BUFORD, GA (02.23.22) – “Real Performance Marketing had its first in-person retreat and meeting in Chattanooga TN the weekend of January 28th through the 31st. We gathered together our seven team members that live in six different states for the first time. The long weekend included a very productive 3-hour roundtable discussion on a variety of topics and time to get out and explore the vibrant Chattanooga area” firm Principal Scott Hochmuth related.
L to R: Scott Hochmuth, Marta Coplen, Todd Newell, Rebecca McLaurin, Jay McLaurin, John Gray, Jason Upchurch
For the firm’s retreat they secured a large residence to maximize the time and relaxed setting team members had together. Like many companies in the 12volt industry 2021 was a very strong year and the firm registered an increase in sales that topped 40% over the preceding year. “Growth in the Powersports category definitely was a driver in the 2021 sales increase” Hochmuth related.
RPM represents lines like Wetsounds, Arc Audio, Audiofrog, Aunex, MB Quart, MTX, and Carbine – as well as several well-known Powersports lines in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic areas.”
As February draws to a close sales for the first 2 months of 2022 remain strong at Real Performance Marketing.
DANIA BEACH, FL & EGMATING, GERMANY (02.23.22) – HKI USA is excited to announce a new product to excite car audio dealers to the concept of Pro SQ, while maintaining simple installation and without breaking the bank.
The GZIC 165.2SPL is the newest creation from Ground Zero Car Audio in the Iridium line, that bridges the gap between Pro Audio and Entry Level car audio. This kit allows for a pro style car build with components that are a lot more familiar and traditional. Taking advantage of the new GZCT 25M Competition Line 25mm tweeter, and pairing it with an all new Pro based 6.5” mid bass driver designed around the improved Iridium cone, this kit helps dealers and customers obtain a little more than a standard style kit, without stepping over to the need for custom fabrication with larger pro style componentry.
“This addition to our line up is just another step in helping our car audio retailers be able to offer their clients the complete solution under the Ground Zero brand” says Jacob Brown of HKI USA.
For more information or to become an authorized HKI USA retailer, contact your local sales representative or email HKI USA at info@hki-usa.com
STILLWATER, OK (02.22.22) – KICKER Marine Audio has announced the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with Professional Angler Scott Martin. Martin earned his spot to fish the Bassmaster Elite tournament circuit beginning in 2021. He also qualified to fish the 2022 Bassmaster Classic in March, based on his success in his first year fishing the Elites. The 2022 season launches in February with an aggressive schedule through August, including stops in Florida, Tennessee, New York, South Carolina, Texas, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
“Scott is on the water over 300 days, competing in tournaments, filming, editing and delivering high-quality freshwater and saltwater TV shows and videos year-round, differentiating him from other fishing pros and TV hosts,” said KICKER’s Brand Manager, Jeremy Bale. “We are very pleased to partner with the #1 influencer in fishing and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy great messaging and product integration through this powerful association.”
Scott Martin’s 42 Freeman, Vice Versa is always ready to fish!
“This is my life,” added Martin, “I’ve been on the water as a young angler on Lake Okeechobee in the 1970s when my dad began his TV show, ‘Fishing with Roland Martin’. This is what I know best, and I’m so pleased to have the caliber of partner in KICKER Marine Audio along for the ride.”
When Roland Martin and his wife Mary Ann bought a small fishing shack marina on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida, it was the beginning of Scott’s journey. The Roland Martin Resort, Tiki Bar and guided fishing services grew as did the younger Martin’s career. He followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a professional angler, respected TV personality and a social media influencer in his own right.
The Scott Martin Challenge, began airing in 2005, featuring Martin in challenging adventures with top anglers as well as his family in a multi-faceted, reality-style TV show that brings his 15 million viewers into the experience. The show airs for 52-weeks on a variety of networks and cable channels including Discovery Channel, ESPN2, Sportsman Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and ATT&T Sports Net SW. Martin’s winning personality is matched only by his fishing prowess, and tremendous success on both the FLW Tour and now, the Bassmaster Elite Tournament trail.
