Industry

Clarion Marine Audio Enters Distribution Agreement with Elite Distributor Alliance

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MIRAMAR, FL (08.08.22) – JL Audio has announced the expansion of its distribution network for the Clarion Marine brand of products to include Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA).

“EDA brings a lot to the table. With twenty-five warehouses across the country, they can quickly put Clarion Marine products on retailer shelves, including same-day, or next-day delivery of products to 12- volt retailers covering 95 percent of the US population,” said Brian Power, vice president of U.S. retail sales, JL Audio. “We’re absolutely confident that our dealers are going to love the speed and convenience that EDA delivers.”

EDA will play an integral role in strengthening brand and distribution integrity, opening new opportunities with 12-volt retailers that specialize in marine products. This move reinforces the value of approved dealers, whose superior expertise, service and professional installation will help to deliver the best customer experience.

“Clarion Marine products offer tremendous value for marine and powersports customers. Combining a value-packed, newly refreshed product line backed by the brand’s reputation for excellent performance and quality with instant, nationwide availability makes for a winning strategy,” said Jim Warren, executive vice president, EDA. “Teaming up with Clarion Marine as a distribution partner validates the value proposition of EDA’s business model and the integrity of its members.”

Sporting a refreshed line consisting of new source units, remote controls, speakers, subwoofers and more, Clarion Marine has a solid reputation for innovation, durability, and reliability. Every Clarion Marine product undergoes extreme environmental testing to ensure it can withstand the rigors of the harsh marine environment season after season.

Visit www.elitedistributoralliance.com and www.clarionmarine.com.

Memphis Audio Welcome Mark “Sarge” Schleipher As Powersports Division Sales Manager

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MEMPHIS, TN (08.05.22) – Mark “Sarge” Schleipfer brings over 30 years of experience in the 12v and aftermarket auto world to Memphis Audio. He started in 1990 working events for Mitek and has done just about everything in the industry from trade shows, to road shows, sales management, trainings and more. Most recently Sarge was at Rockford Fosgate as a powersports division regional sales manager. Memphis is very excited to add Sarge’s extensive experience to the quickly growing Powersports / Marine / Motorcycle category.

Mark “Sarge” Schleipfer has joined Memphis Audio as PowerSports Division Manager with plans to take Memphis PowerSports to new heights.

“Sarge is very respected in our industry for his depth of product knowledge and sales management skills. He is an expert in all things audio related but his passion is powersports. Memphis has been relentlessly developing top notch powersports and marine products in recent years. We are confident that with Sarge working with our talented sales and product development team, Memphis Powersports will go to the next level,” said Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio.

Mark will be a staple on the road for Memphis Audio in future months and is thrilled to do everything he can to help the network of Memphis dealers find success with aftermarket audio and all things powersports audio related.

Visit www.memphiscaraudio.com for more

SEMA High School Vehicle Builds Raise More Than $148K for Youth Initiatives

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.05.22) – Three customized third-generation Toyota 4Runners and two Jeep Wrangler TJs were sold via auction as part of SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program in late July. All five builds, which were built by high-school students with the help and direction of their shop teachers, raised a grand combined total of $148,250 to benefit automotive youth engagement initiatives through SEMA.

John Hersey’s ’97 Toyota 4Runner

The builds were auctioned through program partner Bring a Trailer (BaT)—an online auction marketplace for buying and selling special vehicles. One vehicle was released a day for five consecutive days and held a seven-day auction life in what was called the “SEMA Week of Customs.”  

Career Center High School’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ

“Bring a Trailer is proud to support this SEMA program and all the schools and students involved,” said Randy Nonnenberg, co-founder and president of Bring a Trailer. “Many of us at BaT started wrenching on cars at high-school age, and it is important to invest in those who are just getting started at that age today. The proceeds from these vehicles will play a pivotal role in inspiring even more youth to preserve and promote this amazing hobby.”

OPS Career Center’s ’96 Toyota 4Runner

Participating schools were John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights, Illinois; Career Center High School, Winston Salem, North Carolina.; OPS Career Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Comstock High School, Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Santa Fe ECO, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Fifty-three automotive aftermarket companies sponsored parts for the builds, which gave students real-world, hands-on auto-tech skills and lessons on the manufacturers’ products.  

Santa Fe ECO’s ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ

“The students not only learned new skills but were taught to develop a cohesive plan for each vehicle and follow it out to execution,” said Byron Bergmann, project manager, member services at SEMA. “Each school should be extremely proud of their work and for going above and beyond to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle.”  

