themed fun with a fantastic install of JVC motorsports grade products. In the JVC booth it looked and sounded great and showcased the new Waterproof Receiver” Seth  Halstead, JVCKENWOOD Sr Content and Digital Marketing Manager stated.

The finished JVC golf cart project in the Audio Electronics install bay and ready to load for the trip across town to K’Fest.

“When we delivered the completed golf cart, during booth setup, all were immediaely impressed with the project that included amps and subs highlighted with back-lighted LEDs and plex that added to overall custom installation. All attendees who stopped by the JVC, and adjacent Kenwood booth, were also very impressed with the JVC golf cart project” Glenn added.

The JVC golf cart with custom installation will rock the links too.

The KD-MR305BTS takes marine and motorsports audio to new heights with it’s rugged construction and advanced features. Built to withstand the harshest condditions, this waterproof receiver ensures optimal functionality on boats, UTVs, ATVs, golf carts and more. The eye-catching gauge-style seamlessly integrates into a dashboard or panel. Bluetooth streaming, 13 band EQ and rear-view camera input is included plus 3 sets of RCA pre-outs and more is onboard the KD-MR305BTS.

“When K’Fest Indy wraps we will be excited to showcase the project in our showroom” Glenn concluded.

Visit jvc.com for more.

KENWOOD Now Shipping New eXcelon Motorsports Motorcycle Audio Line Engineered for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

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LONG BEACH, CA (06.23.23) – KENWOOD USA has proudly announced the launch of its highly anticipated eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line specifically designed and engineered for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. The cutting-edge audio products are now shipping, allowing motorcycle enthusiasts to elevate their riding experience with unparalleled sound quality and performance.

Designed with meticulous attention to detail and crafted to meet the unique demands of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, the KENWOOD eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line delivers an immersive audio experience like never before. Combining KENWOOD’s renowned audio expertise with state-of-the-art technology, these solutions offer exceptional sound clarity, power, and durability to withstand the challenges of the open road.

Key Features of KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports Motorcycle Audio Line:

  • Products are designed and engineered specifically for Harley Davidson® motorcycles
  • Sleek designs that enhance the bike’s overall appearance
  • Plug and Play installation, keeping factory wiring intact
  • Designed to work with the motorcycle’s charging system
  • Built to work with a factory or aftermarket receiver, no flash is needed
  • Convenient packages to build a system in stages or all at once

KENWOOD’s launch of the groundbreaking eXcelon motorsports motorcycle audio line is accompanied by a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional customer support and service. With authorized dealers spread across the nation, riders can rely on their expertise to help them choose and install the ideal audio solution, tailored specifically for their Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

“KENWOOD is excited to bring our passion for high-quality audio to the motorcycle community with our eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line,” said John Lucas, KENWOOD VP of Sales. “We understand the unique requirements of Harley-Davidson® riders, and our goal was to develop audio systems that deliver uncompromising performance, enabling riders to enjoy their favorite music with incredible clarity while on the road.”

For more information on KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line, please visit kenwood.com/usa/car/motorcycles

Alpine Offers Training and Certification Opportunities for the Alpine OPTIM8

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.23.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) will offer training and certification opportunities for Alpine Authorized Retailers and Distributors on the new Alpine OPTIM™8 8-Channel Hi-Res Sound Processor and Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning.

Alpine will travel to 11 cities across the country’s west coast, midwest, and east coast regions and feature an in-depth product training session, demos in an OPTIM™8-equipped vehicle, and exclusive event-only specials and giveaways.

“We’re excited to offer this nationwide training to our network of dedicated Alpine Authorized Retailers who are invested in deepening their understanding of the Alpine Product Line,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alps Alpine Brand Business Unit. “By bringing this product training directly to our dealers, we’re able to provide a pure Alpine Brand experience while offering valuable sales and marketing tactics for this exciting new product.”

Launched earlier this month, the Alpine OPTIM™8 entered the market as a solution to the pain points associated with digital sound processors by offering an automatic sound tuning function that can tune an entire sound system in five minutes. The traveling training event was created as a way for Alpine Authorized Retailers to experience this groundbreaking product firsthand and become “Alpine OPTIM™8 Certified.”

The Alpine OPTIM™8 training events started in California this week and will continue across the country during the 2023 summer season. All U.S. Alpine Authorized Retailers are encouraged to find and register for an Alpine OPTIM™8 Roadshow event near them by talking to their Alpine Representative.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

KICKER Brings Innovation, Education and Prizes to Indy KnowledgeFest

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STILLWATER, OK (06.22.23) – KICKER returns to MEA KnowledgeFest at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, June 23-25.

Thirty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event. KICKER’s booth will be located north of the Convention Center’s main entrance.

The full KICKER product line will be on display, including bespoke products for auto, marine, motorcycle and powersports. “Bass-head” consumers are rejoicing at KICKER’s reestablished competition line of products, including ST-Series P.A. Speakers and SoloX Subwoofers. Marine and powersports dealers will see the new PXA-Series of waterproof amplifiers, in addition to the award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers.  In a nod to its history, KICKER is also showcasing 50th-anniversary Compeition Gold™ Subwoofers, featuring gold speaker terminals, advanced cooling characteristics and KICKER’s signature ribbed surrounds.

Also in the booth will be KICKER’s Fiat 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers and technology. The Fiat will also feature the KICKER Quad Box loaded with L7 subwoofers.

The KICKER Tech Force training crew will give two trainings during the show. The classes will help installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT™ and KEY technologies. All training attendees will automatically be entered to win one of two weather-proof KICKER PowerBar sound-bar units. The first class will be held Friday at 3 p.m., followed by one on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.  Show attendees can obtain more information at the KICKER booth.