As a hard-core music fan, Martin was introduced to KICKER Marine Audio going back to his high school days, and since then, he cranks up the tunes to fill the time when the fish aren’t biting–or when he out on the boat with friends and family. His KICKER recessed speakers, subwoofers, amps and head unit provide all the entertainment he needs on the water or at the dock
“There is no shortage of KICKER speakers on this boat,” chuckled Martin, who enjoys his 42’ Freeman catamaran for offshore fishing, island hopping and for fishing charters. Named “Vice Versa,’ the boat reflects his love of both fresh and saltwater fishing; his Skeeter Bass Boat is top pick for tournament competition.
DANIA BEACH, FL & EGMATING, GERMANY (02.22.22) – Ground Zero Car Audio and HKI USA are proud to announce the newest item in the Hydrogen line of subwoofers, that will surely bring some excitement to the truck, powersports, and stealth installs we all love to see.
The new GZHW 10SPL-D2 Flat is going to have a huge effect on the industry when it comes to obtaining amazing output, musicality, and install versatility. With its shallow mounting depth of just over 4”, its power handling of 600 WRMS, and its love of smaller enclosures, this subwoofer is going to allow for installs to be a little more fun to listen to. From vented or sealed truck boxes, spare tire enclosures, and even some OEM sized saddle bags and side by side enclosures, these woofers bring something else to the table that we have truly been waiting for.
“With the Pre-Orders opening today, I am looking forward to be able to offer our dealers and their clients an item to maximize their bass output without having to sacrifice tons of space. I have been having to bottle up my excitement for months keeping this a secret and can not wait to see our dealers go to town with these in all types of builds!” States Tommy Spears of HKI USA.
For more information or to become an authorized HKI USA retailer, contact your local sales representative or email HKI USA at info@hki-usa.com
TEMPE, AZ (02.21.22) – Mobile Solutions announced that its first annual MasterTech Expo has reached capacity for both exhibitors and attendees. The four-day exhibit and education conference scheduled March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., sold out with just under two weeks remaining until its opening day. The Tempe, Ariz.-based fabrication tools and training provider also announced that the second MasterTech Expo event will take place March 5-8, 2023 at the Mesa Convention Center.
MasterTech Expo was originally limited to the interior exhibit hall and adjacent breakout rooms but expanded to include the outdoor pavilion due to additional exhibitor interest. The final exhibit space tops 50,000 square feet and will include more than 30 show vehicles and over 25 exhibitor booths. Attendees will also complete 10 to 12 hours of quality education workshops and have access to additional training from exhibiting partners.
The event kicks off with a welcome party featuring singer and musician Justin Hopkins, fan favorite from The Voice television show and music competition. Attendees will then be prepped for training with a “swag bag” containing gifts, tools and training materials, and a daily complimentary buffet lunch.
Education for MasterTech Expo features highly qualified trainers teaching relevant courses that address the changing needs of today’s professional fabricators. Courses are grouped into tracks to provide a logical and progressive learning arc. Attendees select two tracks and must complete all courses within each track to earn an achievement award. Attendance for each course is limited to the number of seats in the room to ensure everyone has complete access to all educational content. Exhibiting partners will also hold exclusive training workshops to present new product and feature training to attendees.
Special events for MasterTech Expo start with a behind-the-scenes design session with TV personality and renowned vehicle designer Dave Kindig. Throughout the show, two teams will compete on fabrication craftsmanship in the MasterTech Expo Build-Off sponsored by Rockford Fosgate. The final day culminates with a special keynote presentation by fabrication legend Mark Fukuda, and state-of-the-industry presentation by Rockford Corporation CEO Bill Jackson.
“I’m thrilled that, through the support of the automotive aftermarket industry and the belief and trust placed in us by our exhibiting partners, we have exceeded our targets on both fronts,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder and president of Mobile Solutions. “We anticipate a high-impact, high-value show that will elevate our retail professionals.”
Registration for the 2023 MasterTech Expo will open in April.
DANIA BEACH, FL & EGMATING, GERMANY (02.21.22) – HKI USA and Ground Zero Car Audio are proud to announce a new item to the popular coaxial competition audio line of products.
The long awaited GZCF 165NEO-PRO (Red Basket Coax) is now available for pre-order and the excitement is already in place. These are not just two pre-existing drivers attached to each other. Ground Zero developed an entirely new 6.5” midrange driver, and incorporated the new fan favorite GZCT 20N-Pro compression driver. Adding in weather resilient materials and engineering tricks, this driver is suited for all applications where high end sound and high quality pro audio output is needed.