Comstock HS’ ’97 Toyota 4Runner

Ten vehicles were selected to participate in the 2020 program, which was put on hold due to COVID-19 before resuming earlier this year.

To learn more about the SEMA High School Vehicle Program and the five remaining student builds set to auction off in late September, visit www.sema.org/student-builds.

Global Audio Marketing Appoints Reliable Product Marketing (RPM) to Represent the MUSWAY Product Line

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Global Audio Marketing is pleased to announce the appointment of Reliable Product Marketing to represent the Musway product line in the Northern California and Northern Nevada territories.  Reliable Product Marketing was started in 2009 and with the help of owner Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii, they bring a combined 60 years of relevant 12-volt experience.

Scott Baughman (Left) and Brent Fujii

“We are very excited to welcome Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii from Reliable Product Marketing to the Musway family. I am very familiar with Scott and Brent and I appreciate the knowledge, experience and hard work that they bring to the table. Welcome to the Musway team Scott and Brent!”

Visit www.muswayusa.com and www.norcalrpm.com for more.

Saddle Tramp Ships Combined DSP and Interface Products

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HOLLY HILL, FL (08.04.22) – Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics has added new products to their inventory designed to fit select 2014-up* Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT motorcycles to allow riders to upgrade their music experience and customize their sound system. These products feature combined DSP and Interface technologies. The DSP reflashes the OE radio and gives full tuning control from the palm of your hand. It is designed to integrate with factory audio systems and offers easy expansion of the sound system when using other Saddle Tramp accessories. These products are in stock now and available for shipping.

Combined DSP and Interface Technology

Saddle Tramp’s new BC-DSPL-HD2 and BC-DSPX-HD2 are designed for easy integration with aftermarket or factory systems and offer simple installation with plug-n-play harnessing. The key benefit of these products are their advanced integration technology that reflashes a non-amplified radio for a flat response curve, without the need for external equipment. This reduces the cost, saves time, and allows installers to provide better service with complete control over the upgrade. The Saddle Tramp DSPs accommodate Boom! Box GTS, Boom! Box 6.5 GT, and Boom! Box 4.3 radios and install behind the motorcycle fairing.

The BC-DSPL-HD2 DSP provides six channels of output and a 15-band graphic EQ per channel, while the BC-DSPX-HD2 DSP features 10 channels of output and a 31-band graphic EQ per channel. Both products offer selectable crossover slopes. These products feature independent equalization for front, rear, and subwoofer, and the ability to read, write, and store configurations for future recall. The Saddle Tramp DSPs also retain balance and fade control so that the installer can further customize the radio sound. All tuning is done wirelessly via a free downloadable app, available exclusively for Android devices using the GooglePlay store.

Visit MetraPowersports.com for up-to-date vehicle specific applications.

Rockford Fosgate to Be On-Site as the “Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor” of the 82nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

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TEMPE, AZ (08.03.22) – Rockford Fosgate has partnered with the City of Sturgis for the ninth consecutive year as the “Official Motorcycle Audio Sponsor” of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally being held August 5th – 13th and will also be an official sponsor of the “20th Anniversary Mayor’s Ride,” held during the Motorcycle Rally.

Rockford’s booth on Lazelle Street will be the central hub of Rockford Fosgate activities during the Rally From 9:00am – 6:00pm daily, Rockford experts will be giving test drives of their latest aftermarket audio systems, purpose built for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the new M5  800-watt kits just announced on July 29th. Aftermarket systems will be available for purchase at the booth and bikers may also schedule installation with a certified technician during the Rally. Visitors who would like to learn more about “Harley-Davidson Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate” can talk with Rockford staff and experience motorcycles factory equipped with these powerful systems.

On Tuesday, August 9th, Rockford Fosgate will present the All-Out Bagger Show from 11:00am – 4:00pm in the Harley-Davidson’s Outlaw Square, Deadwood, South Dakota. Our host for the event will again be Jeff G. Holt, editorial director of V-Twin Visionary©. Those registering for the event will compete for top awards as well as a cash REWARD of $1000. Registration for the show is on-site in Deadwood at Harley-Davidson’s Outlaw Square beginning at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 9th

Rockford Fosgate team members will also be on-hand at Black Hills Harley-Davidson through August 13th (8am – 6pm daily) where bikers can also purchase Rockford Fosgate audio systems and have them installed on-site.