For more details, visit www.knowledgefest.org.

BOSS International Group Systems Hires Matthew Delgado as Senior National Sales Manager

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OXNARD, CA (06.22.23) – BOSS Audio Systems is very excited to announce it has hired 12 Volt industry veteran Matthew Delgado as Senior National Sales Manager. Effective immediately, Delgado reports to Navid Farhand, BOSS International Group Exec VP of Sales and Marketing.

Matthew Delgad, Senior National Sales Manager

Jumping right into it, Matthew’s role will be to revamp the current Planet Audio and new Planet Pro audio lines. “I am excited to join the team. I see this as an opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking/fast-moving company. We have a lot of exciting plans for Planet Pro and Planet Audio to solidify it as our premier brand in the B.I.G. family,” said Delgado. “I can’t wait to start collaborating with the amazing teams here at B.I.G. to deliver audio solutions that exceed customer expectations!”

With over 20 years in the 12 Volt industry, Delgado had previously held a position as Director of Sales for MSC-America, as well as working for Metra Electronics, Elettromedia USA, and even running his own Rep group. His deep understanding of consumer technologies, marketing trends, and car audio industry standards positions himself as a valuable asset to the company.

“Matthew’s impressive track record in the car audio industry makes him a perfect fit for B.I.G. All of us here look forward to his valuable contributions and role in shaping the future of B.I.G.” said Farhand. “Matthew will bring a fresh perspective to Planet Audio and Planet Pro.”
 
For more information, please visit www.bossaudio.com.

Alps Alpine Welcomes Gregg Thomas as the Director of National Sales

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. welcomes Gregg Thomas as the Director of National Sales for the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division.

“We are excited to welcome Gregg to the Alpine Brand team,” said Mike Anderson, Executive Director of the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “Gregg’s reputation for excellence in our industry precedes him and we look forward to the ways he’ll positively impact our business, our dedicated retail partners, and our customers.”

With a long, illustrious career in the aftermarket car audio industry, Thomas brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise as well as a proven history of leading companies to growth and success.

“I am thrilled to join Alpine, a premier car audio brand that has always been held in high esteem in the aftermarket retail marketplace,” said Thomas. “I sold my first high-end Alpine system years ago (let’s just say it was the world’s first aftermarket car CD player). As an industry leader for decades, I am excited to join a team of exceptional professionals that have made Alpine what it is today.”

Holding senior-level positions at several high-profile retailers across the United States, such as Car Toys, Ultimate Electronics, and Magnolia Hi-Fi, as well as a stint at SiriusXM, Thomas’ depth of car audio knowledge will provide value to the Alpine salesforce and his professionalism to the Alps Alpine company culture.

Thomas will oversee all national sales activities for the Alpine Brand at Alps Alpine North America.

Visit alpsalpine.com for more.

JVC Debuts New Waterproof Receiver in Golf Cart at KnowledgeFest Indy

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LONG BEACH, CA (06.21.23) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is thrilled to announce the availability of its KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof Receiver. Designed to deliver exceptional audio performance even in challenging outdoor environments, this cutting-edge receiver is now shipping to authorized dealers nationwide.

The KD-MR305BTS takes marine and motorsports audio to new heights with its rugged construction and
advanced features. Built to withstand the harshest conditions, this waterproof receiver ensures optimal functionality on boats, UTVs, ATVs, Golf Carts, and more. Boasting an eye-catching and installation-
friendly gauge-style design, it seamlessly integrates into the dashboard or panel of any compatible vehicle, adding a touch of style and elegance.

Feature-packed, the KD-MR305BTS includes Bluetooth® Streaming Music for wireless audio playback,
Variable Color Illumination buttons for customizable aesthetics, and a Switchable Back-Lit Display for
enhanced visibility. With a 13-Band Equalizer and advanced DSP settings, audio can be fine-tuned to a
user’s preferences. For even more entertainment and safety options, it’s compatible with SiriusXM®
Satellite Radio (requires an optional tuner, sold separately) and has a convenient Rear-View Camera
input. The KD-MR305BTS also offers 3 sets of RCA Pre-outs, allowing easy audio system expansion. Its
user-friendly front panel features subwoofer level control buttons and a glove-friendly volume knob.
Additionally, the Weather Band Tuner enables weather information to be received, even in remote or
rural areas with limited communication options.

To showcase the incredible capabilities and design of the KD-MR305BTS, JVC has partnered with Audio
Electronics (audioelectronicsindy.com), a renowned 12-volt retail and installation specialist store based
in Indianapolis, to outfit a golf cart with a complete JVC motorsports audio system. Visitors attending
the upcoming KnowledgeFest event will have the opportunity to experience the KD-MR305BTS in action,
as it will be proudly displayed in the golf cart at the JVC booth.

“We are excited to introduce the KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof
Receiver,” said Ron Trout, Director of Sales at JVC. “With its exceptional durability, sleek style, and
advanced audio features, we are confident that this receiver will provide the solution that customers are
looking for. We invite everyone to visit our booth at KnowledgeFest to witness the impressive
performance of the KD-MR305BTS.”

JVC also D.A.R.E.’s you to compare its product offerings by attending one of its training sessions,
scheduled for Friday, June 23rd at 1:45 PM and Saturday, June 24th, at 5:30 PM.

The KD-MR305BTS Marine/Motorsports Gauge-Style Waterproof Receiver is now available for purchase
at authorized JVC dealers. To learn more about the KD-MR305B, visit:
us.jvc.com/car/marinemotorsports/kd_mr305bts

To learn more about JVC’s extensive range of car, marine, and motorsports products, visit
jvc.com/usa/car-entertainment