“The best part about working with Ground Zero is that when it comes to a product such as this, we get to cover all of the bases. From a true audio perspective, with Car AND Pro Audio DNA combined, the effort to make an amazing item reflects in all applications that these products get utilized in” says Jacob Brown, the Director of Operation, HKI-USA.
For more information or to become an authorized HKI USA retailer, contact your local sales representative or email HKI USA at info@hki-usa.com.
LONG BEACH, CALIF., Feb. 18th, 2022 – KENWOOD USA will be debuting 12 new products to expo and training attendees at the KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas, Feb. 18th-20th. 3 multimedia receivers with 2 supporting accessories along with 7 marine/motorsports products will be unveiled at the event.
After a short hiatus of new multimedia receiver product releases, KENWOOD will be shipping 3 new multimedia receivers in the upcoming months at pricing to be announced at that time. The KENWOOD DMX9708S and eXcelon DMX908S both feature a 6.95” capacitive touch panel display with wireless and wired support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless Android screen mirroring, HD Radio, Advanced iDatalink Maestro RR support (with newly designed GUI’s), SiriusXM ready compatibility, 4 camera inputs including the ability to connect the DRV-N520 integrated dashboard camera, and support for Hi-Res Audio.
The eXcelon DMX908S steps up from the DMX9708S’ 3 sets of 4-volt RCA pre-outs to 5-volt, includes tuned audiophile-grade components, and a 2-year warranty. The eXcelon Reference DMX958XR adds in a 6.8” 1280×720 HD capacitive touch panel display, rear HD camera input, and wireless Hi-Res Audio support. Marking a first for this wireless-enabled digital platform, each receiver will also have a 3-3/8” short chassis mounting depth for ease of installation, a USB Type-C input for up to 3 amps of charging, and an HDMI Type-D (mini) input for added video input flexibility. New accessories available for these receivers include the KCA-HD200 HDMI Type-A to Type-D cable and the KCA-RCDV340 wireless remote control.
KENWOOD is also introducing the first of its entirely new line of products branded as “eXcelon Motorsports” at the event. “With a further emphasis on providing solutions for more types of on and off-road vehicle applications, expanding our marine and motorsports lineup to also include a top-tier of products branded as eXcelon Motorsports was necessary to meet this demand from the market,” said Mike Roberts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for KENWOOD USA’s car electronics sector. “As our focus on eXcelon has always been sound quality with peak performance, we recognized the need for this level of performance in the outdoor environment and are excited to soon be expanding this line to provide even more premium solutions.”
Kicking off the list of new eXcelon motorsports products are 3 amplifiers to include the XM502-1 Class D mono (500W RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms), XM302-4 Class D 4-channel (75W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms), and XM802-5 Class D 5-channel (500W RMS x 1 + 75W RMS x 4 @ 2 Ohm). The inclusion of conformal coated circuit boards, protective terminal covers, and stainless-steel mounting screws ensures these amplifiers are ready for the elements. Pricing will be announced at launch.
For the “ULTIMATE” in outdoor protection, 3 IPX-Rated waterproof amplifiers will also be displayed, to include the KAC-M5014 compact 4-channel amplifier (75W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms, now shipping), the KAC-M5024BT compact 4-channel Bluetooth amplifier with included wired multi-function remote to control music from a smartphone or other Bluetooth-equipped source (75W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms, shipping soon), and the KAC-M5001 compact mono amplifier with an included remote level control knob (300W RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms, shipping soon).
These new “EXTREME” durability amplifiers boast not only IP-certified protection from water and dust, but also ASTM B117 salt corrosion resistance and shock protection, making them the perfect companion for your boat, side-by-side, motorcycle, and more. There “ULTIMATE Performance” is delivered through a combination of strategic sound quality components, including high-quality polymer multi-layer capacitors, magnetic shields for the output coils, metal stud power connections, all resulting in enhanced overall sound quality. This trio of waterproof compact amplifiers enables both ala-carte and full off-road system building solutions, making for the perfect accompaniment to its new KMR-D382BT marine/motorsports single-DIN CD player, which will also be shipping soon.