Click here for information on the Mayor’s Ride and Click here for details on Rockford’s sponsorship of the Rally. For more about Rockford Fosgate rockfordfosgate.com.

Sanford Sound Hosted The 26th Annual Show N’ Shine

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SANFORD, ME (08.03.22) – The 26th Annual Sanford Sound Show N’ Shine filled the grounds surrounding the company’s retail location on Sunday, July 31st.

“This year’s Show-n-Shine was the second at our new location. Last year we were mobbed. This year was even busier and was by far the busiest we have ever been for our Annual Show N’ Shine. We counted the entry registration slips and had well over 200 cars and that’s with no NADBL Bass Competition this year. It seemed almost every square foot of our property was filled with Show-n-Shine cars and activities” Owner Jack Bogard related.

This image shows the scope of the Sanford Sound Show-n-Shine.
Members of the crowd in front of the Sanford Sound location on a beautiful Sunday.

Tents were set up for demos with JL Audio and Memphis Audio. The Sanford Sound RZR was loaded with Memphis PowerSports products. Bill French was on site representing JL Audio while Chad Boone demoed the RZR under the Memphis tent. Both handed out brochures and giveaways.

A number of area businesses were on site showing their products that 12volt enthusiasts could utilize. Vehicle restoration, lift modifications, stickers and even custom branded scented candles were offered.

A very small portion of the over 200 cars on site.
An example of the cool trophies that were awarded.

“We also had clubs attend the Show N’ Shine in big numbers. Team Dragon had 25 cars on site. Also, we had a number of cars from out of state… including Connecticut, Vermont, New York and Rhode Island. A car from Canada too” Bogard added.

A food truck with a full menu of fair food was on site for attendees spending the day at the Show-n-Shine.

There was an amazing number of custom trophies created and set up for all to see before the awards presentation.

Jack Bogard (C) with the Sanford Sound Team, family and volunteers who worked together for the tremendous success of the 26th Annual Sanford Sound Show-n-Shine.

Concluding, Bogard offered, “A really big thing for us at a Sanford Sound Show-n-Shine event is seeing all the happy, smiling faces. Members of the crowd were showing their rides and checking out other’s rides.The level of customization of the vehicles in the show this year was amazing. Long term this will lead to residual business for us at Sanford Sound. A huge shout out to all who participated in, and contributed to, the very successful 26th Annual Sanford Sound Show-n-Shine”

Following the event members of the Sanford Sound Team, along with family and volunteers, enjoyed a meal prepared in the Sanford Sound facility. 

Sanford, ME is a town of just over 20,000. Sanford Sound is a responsible business member of the community and had an officer on site to help with the increased traffic at the event.

Visit sanfordsound.com for more.

DEI Cruise-In to Benefit Avon Lake’s Newest K9 Officer

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AVON LAKE, OH (08.03.22) -The dog days of summer are a great time for a car show—especially one that benefits a special K9 officer.

Design Engineering, Inc. will host its annual DEI Cruise-In on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, across the street from its company headquarters in Avon Lake, Ohio. Along with some of the area’s greatest classic-and-specialty vehicles, plus food, music and family fun, the event will serve as a special fundraiser for an important animal: new Avon Lake K9 officer Lex. Another exciting feature of the DEI Cruise-In will be Lex performing some training exercises as well as a ceremony to present him with his official officer’s badge.

“We’re thrilled that our annual Cruise-In, which was started back in 2016, will continue to celebrate our great community and benefit a worthy cause at the same time,” said Steve Garrett of DEI. “This year we’ll be asking for a $10 donation per vehicle to help pay for training and safety equipment for Lex.”

“The City of Avon Lake looks forward to the DEI Cruise in every summer,” said Ted Esborn, Community Development Director. “It is a great event not just for car enthusiasts but for the whole family.”

Spectators are free to enter and view some of the hottest cars, trucks, SUVs, race cars, motorcycles and classic vehicles around, while enjoying music, events, vendors and a police K9 demonstration featuring Lex. The first 300 participants will receive a free commemorative gift. “We are grateful to DEI for putting on this event that brings people into our community and provides a fun-filled day for our residents,” Esborn said.

Funds raised at the Cruise-In will go toward purchasing a kennel, a K9 trauma kit/bag, a bite suit, training aids and a vest.

The Cruise-In runs from 4-8 p.m. at the Weiss Baseball Fields, 33401 Webber Road. For event updates, visit facebook.com/DEIcruisein.