Training to cover these new products will be conducted by the KENWOOD training team on both Friday and Saturday. Additional KENWOOD team members will be on-site at the KENWOOD booth. For detailed information on specific features for each product, please view their respective product pages as they become available at http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car.
SEATTLE, WA (02.18.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar, Momento, and DroneMobile products, has announced the scheduled opening of its new distribution and training facility in Flower Mound, Texas. The company plans to commence operations at its new Texas facility in April 2022.
At launch, Firstech’s move to Texas will establish another distribution center in the South-Central U.S. where the company can improve its shipping turnaround times for dealer and distribution partners. Approximately half of Firstech’s logistics team will permanently relocate to Texas to make the expansion as seamless as possible.
In the near future, the Texas facility will also provide an additional meeting hub for installers, salespeople, and partners to receive hands-on training from Firstech’s award-winning technical support team. The new location is conveniently located within six miles of Dallas Fort-Worth Airport (DFW).
Firstech’s primary headquarters will remain near Seattle, Washington where it has been since the company relocated from Anchorage, Alaska in 2003.
“We couldn’t be more excited to open a new branch to better serve Firstech’s growing customer base,” shares managing director, Jason Kaminski. “In addition to expanding our warehouse space and improving our just-in-time inventory, the Texas location will also open up additional port options for ocean-going cargo to combat congestion.”
If you would like to learn more about Firstech, visit the company’s website at www.firstechllc.com.
HOLLY HILL, FL (02.18.22) – Metra PowerSports by Metra Electronics is now shipping new aftermarket speaker enclosures designed to fit Polaris RZR side-by-sides. These unloaded solutions allow installers to customize and upgrade the sound system with aftermarket speakers and subwoofers using a durable enclosure constructed with high-quality, UV-protected ABS plastic. Also available now are new universal RGB LED cup holder light rings, designed for powersports, marine, or general automotive use.
Rear Deck Speaker Pods The MPS-RZPRO-RP is a pair of speaker pods for the rear deck, custom-molded and designed specifically to fit 2020-up* Polaris RZR Pro XP side-by-side models. It uses the OE mounting bolts and fits 6.5” aftermarket speakers.
Rear Door Speaker Pods The MPS-RZRDP2 uses the available space in the rear doors to add 6.5” aftermarket speakers and includes an optional tweeter mounting location. It is custom-molded and designed specifically to fit 2014-2021 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 and Turbo side-by-side models.
RGB Cup Holder Lights Metra PowerSport’s new cup holder light rings, the RGB2-C70M, feature RGB LEDs that add a unique glow and fit most factory cup holders with a 2.75” (or larger) diameter. These lights are sold in pairs, rated IP66, and come with 3M double-sided tape for easy yet secure mounting. These RGB lights require the RGB-CB2 controller for operation, sold separately, and are compatible with Metra PowerSports RGB rock lights and RGB dome lights. All of these new solutions are available now.
MIAMI, FL (02.17.22) – JL Audio, manufacturer of high -performance marine audio systems, today unveils its M6 Luxe line of ultra-high -performance marine speakers and subwoofers. M6 Luxe loudspeakers are specifically designed to match the clean aesthetic of modern yachts and other luxury craft.“
Our M6 line of premium marine speakers has become a favorite of boat builders seeking to offer their customers the best listening experience on the water,” said Andy Oxenhorn, president of JL Audio, Inc. “The new M6 Luxe takes the world-class audio performance of M6 undercover, with a refined look that integrates seamlessly into luxury yacht designs.”
As with all JL Audio M6 marine speakers and subwoofers, the new Luxe grille versions are manufactured using JL Audio’s advanced design and manufacturing processes in their Miramar, Florida factory. Additionally, M6 Luxe loudspeakers are engineered using stringently tested, marine-grade materials that have a proven ability to withstand UV and saltwater exposure, exceeding ASTM International test standards.
Complete line of M6 Luxe Speakers and Subwoofers
M6 Luxe loudspeakers will be available for 6.5-, 7.7 – and 8.8-inch coaxial M6 speakers, as well as for 8- and 10-inch M6 subwoofers. All models deliver a sleek, flush-mount appearance that disappears into the elegant design of today’s modern yachts.
M6 Luxe speakers and subwoofers will be available at authorized JL Audio retailers starting Q2 2022.
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