Metra Electronics to Host Manufacturer Training Sessions at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, TX

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HOLLY HILL, FL (08.02.22) – Metra Electronics is heading to Dallas, TX to host training sessions at KnowledgeFest and showcase their latest aftermarket installation products. At the booth will also be a Ford Bronco, outfitted with products by Metra’s Heise LED and Axxess brands. Metra’s training sessions will cover products launched at The 2021 SEMA Show. This includes the latest Axxessintegration products and DSPs, Saddle Tramplighting and audio upgrades that fit Harley-Davidson, aftermarket accessories that fit Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, and new vehicle lighting solutions from Heise. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers at the event, hosted August 26-28. Training sessions include:

“Simplify your Install with Axxess DSPs,” August 26 at 1:45 PM CST and August 28 at 9:30 AM CST

This training will cover the entire Axxess DSP product line, highlight new vehicle coverage, and showcase the newest app features. Metra will show installers how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. Attendees will learn how to use and set up Axxess DSPs through the app for complete tuning control and when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions. This training will also explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AXDSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology.

“New Accessories for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator” on Friday, August 26 at 3:00 PM CST

Installers will learn how to upgrade the look and sound system of the latest Jeep models using Metra’s newest accessories designed for JeepWrangler JL and Gladiator JT models. This session will go over installing the Metra RGB lighting kit with plug-n-play connections and expandable Heise lighting options. It will also showcase Metra’s Talon Attack replacement grille, amplifier installation kits, and new accessory harnesses that make adding aftermarket lighting even easier for installers.

“Saddle Tramp Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles,” Saturday, August 27 at 4:15 PM CST

Metra makes it easy to upgrade the audio system in Harley-Davidson motorcycles with Saddle Tramp’s newest products. Learn more about DSP kits with built-in interfaces that reflash the OE radio and give installers full tuning control from the palm of their hand. This session will also introduce the new motorcycle accessories from Metra that will upgrade the music experience and provide easy integration using Metra’s improved radio replacement kits and harnessing.

“New Vehicle Lighting Trends with Heise” on Saturday, August 27 at at 5:30 PM CST

Lighting upgrades are in demand and Metra’s newest products from Heise deliver just what installers need to meet the latest trends in automotive lighting. Learn about the new and improved Heise lightbars and cube lights, projector series LED bulbs, new wheel lights, RGB and RGBW underglow kits, and the popular third brake light designed for the new 2021 Ford Bronco. This training session includes valuable tips for selling and installing these new LED lighting solutions from Heise.

“Advanced Integration Made Easy with Axxess and Metra” on Sunday, August 28 at 10:45 AM CST

Attendees will learn about the newest solutions from Axxess and Metra that make vehicle integration easy, even with some of the notoriously complex vehicle systems. This training session gives in-depth installation information for Metra’s AXPIO integration kits for Pioneer receivers, Metra’s latest TurboTouch dash kits, and new Axxess interfaces hitting the market.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #711 from August 26-28 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, TX. See additional details about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), at KnowledgeFest.org.

Highland Park Strong and Maxxsonics Joining with Support Towards the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.02.22) – Maxxsonics is joining with support towards the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser. The friends of the Roberts family have created this fundraiser on GoFundMe. Cooper’s spinal cord was severed and he has had many surgeries and now has been upgraded to a serious condition. The doctors have determined that he will be paralyzed from the waist down and has been in and out of consciousness and continually sedated due to the severe pain.

On the Highland Park cause and Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “Here at Maxxsonics, we look to support those in need any way we possibly can. With the tragic events that occurred over the 4th of July weekend, I am filled with great sadness and look to contribute aid and support to the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser any way I can. A little donation and support can go a long way.”

Cooper is a fighter and fights every single day. Maxxsonics is joining the fight and cause with support and love towards the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser. With the high medical bills, treatments, therapy and all of the equipment and devices needed to help support Cooper through this difficult time, we find it here at Maxxsonics in our best nature to do our part for the community.

Highland Park is a neighboring community to Maxxsonics. Please continue to keep the Roberts family in your thoughts and prayers while any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Cooper Roberts was shot during the July 4th Terrorist attack in the Chicago area.

Follow the GoFundMe link to join the Highland Park cause and send support to the Cooper Roberts Family Fundraiser. https://www.gofundme.com/f/kxwjn-the-roberts-family-fundraiser?qid=f753603dc86f611d268c542862df3b07